OUR COVER
DAR-Caraga distributes 3,800 hectares in Agusan sur Joie L. Ceballos Caraga Region
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Today’s news... NATIONAL
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Asean-China expo to boost PH-China trade, economic ties
CARAGA REGION
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Government intensifies Family Planning Angie Balen-Antonio
70 participants trained on Effective Storytelling & Puppetry in Surigao Sur Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
NORTHERN MINDANAO
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NEDA-10 recognized as Outstanding Partner for Development Reports Peleta B. Abejo
DILG, Napolcom, PNP to act as Comelec deputies for the Oct. 2013 elections Rutchie C. Aguhob
CENTRAL MINDANAO
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Gawad Kalasag regional winners named Catherine T. Apelacio
Unwed couples take advantage of LGU’s Barangayan Aida C. Agad
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
‘Pablo’ victims thankful of shelter assistance Noel Baguio
WESTERN MINDANAO
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DILG-9 holds DED training for 2013 BUPB recipient-LGUs Franklin P. Gumapon
101st Brigade to conduct PAATB in Zambo Norte Alfonso T. Ruda
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013 Vol. 3 No. 2
COVER STORY
DAR-Caraga distributes 3,800 hectares in Agusan sur By Joie L. Ceballos
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he Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Caraga distributed today some 3,800 hectares to about 1,500 farmer beneficiaries in the 10 municipalities including one city of Agusan del Sur, namely: Bayugan City (508), Esperanza (1114), La Paz (1602), Loreto (33), Prosperidad (37), Rosario (42), San Francisco (27), San Luis (60), Sibagat (67) and Veruela (320). “Amidst the controversies faced by the department, DARCaraga continues to seriously undertake its mandate,� said DAR Regional Director Faisar Mambuay. Also, DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations Jose Z. Grageda led the distribution with the local government officials of Agusan Sur held at the Provincial Training Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan Sur.
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Meanwhile, Mambuay bared that this is one of the biggest distributions at once in the last five years. He added that this will manifest DAR’s commitment in a genuine agrarian reform program
as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) celebrates its 25th year last June and the fourth year of the CARPER, the law that extends CARP, signed August 8, 2009. 5
ACROSS THE NATION
President Aquino lauds Philippine Spine Society for its contribution to the development of spine surgery practice
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the Philippine Spine Society (PSS) for its contributions to the development of spine surgery practice in the Philippines.
“As men and women of medicine, you play a crucial role in achieving this goal: Your advancement as professionals redounds to improved medical services and higher quality of care for the Filipino people,” the Chief Executive said in his message to the PSS on the occasion of
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the Annual Operative Course in Spine Surgery. The PSS and the Philippine Orthopedic Association, in cooperation with the Medical City Department of Orthopedics, opened on Friday the two-day “Annual Operative Course in Spine Surgery:
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Updates on Degenerative Conditions of the Cervical Spines” at the Medical City, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City. “An empowered, productive citizenry is the backbone of a revitalized, thriving country, and to secure their wellbeing is to ensure our continued rise towards equitable progress. Let passion, excellence, innovation, and dedication define your pursuits, that you may adapt efficiently to the challenges of today’s ever-evolving milieu. Embrace modernization as an opportunity to better enact your duties as servants of
the people,” the President said. The President called on the PSS to work together with the government to achieve the common goal in transforming the Philippines into a progressive nation. “Our solidarity drives us closer to our goal of a transformed Philippines, with a reinvigorated business environment and increased prosphects for the determined and hardworking. Let us bolster our resolve in treading the straight and righteous path and fulfill the great potential of our nation,” he said.
Asean-China expo to boost PH-China trade, economic ties
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he Philippine hosting of the 10th China-Asean Expo (Caexpo) in China this September will further boost trade and economic cooperation between the country and the People’s Republic of China, a Palace official said. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013
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“This is one proof of the multifaceted relationship with China. We’re focusing now on trade and the economic agenda,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday. Lacierda said the Philippines will host the 10th Caexpo to be held in Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China from September 3 to 6, this year. This year’s Caexpo aims at further developing cooperation between China and Asean countries in trade, investment, economy and technology, as well as in projects and labor sourcing. Chinese and Asean government officials, business leaders and scholars are also expected to attend the event. Lacierda said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will announce whether President Benigno S. Aquino III will attend FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013
the event this September. “We’ll wait for the DFA to confirm. We have not received any word kung tuloy na siya. Whether pupunta or not si Presidente is just a subject of confirmation yet. May Philippine delegation pupunta doon dahil tayo ang host ng Asean-Caexpo,” said Lacierda, stressing that economy is primarly the focus of the Caexpo. “It’s a primarily economic ang agenda. Wala kaming nakikitang pag-uusapan tungkol sa situation natin with China on the West Philippine Sea. It is primarily an economic and trade event,” he said. “Our concern with the West Philippine Sea is already being handled in the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) arbitral tribunal. The discussions on that area with respect to our situation in the West Philippine Sea has been reserved to the arbitral tribunal to decide,” he said.
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Palace: Mindanaoans support for peace pact
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alacanang expressed confidence on Wednesday that the people of Mindanao will not be easily swayed by moves to counter the importance of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement (BFA) saying Mindanaoans were cognizant of the hard work put in by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to draft the BFA and its Annexes.
In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the government and the MILF had put in “earnest efforts” to draft the peace accord and now that it is nearly ready THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
to be implemented, peace and development are at hand. “They (Mindanaoans) saw how difficult it was for us to come up with the Framework Agreement. They saw our earnest efforts –
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from both sides: from MILF and from the government to come up with a workable, doable Framework Agreement and also the Annexes. This shows sincerity on the part of government. This also shows sincerity on the part of the MILF to come up with a doable solution to the decades-old problem of conflict and underdevelopment in Mindanao,” Lacierda said. “You don’t need to tell someone that there’s a prospect for progress, (that) there’s a prospect for peace. Peace is at hand right now. Once we finish with the comprehensive agreement, the benefits will redound to the entire Muslim Mindanao,” he THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
added. The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro is a preliminary peace agreement signed in Malacanang last October 15, 2012. The Framework Agreement calls for the creation of an autonoumous political entity named Bangsamoro, replacing the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which was described by President Aquino as “a failed experiment.” It also outlines general agreements on major issues, including the extent of power, revenues and territory granted for the new Muslim autonomous region.
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Reg’l Dev’t Council in Caraga selects new set of officers for CY 2013-2016 by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -- During its Reorganizational Meeting held on Wednesday at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort here, the members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Caraga region had officially nominated four members – two from public sector and two from the private sector for the chair and co-chairmanship positions of the council for the Calendar Year 2013-2016.
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Along with it is the selection of the new set of officers for the different committees under the said council, as well as the executive committee members from the regional line agencies, local government units, and private sector. Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel and Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas, were officially nominated for the chair and cochairmanship in the RDC for the public sector while for the private sector, Engr. Leonel Santos and Mr. THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Joseph Omar Andaya were also nominated. They will be endorsed in the national level for final appointment by President Benigno S. Aquino. It was learned that the official nominees for the RDC chair and cochairmanship positions will be informed whoever among them will become the new chair and co-chair, based on the president’s final decision. Also, in the case where the chairmanship position will be given to a nominee in the public sector, the co-chair shall come from the private sector nominee. There will only be one appointment per position. During the selection process of the new set of officers for the different committees under the council, the members agreed that whoever will be elected in a certain committee can still be nominated and elected in another committee. Under the council, there are four committees, namely: Economic Development Committee, Infrastructure Development Committee, Social Development Committee, and Development Administration Committee.
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For the Infrastructure Development Committee, Surigao del Sur Gov. Pimentel is elected as the chair, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)Caraga Regional Dir. Danilo Versola as the co-chair. Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr is elected as the chairperson for the Economic Development Committee with Mr. Epimaco Galero Jr. of the private sector as the co-chair. Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro is elected as the chairperson and
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Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga Regional Dir. Minda Brigoli as co-chair for the Social Development Committee. For the Development Administration Committee, Surigao del Norte Gov. Matugas is elected as the chairperson and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Caraga Regional Dir. Lilibeth Famacion as co-chair. Meanwhile, for the executive committee, the following representatives are elected: Mayor Dale Corvera representing the local government unit of Cabadbaran City; Regional Dir. Leticia Tan of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga representing the regional line agencies; Mr. Joseph Omar Andaya, Dr. Redentor Briones, and Mr. Leonel Santos representing the private sector. The full council members will convene in the month of September with the newly elected officers in the different committees.
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Government intensifies Family Planning by Angie Balen-Antonio
BUTUAN CITY-- The government’s goal to achieve a better quality of life for every Filipino family may reach another height as the country celebrates this August the Family Planning Month. This year’s theme “Planuhin ang Pamilya Para sa Magandang Kinabukasan” is the focus of the campaign done through the Responsible Parenting - Family Planning (RP-FP) classes at the grassroots. As reported by the Provincial/ City Population Officers in the region, there are already 164,031 couples who attended the RP-FP classes since its inception in 2007. “RP - FP is now integrated in the Family Development Session of the Pantawid Pamilya of Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD)”, said Mr. Alexander A. Makinano, OfficerIn-Charge of POPCOM-Caraga. Mr. Makinano further mentioned that planning the size and number of children in the family is a shared responsibility between husband and wife. THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
In another development, the Commission on Population together with the Department of Health and the Local Government Units unified their efforts to provide couples with the comprehensive family planning information and services particularly to women with unmet need for family planning – or those currently married women 15 – 49 years old who do not want any more children or want to space births but are not using any family planning method. In Caraga, 20 in every 100 married women of reproductive age or 20.4% have unmet need for family planning as revealed in the 2011 Family Health Survey. This group of women is the priority target of the government’s Family Planning Program to help them achieve their desired number of children.
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70 participants trained on Effective Storytelling & Puppetry in Surigao Sur by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
TANDAG CITY-- A total of 70 participants all over the region participated in the workshop on Effective Storytelling and Puppetry earlier this month held at the Seminar House, this city. Surigao del Sur Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) secretary and Head Librarian Reynilda Cosare bared that the activity was spearheaded by the Surigao del Sur Public Library and Research Center (SDS-PLRC) in line with their 10th year anniversary celebration. Cosare said the 70 participants are composed of SDS-PLRC staff and Day Care workers from the nearby provinces and cities. During the THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
session, Cosare also said that some 100 kids participated in the story telling and puppetry demonstration. Diana Lambaco, one of the participants, said the workshop helped them enhance their skills on how to become effective storytellers to the kids. The facilitators and resource speakers were from the Reference Division of the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) in Manila.
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DA holds agribiz & rice techno investment forum by Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division (DA-AMAD) has conducted an Agribusiness and Rice Technology Investment Forum here to sustain efforts and further improve the implementation of programs and delivery of services to attain sufficiency in rice. The symposium served as a to sustain the economic growth in venue of information for the Local the countryside. Likewise, it is seen Government Units (LGUs), academe to raise a stronger cooperation and and rice farmers on newly developed harmonization towards adopting the technologies on rice with optimism new promising varieties of lowland THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
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and upland rice to alleviate poverty, ensure food security and to provide a healthier, safer and more sustainable environment. Lorena Duna and Fe Abragan, researchers from the department’s station, Northern Mindanao Integrated Agriculture and Research Center, shared their studies on the tolerant varieties of rice under adverse environment conditions: submergence, drought and saline, as well as, other promising upland and lowland varieties in the region. According to them, a farmer’s basis for selection of rice lines/ varieties are generally on yield, eating quality, tolerance to stress condition; adaptability to specific locations and resistance to pests and diseases. They added that this approach is useful in ensuring faster adoption and utilization of new rice technologies developed by researchers to improve varietal
promotions, extension work and the rice self- sufficiency program of the government. Dr. Nonilona Daquiado of Central Mindanao University, Professor of the Soil Department likewise presented the methane gas emission characteristics of some Philippine lowland rice varieties. She noted that proper selection of low-methane (CH4 ) emitting variety is an important factor to consider to minimize annual CH4 emissions in the tropical paddy soils in the country and recommended further studies on screening of rice varieties for a suitable and eco-friendly mitigating option. “This is the imperative move that could answer the increasing demands for higher rice production and to cope with the growing annual per capita consumption of 119.1 kg in 2008-2009 from only 105.8 kg in 1999-2000.
NEDA-10 recognized as Outstanding Partner for Development Reports by Peleta B. Abejo
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office X (NEDA-10), headed by Director Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., is again a recipient of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Stakeholders’ Award as Outstanding Partner for Reports on Regional Economic Developments. THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
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Signed by BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., the award was given in recognition of NEDA10’s exemplary support as a source of regular and updated socioeconomic information contributing to BSP’s policy and decisionmaking. NEDA-10 which serves as the technical arm of the Regional Development Council (RDC) has been a recipient of this award since 2012.
For 2013, NEDA Regional Offices VI and X are the only recipients of this award among NEDA regional offices nationwide. Other awardees from Region X included the 1st Valley Rural Bank of Lanao del Norte with the Pagtugon Award for Rural and Cooperative Banks and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office X as Outstanding Partner on Financial Learning Campaign.
DILG, Napolcom, PNP to act as Comelec deputies for the Oct. 2013 elections by Rutchie C. Aguhob
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will act as deputy of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), relative to the Oct. 28, 2013 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). The deputation order, which is covered by Comelec Resolution No. 9733, promulgated last July 3, includes those of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), Atty. Cerilo E. Nala, Jr., Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) of Misamis Occidental, said. As such, the agencies have been told not to effect any changes in the assignments of the PNP personnel without the prior written permission of the Comelec, during
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the election period from September 28, 2013 to November 12, 2013. Among the tasks of the agencies, during the election period, are the following: Provide security to polling places, polling/voting centers, and such other places or buildings, including election paraphernalia, equipment, forms and supplies, that will be used by the Comelec. Make available, at the least time possible, land, air and watercraft assets, communication
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systems and other equipment, in connection with the delivery and retrieval of election equipment, documents, supplies, forms and paraphernalia. Look into the existence of any armed group organized to commit, or which is committing or attempting to commit, acts of terrorism, or threats to intimidate or coerce any prson to vote for or against a candidate, and to suppress or prevent said acts of terrorism or threats. Assist the Comelec in implementing more effectively, election laws and/or rules and regulations, particularly, the laws governing THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
prohibition against military, policemen and provincial guards acting as bodyguards or security guards of the candidates, the use of armored vehicles and air or water-craft, and the prohibition on bearing, carrying or transporting firearms and other deadly weapons in public places. Provide security escorts to candidates subject to the conditions and restrictions on the Resolution imposing the gun ban and make effective measures to prevent members of civilian vigilante units and barangay tanods from engaging in partisan political activities or any act of terrorism, intimidation, coercion, harassment or reprisal. Take steps to prevent private security agencies from acting as private armies of any candidate or as campaigners for terrorist or violent acts against persons in connection with the Oct. 28, 2013 BSKE.
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Farmer-technicians visit model farms By Danilo E. Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- In a bid to improve their knowledge and skills as leader farmers in their villages, local farmer-technicians (LFTs) were exposed to model farms and exemplary practices of successful farmers via an educational tour.
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Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan of the Department of Agriculture - 12, the lakbay-aral involved 79 LFTs from South Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat. LFTs are rice farmers who have underwent lengthy comprehensive training under the department and serve as alternate technicians to other growers in their respective communities. “These LFTs are our active partners in teaching their fellow rice farmers proper and systematic farming methods and technologies that could result in better production,” Director Datukan described. She said, the educational tour was aimed at exposing the LFTs to admirable practices of model and successful farmers, Through this, she explained further, LFTs will gain more knowledge about timely and effective agricultural
technologies pertaining to diversified farming, organic “Palayamanan” farming system at integrated pest management. Among their destinations were the Palayamanan Model Farm Project at Barangay Lepaga, M’lang, North Cotabato. The farm is owned by Restituto Parreño who Soccsksargen Region’s Gawad Saka outstanding rice-based farmer in 2013.; the farm of Romeo Tan in Barangay New Iloilo, Tantangan, South Cotabato, as well as the farm of Gawad Saka 2013 national finalist for outstanding fisherfolk category. Leonardo Primne Jr. They also visited the Regional Crops Protection Center (RCPC) sa Tacurong City where they received lecture on the role of LFTs in increasing the production of their fellow rice farmers. They were also exposed to insects that could help control pests.
Gawad Kalasag regional winners named By Catherine T. Apelacio GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) 12 has named the regional winners for 2013 Gawad Kalasag search for excellence in a special ceremony over the weekend. Jerome Barranco, OIC assistant and members of the RDRRMC-12 for
regional director and acting chairperson of the RDRRMC-12, commended all winners for the job well done particularly appreciating their firm support to the agency and commitment to give their best foot forward in disaster preparedness and management. The event also served as venue for OCD 12 to acknowledge its partners THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
their sustained partnership and support in helping the agency’s efforts in disaster risk reduction and management helping achieved its goal this year. Barranco personally handed each of the RDRRMC-12 members and partners certificates of commendation in grateful appreciation and recognition of their efforts.
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According to Barranco, members of the RDRRMC-12 have been very supportive of its information, education, and communication (IEC) drive to increase the disaster awareness of the local government units, other stakeholders and the populace as a whole. He said disaster impacts can be cushioned and mitigated through various measures and people’s contribution and efforts to minimize it. As lead agency in the implementation of Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the OCD is mandated to implement the law to protect people’s life and property. The law is also described as “community-based disaster management” because all levels of the local government units together with their partners are greatly involved in boosting up the disaster resilience of their respective communities and in institutionalizing measures to reduce disaster risks and strengthening disaster preparedness and capabilities in disaster response.” Thus, OCD-12 said to scale up the stakeholders’ disaster management, an annual award is dedicated to them as incentive for their efforts and initiatives. During the awarding, the RDRRMC12 named Cotabato Province as this year’s regional winner for best prepared Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) with South Cotabato as THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
next. For the category 1st to 3rd class municipality, the RDRRMC-12 cited Isulan as best prepared municipal DRRMC with the town of Tupi in South Cotabato as second. Meanwhile, the city of Tacurong was adjudged best prepared city DRRMC followed by Koronadal for the component city category. The judges who were RDRRMC members also named Carpenter Hill in Koranadal City as best prepared barangay DRRMC for urban while Poblacion Tantangan in South Cotabato as best prepared barangay DRRMC for rural category. Being always efficient in its field, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Isulan was conferred best in government emergency response management in this year’s regional awarding of Gawad Kalasag. Also, RDRRMC-12 named TRACER based in Tacurong City as best prepared volunteer group for Region 12. The Gawad Kalasag Search for Excellence Award is given to partners and stakeholders in recognition of their best practices in DRRM and humanitarian assistance exemplified best in times of disaster occurrences. The event on August 6 at Sun City Suites here formed part of the culmination program for the annual observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month held in July of each year.
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Unwed couples take advantage of LGU’s Barangayan By Aida C. Agad
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Makilala’s (North Cotabato) Barangayan Program has become an opportunity for unwed couples to tie the knot through the activity’s Kasalan ng Bayan (mass wedding). During the Barangayan at Barangay Jose Rizal, 20 pairs took their formal vows at the mass wedding there. More than 10 pairs did the same at the Barangayan in barangays Guangan and Sta. Felomina earlier last month. Under the local government unit’s (LGU) barangayan program, the mass wedding ceremony became an opportunity for poor couples to make legal their relationship, and for the community people to renew their social support system at the sharing of the food afterwards, LGU Makilala consultant Odin Deseo said. Deseo said, “a ‘solidarity night’ followed the mass wedding, a typical customary practice of joyous celebration that accompanies such occasion. ‘Solidarity night’ at the barangayan combines dancing, and talent presentations by local people.” The community, the mayor and LGU personnel joined the dancing, Deseo said. Myrna and Carlyn were grateful to Mayor Rudy S. Caoagdan, for the barangayan program that legalized the union with their partners after many years of living together. Carlyn has 6 children with her live-in THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
partner Jonathan Amaro for 10 years. Myrna lives with Reynaldo Gacang for 8 years and has 3 children. Mayor Caoagdan officiated the mass wedding for free. He contributed an amount for the barangay government’s food-sharing activity as North Cotabato Governor Emylou “lala” Talino-Mendoza gave the gifts to the newly wed couples during the occasion. Myrna and Carlyn said poverty prevented them from seeking formal marriage ceremony before they decided to live with their partners. Community wedding also gives opportunity for indigent couples to get enrolled with the government’s 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) support which require among others a marriage certificate to prove that they married, Myrna and Carlyn said. Barangayan is also an opportunity for the local government unit to bring closer to its residents services of the local government unit. It is also a time where they could voice out concerns that the local government needs to address.
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Davao del Norte declared free from terror threats by Noel Baguio
TAGUM CITY– Davao del Norte is safe and free of any terrorist threat. Provincial Governor Rodolfo del Rosario revealed the army and the law enforcement agencies have declared the province is generally stable and THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
free of any form of terrorist threat, during the Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council and Tagum City Peace and Order Council Meeting. “We got assurance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation and the intelligence community that everything is under control in the province,” the governor said. Del Rosario said this will make Davao del Norte’s first hosting of the Batang Pinoy (BP) Mindanao Qualifying Leg on August 27-31, 2013 smooth and worry-free. He assured delegations and visitors to the upcoming event will be out of harms way since the security forces are certain no untoward incident could disrupt the holding of the BP games. The Governor called the joint meeting to assess the peace and
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order situation, particularly on the last week of August, when the province shall host the BP games, in the wake of subsequent bombings in other parts of Mindanao. 10th Infantry Division Commander Brig. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, 1001st IB Commander Col. Angelito De Leon, 1003rd IB Commander Col. Buenaventual Pascual, PNP-XI Regional Director PCSupt. Wency Pascual, DNPPO Chief PSSupt. Samuel Gadingan and Provincial NBI Chief Samuel Balisi were all one in saying there is no imminent terrorist threat to the province. The officials guaranteed the province is generally safe and very much eligible to host the grassroots
sporting event. They also assured the security of the month-long celebration of the Ugmad Festival of the city government of Tagum, which will be held after the games. However, the commanders stressed the need for tighter security preparations in order to get a hundred percent assurance that no bombing and other terrorist activities would hamper the activities. The council members also approved the creation of an interagency Task Force Davao del Norte that would secure all the entry points going to the province.(Noel Baguio-DavNor PIO)
regional gallery
Waling-Waling (Euanthe sanderiana), the queen of Philippine flowers . will again be featured in this coming Kadayawan Festival in Davao City.
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‘Pablo’ victims thankful of shelter assistance TAGUM CITY -- Septuagenarian Rosenia Semacas of Sitio Kasilak, Barangay Linao in San Isidro town, this province, could not contain her joy upon receiving the P10,000-worth of emergency shelter assistance (ESA) coming from the national government. The 77 year-old widow was alone in her small shanty when Typhoon Pablo, which was the strongest tropical cyclone to ever hit the island of Mindanao, utterly ruined her home last December. She was fortunate to have only suffered minor bruises when she survived the calamity. But, Semacas would cringe at the mere thought of the devastation that crashed her humble abode, bringing along with it all the wonderful memories that she had cherished through the years. Mrs. Semacas has since lived with one of her four married children. As she slowly picked up the pieces, her longing to rebuild her house that was toppled by the storm grew stronger everyday. “Daghan kaayong salamat sa dakong hinabang aron mapatukod nako og balik ang akong balay (I am thankful for the assistance to help
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me build back my home),” she said after receiving the ESA. Semacas was among the 282 recipients of the shelter aid from the 13 barangays of the municipality of San Isidro. Provincial Treasurer Regina Ricafort led the paying out of the ESA, with the assistance of Mayor Arnel Sitoy. Ricafort revealed that a total of P8.5 million was disbursed to help some 850 beneficiaries in the province rebuild their houses, which were totally damaged by ‘Pablo’. She said more assistance are coming for the repair of partiallydamaged houses. Sitoy also vowed to put up a monitoring team that would keep an eye on the beneficiaries to ensure the assistance that was given away will really serve its intended purpose. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), a total of P1.3 billion worth of assistance has so far been provided to the victims of Typhoon Pablo, in the form of cash for work (CFW), emergency shelter assistance (ESA), modified permanent shelter and educational assistance. (Noel Baguio, PIO Davao del Norte)
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Over 500 poor residents get free medical, dental services By Jocelyn P. Alvarez
Photo By JOEY BAUTISTA
ZAMBOANGA CITY - More than 500 indigent individuals of Barangay Culianan in this city have benefited from free medical, dental and other government services as the city government through City Health Office (CHO) spearheaded Wednesday the health and service caravan.
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Aside from free medical and dental services, the residents of Culianan also received training on baking, hair cutting and manicure from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Milk banking education and veterinary services were also given to the residents. Vic Larato of the City Information Office (CIO) said “the health and service caravan was conducted to bring not only health services down to the barangay level but information, education and skills training as well.” Larato also disclosed that the City Civil Registrar’s Office also conducted civil registration during the caravan at a very low fee of P150 only instead of the usual P500. Dubbed “Dia de Alcalde Beng Climaco,” the activity was “purposely crafted to deliver basic health and
other government services to the people in the barangays.” Larato said “Mayor Climaco thought of the “Dia del Alcalde” in lieu of the traditional “Mayor’s Night” that every barangay would request during ‘fonda’ nights in honor of its fiesta.” “It was first launched last Aug. 7 in Barangay Tumaga, four days before its fiesta. Culianan, on the other hand, celebrated its fiesta yesterday, Aug. 15,” Larato explained. The caravan was supervised by City Health Officer Dr. Rodel Agbulos with the participation of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Agriculturist’s Office, City Veterinarian’s Office, Office of the Civil Registrar and the Technical Education and Skills Administration (TESDA).
DILG-9 holds DED training for 2013 BUPB recipient-LGUs By Franklin P. Gumapon PAGADIAN CITY – Provincial and municipal engineers together with provincial/municipal planning development coordinators from 30 local government units (LGUs) in the region have converged here recently for an enhancement training on Detailed Engineering Design (DED) preparation. Regional Information Officer Lemuel Mejares of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9 said the participants came from the LGUs which received water THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
system projects under the Bottom Up Planning and Budgeting (BUPB) with P1million allocation or more. The training focused on the preparation of engineering designs for
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water supply projects in accordance with engineering standards to ensure smooth and sustainable operations. Speaking before the participants, DILG-9 Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil cited that “the failure of water supply systems is usually linked to poor design of the facilities.” Besides, Abutazil also urged the LGUs to get updated on the new issuances and policies pertaining to procurement. “The LGUs should be updated on the new procurement policies since they will engage the services of a contractor for projects implemented by contract or they will be procuring supplies for projects implemented by administration,” he said. Water supply project specialist, THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Engr. Ramon dela Torre, also told the participants that “the preparation of DED is one of the most critical stages of project implementation. Unlike other infrastructure projects, various elements have to be taken into consideration such as the complete drawing plans, specifications, cost estimates, design analysis, georesistivity and drilling test, among others.” Engineer dela Torre also discussed the application of Epanet tools and practical skills on engineering design and standards in preparing the DED of water supply systems including the water source confirmation and hydraulic analysis. On the other hand, State Auditor Eleazar Mantos apprised the participants of certain procedures,
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regulations and policies governing utilization, liquidation and reporting system of the project funds. It can be recalled that 30 LGUs in region are now implementing the water supply system projects. These are the municipalities of Aurora, Dinas, Dumalinao, Labangan, Mahayag, Margosatubig, Midsalip, Molave, San Pablo, Sominot, Tabina,
Tambulig, Tigbao and Tukuran in Zamboanga del Sur, Leon T. Postigo, Katipunan, Salug, Siayan, Roxas, Sergio Osmeña and Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte, Alicia, Ipil, Mabuhay, Malangas, Naga, Olutanga, Talusan and Titay in Zamboanga Sibugay and Isabela City in Basilan Province.
101st Brigade to conduct PAATB in Zambo Norte By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY - The 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade, based in Barangay Del Pilar, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte will conduct an examination on Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB) in two separate dates and venues in Zamboanga del Norte this month. The PAATB will be held at Andres Bonifacio College, Dipolog City on Aug. 17 at 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and in Sindangan on Aug. 18. According to Capt. Ryan Braza, 101st Brigade Acting CivilMilitary Officer, the holding of the examination in two separate venues aims to give the qualified applicants, particularly those living in the farflung municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte, including some parts of Misamis Occidental and adjacent municipalities an opportunity to take the examination and a chance to enter the military service. The PAATB is one of the major THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
requirements in entering the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) comprising the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force. An applicant must be at least a high school graduate with special skills or a second year college student. He/she has to bring the following original documents to be allowed to take the examination: a copy NSO-authenticated birth certificate, two copies of Transcript of Records and Diploma, three valid ID and four one 2”x2” ID pictures with white background.
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