OUR COVER
Business with a heart for environment proves “not everything is about money” Michael Vincent D. Cajulao Western Region
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Today’s news... NATIONAL
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Department of Social Welfare and Development calls for volunteers to help in repacking relief goods for typhoon victims
WESTERN MINDANAO
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Over 300 brgy folks served in outreach program Jocelyn P. Alvarez
DTI-13 reports updates & highlights of its 1st Semester 2013 accomplishments Jennifer P. Gaitano
Government determined to help fishing sector - BFAR exec Noel Najarro
NORTHERN MINDANAO
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Suspect in Gingoog attack nabbed PSupt Ronnie Francis Cariaga
City inspects net cafes CdeOSP
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
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Tagum’s health office wages war vs worms Louie Lapat
CENTRAL MINDANAO
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Local chief executives to gather for Soccsksargen Region’s DRRM summit DEDoguiles
RuMEPP-S. Cotabato trains poor entrepreneurs Aida C. Agad
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Vol. 3 No. 6
COVER STORY
Business with a heart for environment proves “not everything is about money� By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
B
usiness is the lifeblood of any country. Without it, no economy will survive, and every government will crumble. As every country trying to woo investors, development is at amazing pace nowadays.
Man, driven by insatiability, has put emphasis so much on getting more profit at the expense of our environment. Environmentalists call for the preservation and conservation of the environment, while some prodevelopment people say that it is but normal for environment to be affected; development entails some sacrifices to be made. But, with catastrophes affecting millions worldwide, people are But with development comes a now realizing that abuses on the very big trade off - the destruction of environment in exchange for money our environment - our main resource have produced more problems than for development. benefits. 4
Not everything is about money In a remote area in the neighboring province of Zamboanga Sibugay, a modest man is showing us how both can be achieved: engaging in business while consciously making efforts to preserve and protect the environment. Nestor Gargollo, proprietor of Rockwood Furnishings based in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay Province, has confided to this writer his philosophy in business. “My main objective is not business but environmental protection. Not everything is about money,” Nestor summed up his view about his furniture business. His passion and advocacy started some twenty years ago. Nestor started a career in the government after graduating from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, working for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for over 13 years. While working with DTI, Nestor had seen the deteriorating environment, jarring him awake to contribute to the preservation and protection of the environment in the way he knows. He then planted some 20 hectares of their family land with mahogany trees. “I planted our land in Siay
with mahogany trees because of environmental problem thinking I can contribute to its protection in my own little way,” Nestor recalled. Twenty years later, he decided to harvest the mature trees to make way for more seedlings to be planted. Instead of selling the harvested woods to lumber yards, Nestor has better things in mind. “Direct selling will not give us the target profit for our harvest, so I decided to venture into furniture business for added value,” he said. Nestor candidly admitted that his venturing into furniture business 5
was a big gamble at that time. “First of all, I have no money to start the business. I also don’t have any experience in the furniture business. All I got at that time was pure guts and my passion to do something, to make things happen,” the unassuming father of four said with a laugh. Fulltime entrepreneur To focus on his new business, Nestor resigned from his work to become a fulltime entrepreneur. Having the working area and raw materials, Nestor was convinced that he can make things happen even with the lack of financial capital. As if an answered prayer, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) came to Nestor’s aid. “It was DOST that inspired me to make it big. They provided me with the needed equipments to start my business. It released P711 thousand
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for kiln drier and other machineries,” he said. “I said this is it! Wala nang atrasan to (There’s no turning back). Mas lalo akong na-challenge (I was even more challenged),” Nestor recounted. DTI has also extended all possible assistance to Rockwood through marketing and product development. Like any fledgling entrepreneur, Nestor said, he went through bumpy roads as he strove to keep his business going, so to speak. “I struggled along the way. Despite having my background in business administration, I was not able to anticipate the bigger picture, that I needed more money to sustain my business even though DOST has already provided me some. I have to borrow money to sustain it,” he said. Never giving up hope, Nestor continued with his business and saw his hard work come into fruition after three years of operation. Rockwood is now a solid business.
“The business can now stand on its own. I don’t need to put all my attention into it all the time. I now have my manager, secretary and four furniture makers,” Nestor declared. Business expansion Next up for Rockwood is its expansion. But, as Nestor envisioned 20 years ago, the development and progress of his business should adhere to his ultimate advocacy of protecting the environment. “I am now nearing to the sustainability of my reforestation project. What I get from the proceeds of my business will go back to the environment. I’m going to plant more trees for my future needs. I don’t expect others to plant for me,” he pointed out, adding that “I will plant more trees more than I am harvesting to make my environmental advocacy sustainable.” One of the notable efforts for the expansion of his business is making sure that nothing goes to waste. “Part of our expansion plan is to become a “zero-waste” business. Walang masasayang (Nothing is wasted). So, we are now looking into using our waste materials and transform it to other furniture or decorative,” Nestor revealed. Nestor argued that “it is not
really hard to make a living while protecting the environment. All we need is the passion and the sensitivity not just for us, but also to the future generation.” “I don’t want my children or grandchildren to inherit a destroyed environment. Remember that we are just but caretakers of our environment. It is entrusted to us so that future generation can enjoy a healthy environment, and I hope that everyone takes heed of my advocacy,” Nestor stressed. Besides, Nestor is not just helping the environment with his business; he is also helping the government. “We protect our environment and also help the government by paying our taxes and employing others. These are just a few of the best that I can give to the environment, our government, and the people. Hindi naman lahat pera e (Everything is not about money). I keep telling others, I’m an environmentalist, then a businessman,” Nestor emphasized.
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ACROSS THE NATION
President Aquino open to Senator Lacson as government anti-graft head
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday that he is open to appointing Senator Panfilo Lacson as chief government anti-graft prober to look into and act on graft and corruption cases in the government. The President said however that he before drafting an Executive Order is still awaiting a study being conducted officially naming Lacson to the Interby the Office of the Executive Secretary Agency Anti-Graft and Corruption FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
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Council. “Well, open tayo pero hinihintay natin iyong…proposed executive order undergoing study by the Executive Secretary. Hinihintay ko pa ‘yung findings nila dito,” the President said. He pointed out that other recent events affecting the country, such as the recent floods, misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund, and the crash of two shipping vessels in Cebu, have made focusing on working towards the possible appointment of
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Senator Lacson next to impossible but he vowed he would ask for updates from the Office of the Executive Secretary. “I will follow it up with the Executive Secretary --- dahil medyo matagal-tagal na ring pending ang proposal ni Senator Lacson,” the President said. According to the President the InterAgency task force is composed of representatives from the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice and the Commission on Audit. PND (rck)
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Department of Social Welfare and Development calls for volunteers to help in repacking relief goods for typhoon victims
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he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is calling for more volunteers to help in repacking of goods and relief items for typhoon victims at the National Relief Operations Center in Pasay City, a Palace official said. FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
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Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement issued on Thursday that the DSWD is requesting interested citizens who can work in afternoon and evening shifts. “To date, 78,737 items have been repacked, with 50,881 distributed to families and communities affected by Tropical Storm Maring. Some 78,000 food packs are still needed to be put together, and the Department targets the completion of 100,000 food packs today,” Valte said. “Many of our countrymen have already given their assistance in repackaging relief goods; however, the Department has observed that more volunteers are needed in the latter part of the day to ensure the constant delivery of relief goods. The critical hours for packaging of said
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goods are from 6 to 8 p.m.,” she said. The government is encouraging concerned citizens and groups to extend help for typhoon victims. “Volunteers are asked to coordinate with the DSWD with regard to the schedule and locations of relief operations, as well as to call on other groups and individuals who are interested in assisting,” Valte said. Volunteers may contact the National Relief Operations Center at 8512681 and 5111259, Valte said. PND
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LPA in Mindanao could intensify into tropical cyclone in next 3 days -- PAGASA
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new weather disturbance east of Mindanao could intensify into a tropical depression in the next three days.
Weather Forecaster Connie Dadivas said Friday that the low pressure area (LPA) is now inside the PAR (Philippine Area of Responsibility) but will not yet affect the country. FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
However, Dadivas said that as the LPA goes nearer to the country, it may affect Mindanao by Saturday night. On Sunday night it is expected to affect Visayas and possibly parts of Luzon.
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She added the LPA has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression since it is in the sea. She said once the LPA intensifies into tropical depression it will be locally named, “Nando,” the fourth cyclone for this month and 14th to enter the country this year. She noted that one more cyclone is still expected to enter the country before the end of the month. Dadivas said that as of 4:00 a.m. Friday, the LPA was spotted at 870 km east of Mindanao (7.0°N, 135.0°E). Dadivas added the southwest monsoon (habagat) continues to prevail but unlike the previous days, rains will be lighter in Luzon including Metro Manila. In its advisory, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with
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light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms while Visayas will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. It added moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the southwest to west with slight to moderate seas. PAGASA said strong to gale-force winds associated with the southwest monsoon may affect the seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon and the western seaboard of Southern Luzon. “Fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves,” it said.
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First Cavalry Squadron marks 37th founding anniversary By Claro A. Lanipa
PAGADIAN CITY – The First Cavalry (Eagle Eye) Squadron, Mechanized Division, Philippine Army (PA) commemorated its 37th founding anniversary last Aug. 16 at its headquarters, Camp Col. Jacobo E. Zobel, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
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Anchored on the theme, “37th year of gallant service, wisdom gained and experiences learned… continuously enhancing capability to respond significantly on present challenges,” the event was capped by a sports fest among its units, tree planting activities where 1,000 seedlings of mahogany trees were planted at Barangay Navalan and a bloodletting among its troopers. The bloodletting activity, which was performed by the medical team of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) headed by Dr. Delia Pastoriza, was able to collect 11,250 cc of different types of blood. In his message, squadron’s commanding officer Lt. Col. Antonio John Divinagracia said, “as we close the chapter of the 37th years of committed gallantry in every campaign our unit had participated in, we have set our right war fighting capability to another dimension to overcome the changing challenges of the succeeding years to come.” He said this year’s theme must serve as an inspiration that we must prepare for the future “as we achieve the valuable
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accomplishments last year.” On the other hand, MGen Mayoralgo M. Dela Cruz, Assistant Division Commander, Mechanized Division, PA, who served as the guest of honor and speaker, disclosed that as part of the AFP’s modernization program of the Aquino Administration, 114 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) from the United States of America are expected to be delivered by December this year. “And another 24 assorted vehicles coming from Israel will also be delivered early next year. These armored vehicles are equipped with the state of the art technology,” De la Cruz added. Meanwhile, MGen. Nicanor Dolohan, Mechanized Division Commander also conveyed his message as read by BGen dela Cruz to all the officers, enlisted personnel, staff and their dependents as they celebrated their 37th founding anniversary of PA’s pioneering armor unit. “Today, after 37 years the 1st Cavalry Squadron formerly known as the 1st Light Armor Battalion (1LAB) continuous to serve with increasing responsiveness and commitment to professionalism and service
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quality,” he said. “We do recognize the compelling need to improve its facilities, acquire better technology and capabilities, obtain specialization and enhancing skills of its personnel toward better responsiveness in performing our
duties and responsibilities,” Dolohan further said. He also commended the unit for having remained steadfast in the fulfillment of its mission in the face of change.
Over 300 brgy folks served in outreach program By Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Local and national government agencies recently converged for a common purpose - to serve the residents of Barangay San Roque by providing them with free health services such as medical, dental and other social services. Vic Larato, City Information Officer said an estimated crowd of more than 300 individuals from the area benefited from the said services held at the San Roque Barangay Hall. Larato also disclosed that the Office of the City Civil Registrar had “also offered free birth registration.” Other services rendered during the service caravan include anti-rabies vaccination by the City Veterinarian, agriculture and fishery services by the City Agriculturist Office, and hair cutting, pedicure and manicure training by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA ). FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
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CSC-13 chief calls on stakeholders unified efforts on the protection, preservation of Butuan’s Mt. Mayapay by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -- Civil Service Commission (CSC) Caraga Regional Director Adams Torres called on government workers and stakeholders to work hand in hand in addressing the need to come up with sustainable ways for the protection, conservation and rehabilitation of the city’s Mt. Mayapay.
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During a meeting with Regional Director Abner Caga of the Philippine Information Agency; Mr. Michael Torralba, a blogger and Regional Coordinator of Samahang Magdalo; and Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent Mr. Franklin Caliguid held at the CSC-Caraga regional office, Dir. Torres expressed his concerns on how government workers and partner stakeholders can better ensure the sustainability of Mt. Mayapay. Despite not a resident from Butuan, he shares with the Butuanons’ concern on the protection and conservation of the Mt. Mayapay, known heritage of Butuan. “I am committed to join with other partners in this noble cause not only as a government servant but as a concerned citizen of Butuan, thinking that with our unified efforts we can save Mt. Mayapay and give our future generations the opportunity to experience the healthy environment, full of resources,” said Torres. Torres then suggested to PIA to produce video materials that would depict the picture of Mt. Mayapay from the previous years and in the present, and show the community how we can make a difference in improving and sustaining the Mt. Mayapay. FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
“The least that I can do as of the moment, when these materials will be made available, I commit to present these during trainings and gatherings of government agencies and partner stakeholders to inculcate the mindset that environmental protection is everyone’s concern, and that we should all do our part,” stressed Torres. Torres further said that tree planting activities may not be enough to ensure the sustainability of the Mt. Mayapay, the need to seek for other interventions that will make the effort sustainable and successful. Torres also bared that during trainings and gatherings, the commission will be soliciting ideas and suggestions from their partners to collaboratively come up with other noble interventions to save Mt. Mayapay. Mt. Mayapay is a prominent natural landmark in Butuan City. Its plateau formation is the predominant feature that serves as backdrop of the City. It is the highest peak of Butuan CityBuenavista mountain ranges with an elevation of 675 meters above sealevel. It is also considered as one of the tourist attractions in the city. Forest cover however of Mt. Mayapay has dwindled due to illegal logging.
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DTI-13 reports updates & highlights of its 1st Semester 2013 accomplishments by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga headed by Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran reported on Monday the highlights of its accomplishments for the first semester of 2013, as well as updates on the region’s economic development. During the Media Forum, Pagaran bared that Caraga region now ranked 11th among the poorest regions in the country with a rate of 34.1% in the First Semester Poverty Incidence Among Families, and having P9,779 Per Capita Poverty Threshold in the first semester of 2012. “The fact that instead of being No. 17 or being the poorest region in 2006 and 2009, the latest National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) report in 2012 has placed the region now at No. 11 to 12 tied with Region 5. Trailing us are regions 10, 9, 8, 12 and FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
ARMM,” said Pagaran. Pagaran added that this would indicate that our economy is leveling up and our income is increasing. It was also learned that on the heels of Caraga’s two consecutive years of high growth in its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), the region is treated once again with “good news” from the 2012 1st Semester Official Provincial Statistics Report of the NSCB released on April 2013. Also, Dir. Pagaran revealed that San Francisco in Agusan del Sur is the country’s most competitive
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municipality while Butuan City is the 4th most competitive city. “The over-all ranked of San Francisco in Agusan del Sur based on 1st Index Rankings of the National Competitiveness Council, also ranked No. 6 in economic dynamism and No. 14 in terms of electricity rates. Meanwhile, Butuan City also ranked in several other high rankings: No. 5 in economic dynamism, No. 2 in number of new business registrations, No. 6 in business registration renewals, No. 9 in capitalization of new business registrants, No. 15 in capitalization of business renewals, No. 13 fastest travel time to airport, No. 9 in number of cell sites, No. 7 in hotel rooms and No. 19 in electricity rates,” Pagaran said. Surigao City is another big winner with high ranks on the following: No. 14 in new business registrations, No. 18 in business renewals, No. 14 in capitalization of new business, No. 3 as fastest travel time to airport, No. 16 in water rates, No. 14 in cell sites, and No. 17 in hotel rooms while the municipality of Claver in Surigao del Norte ranked No. 6 and Cantilan in Surigao del Sur at No. 9 in government efficiency. Meanwhile, on the Shared Service FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
Facility (SSF) Projects, the DTICaraga has a total of 28 approved projects in the region involving 1,400 beneficiaries (average of 50 beneficiaries per project) with a total amount of P22.17-M. The department also disclosed that it has conducted eight ‘Diskwento’ Caravans for the 1st Semester of 2013. With this, there were 75 exhibitors that participated; 7,002 consumers benefitted; and generated sales worth P956,576.28. Pagaran expressed that the DTI from its past performance periods has again met and even exceeded its agency targets for the 1st half of the year. “These accomplishments may not still be enough to impact on our region’s goal of reducing poverty significantly. We will continue to do our best,” he said.
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Government determined to help fishing sector - BFAR exec by Noel Najarro
BUTUAN CITY-- The present administration is very determined to help the fishing sector in order for the people to rise up from poverty, a top fishery official said in his recent visit in this city. Lawyer Asis G. Perez, Director Perez said it is a big challenge to the of the Bureau of Fisheries and government on how to help the sector, Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in a which has the highest incidence of press forum, said the fishing sector is among the highest contributor to the national economy. “The fishing sector is a net exporter of products. The sector yields an average of five million metric tons of production, while the national requirement is only 2.8 million metric tons,� he said, citing that the industry yields a surplus of about two million metric tons for export. FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
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poverty compared to other sectors. Citing a 2009 National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) data, Perez said 41 percent of those who are in the fishing sector are living below the poverty line. Thus, the Aquino corrected this by allocating higher budget for BFAR to
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finance direct intervention measures. In the past, the Bureau was given a P1.9 billion budget but this was more than doubled in 2013 to P4.6 billion. For 2014, the Bureau’s proposed budget is P4.9 billion. “The administration focused both in change of policy and in the placement of resources for the fishing sector,” Perez said. He stressed the need to register the fisherfolks to “ensure that the beneficiary of these increase (in the budget) will be the real people.” “Through the registration process, we will know them by name, the places where they are and their faces,” he said.
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CGH diagnostic building nears completion by Jorie C. Valcorza
MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – The Camiguin General Hospital (CGH) reports the near completion of its P5-million diagnostic building which will house a new CT scan machine.
The hospital has now completed the installation of the CT-scan lead and will soon be facilitating the purchase of the equipment in the amount of P20-P30 million. This is expected to cut transportation needs of patients to
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the mainland just to undergo CT-Scan diagnosis. Several state of the art equipment are also made available in the CGH laboratories like X-ray, endoscopy, urinalysis, CBC, and 4-D ultrasound. Dr. Arvin Sampilo of CGH likewise bared that the hospital is currently bidding the installation of sprinkler, electrical rewiring and commissioning of the 475 KW generator automatic transfer switch. The European Union, meanwhile, released P1-million assistance for the improvement of the hospital’s façade and parking area.
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Suspect in Gingoog attack nabbed by PSupt Ronnie Francis Cariaga
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Joint police and army troopers arrested a suspect in the attack of former Gingoog Mayor Ruth Guingona and her convoy.
The joint operation was made at about 12:30 nn on August 10 by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Mirabeau A. Undalok of Branch 43, Regional Trial Court 10, Gingoog City for the crimes of double murder and multiple frustrated murder. No bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the arrested suspect. Police Regional Office (PRO)-10 identified the suspect as Reynaldo Agcopra, also known as Commander Tarik of the New People’s Army (NPA). Commander Tarik was one of the accused during the attack of Mayor Guingona last April 20 at Binakalan FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
Village, Gingoog City, a month before the 2013 synchronized national and local elections. Meanwhile, Mayor Guingona and her convoy traveled from a nearby village back to the city when they were attacked, resulting in her serious injury, death of her two trusted workers, and injury of one of the responding police officers who were part of her convoy. PRO-10 will continue to play its support role to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in pursuing and tracking down the insurgents, cited PCSupt Catalino B. Rodriguez Jr, PRO10 Regional Director. According to PCSupt. Rodriguez, PRO-10 has since launched manhunt operations on all suspected rebels who were charged in court for their involvement in many different atrocities that caused the loss of human lives and damage to properties.
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City inspects net cafes by CdeOSP
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - In response to the clamor of the private and public teachers against the operation of internet cafés that affect the school performance of students, the city council on August 16 led the spot inspection of five internet cafés operating both at Divisoria and Macanhan in Barangay Carmen, this city. During the inspection led by Councilor Adrian Barba, several students were caught playing online games, some were in school uniforms. All the students had no consent card signed by their parents and school principals. The issuance of consent cards is mandated by Ordinance No. 8099-2002, which amends Ordinance No 7820-2001. The law requires owners of internet cafes to design and give consent cards for free to students who will use the facilities of their establishment. These consent cards should have the name of the student, the specific date, time and purpose and should be duly signed by their respective parents and school heads. The ordinance provides that if students fail to present their consent cards, they should be disallowed from entering internet cafés from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. during school days. Barba warned operators to strictly comply with this. “Let us help provide quality education, let us cooperate in the FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
implementation of this law,” Barba appealed to the operators. He expressed gratitude to Lourdes College High School Principal Sr. Lourdes Darilag who joined the inspection. The school head personally appealed to owners of the establishment not to allow their students to enter internet cafes during school hours. Barba expressed gladness for the partnership of the school in this endeavor. According to Barba this is only the beginning and he will not stop while complaints are reaching his committee. Hence, he commits to help the teachers.
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State workers to mark 113th Phil. Civil Service Anniversary in September by Carina Cayon
Annabelle B. Rosell enjoined the state workers in all government agencies and instrumentalities in the region to actively participate in the activities lined up for the celebration in September. She said the month-long anniversary aims to promote, DAVAO CITY– The Civil Service showcase and celebrate heroism in Commission in the region has public service. called on all government employ She added that the event ees to commemorate the 113th Philippine Civil Service Anniversa- intends to highlight stories of triumph and sacrifice among public ry worthwhile and memorable for servants as reflected in this year’s everyone in the public service. In a regional memorandum theme: “Tatak Lingkod Bayani: circular, CSC-XI regional director Isabuhay, Ipagmalaki at Ipagbunyi.”
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“It encourages public servants to cross the line between being ordinary civil servants to being servant heroes or lingkod bayani,” Rosell stated. The event will commence with a thanksgiving mass celebration on September 2 at San Pedro Cathedral, intending to offer gratitude for God’s blessings for the past year and in prayer for public servants to be blessed with the strength to face adversaries in life and in work. Among the other activities set are bloodletting on September 12, and a free physical/medical examination on September 12-13, both activities will be held at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City. Rosell said the medical examination is intended for employees of government agencies that do not have/provide free physical/medical exam to its personnel. On September 15, the CSC will be heading for the second time in the region the R.A.C.E to Serve Fun Run III which will jump off at 5:00 am at SM City Davao Carpark. R.A.C.E. stands for Responsive, Accessible, Courteous, Effective public service. The run aims to raise funds to help families of government employees who died in the service, Rosell said as she encouraged not only state workers but also private individuals to join in the event which FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
entails the 3K and 5K categories. The registration fee of P350.00 per participant is inclusive of singlet, and a race bib is also available for P150.00. The deadline of registration for the fun run is on September 9, and that those interested to participate are advised to coordinate with Josephine Ignacio of CSC-XI regional office Human Resource Division at telephone number (082) 299-1724. Agencies are also urged to adopt other activities that will promote this year’s theme, such as family day, sports fest, clean-up day, outreach program, recognition/ awarding rites, among others, to be done at their respective offices. “Together let us make our 113th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration a meaningful and memorable one. Sabay-sabay nating isabuhay, ipagmalaki at ipagbunyi ang Tatak Lingkod Bayani!” Rosell emphasized. Rosell recalled that the Philippine Civil Service traced its beginnings to the enactment of Public Law No. 5 or “An Act for the Establishment and Maintenance of Our Efficient and Honest Civil Service in the Philippine Island,” on September 19, 1900. She said the law underscored the merit and fitness principle in appointment to posts in government service. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)
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Tagum’s health office wages war vs worms
TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE— More than a thousand elementary school students on Thursday, August 22, 2013, received oral dose of medicine as prevention against schistosomiasis, a chronic illness that can damage internal organs and impair growth and cognitive development among children.
The Local Government of Tagum through the City Health Office (CHO) spearheaded the massive distribution of medicine called praziquantel among school children in three barangays which are identified as endemic village by the Department of Health, jumpstarting its War Versus Worms advocacy in line with Mayor Allan Rellon’s desire to strengthen the delivery of health services under his EAGLE WINGS Program. 215 students benefited in
Barangay San Agustin, 300 from Barangay Nueva Fuerza while close to 800 students received oral dose in Barangay Pagsabangan. Aside from students, the CHO is also giving dose to elders in the community who are willing to take the said preventive medicine. A substantial information dissemination campaign regarding the disease are also being done by the CHO through its Barangay Health
Workers. The parasites that cause schistosomiasis live in certain types of freshwater snails, according to the information given by the World Health Organization. The infectious form of the parasite, known as cercariae, emerges from the snail, hence contaminating water. CHO personnel also led in the deworming operation among school children, which was simultaneously conducted in the three different barangays. Prior to the said operation, kids were treated to a feeding program courtesy of the Tagum City Federation of Parent Teachers Association headed by Coun. Eva Lorraine Estabillo. Also present during the said activity was Coun. Fernand Bordios. (Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)
facts and figures P34.29-billion FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
Infrastructure budget proposal for Mindanao in 2014. As announced by the President.
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Private groups, LGU agree to build more artificial reef domes for Sarangani Bay By Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Two private organizations have pledged to support the efforts of the local government unit of Maasim in Sarangani province to rehabilitate the province’s marine resources.
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On Thursday last week (Aug 15) , leading cement manufacturer Holcim Inc., and non-government organization Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc ., signed a memorandum of understanding with Maasim Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. for a project that would build artificial reef domes. People’s organizations in the area are also involved in the project, which aims to build at least 4,000 artificial reefs that will be deployed in the town’s coasts to serve as breeding ground and aggregating device for marine life. Per agreement, Holcim Inc. will supply 2,000 bags of cement worth roughly P500,000 for the construction of the reef domes. Meanwhile, Alcantara Foundation vows to pay the people’s organizations, whose members are mostly fisherfolk, for the fabrication of the domes. For each dome, Alcantara Foundation will pay P50. Fourteen out of 16 barangays of this town will benefit from this project. Since 2009, over 1,000 domes have already been deployed in the area. According to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), based on a sevenyear assessment below 30 percent of the province’s natural coral reefs have remained. Deployment of additional artificial reef domes would encourage the growth of marine life and rehabilitation of damaged reefs in Sarangani Bay, said provincial environment officer Rolando Tuballes.
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However, Tuballes suggested creation of a management plan that would provide a clear guide for fisherfolk in the correct usage of domes and for the local government unit in managing the project to ensure efficiency rather than “worsening the situation.” Besides the aforementioned domes, 270 artificial reef domes have been scheduled for deployment starting next week. At least 30 to 50 domes will be deployed every Friday. These particular domes were also produced by the Alcantara Foundation in partnership with international children’s welfare group, World Vision. Mayor Lopez disclosed that fish catch in coastal areas in his town has been low but this project dubbed as “Ating Pangalagaan Likas na Yaman” is a long-term scheme to support the rehabilitation of the damage coral reefs. Sarangani Foundation is a corporate social responsibility arm of the Alcantara Group. Its website says it “is an expression of the continued commitment of the Alcantara Group to Mindanao’s development.” Sarangani serves as host to several Alcantara Group-member companies, namely: Southern Philippines Power Corporation, Alsons Aquaculture Corporation, FinFish Hatcheries, and Sarangani Agricultural Company, Inc. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from Beverly PaoyonSarangani Information Office)
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Local chief executives to gather for Soccsksargen Region’s DRRM summit KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Governors and mayors across Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 will convene in General Santos City next month for a regional summit on disaster risk reduction and management council.
Jerome Barranco, OIC director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12 and acting chair or the Regional DRRM Council- 12 said the summit, which will also be attended by LGU DRRM officers, will be held at the Phela Grande Convention Center, tentatively scheduled on September 11 – 12, 2013. Barranco said in a statement that the convention will feature inputs from experts from various agencies involved in efforts regarding disaster planning and response as well as sharingdiscussions on important issues that intended bolster the local government units’ capabilities. At the end of the summit, he added, the participants “shall have comprehensive and standard understanding DRRM actions and tools as well as their DRRM roles and responsibilities for them to effectively and efficiently deliver government DRRM services.” Resource persons on disaster prevention and mitigation and preparedness would cover several
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topics like early warning systems including earthquake and tsunami alert system, public storm warning signals, and DOST’s Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) as well as hazard assessment using hydromet and geo-hazard maps. They will also discuss mainstreaming of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction into the local government’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan, health hazards, sociopolitical and security risks, and civil disturbance. Moreover, the local chief executives will also be educated on setting up of incident command system, conducting rapid damage assessment and needs analysis and managing evacuation centers as well as approaches in rehabilitation and recovery from disasters and calamities. “Our region’s winners in the Gawad Kalasag will also present their best practices in DRRM,” Barranco said. Gawad Kalasag 2013 regional
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winners include the local government units of North Cotabato; Tacurong City; Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; and Barangay Poblacion, Tupi. The event is anchored on President Benigno Aquino III’s directive after Typhoon Pablo to conduct similar activities, he explained further. “It is also the summit’s objective to define mechanisms to achieve transparency and accountability of DRRM resources,” Several regional chiefs of national government agencies in the region have also been invited to shed light into some issues. Among them are Department of Budget and Management 12 director Alikhan Marohombsar on allocation and utilization of
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local DRRM funds, Civil Service Commission 12 director Grace Saqueton on establishment of DRRM office and filling of plantilla positions, and Department of the Interior and Local Government 12 director Reynaldo Bungubung on the roles and responsibilities of governors and mayors in the DRRM. At the culmination of the activity, the local chief executives as expected to sign a “Declaration of Commitment to DRRM Action. Soccsksargen Region is comprised of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani as well as the cities of Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, General Santos, and Cotabato and 45 municipalities. (DEDoguilesPIA 12)
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RuMEPP-S. Cotabato trains poor entrepreneurs By: Aida C. Agad
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – South Cotabato-based entrepreneurs undergo skills training on Appropriate Production Processes on food and craft-making conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI here, Thursday.
DTI-South Cotabato Provincial Director Flora P. Gabunales said these poor local entrepreneurs are members of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) Inc. who are engaged in business that utilizes indigenous raw products which thrive in South Cotabato. Gabunales said that CARD Inc. members had earlier identified their training needs on Processed Food & Craft Making. Skills training on food processing is concentrated on Pinasugbo ang Taro Chips, while craft-making is based on corn-husk
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product items. Fifty members attended the said training under the Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Programme (RuMEPP), held at Romelia’s Catering Services, in Surallah, South Cotabato. The DTI provincial chief said, RuMEPP is a seven-year programme initiated by the trade and industry office that aims to help poor entrepreneurs and rural families by providing them technical and financial support to their microenterprises which in turn benefit other poor families through job opportunities. RuMEPP is also assisted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with the Department of Trade and Industry as lead implementer. The program is focused on 19 provinces in selected five poor regions of CAR, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Soccsksargen, and CARAGA. (ACAgad PIA 12/DTI-South Cotabato)
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