CONTENTS NATIONAL • Lim takes his oath before President Aquino, vows to increase customs collections
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An Electronic News Magazine
published daily by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Mindanao Clusters
EDITORIAL STAFF Executive Editor …….........
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
Managing Editor …….........
ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region
Associate Editors …….......
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors …...
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 Dani E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Emmanuel D. Gonzales, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
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SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
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• Government prepared to handle transport strike -- Malacanang • Malacanang says result of Pulse Asia ‘Ulat ng Bayan’ survey exemplifies undying support and confidence of Filipinos to President Aquino’s leadership
Northern Mindanao • DTI Iligan warns public on fake inspectors • LGU to train RIC on rice straw utilization for handicrafts • Haribon Brigade donates chairs for a Madrasah in Lanao del Sur • DTI’s BAGWIS Award soars high in 6th year • DOST grants college scholarships
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) • Hope sparks in Talaingod as LGU Tagum gives school fixtures • Davao City set to launch its new tourism brand • DavNor serious in meeting MDGs • Personality dev’t, social ethics discussed in DavNor civil service month opening • IP leaders in Mindanao to converge in DavNor
Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN) • DTI underscores benefits of doing business in Free Trade Areas • NFA widens palay procurement • Tagalog News: Pamahalaang panlalawigan nagpapasalamat sa MCFI sa isasagawang surgical mission • Tagalog News: Limang araw na surgical mission gagawin sa South Cotabato • Tagalog News: Paglista ng mga nagnanais magpa-opera sa surgical mission sa South Cotabato nagpapatuloy
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) • Abducted Lingig Mayor to Surigao del Sur officials: “Stop military operations” • PRIME: Delivering education to IPs and Muslims at its best • CHED-Caraga tells public, private HEIs to support peace activities on Sept. 21 • RTWPB cancels public hearing on minimum wage adjustment in Surigao del Sur • NFA Surigao del Norte assures sufficient rice supply
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) • DILG seeks clarification on TRO vs. ARMM OICs • City intensifies breastfeeding campaign; enacts breastfeeding Ordinance • DSWD-IX disburses P500-M for 4Ps beneficiaries in ZamboSur’s 2nd district. • ‘Lakbayan’ sets wheels, delivers services to remote villages • WESCOM Chief named Puerto Princesa’s adopted son
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Lim takes his oath before President Aquino, vows to increase customs collections
President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to (Ret.) General Danilo “Danny” Lim as Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence of the Bureau of Customs in a ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (September 15). Gen. Lim is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Makatarungan Class 1978 and recipient of various Military Awards, Decorations and Commendations mostly for combat / field accomplishments that include the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action. He was also a former Commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
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ent on pursuing the instructions of President Benigno S. Aquino III, newly-appointed Bureau of Customs (BoC) Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Danilo Lim vowed to exert all necessary efforts to increase the bureau’s collections and to put an end to the illegal activities including smuggling and corruption within the agency.
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Lim Takes...from page 3 In an interview following his formal oathtaking before the President at the President’s Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Thursday Lim said that he will look into the existing intelligence gathering system of the BoC as he stressed its importance in battling illegal activities. “Malinaw yung instruction sa atin ni Presidente [Aquino] na tumulong para maitaas ang koleksyon…yung revenue at pangalawa, lahat ng illegal ay pigilin, labanan ang korapsyon, labanan ang smuggling ,” Lim said. “Paano natin gagawin iyan… dapat yung intelligence system and network natin ay effective at maaasahan, so titingnan natin kung talaga bang nagde-deliver itong existing network na ito. Sa intelligence kasi napaka-importante niyan, dahil diyan magiipon tayo ng mga impormasyon, data na magagamit natin bilang mga bala para sa laban sa korapsyon at smug-
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gling,” he added. Lim also noted the concerted action plan that they will undertake in pursuing their duties in the BoC. He said that part of these efforts is to check on the various functions within the bureau to ensure that reforms will be implemented. “Kailangan talaga ng tulungan dito… papasok kami doon [BoC] bilang isang team na tutugunan yung pangangailangan sa reporma sa Customs, importante na matutukan natin ang mga functions diyan tulad ng brokers’ accreditation, risk management, use of X-ray machines, warehouses and the integration of these functions… we will focus into these things and look for loopholes and weak links, dahil isa lang diyan ang magkaproblema, sira na ang buong sistema at network,” Lim said. Lim was accompanied by his wife, Aloy and daughter Aika. The event was also wit-
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nessed by Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. Born on June 2, 1955 in Solano Nueva Vizcaya, Lim was the youngest of five brothers of Chinese descent. His roots can be traced to Xiamen, China, formerly Amoy. His father married a Filipina from Bohol. Lim finished his elementary and high school years in Solano with flying colors. He was in his first year at UP when he took the entrance exams at the Philippine Military Academy. He topped the exams. He was a member of the PMA “Makatarungan” Class of 1978. While a plebe, he took the entrance exam at the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, one of the world’s premier military academies, because of his outstanding performance as cadet. He also topped the exams. (JCL)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Government prepared to handle transport strike -- Malacanang
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he government has contingency measures in place in the event some members of the transport sector push through with their planned transport holiday in the midst of the continuing increases on petroleum prices, Malacanang said on Thursday.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in the press conference on Thursday that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has prepared counter measures to help the public in case of a trasnport strike. He said the government’s major concern is the interest of the riding public. Commenting on the statements of some groups planning protest actions, Lacierda said these groups should analyze whose interest are they protecting and at the same time reminded them of their obligations as indicated in their franchises. “There are consequences. You are responsible...you have obligations in the franchise that you hold. In so far as the government is concerned the MMDA is prepared to handle the
situation. We have coordinated with them as well. Kung sakaling sila po ay matutuloy, handa po ang gobyerno for the sole purpose of making sure that the riding public will not be jeopardized,” Lacierda stressed. “We hope that yesterday’s dialogue with them convinced them of the sincerity of the government towards addressing their concerns,” he added referring to the meeting between President Benigno S. Aquino III and the transport sector on Wednesday in Malacanang. Asked by reporters if the Palace would want to appeal to transport organizations not to continue with their planned mass actions, Lacierda said there was no indication, during Wednesday’s meeting, that the transport sector will go on a strike.
The transport sector is more concerned on extortion and the singleticketing system being implemented particularly in the Metro Manila area by local government units and MMDA, Lacierda said noting that majority of transport organizations do not favor holding a strike. Malacanang described the meeting on Wednesday as “constructive” with the President addressing the concerns raised by the members of the transport sector. According to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, among the major issues raised were extortion [kotong], the oil deregulation law and the possible transport strike. Valte said transport organizations complained about rampant extortion activities by some local government 6
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Government prepared....from page 5 units (LGUs), policemen and traffic enforcers that affect their businesses. They also raised the single-ticketing scheme being implemented in Metro Manila that im-
pacts on drivers and operators, Valte said adding that the President assured them about government actions on those concerns. The President
also ordered a review of the Oil Deregulation law based on the proposals of the members of the transport sector, she added. (AS)
Malacanang says result of Pulse Asia ‘Ulat ng Bayan’ survey exemplifies undying support and confidence of Filipinos to President Aquino’s leadership
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alacanang cited the increasing trust and confidence of the Filipinos on the accountability, competence and efficiency of President Benigno S. Aquino III in pursuing his social contract with the people especially in his efforts in effecting reforms and curbing graft and corruption in the bureaucracy as indicated in the recent survey conducted by a recognized polls entity.
In his statement during a regular press briefing at the Palace on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the results of the Pulse Asia “Ulat ng Bayan” survey conducted from August 20 to September 2, 2011 exemplifies the undying support and confidence of the people on the leadership of President Aquino. The recently-released Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan survey, in which President Aquino recorded significant increases
in his approval (from 71 to 77 percentage points) and trust ratings (from 71 to 75 percentage points), is an affirmation that more than a year into the current administration, the people’s faith in their leadership has not wavered, and has in fact become stronger,” Lacierda said. “The message is getting across to the vast majority of Filipinos: President Aquino’s ratings are proof that his efforts toward curbing corruption and reducing poverty are truly being
felt by Filipinos across all geographic and demographic strata,” he added. Lacierda noted that with these recent developments, the Aquino government is bent on continuing its efforts to exert more developmental actions that will further uplift the lives of the Filipino citizenry. “It is expected that survey numbers will fluctuate, and while we in government appreciate this development, we continue to raise the bar higher for ourselves so 7
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
Malacanang says....from page 6 that every aspect of the President’s Social Contract with the Filipino People will be fulfilled,” Lacierda stressed. Pulse Asia recently released the results of their Presidential Performance and Trust Ratings survey conducted from August 20 to September 2, 2011 using face-to-face interviews.
The nationwide assessment is based on a sample of 1,200 representative adults, 18 years old and above. It has a ± 3% error margin at the 95% confidence level. sub-national estimates for each of the geographic areas covered in the survey (i.e., Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao) have
a ± 6% error margin, also at 95% confidence level. Pulse Asia, Inc. is a public opinion polling body launched by professional academics, recognized as experts in their respective fields of study. It monitors salient socio-economic, political and cultural issues in the minds of the Filipino public. (JCL)
PHOTO RELEASE:
President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with newly sworn-in Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence of the Bureau of Customs (Ret.) General Danilo “Danny” Lim for a snap shot following his oathtaking at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (September 15). Gen. Lim is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Makatarungan Class 1978 and recipient of various Military Awards, Decorations and Commendations mostly for combat / field accomplishments that include the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action. He was also a former Commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment. In photo are Lim’s wife, Aloy and his daughter, Aika. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
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DTI Iligan warns public on fake inspectors by Lorry V. Gabule ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 15 (PIA) -- Beware of fake DTI inspectors roaming around the city of Iligan! This warning came from Ruel B. Paclipan, Provincial Director, Department of Trade and Industry, Iligan City/ Lanao del Norte Office, who said that there seems to be people claiming to be employees or representatives of DTI Iligan and in the province out to inspect Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders in the households. “We would like to
inform the public that DTI has not authorized any of its employees or representatives to conduct LPG inspection in this city and in the province,” Paclipan said. Thus, residents are encouraged to be vigilant and cautious in letting these fake inspectors gain entry into their households, he said. As to identify official inspection or enforcement activities
from any government agencies, we urge the public to ask for employee’s identification (ID) cards and “authority to inspect/enforce” or “mission order” duly signed by the head of agency and issued in 2011. “We should always remember that the Best Consumer Protection is Self-Protection,” Paclipan concluded. (PIA10)
LGU to train RIC on rice straw utilization for handicrafts by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Sept. 15 (PIA) – Some 25 members of the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) in the city’s rice granary or rice farming communities, will undergo skills enhancement training on the use of rice straw to produce fine handicrafts. City Mayor Ignacio Zubiri said the training, which is set on Sept. 23, at the Farmers’ Training Center, would somehow
help RIC women in their efforts to enrich their livelihood. “In partnership with the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI), this project will practically help generate new strategies for rice farming households to 9
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
LGU to train....from page 8 improve the situation of women by exploring different aspects in the rice livelihood systems,” the Mayor said. City Agriculturist Andrew Bergado, likewise, said the partici-
pants’ skills would be enhanced, as new techniques will be introduced in making placemats, bags, flower vases, gift items, and other home ornaments, among other native crafts, that they
have been producing. “This will also increase public awareness on agro-biodiversity, knowing there’s money in the piles of rice hay in the rice fields,” Bergado said. (PIA-10)
Haribon Brigade donates chairs for a Madrasah in Lanao del Sur KAMPO RANAO, Marawi City, Sept. 15 (PIA) --- The 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, here, has donated 45 sets of high quality armchairs for a Madrasah school in Maguing town, this province. The armchairs were Col. Danilo A. Luc- the Brigade for the armmade out of the illegally ero, Commander of the chairs. cut lumber confiscated 103rd Bde, said it is one “I am very glad and during the conduct of of the few programs and thankful that our soldiers checkpoint operations efforts of the Haribon under 103rd Infantry Brialong the main highways Brigade and the Army, as gade were kind enough of the province. a whole, to address the to donate a number of The donation, which current needs of the Ma- armchairs which is really took place, last Sept. 9, drasahs and in pursuit of of big help to our Madraat the 103rd Bde head- respect to the local cul- sah students,” said Ibraquarters, was part of the ture in the province. him Macauday, a native continuous support of Meanwhile, employ- of Maguing town and an the unit to the local gov- ees of the Madrasah have employee of the Madraernment agencies in the expressed appreciation sah. (103rd Bde/PIAprovince. to the men and women of 10)
DTI’s BAGWIS Award soars high in 6th year by Lorry V. Gabule ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 15 (PIA) — The renowned BAGWIS Award of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), initially named as Certified Establishment Seal (CE-Seal) has opened wider its wings in pursuit for excellence, on its 6th year. 10 Thursday, September 15, 2011
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DTI’s Bagwis....from page 9
Ruben B. Paclipan, Provincial Director, DTI Iligan City/ Lanao del Norte Office, said this prestigious award continues to soar high as the commitment from business sector goes strong in establishing a fair, honest and responsible market place. Paclipan explained, the award is given to business establishments that uphold the rights of consumers by instigating an in-house regulation to deliver high quality products at reasonable prices. It also acknowledges those establishments with a high degree of courtesy, honesty and responsibility in business where consumers indeed get true value of money. Likewise, the
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award encourages the setting-up of a sustainable Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD) or a DTI-recognized customer service counter that will provide information to consumers and serves as mechanism for speedy resolution of consumer complaints. “The government exemplifies the stores’ adherence by elevating their status to the elite group of business institution which heeds the call of our government to practice responsible entrepreneurship and become partners towards consumer empowerment,” Paclipan said. The BAGWIS Award comes in three categories: bronze, silver and gold which symbolizes commitment to nurture,
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guide, and protect both the consumers and the establishment from unfair trade practices. Thus, DTI is inviting all business establishments, such as supermarkets, department stores, specialty stores, appliance center, hard wares, service and repair shops and Liqufied Petroleum Gas (LPG) dealers, to take the challenge towards excellence, he said. Application forms are available for free at the DTI Office0171 PM Durias Bldg., Quezon Ave. Extension, this city. For further information, interested applicants may call Engr. Elvira Redublado or John Fernan at telephone number 2215534. (PIA-10)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
DOST grants college scholarships by Tess Superioridad-Baluyos orry V. Gabule CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 15 (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will once again award scholarship slots in Bachelor of Science degree programs to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics who wish to pursue a career in science, mathematics and engineering.
Director Alfonso Alamban of DOST, region 10, said the DOST undergraduate scholarship program has two categories: Program A known as Republic Act 7687, which is designed for poor but intelligent students whose family’s combined gross annual income is less than P156,000, and Program B or the Merit Scholarship for those who have higher family income. Qualified to apply are high school graduating students or high school graduates who have not enrolled in college and who belong to the upper five (5) percent of the
graduating class, a natural-born Filipino citizen, a resident of the municipality/district for the last four (4) years, of good moral character and good health and must have no pending application for resident/immigrant status in any foreign country. Applicants are required to submit a filled-up information sheet or application form, two (2) recent identical 1x1 photo taken within the application period, one (1) of which is to be attached to the information sheet and the other, to the test permit. They are also
required to submit a photocopy of their birth certificates with the original copy of their birth certificate for authentication Alamban said application forms can be downloaded at this site: http//dost.sei. gov.ph. A non-refundable test fee of Php200 will be required from applicants for the Merit category. Those who are applying under the RA 7687, however, are not required to pay the test fee. The selection of DOST scholars is through a written examination which will be held on November 20, 2011, Sunday 12
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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DOST grants.....from page 11
at identified testing centers all over the country. The final testing centers for Region X will be announced later. Deadline for filing of application is on October 21, 2011. Successful examinees will enjoy the following benefits: tuition fees not to exceed Php6,000 per semester, allowance for prescribed textbooks and essential school fees at Php500 for first semester of the first year only. Outright grant for prescribed military science/PE uniform, for first year students only, free transportation for one economyclass, round-trip fare between the scholar’s permanent residence and place of study on reimbursement basis, once every school year. Group health and accident insurance,
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a monthly allowance of not more than Php5,000 depending on the awardee’s scholarship category, and a post-graduation allowance of Php1,000, for full scholars only. Interested applicants can visit the DOST-X regional office located at J.V. Serina St., near JR Borja City Hospital, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City or its website: http:// region10.dost.gov.ph and can be reached at telefax # 8586790. Inquiries can also be accommodated at the Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTC) in the following locations: Bukidnon PSTC, at Central Mindanao University (CMU) Compound with landline phone # (088)3561853. Camiguin PSTC at SSS Bldg., Gen. Bonifacio –Aranas Sts., Mambajao.
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Lanao del Norte PSTC at PCIERD Model Bldg., Mindanao State UniversityIligan Institute of Technology (MSUIIT) Compound, Iligan City, with landline phone # (063)3516275. M i s a m i s Occidental PSTC at 2/F Amil Bldg., Independence cor. Calapini Sts., Oroquieta City with landline phone # (088)5311332. Misamis Oriental Provincial Center at Mindanao University for Science and Technology (MUST) Compound, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City at landline phone # 8562930. They can also contact Tess Superioridad Baluyos, tsuperioridad. dost@yahoo.com, (09277559972). (DOST/PIA-10) Thursday, September 15, 2011
Hope sparks in Talaingod as LGU Tagum gives school fixtures “It was learned that the school head, Mr. Arnel F. Labasan, requested the said furniture only through text.” by Louie Lapat/Edwin
FATHERLY CARE. Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy talks to the students of Mesolong Elementary School in
Sitio Mesolong, Barangay Santo Niño, Municipality of Talaingod, Province of Davao del Norte. The City Government of Tagum donated school fixtures to the said school on September 13, 2011 upon the request of its school head.
MUNICIPALITY OF TALAINGOD, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL NORTE - School children studying in one of the remotest schools in Sitio Mesolong, Barangay Santo Niño in this town famous for its rich natural resources had a new reason to be excited to go to school every day. The conditions of the school children here, though, are a stark contrast to its rich natural resources. 14
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Hope sparks.....from page 13 Mesolong Elementary seven tables with chairs on by the Department of EnSchool, which is approxi- September 13, 2011 in the vironment and Natural Remately 8 kilometers away presence of the students, sources to the city for its from downtown Talaingod, their parents and teach- capability of fabricating lacks school chairs which ers. It was learned that these logs into useful magreatly affect the school’s the school head, Mr. Arnel terials. delivery of quality educa- F. Labasan, requested the “Ampingan nato ang tion. There are days when said furniture only through mga lingkuranan para magsome students would be text. amit pa sa mga mosunod happy if some classmates Sto. Niño National High na mga estudyante ug henwould be absent because School in downtown Ta- erasyon,” (Let’s take care there will be of the chairs for a vacant seat the next batch for them to sit of students and upon. the next gener The days ation to benefit) when students stressed Mayor carry the burUy during his den of having speech. no enough arm Present during chairs in their the turn-over classrooms is rites were Tanow a thing of laingod Municithe past as the pal Mayor Basilio City GovernA. Libayao, Vice SMILE OF HOPE. Students of Mesolong Elementary School in Sitio Mesolong, Bament of Tagum rangay Santo Niño, Municipality of Talaingod, Province of Davao del Norte volunteer to carry their Mayor Francisschool desks donated by the City Government of Tagum last September 13, 2011. The schoolco Hipolia, Tribturned over new head requested through a text to City Mayor Rey T. Uy to donate these fixtures to their school. new school al Datu Linasod fixtures for the benefit of laingod was also given Sibuyan of Sitio Mesolong the 210 out of 575 school 105 armchairs, courtesy of and P/Insp. Eduard B. children here, majority of the Local Government of Jungco, OIC-Chief of Police whom had to walk sever- Tagum. of Talaingod. al kilometers in bare foot This school furniture Aside from Talainjust to attend to their daily was fabricated by the City god, other towns in the classes. Government of Tagum from nearby Compostela Valley City Mayor Rey T. Uy the hot logs confiscated in Province had also been led the turn-over rites of Talaingod and other parts given materials made (70) seventy armchairs, of Davao Region months from confiscated logs for (70) seventy desks and (7) ago which was turned over them to fabricate.
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
PHOTO RELEASES:
Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy chats with the teachers of Mesolong Elementary School in Sitio Mesolong, Barangay Santo Ni単o, Municipality of Talaingod, Province of Davao del Norte in front of the school desks the City Government of Tagum donated to the said school on September 13, 2011.
Old and dusty school desks and armchairs of Mesolong Elementary School in Sitio Mesolong, Barangay Santo Ni単o, Municipality of Talaingod, Province of Davao del Norte will now be replaced with new ones as the City Government of Tagum donated new school fixtures it fabricated from the confiscated hot logs.
Some of the armchairs and desks delivered in Mesolong Elementary School in Sitio Mesolong, Barangay Santo Ni単o, Municipality of Talaingod, Province of Davao del Norte.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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PHOTO RELEASES:
Students of Mesolong Elementary School in Sitio Mesolong, Barangay Santo Ni単o, Municipality of Talaingod, Province of Davao del Norte happily pose for the camera prior to the start of the turn-over ceremony of new school fixtures fabricated by the City Government of Tagum.
Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy waves to the camera with the kids of Mesolong Elementary School in Sitio Mesolong, Barangay Santo Ni単o, Municipality of Talaingod, Province of Davao del Norte. Mayor Uy just donated armchairs and desks in this impoverished school in the highlands of the Province of Davao del Norte. Also the led the turn-over rites of (70) seventy armchairs, (70) seventy desks and (7) seven tables with chairs on September 13, 2011 in the presence of the students, their parents and teachers. It was learned that the school head, Mr. Arnel F. Labasan, requested the said furniture only through text.
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
Davao City set to launch its new tourism brand by Mai Gevera-Macapagat DAVAO CITY Sept. 15 (PIA)--Davao City is set to launch its tourism brand and logo on September 21 at Grand Men Seng Hotel after it got a positive feedback from newly-installed Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez in a recent meeting. City Tourism Officer Jason Magnaye announced during the weekly forum, I-Speak, that the tourism secretary who is himself a brand expert finds the Davao brand and logo neat and even competitive. Magnaye said the brand and logo are products of a team composed of the City Tourism Office, City Information Office, and City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. “ We are keeping the design and other details until September 21 to keep the thrill. But just
to talk a little about it, the brand talks about how Davao life is.”, he added. Also during the brand launch is the unveiling of the new brochure, television commercials, and the new tourism website. The city tourism got media attention after it launched its Davao Punch campaign at the height of the Kadayawan Festival last month. Magnaye bared initial plans of bottling and packaging the popular Davao Punch concoction to further tap the international and domestic mar-
ket establishing it as a prime Davao product. The tourism office is holding discussions with the Department of Science and Technology, some food processors, and the Center for Asian Culinary Studies on how to realize this plan. The official considers the Davao Punch campaign as effective and he hopes to get a similar feedback with the soon to be launched Davao brand and logo. (MGM/PIA XI)
= by Jeanevive Duron-Abangan
DAVAO DEL NORTE, Sept. 15 (PIA) --- The provincial gover nment of Davao del Nor te is serious in catching up with the deadline of meeting the vital needs of its constituents in fulfillment of the countr y’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 18
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DavNor serious.....from page 17 The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Davao del Norte first time holds the Provincial Health Summit today to assess the overall performance of the province as well as its eight municipalities in terms of meeting MDG targets. In an interview, PHO chief Dr. Agapito Hornido viewed the summit as essential in meeting the indicators set as benchmark of hitting the MDGs framed by the World Health Organization to ensure a much better life of the majority. “By 2015 we shall have been able to meet the indicators,” he said Assessment of MDG performance during the summit is focused on the five health-related MDGs particularly on eradication of extreme poverty; reduction of child mortality; improvement of maternal health; combat of HIV/ AIDS, Malaria and other diseases; and ensuring environmental sustainability, Dr. Hornido said. Other MDGs are achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality and em-
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powerment and develop global partnership for development. “We would like to show how does the province fare at the regional and national levels. We would also like to show the performance of each municipality,” Dr. Hornido said. “This is an opportune time for the mayors to know that they have this kind of performance (in terms of meeting the MDG target),” he added. While the province achieves a noteworthy performance in terms of bringing down malnutrition, it is facing a challenge on reducing poverty incidence and maternal mortality, Hornido revealed. PHO data showed that Davao del Norte posted a single malnutrition rate of 6 percent in 2010, a figure which was below the 8.7 percent at the regional and a way below the national MDG target of 17.3 percent. Dr. Hornido said that much remains to be done in catching up with the national MDG poverty
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reduction target of 16.6 as the province still has 29.6 percent poverty incidence. Poverty reduction includes some factors to consider other than health, but Dr. Hornido said that his office is set to sustain efforts to bring down malnutrition incidence which is contributory to good health. “If people were in good nutrition, their productivity would increase, and that’s an indication of good income,” he explained. Meanwhile, the province of Davao del Norte is also doing well in terms of combating Malaria which WHO has spelled as among a major MDG concern. Dr. Hornido revealed that PHO monitored only two cases in August this year compared to about 20 in the same period last year. “For the last five years, Malaria cases have been going down. We have a good performance in (combating) Malaria,” he said. (MGM/PIA XI) Thursday, September 15, 2011
Personality dev’t, social ethics discussed in DavNor civil service month opening by Jeanevive Duron-Abangan
DAVAO DEL NORTE, Sept. 15 (PIA) -- Davao del Norte provincial government opened its 111th Philippine Civil Service celebration with a discussion on personality development and social ethics. Provincial Human Resource Management Office (PHRMO) chief Monica Salido found it fitting to discuss personality development as it jibed well with this year’s Philippine Civil Service celebration theme: Championing R.A.C.E. : Public Service Excellence at Full Speed. The Civil Service Commission this year aims to level up government’s way of serving the peoole through building responsive, accessible, courteous, and effective public service. Aligning with CSC’s thrust of building R.A.C.E., Salido brought the known cooperative and women leader Norma Pereyras to talk about personality improvement before the provincial government employees during the first Monday Convocation this
month (September). Bearing a number of top positions as the Women Sector representative to COOP-NATCCO, a member of the Board of Director of the Philippine Cooperative Center, Girls Scout of the Philippines Central Board, and the number one board of director of Tagum Cooperative, Pereyras shared tips on developing a winning personality. In her presentation, Pereyras bared knowledge, attitude and skills as the three integral parts of an individual’s personality which she described as the “integrated organization of physical, emotional, intellectual, social, psychological and spiritual characteristics of an individual.” The very basic of a winning personality is “be yourself.” Other char-
acteristics of a winning personality that Pereyras revealed included the ability to adapt changes; the ability to smile; ability to spread love and happiness; clarity and conviction in communication possessing energy, enthusiasm and empathy; having an attitude of gratitude and a positive attitude as well; learning from failure, overcoming the guilt & worry, having clear goals, having values clarification, making right decisions at the right time, and taking regular action. She also advised government workers to respect and value people, get free from envy and ego, refrain from complaining or criticizing what you cannot change, give honest sincere acknowledgment, challenge your beliefs and fear, stop procrastination, never give 20
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Personality dev’t.....from page 19 up, continuously polish oneself, and to take regular action especially on what needs to be done. Social ethics may seem out-of-reach for the ordinary but Pereyras discussed the its basics founded on simple acts of respect for others, saying thank you, showing kindness and on keeping the value of integrity. In keeping with the standards of business etiquette, she advised to start the business transaction with consideration
and respect for the other fellow; never interrupt when one is talking; and be watchful of the language you use. On the other hand, she brushed aside the notion that professionalism is having a diploma, degree or a special certification. “But while credentials can help, they don’t mean a lot if a worker doesn’t know how to act,” Pereyras said. “Professionalism is a matter of attitude and be-
havior. If you behave the way people expect a professional to behave, you’ll be accepted and treated like one,” she added. Her discussion on professionalism included etiquette on telephone conversation, in the workplace, in the use of scents, on sounds, on table while she also took time discussing about proper posture, proper attire on various occasions and on proper grooming. (MGM/PIA XI)
IP leaders in Mindanao to converge in DavNor by Jeanevive Duron-Abangan DAVAO DEL NORTE, Sept. 15 (PIA)--- Indigenous people (IP) leaders from all over Mindanao will come together in Davao del Norte from Sept. 16 to 17 for the Indigenous Peoples Regional Assemby.
Organized by the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Committe on Climate Change chaired by Senator Loren Legarda, the series of IP assembly is a prelude to the Indigenous Cultural Summit that will run from October
13 to 14 to be held at the old Senate Building in Manila . The activity is being conducted to serve as a forum to identify the concerns of IP. The output of which will form part of legislative measures, and will serve as ba-
sis of government initiatives, to address the particular needs of IPs. Merlyn Enriquez of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Davao del Norte Provincial Office, this morning revealed that the IP 21
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IP leaders.....from page 20
Regional Assembly in Davao del Norte will bring together about 100 participants who are leaders of various IP tribes Mindanao-wide . The seven ethnic tribes in the Davao Region will also be properly presented, specifically, the Mandaya, Mansaka, Dibabawon, Ata-Manobo, Mangguangan, Sama, Kalagan (nonIslam), she said. In hosting the event, Davao del Norte will showcase the Kalibungan Festival of Talaingod featuring Ata-Manobo performers, while the Mansaka-Mandaya tribes will be bringing live, during the event, the Kaimonan Festival for IPs of Tagum City. NCIP Commissioner Zenaida Brigida HamadaPawid will formally welcome the participants to the assembly on Sept. 16, to be followed by the
presentation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on the topic: Indigenous Peoples at the Forefront of Climate Change and Natural Hazards. In the afternoon of the same day, Davao del Norte Provincial Gov. Rodolfo P. Del Rosario will give his opening message before the keynote speech of Senator Legarda. The senator will be giving time for an interaction with the participants in a Q and A forum. Meanwhile, the lined up topics to be presented on the second day are: ILO Convention 169: Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, Sustainable Management of Schools of Living Tradition, Success Stories on Community Initiatives, and Success Stories on IP Cultural Enterprise and
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Creative Industry. Discussions after the series of presentations will be accompanied with film showing on climate change. The series of IP assembly started off in Baguio City last September 9 to 10 participated in by IP tribes of Isneg, Bago, Tinggunian, Kankanaey, Iwak, Agta, Itawes, Tuwali, Gaddang, Bugkalot, Ayangan, Tiblac, Ivatan and the Dumagat. The IPs in the Visayas regions will also be converging from September 23 to 24 at the Provincial Capitol of IloIlo City. Aside from NCIP and DENR, participating agencies to the Regional IP Assembly include the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). (MGM/PIA XI)
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DTI underscores benefits of doing business in Free Trade Areas by CT Apelacio GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA) - Doing business in Free Trade Areas has several benefits, said Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bureau of Export Trade Promotion Director Senen Perlada. A roadshow campaign, dubbed as “Doing business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA),” was conducted over the weekend here to educate stakeholders on the importance of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in improving the economy of a country. Perlada said the FTA is existing worldwide and is effective. “Andito na ito, we have to play it,” Perlada told local media. “If our partner economy ay mas agresibo, matatalo tayo at sila lang ang makikinabang,” he added.
FTAs can create “increased exports, lower costs of inputs to production, wider range of choice of goods for consumers at lower process, and job generation,” he said. Perlada said the country’s exporters should take advantage of the zero-tariff-import scheme under FTA, encouraging those already engaged in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to utilize it to their own gain. FTA is a “contractual agreement” entered between two or more
countries to encourage free flow of goods and services by means of granting both parties a preferential market access by reducing or eliminating tariffs and other barriers of the trade. However, Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary to the International Trade Group Ramon Vicente Kabigting said even if a country like the Philippines is having an agreement with other countries, it does not lose the power to impose and exercise its own trade laws with respect to FTA. 24
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DTI underscores...from page 23
“F TA does not stop any country from imposing standards on certain imports sold here,” he said. The Philippines is currently having trade agreements with the ASEAN nations, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, India, New Zealand, Australia aside from having a bilateral agreement with Japan, he said. “[FTA] does not touch on the goods but rules and services. This is to put the two parties together so they have common standards and free trade agreement,” he said. He also said that if only the country’s investors get more
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involved internationally, they will absorb and understand better the policies and standards and the importance of FTA in doing business. With FTA’s zero tariff on various products in almost all partner-countries, there will be an assured influx of more business and investment in the country that would mean jobs for the Filipinos and will redound eventually to an improved economy, he added. Jan Ced, President of General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated, lauded the DTI for initiating the DBF TA roadshow describing it “ben eficial” to investors and businessmen
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in the city. He also acknowledged that there are businesses which require in vestments outside GenSan. Meanwhile, DTI-12 Regional Director Ibrahim Guiamadel said the number one export product of Region12 for the past years and this year is still tuna with palm oil. He said there was an increase of more than 29 percent in exports last year. The DBF TA “aims to enable businesses to access market opportunities and avail of benefits under the country’s current free trade a g r e e m e n t s .” ( C T A / P I A General Santos City)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
NFA widens palay procurement by Dani Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA) - South Cotabato’s National Food Authority has widened its procurement of palay as the buying price of commercial traders in the province continues to slide down. Provincial agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste has confirmed that this week the prevailing price of palay went down to P14.00 to P14.50 a kilo range from last week’s P15.00 to P15.50 a kilo. Legaste said the downtrend was brought about by the peaking of rice harvest especially in the upper valley area, including the towns of Norala, Surallah, Banga and nearby areas. To fend local farmers from very low price for their produce and to prevent further fall of the buying price of palay, NFA South Cotabato has opened its satellite procurement sites to buy palay in a much
higher price as compared to those offered by traders in the area. Angelina Lucena, assistant provincial manager of NFA said, their procurement teams are already stationed at the farm grains center in Norala town and municipal level grains center at Barangay Dajay, Surallah. Procurement of palay in the upper valley area started yesterday, September 14. She advised farmers in the area to coordinate with the procurement teams in their areas in the buying station. “We buy clean and dry palay from farmers at P17.00 per kilo plus P0.40 per kilo for deliv-
ering and drying incentives,” she said. Additional P0.30 per kilo is offered to cooperatives and farmers’ organizations that will sell their palay to NFA. In an earlier interview, Lucena assured that NFA South Cotabato has enough fund for the massive procurement of palay from local sources. Warehouses for storage have also been prepared to accommodate the bulk of the procured produce. NFA South Cotabato is targeting to buy at least 168,000 bags of palay before the year ends. Legaste said that through NFA farmers in the province are provided with a more prof26
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NFA widens...from page 25 itable alternative to commercial traders. “With the price difference, farmers here may be encouraged to
sell their produce to NFA,� he said. This year, South Cotabato receives no allocation for imported
rice but agriculture officials here assured that the province’s harvest is sufficient for local requirements. (PIA 12)
Tagalog News: Pamahalaang panlalawigan nagpapasalamat sa MCFI sa isasagawang surgical mission KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 15 (PIA) - Nagpasalamat ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng South Cotabato sa mapagkawang-gawang grupo na Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc. (MCFI) sa pagkakapili ng South Cotabato, partikular na lungsod ng Koronadal na pagdarausang ng ika-49 na surgical mission nito. Sa isang pulong-balitaan kamakailan sinabi ni Vice Gov. Elmo Tolosa na isang nakapakalaking biyaya ang mabisita ang lalawigan ng MCFI upang makapagbigay ng libreng operasyon para sa naghihikahos na mga residente, mga lumad at mga retiree na walang kakayahang
tustusan ang kailangang medical procedures. Aniya pambihirang pagkakataon ang mabibigyan ang mga residente sa lalawigan ng operasyon sa mga depekto sa mata pati na ang katarata, pterygium at pagkaduling, sungi, goiter, luslos at iba pang kondisyon ng walang kailangang
bayaran. Libre pa ang mga isasagawang laboratory test at gamot pagkatapos ng operasyon. Mga espesyalista pa sa mata at plastic surgery ang mga doktor na magsasagawa ng operasyon sa limang araw na surgical mission na magsisimula sa ika 25 ng Setyembre. 27
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Tagalog News: Pamahalaang panlalawigan...from page 26 Dagdag pa ni Vice Gov. Tolosa, na isa ring doktor, kompleto mula sa mga tauhan hanggang sa pasilidad ang Maharlika Foundation kung kaya’t maaaring iilang nurse at pagkain ng mga magsasagawa ng medical mission na lang ang
kakailanganing iambag ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa surgical mission. Katuwang din ng MCFI at pamahalaang panlalawigan ang Koronadal Lodge 209 of Free and Accepted Masons sa naturang gawain.
Nilinaw din ni Tolosa na bagama’t para sa South Cotabato ang isasagawang surgical mission maaari ring magpalista para sa libreng operasyon ang mga residente ng mga karatig lalawigan. (DEDoguiles/ PIA 12)
Tagalog News: Limang araw na surgical mission gagawin sa South Cotabato KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 15 (PIA) -- Nakatakdang gagawin sa South Cotabato ang isang malaking surgical mission kung saan pangunahing makikinabang ang daandaang mga mahihirap, mga lumad, at mga retiree. Sa isang pulong balitaan kamakailan, inihayag ni board member Ervin Luntao na gagawin ang surgical mission sa Setyembre 25 – 29 sa South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center sa Alunan Ave., Koronadal City sa pangungu-
na ng Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. (MCFI), katuwang ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng South Cotabato at Koronadal Lodge 209 of Free and Accepted Masons. Sa naturang surgical mission mabibigyan ng libreng operasyon
ang may cleft lip, cleft palate o sungi, katarata pati na may kaso ng pterygium, stradismus o pagkaduling, goiter, hernia o luslos sa mga batang limang taong gulang pababa, at mga minor cases ng cyst. May libreng dental services din silang 28
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Tagalog News: Limang araw...from page 27
ibibigay. Sinabi naman ni Dr. Rizal Aportadera, presidente ng MCFI, dala nila sa surgical mission ang hindi bababa sa 35 na espesyalista, kabilang ang mga eye doctor, plastic surgeon, anaesthesiologist, at general surgeon. Dala rin nila ang kanilang kompletong medical staff at mga pasilidad kabilang ang isang
mobile operating room. Ani Dr. Aportadera, layon ng MCFI na mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga mahihirap, mga lumad at mga retiree walang kakayahang tustusan ang kinakailangang operasyon na dumaan sa operasyon ng libre. Nais din nilang mabigyan ang mga pasyente ng magkakataon na mag-
karoon ng kumpiyansa sa sarili dulot ng pagbabago sa kanilang pagmumukha at tuluyang maging mga produktibong mamamayan. Ang surgical mission ay kaunaunahang malawak na surgical mission sa ilalim ng pamunuan ni Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
Tagalog News: Paglista ng mga nagnanais magpa-opera sa surgical mission sa South Cotabato nagpapatuloy KORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 15 (PIA) -- Nagpapatuloy pa rin ang isinasagawang paglilista ng mga residenteng nagnanais na makinabang sa libreng operasyon sa surgical mission ng Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc (MCFI) at pamahalaang panlalawigan ng South Cotabato sa darating na Setyembre 25 hanggang 29. Inihayag ni Vice ang mga may kaso pati na may kaso ng Gov. Elmo Tolosa na ng cleft lip, cleft pal- pterygium, stradismaaaring magpalista ate o sungi, katarata mus o pagkaduling, 29
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Tagalog News: Paglista ng mga....from page 28
goiter, minor cyst, at mga batang limang taong gulang pababa na may hernia o luslos sa mga tanggapan ng gobernador, bise gobernador, at South Cotabato Provincial Hospital. Maari ring magpalista sa tanggapan ni board member Ervin Luntao at sa mga istasyon ng Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) at Bombo Radyo sa lungsod ng Koronadal. Ipinaliwanag ni Dr. Rizal Aportadera, presidente ng MCFI, na bukas ang libreng operasyon para sa naghihikahos, mga lumad at mga retiree na walang kakakayahang tustusan ang ka-
nilang operasyon. Nilinaw din nito na sa Setyembre 25 isang team mula sa MCFI ang mauuna sa Koronadal sa Koronadal upang magsagawa ng screening sa mga kandidato sa operasyon at kinakailangang mga laboratory test. Ito aniya ay upang maseguro na ligtas na sumailalim ang mga kandidato sa operasyon. Sisimulan umano ang malawakang operasyon sa tanghali ng Setyembre 26. Ang mission sa South Cotabato ay ika-49 na surgical mission ng MCFI sa buong Mindanao at kauna-unahan sa South Cotabato.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Aabot na umano sa mahigit 8,000 indibidwal ang kanilang naoperahan ng libre sa buong Mindanao. Libre din ang gamot pati na ang follow-up sa mga ooperahang magkakaroon ng komplikasyon. Target sa naturang surgical mission na makapagsagawa ng 60 hanggang 100 eye operation, at 60 hanggang 100 cleft palate or cleft lip operation, 60 hanggang 100 minor operations. Mas maraming bilang ang inaasahang mabibigyan ng dental service, ayon kay Dr. Aportadera. (DEDoguiles/ PIA 12)
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Abducted Lingig Mayor to Surigao del Sur officials: “Stop military operations” by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA) - “Stop military operations,” thus said abducted Mayor Henry Dano of Lingig, Surigao del Sur when he got a chance to talk with the local management crisis committee. In an interview, Surigao del Sur Governor and crisis committee head Johnny T. Pimentel said he was able to talk to Mayor Dano. He said the mayor was doing fine. Pimentel added that Mayor Dano reiterated his call for the suspension of military operations in the area in exchange for his freedom. The New People’s Army, alleged abductors of the official, has demanded the cessation of military operations in five
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provinces, namely, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Compostella Valley Province, Davao Oriental and Bukidnon. Pimentel, however, said that he can order the suspension of military operations only in his province. He said he cannot stop the military operations in provinces that are not under his jurisdiction. But Pimentel stood firm in his position that military operations will cease only after Mayor Dano has been released by
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his captors. It can be recalled that Mayor Dano, together with his two Army escorts, was abducted by suspected New People’s Amy rebels on August 6 in his residence at Lingig, Surigao del Sur. His abductors reportedly posed as government agents. Pimentel said the local management crisis committee is doing everything to negotiate with the abductors for the safe release of Mayor Dano. (PIA-Caraga)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
PRIME: Delivering education to IPs and Muslims at its best by David M. Suyao AGUSAN DEL SUR, Sept. 15 (PIA) – Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza signs Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) officials, local government officials and the tribal leaders to jointly implement newly introduced program in education called Philippines’ Response to Indigenous Peoples’ and Muslim Education (PRIME), reaching the indigenous peoples (IPs) and the Muslims alike in Agusan del Sur. “I am surprised and very glad to know that the DepEd) has came up with this educational devel-
nities, and I believe, when everybody will have better education, nobody will be taking advantage of
san del Sur Schools Division Supt. Crucita ZM-Taala, the program will be initially implemented
opment initiative for our IPs in Agusan del Sur because while we struggle to give better and quality education to our brothers and sisters IPs, many of them also took advantage in using their brothers’ and sisters’ ignorance for their own benefits. Now that the DepEd has came up with this new program, education will be delivered to far flung IP commu-
other people’s ignorance,” Gov. Plaza said. According to Gov. Plaza, how he wish his long dream will come true that the DepEd will establish high schools in far flung areas in Agusan del Sur so that poor IP high school students can avail of high school education right at their communities. According Agu-
in schools with 100 percent IP students in five municipalities namely Barangay Sinakungan in Esperanza for the Higaonon, Barangay Sikat Mactan in Loreto for the Manobos, Barangay Olangoan in San Luis for the Banwaon, Talaandig and Manobo, Barangay Valentina in La Paz for the Manobos and Barangay Culi Ram, Talacogon for the Manobos. 32
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PRIME: Delivering...from page 31 Officer-in-Charge and Assistant Schools Division Supt. Gemma de Paz said PRIME is an educational initiative of the DepEd to improve equitable access to and quality of basic education for children in disadvantaged indigenous peoples and Muslim communities. It is supported by the Government of Australia as a founding partner for an initial period of three years (2011-2014) through an Australian Agency
for International Development (AusAID) grant. It will provide DepEd with additional resources in the form of grants to school communities and to support activities for DepEd and targeted communities. According to PRIME commitment, the program recognize that the right to basic education is fundamentally an enabling right which is essential in claiming other rights, exercis-
ing self determination and expanding opportunities and choices. It also recognize the urgency of responding to the need of the IPs and the Muslim communities for relevant and responsive basic education, one that removes barriers to meaningful participation in society and empowers learners to exercise their rights and duties as Filipino citizens. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
CHED-Caraga tells public, private HEIs to support peace activities on Sept. 21 by Robert E. Roperos BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA) – Citing some pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994,” Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Caraga Regional Director Dr. Isabela L. Mahler directed all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the region to support the peace activities initiated by the Caraga Youth Leaders Network (CYLN) in line with the celebration of the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2011. 33
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CHED-Caraga...from page 32
In a memorandum signed by Dr. Mahler on September 8, CHED-Caraga is endorsing the peace activities spearheaded by CYLN for the support and participation of all HEIs. Meanwhile, Mr. Rex Ybañez, CYLN Chief Executive Officer and Chairman said the 5 – Minute Moment of Prayer for Peace (Singko Minutos na Pag-Ampo Alang sa Kalinaw) from 8: 00 AM – 8: 05 AM on September 21 will be conducted by both private and government offices, civic organizations, schools, local government units, youth or-
ganizations, and churches throughout Caraga Region. “This can be done in just within the workplace or vicinity. All shall gather in one area wherein they can render the prayer for peace while holding a lighted candle. This is to open the day with blessing from the Creator to sustain peace and development for all of us,” Ybañez explained. Ybañez also said the Signature Campaign for Peace (Pirma Alang sa Kalinaw) is a campaign for peace process in the Philippines and
to all parts of the world to ending wars and desputes, and start peace for the rest of us. The signature signifies a strong meaning and is a tool to end any form of conflict or dispute. “This can be done within the work place. A Sheet of Paper with a Peace Message on the top of it (ex. Ang Kalinaw Akong Katungod!, I Vote for Peace, I am a peacemaker),” Ybañez said. The Peace Education Symposium gives concrete education on the nature of peace, level of peace and other relevant information regarding 34
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CHED-Caraga...from page 33
peace particularly on how to sustain peace in Mindanao and the whole world. No any particular module to be run for this initiative for the Peace Concept comes from various approaches. Any type of peace education lesson can be taught to the audience, and can be administered by a qualified person within the office. Moreover, Ybañez stressed the Photo Petition for Peace although not included in the said memos can still be observed by those parties con-
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cerned in peace. A Photo Petition is an individual peace initiative by taking a personal photo with a personal message to advocate peace. This photo can be uploaded to Facebook Account: Give Peace A Shot: A Peace Photo Petition. “You can see thousands of individual photos advocating peace in our society in the given Facebook Account,” Ybañez said. Meanwhile, Ybañez reminded the heads of offices that the documentation on the conduct of the Peace activities such as
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photos, accomplished signature campaign sheets, attendance sheets and activity reports shall be submitted either in soft or hard copy to: THE CARAGA YOUTH LEADERS’ NETWORK INC., 4/F, POPCOM 13, Balebria Bldg., Pili Drive St., Butuan City, Tel. 346 – 9842 Fax: 815-1361 Mobile: 0918-4795262, 0927-2323219. For soft copy (scanned or in pdf), it may be sent to cyln_caraga@yahoo.com.ph or mesco_mindanao@yahoo.com. (PIA-Caraga)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
RTWPB cancels public hearing on minimum wage adjustment in Surigao del Sur by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
TANDAG CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA) - The public hearing/consultations on Minimumm Wage Adjustment spearheaded by the Regional Tripartite Wages Productivity Board (RTWPB) Caraga on September 14 in Bislig City and September 15 in Tandag City all in Surigao del Sur were cancelled and reset. RTWPB Chair and DOLE Regional Director Offelia Domingo had made an announcement in an interview over Radio ng Bayan Tandag on September 14. According to Dir. Domingo, the cancellation of the two Public
Hearings for Minimum Wage Adjustment Petition in SUrigao del Sur was due to the advisory from Manila TWPB to reduce the number of Public Hearing in Caraga. Accordingly, the Public/Consultation Hearing for Bislig that
was set earlier is moved and joined with Butuan City on September 22 to beheld at Luciana Convention Center, Butuan City, while Tandag City will be set on September 16, to be held in Hotel Tavern, Surigao City. (PIA SUrigao del Sur)
NFA Surigao del Norte assures sufficient rice supply by Dandy Lapura SURIGAO CITY, September 15 (PIA) – The National Food Authority (NFA) - Surigao del Norte assured the public of its sufficient rice supply. According to Nat i o n a l Fo o d A u t h o r i t y ( N FA ) P r o v i n c i a l M a n a g e r C i r i l o A . Po l i n a r, r i c e supply for the entire province can still sustain even until the first q u a r t e r o f n e x t y e a r. “The public has
nothing to worry for our rice supply is still enough for the entire province of Surigao del Norte including Dinagat I s l a n d s ,” s a i d Po l i n a r. To date, NFA-Surigao del Norte has a total stockpile of 335,035
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sacks of both local and imported rice. Polinar disclosed that aside from NFA rice, substantial supplies of commercial rice are also sold in the market. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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DILG seeks clarification on TRO vs. ARMM OICs ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept. 15 (PIA) – Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo wants a clarification on the scope of the temporary restraining order (TRO) the Supreme Court issued Tuesday against imminent appointmentby Malacañang of officers-in-charge (OICs) in the Autonomous Region in MuslimMindanao (ARMM). ARMM Information Chief Ali Macabalang said Sec. Robredo, a leading member of the selection committee tasked to screen aspirants for OICs in ARMM, is set to preside in Zamboanga City today (Thursday) another screening forum for candidates for appointment as caretakers in the offices of regional governor and vice governor. “Naka-schedule po kami sa Zamboanga pero dahil sa
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sa Supreme Court ruling gusto naming linawin kung pinipigilan kami. Kundi ay itutuloy namin,” Robredo told the GMA news network an interview yesterday. Sec. Robredo proceeded with the screening of shortlisted candidates for OIC-governor and vice governor at the tightly guarded Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center inside the ARMM compound in Cotabato City Tuesday, despite a road-
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side bomb blast that greeted his arrival in the city. No one was hurt in the 1:20 p.m. explosion of an 81millimeter improvised explosive device along Sinsuat Avenue, not far from placard and streamer-bearing demonstrators chanting their all-out support to the Moro Islamic Liberation F r o n t ’s demand for the creation of a sub-state, said Senior Superintendent 37 Thursday, September 15, 2011
DILG seeks...from page 36 Roberto Badian, the city police chief. Robredo, a leading member of the Presidential selection committee screening more than 100 candidates for OICs in the two ARMM executive posts and 24 legislative seats, left the Tuesday forum venue after reports came about the high court TRO. Two more blasts, also fashioned from improvised mortar explosives, went off along Guttierez Avenue in Cotabato City four blocks away from the gate of the ARMM compound Wednesday morning. One went off at around 5:30am and the other was detonated about 7a.m. by bomb disposal experts, said Badian, who reported no casualty in both later explosions. There are seven
shortlisted candidates for OIC-governor, five for vice governor and almost 100 for the 24seat regional legislative assembly. They will be ranked and separately endorsed to the House Speaker and Senate President, who will submit recommendations to the President by Sept. 20. At the Tuesday selection forum, Sec. Robredo and the candidates for the two executive slots expressed assurances to respect the high court TRO. The TRO bars MalacaĂąang from naming the OICs until the Supreme Court decides with finality the petitions questioning the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 10153, the law that deferred the ARMM elections this year and synchronized them with the
Thursday, September 15, 2011
2013 polls. In an 8 to 4 vote, the high court en banc on Tuesday issued the ruling against the exercise of President Aquino’s appointment of OICs in ARMM as provided also under RA 10153. If the high court is not able to decide the consolidated ARMM cases before Sept. 30, the ARMM incumbent officials will continue in office, as provided for by RA 9054, until their successors are duly elected or are qualified by a high court decision, Supreme Court spokesperson Jose Midas Marquez explained. RA 9054 is an amendatory law to RA 6734, the Organic Act that created the ARMM. The terms of ARMM incumbents will expire on Sept. 30 under the amendatory Organic Act. 38
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37
DILG seeks...from page 37
According to Marquez, it was better that a TRO be issued now before the OICs are appointed because there would be more confusion and even chaos when the appointments were made before a legal ruling. Marquez said the TRO will take effect immediately and would be enforced “until lifted.” The High Tribunal has yet to release officially the ruling but Chief Justice Renato Corona authorized the announcement of the decision, he said. Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal and ex-senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. were among the parties that questioned the constitutionality of RA 10153. Marquez said he
38
has yet to see the dissenting opinions and could not say why four magistrates voted against the issuance of the TRO. Rank and file employees of ARMM have expressed elation over the court ruling, describing it as an “initial relief” from perceived railroading in the passage of RA 10153, especially on its OICs appointment provision. But ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo, a lawyer, said they were “not rejoicing over the issuance of the TRO” because “we are focused on delivering services and implementing all programs long needed in the autonomous region.” As early as two
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months ago, Sinarimbo said, Acting ARMM Governor Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong had formed a transition body mandated to “insure a peaceful transfer of power” to officials the President would have appointed. Sinarimbo, meanwhile, urged the public and the media to avoid speculations about the three recent bomb blasts in Cotabato City, and allow law enforcement agencies to fully investigate the incidents. “Our regional governance already has a lot of problems to address. Speculations (on the bomb blast) would compound the odds unduly,” Sinarimbo told the media. (BPIARMM/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
City intensifies breastfeeding campaign; enacts breastfeeding Ordinance by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA) - To further drum beat and encourage the practice of breastfeeding in the various workplace in Zamboanga, the City Council enacted Ordinance 377 known as breastfeeding ordinance. Claudine Uniana of the City Information Office, in a press statement said the ordinance is geared at intensifying practice of breastfeeding in the city. Uniana explained “the ordinance pushes for the establishment of a work environment that fulfills the basic physical, emotional and psychological needs of mothers and infants as well as protecting working mothers by providing safe and healthy working conditions, taking into account the maternal functions, facilities and opportunities that will enable mothers to combine family obligations with work responsibilities.” She further explained, “Ordinance No.
377 recognizes breast milk as the best source of nutrition for babies and that breastfeeding promotes the development of emotional bonding between mother and child, bestows upon the newborn infant protection against infection, provides the mother natural contraception after delivery and protects mothers from closely spaced pregnancy. Uniana confirmed the ordinance mandates all private enterprises, government agencies including their subdivisions and instrumentalities, and Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) in the city to establish lactation stations where working mothers can
Thursday, September 15, 2011
breastfeed or hand-express breast milk during lactation breaks. The ordinance clearly states that lactation stations must be equipped with “lavatory for hand washing unless there is an easily accessible lavatory nearby; refrigeration or appropriate cooling facilities where to store the expressed breast milk; table; comfortable seats; electrical outlets and other necessary items. “Nursing mother employees shall also be allowed to take break intervals in addition to regular timeoff for meals to breastfeed or expressed milk after asking permission from her supervisor” Uniana said. 40
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City intensifies...from page 39 Any private establishments or government institution caught violating the ordinance shall be imposed a fine of P1, 000 for the first
offense; for second offense, a fine of P2, 000 and non extension of Sanitary Permit will be accorded to violators and a fine of P3000 and
cancellation or revocation of business permits or license to operate for third offense. (JPA/PIA 9-Zambo City)
DSWD-IX disburses P500-M for 4Ps beneficiaries in ZamboSur’s 2nd district. by Claro A. Lanipa
Pagadian City, Sept. 15 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-IX) has disbursed a total amount of P499,974 million for the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries covering 15 municipalities of the second congressional district of Zamboanga del Sur. In her report during the Convergence Caravan held in Dumalinao gymnasium on Thursday (Sept. 15, 2011), Evangeline Poquita, 4Ps provincial focal person disclosed, that from May 2009 to June 2011 DSWD has released the total amount of P499,974 million intended for the 33,965 beneficiaries of the program. The number of beneficiaries as of
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September 2011 are as follows: Tabina (1991); Dinas (2564); San Miguel (1675); Lapuyan (2686); Vincenzo Sagun (1834); San Pablo (2218); Tigbao (1669); Lakewood (1829); Kumalarang (3548); Bayog (2479); Dumalinao (2627); Pitogo (2048); Dimataling (3254); Magorsatubig (2240) and Guipos (1303). In his State of the Nation Address
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(SONA) on July 25, 2011, President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered DSWD to expand the program to two million beneficiaries by 2011 for the entire country. Zamboanga del Sur got a share of 27,940 beneficiaries, to date the province has a beneficiary base of approximately 64,575. (JPA/CAL/PIA9/ ZamboSur)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
‘Lakbayan’ sets wheels, delivers services to remote villages ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept. 15 (PIA) – Fresh from the weeklong rounds it made to four northern municipalities to bring the government services to the people, the Western Command (WESCOM) and the Provincial Government now turn its wheels to another four island villages still up north to deliver health, social and other related services. This time, WESCOM and the Provincial Government, along with their partners in development, will be bringing “Lakbay Bayanihan sa Palawan” (Lakbayan), a multi-sector civic action activities, to the municipalities of Cagayancillo, Cuyo, Agutaya and Magsaysay all of Palawan. The 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP said besides giving free medical and dental services, free circumcision, blood typing and blood smearing, residents of the host communities will also learn
basic management and simplified bookkeeping to help them manage their finances wisely. The Provincial Economic Enterprise and Development Office (PEEDO) will also hold a livelihood information dissemination to provide the beneficiaries with knowledge of a likely profitable source of income. The Registry of Deeds will also form part of the Lakbayan team and will dispense land titling services to individuals who wants to register their untitled lands.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wheelchairs, on the other hand, will be distributed by the personnel from the Naval Forces West (NFW) to identified beneficiaries. Lakbayan is a flagship program of the provincial government that aims to deliver its services, in cooperation with different agencies, civic organizations and non-government organizations, to all Palaweňos, particularly to those in remote and far-flung areas that barely have access to government services. 42
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41
‘Lakbayan’ sets...from page 41
It also aims to empower the people so that they may become a strong foundation of the province as it pushes for development and progress. Lakbayan first brought its services to Cagayancillo on
September 9, then to Cuyo on September 11 and Agutaya and Magsaysay on the 12th. A naval ship will once again be used as a platform for the activities. The 6CRG said that the Lakbayan
team had made rounds prior to these visits in the municipalities of Linapacan, Coron, Culion and Busuanga and was able to help thousands of Palaweňos. (JPA/6CRGAFP/ DM-PIA9 BaSulTa)
WESCOM Chief named Puerto Princesa’s adopted son ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept. 15 (PIA) – In recognition of his outstanding character and his numerous invaluable contributions, the city government of Puerto Princesa has declared the Western Command (WESCOM) Chief, LTGen Juancho M. Sabban AFP, as the city’s ad.opted son.
In
a
press
re- my L. Carbonell which sponsible in provid-
lease, the 6th Civil was unanimously ap- ing and maintaining Relations
Group
of proved by the 13th security in the City
the AFP disclosed the Sangguniang WESCOM
Pan- [of
Puerto
Princ-
Command- glungsod on August esa] and the entire
er was proclaimed as 31 this year. Puerto Princesa City’s
The
province of Palawan
honor
was against the attacks
adopted son through conferred to LTGen. and invasions of loa resolution authored Sabban by City Councilor Jim- been
for
having cal, as well as, in ter-
“primarily
re- national terrorists.” 43
42
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
WESCOM Chief...from page 42
Sabban has been respect and admira- Sabban received are
serving
the
people tions of his peers in tangible
since 1979.
uniform, government tion
of
representathe
The city council, officials and in gen- nation’s
through tion,
the
praised
SABBAN
for
Filipino
recognition
resolu- eral, the Filipino peo- of the general’s “inLTGen ple,”
the
resolution valuable
being affirmed.
“truly an officer and
service
passionate
as
defender
The city council of democracy, peace
a gentleman, a man further
commended and the government
of principle, courage, the General for the of the Republic of the probity, integrity and various a dedicated and lov- awards
numerous Philippines.” he
had
re-
LTGen
ing father to his fam- ceived as a military said ily.”
he
Sabban was
hon-
officer from govern- ored to be regarded It has also ex- ment agencies, non- as
pressed
its
admira- government
tion to the WESCOM nizations, Chief’s
meritorious groups,
achievements
as
Puerto
orga- City’s
Princesa
adopted
son.
religious “It has already been youth
and an honor to be able to
a the People of Puerto serve the people, and
military officer. “He is Princesa in general, I feel doubly honored one of the most dec- the highest of which, now orated officers, which as
the
to
know
that
resolution the people we have
bespeaks [his charac- cited, is the Distin- been serving appreter] as a model Filipi- guished Service Star ciates and recognizno soldier and officer with 1st Silver Ana- es our efforts,” the of the Armed Forc- haw Leaf (SAL). es of the Philippines
The awards and ( J P A / 6 C R G A F P /
(AFP) who gained the commendations
Thursday, September 15, 2011
WESCOM Chief said. that RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)
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44
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Thursday, September 15, 2011