EDITORIAL BOARD 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 & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors
Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X
Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers :
JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency Director General
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
PIA REGIONAL OFFICES Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail: ro9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX
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Today’s issue...
Thursday, March 14, 2013
13 26
8 20
Vol. 2 No. 145
15 30
Cover Story
Celebrating the 76th Araw ng Dabaw page 4
10 16 21 23 28
Rudolph Alama Southern Mindanao
President Aquino confers Order of Sikatuna with rank of Datu Katangiang Ginto on outgoing President of Asian Development Bank GAD in Caraga conducts ‘Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan’ Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region
RDC-IX bats for growth, development in ZamPen Mary May A. Abellon, Western Mindanao
Hataman calls for proactive approach on Sabah crisis Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western Mindanao
LNNCHS Wildcats reign supreme in NCC 2013 Jovanny M. Pangasian, Northern Mindanao
29 31 33 36
DAR, DTI, DA converge for ARBs Florence A. Ramos, Northern Mindanao
Tagum’s women group reaches out to New Bataan orjan Federiso , Southern Mindanao
P12-M anti-poverty infra projects completed in North Cotabato
Hilbert T. Estacion , Central Mindanao
CCSPC prepares for conversion into state university Shahana Joy E. Duerme, Central Mindanao
CoVer StoRy
Celebrating the 76th Araw ng Dabaw By Rudolph Alama
T
his March 16, the City of Davao will be celebrating its 76th anniversary as a city. However the celebration will not be as grand as last year wherein the city celebrated its 75th diamond anniversary as a chartered city.
In lieu of the grand opening ceremonies which frequently mark the celebrations , the opening ceremony of the celebration was held during the convocation ceremony last February 5 at the Davao City Hall. In lieu of City Mayor Sara Duterte who is on maternity leave, former city mayor and the incumbent vice –mayor Rodrigo Duterte will oversee the celebrations as the acting city mayor. Another change and breaking the annual tradition of holding the Mutya ng Dabaw pageant during the second week of March, the 4
coronation night of the Mutya ng Dabaw was held last March 2. Fila Guia Hidalgo was crowned as the Mutya along with her court Czarina Rizel Marante, ( first runner-up or the Diwa ng Davao), Kristine Angeli Estoque (Sinag ng Dabaw second runner-up), Lery Stephanie Bautista
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, (3rd runner-up or the Pag-asa ng Dabaw) and Angeline Nicole Morales (Patnubay ng Dabaw 4th runnerup). The private sector led Duaw Dabaw Foundation which is the city’s partner in the celebration has set aside P5.2 million for the various events it will handle, including the opening program, Mutya ng Dabaw, Araw ng Dabaw Talent Competitions (Sayaw Pinoy, Saywan sa Da’n, Laban Labandz), and Hudyakaan sa Araw ng Dabaw. The City Government meanwhile will handle the official city events among which are the 76th Araw ng Dabaw Appreciation Program, 76th Araw ng Dabaw Athletes Recognition Program, Araw ng Dabaw Sportsfest, Davao City Hall Employees Association Sportsfest, Parada Dabawenyo and the Datu Bago Awards. RA 7551 which set the date March 16 as a public holiday in the city was not moved to March 15 (Friday) despite the clamor from many residents, thus civic-military parade which will have 353 contingents will be held on the Saturday.
as the center of Region XI or the Davao Region which actually encompasses the then undivided Davao Province of which the city once served the seat of the provincial government until its division in 1967, where the city was declared a chartered city on its own. Davao City’s land area is land, totalling to about 2,443.61 square kilometres (224,000 hectares) or about the size of a small Philippine province. Quezon City which is only about 166 square kilometres or 16,000 hectares, while Cebu City has an area totalling 291.2 square kilometres. Davao City is divided into three congressional districts, which are divided into 11 administrative districts containing a total of 182 barangays.
DAVAO CITY Davao is the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area, it has an estimated population of 1,530,365 (2011 figures). It serves
Creation of the City. Under the Commonwealth period, the National Assembly initiated the creation of cities which served as provincial capitals. Davao
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Republic Act 1368 was signed into law. It provides for the election of the City Mayor, Vice Mayor and 10 city councilors. By November 1955 the first local city elections were held. Carmelo Porras was the first elected Mayor of Davao City. being the capital of the Davao Province benefited from the initiative. Assemblyman Romualdo Quimpo representing Davao Province authored Bill number 609 which was eventually signed into law as Commonwealth Act 51 or the Charter of the City of Davao. It combined the old Municipality of Davao and the Municipal District of Guianga. Executive Order 132 signed by President Manuel Quezon formally recognized the creation of the city on March 1, 1937. Citing the 15day effectivity rule, for laws to take effect, The Presidential order became effective on March 16 the recognized founding date of the City of Davao. Davao City was ruled by a succession of appointed Mayors. Santiago Cariago was the first Mayor of the new City. He was followed by Agustin Alvarez, Pantaleon Pelayo Sr. , Apolinario Cabigon, Fundador Villafuerte, Leon Garcia Sr. , Bernardo Teves and Rodolfo Sarenas. It was until 1955, when 6
Sights to visit: San Pedro Street- One of the oldest street in Davao, the site of the old settlement founded by Don Jose Uyanguran in 1849. Named after the patron saint of the City. Among the notable attractions include, San Pedro Cathedral, The City Hall, Rizal Park ( square adjacent to City Hall), the Sangguniang Panglungsod Building which was the former site of the old provincial capitol) and Osmena Park which was the site of the old Christian settlement. Davao City Chinatown- The world’s largest Chinatown in land area at 44 hectares. area is home to various business establishments which include trading stores, hardwares, auto parts stores, restaurants, banks, pocket malls and many other shops that specialize in different merchandise. It is estimated that 70% of people living in the designated Chinatown area are Chinese or have Chinese lineage. The Peoples Park- formerly the PTA athletic grounds, the Thursday, March 14, 2013
4-hectare area was redeveloped into a green space in 2008. It is adorned with tropical rainforest trees, large sculptures, interactive fountains, ponds and waterfalls, a durian dome, a shady and open plaza, and a jogging oval. Magsaysay ParkBuilt in honor of President Ramon Magsaysay in the early 1960s. It is a landscaped park located in the city’s Chinatown adjacent to the old port of Sta. Ana. It is largely a promenade area with government offices located in a portion of the park. Outside the park are Durian stalls which attract residents and visitors hooked to the king of the fruits. Museums- Museo Dabawenyo is a City Government operated museum located at the back of Osmena Park it shows various exhibits highlighting Davao City’s history, while Davao Museum is operated by a private foundation, it features several art works of the city’s indigenous peoples, it is located inside the posh Insular Village. Philippine Eagle CenterLocated in Malagos in the hinterland district of Calinan an hour drive from the city proper, it is home to 36 Philippine Eagles along with 10 other species of birds, 4 species of mammals and 2 species of reptiles. Simulating a tropical rain forest Thursday, March 14, 2013
environment, the Center offers the visitor a glimpse into the country’s forest ecosystem. Although the exhibits are used primarily to help educate the Filipino people on conservation, the facility is also considered a major tourist attraction in Davao City. SM Lanang Premiere- The City’s newest and largest mall complex, located in the former Lanang Golf and Country Club, it is the convention center of Mindanao as SMX Convention Center one of the largest convention facility in Mindanao can be found in the mall.
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ACROSS THE NATION Malaca単ang says government providing enough assistance, food to Sabah evacuees
M
alacanang assured that the government is providing enough assistance to Filipinos affected by the ongoing conflict in Sabah by helping them return to the country and feeding those who have returned to
Mindanao. In a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman reported that there are 500 individuals who returned to TawiTawi from Sandakan in Malaysia through the assistance of the Philippine Navy. Soliman said, the evacuees are part of the 1,500 Filipinos who reportedly returned to the country on Tuesday. The evacuees will then proceed to Sulu and Thursday, March 14, 2013
Basilan, where most of them reside. Soliman also noted that 600 people arrived in Jolo and Tanduao Tuesday night who were given food and other assistance by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Jolo. Most of them returned to Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula after receiving government assistance. She assured those returning from
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Sabah that there is enough food supply for them particularly rice and other basic commodities. “Nais ko lang i-assure ang ating mga kababayan, gaya ng aming pagpupulong kahapon, noong Lunes nagpadala na ng isang libong sako sa bawat bayan sa Jolo at sa Bungao,” Soliman said. The government is providing 1,000 sacks of rice as well as canned goods. The government has set up repacking stations in Jolo and Bungao, she said adding that there are additional 2,000 sacks that may arrive from Pagadian City and Zamboanga City for the National Food Authority’s (NFA) commercial use. The government expects the price of rice to go down in those areas once the NFA rice arrives, Soliman said. Providing enough supply of basic commodities especially rice, should not be a problem because the country had a bumper harvest in Luzon, according to Soliman. Soliman also reported that there is a Rapid Response Team in Sabah that has recently visited Lahad Datu, the conflict area, where the followers of the Sulu sultanate was previously holed up. Thursday, March 14, 2013
The Rapid Response Team is composed of personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs, DSWD, and the country’s Police Attaché in Malaysia. Soliman explained that the Rapid Response Team visited Felda in Sabah where three evacuation centers are set up. Among those who are staying in the three evacuation centers are Filipinos, Indonesians, Timuris and local villagers. Local reports said more than 500 Filipinos affected by the Sabah conflict are staying in three evacuation centers in Felda. There are 451 Filipinos working in Felda and are not threatened by the Sabah conflict, Soliman said. “Inaasahan na itong Rapid Response Team and the Humanitarian Welfare Desk ay tutulong para doon sa mga gustong umuwi, makauwi; at doon sa mga gustong manatili, matulungan kung wala silang dokumento na mabigyan sila ng dokumento, nang sa ganoon malaya silang makapagtrabaho sa lugar na kanilang pinagtatrabahuan,” she said. The Sabah conflict, which started February 12, has claimed the lives of more than 60 Filipinos and nine Malaysians, based on recent reports. PND (as)
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President Aquino confers Order of Sikatuna with rank of Datu Katangiang Ginto on outgoing President of Asian Development Bank
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) on outgoing outgoing Asian Development Bank (ADB) president Haruhiko Kuroda, in simple ceremonies at the Music Room of the Malacanang Palace on Wednesday. Thursday, March 14, 2013
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The Chief Executive presented the award on Kuroda, in recognition of his contribution for making the ADB an invaluable partner in the Aquino administration’s pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), through various initiatives such as the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT); technical assistance projects, including the Social Protection Reform; and the delivery of multiple forms of loan assistance to spur the needed reforms in the Philippines. The award was also given to Kuroda “in recognition of eight years of dedicated leadership at the helm of the Asian Development Bank, contributing to the over-all economic development of the Philippines as well as other countries in Asia.” Kuroda was likewise cited for tripling ADB’s capital base from US$55 billion to US$165 billion, bolstering the Asian Development Fund and enabling the ADB to further support important socio-economic initiatives in the fields of poverty alleviation, climate change, Thursday, March 14, 2013
infrastructure, agriculture, science and technology, social services, education, among others. He was also recognized “for the ADB’s support of a new financing framework for Philippine national government projects, which gives the government greater flexibility in arranging for Philippine development initiatives.” Kuroda helped in promoting the Philippines as the location of the ADB’s 2012 Annual Meeting which provided an invaluable opportunity to showcase the country’s economic achievements and national beauty. He was awarded for utilizing his post to foster goodwill, enhance cooperation and deepen fellowship among the world’s nations and peoples, through regional macroeconomic stability. Kuroda was recognized “for being a good and steadfast friend of the Filipino people”. Last February, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe nominated Kuroda as the next governor of the Bank of Japan,
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a key post in Tokyo’s bid to overhaul the economy. Kuroda, 68, was named along with two deputies – Kikuo Iwata, an economics professor at Tokyo’s Gakushuin University, and Hiroshi Nakaso, the BoJ’s executive director. Kuroda submitted his resignation from the ADB on February 28. Kuroda was accompanied by his wife Kumiko Kuroda to Malacanang for the conferment rites. Present during the event were Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, Tomoyuki Saisu, Chief Advisor to the ADB President and Kunio Senga, DirectorGeneral of the Southeast Asia Department. The Order of Sikatuna was established in 1953 and is conferred by the President of the Philippines to give recognition to individuals who have rendered Thursday, March 14, 2013
exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines, and to diplomats, officials and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous services in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines as well as personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs both in the Home Office and in the Foreign Service. PND (js)
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Antonino: All set for ‘Zambo City Power Forum’
A
ll is set for the holding of the “Zamboanga City Power Forum” on Friday in this southern city. The holding of the power forum Zamboanga aimed to address the is a collaboration efforts of the power crisis. Mindanao Development Authority To be discussed during the (MinDA), Department of Energy forum is the current overview of (DoE) and the city government of the Mindanao power situation and Thursday, March 14, 2013
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updates on government’s efforts to Mindanao may be different due to address the power crisis, said MinDA distribution situation in each and Secretary Luwalhati Antonino. every locality. Zamboanga City is experiencing The forum would also seek seven to eight hours rotational solutions to the current power blackout daily due to supply shortage shortage and brownouts in this city, of over 24 megawatts (MW) since the Antonino added. Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Antonino and Energy Secretary Management Corporation (PSALM) Carlos Jericho Petilla will be among and the Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) the top government officials tasked could only provide a combined by Malacaùang to discuss measures power of 54-MW of the total power to address the power crisis. demand of 79-MW. The power crisis is affecting Mayor Celso Lobregat said the the whole of Mindanao not only forum would serve as the avenue for Zamboanga City, due to the reduced all agencies of government that have water level in Lake Lanao that to do with power to come up with powers the hydroelectric power recommendations and solutions on plants. a temporary, short term, mediumHow it affects each area here in term or longer basis. (PNA)
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Thursday, March 14, 2013
Jail medical-dental mission serves more than 500 inmates in Butuan City by NOEL B. NAJARRO
AGUSAN DEL SUR -- –- Five hundred and two inmates were served during the medical-dental mission initiated by the congressional office of Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II on Wednesday morning at the Butuan City Jail.
The activity was attended by Aquino, Butuan City Councilors Erwin Dano and Josephine “Jo” Marticion-Salise, Libertad Brgy.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com Thursday, March 14, 2013
Capt. Vincent Rizal and the volunteer personnel from the del Norte-Butuan City
Rosario medical Agusan Chapter
h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .
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of the Philippine Medical Association(PMA) and the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), volunteer dentists, sociocivic groups and the Barangay Libertad health personnel. Deputy Jail Operations Officer JInsp. Reynaldo Balmori said that it was the first jail medical mission this year. The medical services given to the inmates were primary health care, medical and dental treatment, medical consultations, medical referrals and dispensation of medicines. For his part Jail warden JSInsp.
Felix Resullar expressed his thanks to the congressman for being concerned not only with the inmates’ health welfare but also for beefing up the security of the said penitentiary by donating an 8-channel closed circuit television (CCTV) for the use of the city jail. Insp. Balmori said Butuan City Jail, which is the biggest and most populated penitentiary in the region , has a zero incident in terms of escape and incidents of riots during the first quarter of this year.
GAD in Caraga conducts ‘Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan’ by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY-- In time with the International Women’s Day celebration, the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) chaired by Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Caraga Regional Director Atty. Marylin Pintor conducted last Friday the 9th “Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan” at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city. 16
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Men and women are enjoying the trade fair, ukay-ukay, massage and spa, medical mission, legal counseling, parlor games, and other leisure activities. Atty. Pintor acknowledged the presence of women from different sectors who remain active and continuously improve their capacities for the development of the community especially in getting involved in good governance. During the said activity, Pintor and vice-chair Edna Hontiveros of Forward Filipina Inc handed over the plaques of recognition to the Outstanding Women of this year. The following were awarded as Outstanding Women: Epifania Antoquia of Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City (Department of Agriculture 2012 Most Outstanding Rural Woman); and Helen Dumayas, retired GAD Focal Person of the Department of Budget and Management -Caraga. The activity is also part of the month-long celebration for this year’s Women’s Month. Also, SInsp. Ray Antonio Restauro of the Bureau of Thursday, March 14, 2013
Fire Protection (BFP)-Caraga reiterated during the program that the month of March is considered Fire Prevention Month of every year since this month has recorded several fire incidents. “BFP is continuously conducting information dissemination to the public on the prevention of fire everywhere,” said Restauro. The agency also distributed leaflets containing tips to make fire safety a daily habit. Restauro further announced that in case of fire and other emergency, the public may call BFP hotline number: 160 or 342-8217. Meanwhile, Diosita Andot of Mindanao Commission on Women also graced the activity and served as the keynote speaker of the ninth Kalandrakas. Andot emphasized the vital role of women in decision-making, fighting against corruption, and good governance. This year’s Women’s Month is anchored on the theme “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan”. 17
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We are what we declare ourselves, says Cory Quirino By Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - “We are what we declare ourselves. If we say we are good, we are beautiful, we are young forever then you become one when you begin to believe yourself. Believe that you can be what you want to,” declared beauty and wellness expert Cory Quirino in her keynote speech during the World Women’s Day Want photo, Want to to publish publish your photo, (WWD) celebration in Zamboanga Cityyour recently. news and feature release news and feature release just just email email
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIAWesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310
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ro9_pia@yahoo.com ro9_pia@yahoo.com
piazampen.blogspot.com piazampen.blogspot.com Thursday, March 14, 2013
City Public Information Officer (PIO) Belen Covarrubias in a press statement said hundreds of women from various sector of society marched the city thoroughfares during the “Marcha de las Mujeres” in celebration of the WWD with the theme, “Kababaihan: Gabay sa pagtahak sa matuwid na daan.” “The parade ended at the Juaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex where a short program was held with Ms. Quirino as the keynote speaker,” Covarrubias said. She said the beauty and wellness “goddess” inspired a lot of participants that day, who took by heart Quirino’s well-meaning advice. “When you declare violence against women is over, you must believe it, you must leave it, and you must become the symbol of power, of strength and the love that
every woman in the world stands for. A woman is really about heart,” Quirino counseled. Covarrubias quoted Quirino as saying, “Women have the power to give love, but we cannot give love to our loved ones if we do not love ourselves first and foremost.” Covarrubias said Quirino pointed out that the essence of wellness in the body, mind and spirit is loving the people around us and that love must begin with loving ourselves first by taking care of our bodies, by listening to our hearts and by taking care of ourselves. Quirino is the granddaughter of former President Elpidio Quirino. The annual Marcha de las Mujeres, which started in 1999, is a joint activity of the city government, the Gender and Development Focal Point and the Local Council of Women.
RDC-IX bats for growth, development in ZamPen By Mary May A. Abellon
DIPOLOG CITY - “RDC is the highest policy-making in the region. We are not here just to present our budget but we are here to contribute to the regional development.” This was the gist of the message aired by Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-IX during the 143rd Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting held recently at the Top Plaza Hotel this city. The council has endorsed a total Thursday, March 14, 2013
of P47.43 billion budget for fiscal year 2014, which is 140 percent higher than the P19.83 billion budget for 2013 in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). The P47.43 billion for 2014 represents the total proposed budget submitted by the regional offices of the different government agencies
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and state universities and colleges in Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen). Sectoral issues and concerns affecting the regional growth and development were also tackled during the meeting, leading to the passage of resolutions involving the “Family Health Improved” project of the Department of Health (DOH), “Public-Private Partnership School Infrastructure Project Phase II (PSIP II) of the Department of Education (DepED), and the request for assistance and funding from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the dredging of Palomoc River and Titay Valley flood control project all in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay. In the same gathering, a memorandum of agreement between NEDA-IX and DPWH-IX has been
signed for the construction of NEDA’s office building worth P50 million in Pagadian City. The DPWH has to assist in the detailed engineering and technical supervision of the project. The RDC is tasked with coordinating the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of short and longterm regional development plans and investment programs, regional physical framework plan and special development plans, including the formulation of policy recommendations. It also integrates approved development plans of provinces and cities, line agencies, state universities and colleges, government owned and controlled corporations and special development authorities in the region into the regional development plan. Thursday, March 14, 2013
Hataman calls for proactive approach on Sabah crisis By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman called on all memberagencies of the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) to have a proactive approach on the crisis in Sabah, Malaysia to avoid further problems in case of massive evacuation and deportation of Filipinos. “We need to be proactive and think ahead, even anticipating the worst case scenario, so that we will have a concrete work plan that will address the needs of the displaced people from Sabah,” Gov. Hataman said during the CMC meeting on Tuesday at the Western Mindanao Command this city. A visibly concerned Hataman said the immediate concerns in the Thursday, March 14, 2013
provinces of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu are food supply and other basic commodities. Hataman asked the National Food Authority (NFA)-IX to have an inventory of the rice supply intended for the two provinces, especially in Tawi-Tawi, which is near to Sabah. “We don’t want to have food shortage there. We know that the supplies in Tawi-Tawi mostly come
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from Sabah due to its proximity,” he pointed out. Hataman also asked the NFA, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-IX and Department of Agriculture (DA)-IX to secure the baseline data on the rice consumption in Tawi-Tawi to better estimate the needed supply to be delivered to Tawi-Tawi. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-ARMM Assistant Secretary Sharifa Pearlsha A. Dans, in her briefing during the meeting, stated that around 800,000 Filipinos will be affected if the crisis in the oil-rich region of north Borneo continues. In the event of massive evacuation, Hataman wanted to have enough food supply in TawiTawi and Sulu because half of those Filipinos in Sabah come from the two provinces. The committee was also divided into two teams, the emergency 24
response team and the recovery and rehabilitation team, which is in charge of the psycho-social economic aspect of the displaced Filipinos. “Our emergency response team is already there, but if we can deploy some more technical person to help in the operations there, much better. The recovery and rehabilitation team is in charge of medium to long term programs needed to help the displaced persons,” Hataman said. Hataman has also ordered the two teams to submit to him their respective work plans either this week or early next week for submission to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa. “The earlier we submit our work plan, the better. But we just have to make sure that we come up with a concrete work plan that will address the needs of the Filipinos that will be affected in case this crisis continues,” Hataman stressed. Thursday, March 14, 2013
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Consultation on BuB poverty projects to commence in Northern Mindanao by Rochelle Dagang
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT) will present the proposals of poverty reduction projects under the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program to all focus cities and municipalities in Region 10, on March 12 to 14.
http://newshopper.sulekha.com/philippines-poverty_photo_947301.htm
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The mayor’s representative and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) field officer, being both members of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT), are expected to attend said consultation. Batch 1 participants for the BuB consultation will be from the cities and municipalities of Misamis Oriental and Camiguin on March 12 while batch 2 from Lanao del Norte and Iligan City on March 13, and batch 3 from Bukidnon and Misamis Occidental will be on March 14. BuB is an approach that will be used by concerned agencies for implementation of FY 2014 budget preparation, taking into consideration the development needs of poor cities/ municipalities as identified in their respective local poverty reduction action plans. The program was created under Executive Order No. 43, series of 2011 by the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster (HDPRC), the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Cluster (GGAC) and the Economic Development Cluster, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). Said consultation is based from the DBM-DILG-DSWD-NAPC Joint Memorandum Circular No. 3, series of 2012 which stated that the RPRAT will provide support and guidance to Thursday, March 14, 2013
LGUs throughout the BuB process and monitor the implementation of the BuB projects. Proposals submitted by the concerned cities and municipalities have been reviewed and validated by each member agency. Based on the guidelines, each member agency will endorse proposals which had been requested from their agency. DILG, being the chair of RPRAT, then consolidates the results. The rest who will answer queries are heads of agencies and focal persons from the departments of Budget Management, Social Welfare, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, Education, Labor and Employment, Energy, Trade and Industry, Tourism, and from the National Electrification Administration and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. After the consultation, the final submission of any revised proposals will be submitted again by LPRAT to the regional team. When the projects are finally settled and/or replaced, the DILG will make a revised list of validated BuB projects for submission to the National Anti-Poverty Commission and the Regional Development Council. A consolidation will then be made in the NAPC level to be presented to BuB oversight agencies for approval before the integration of LGU projects in the budgets of participating agencies. 27
LNNCHS Wildcats reign supreme in NCC 2013 by Jovanny M. Pangasian
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - The Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School (LNNCHS) Wildcats captured the national title for the high school coed division in the 2013 National Cheerleading Championships (NCC) held at the Philsports Arena formerly Ultra, Pasig City on Sunday, March 10. The 30-member squad bested 14 other high school teams from different regions of the country with their clean and amazing routine including a 360 degrees tick tock stunt and the highly technical bow and arrow combinations. Last year’s champions, the Paranaque National High School (PNHS) Warriors settled for third place while Cavite’s pride, the Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA) All Stars was adjudged second. The LNNCHS Wildcats wowed the audience with their tosses, lifts and stunts, jumps and tumblings, pyramids, and their unique tango dance sequence. “I was amazed by the performance of the Wildcats and I am so proud of their achievement being the first-ever high school squad from Mindanao to grab the title,” exclaimed Lanao del Norte’s 1st District representative, Angging Quibranza Dimaporo who was present at the championships to support Lanao’s cheerleaders. “The Wildcats are now role models of our youth and with the discipline and commitment that they possess, I hope that they would continue to inspire young athletes and cheerleaders in our 28
province,” said Sittie Amina Dimaporo, chief of staff. LNNCHS Wildcats is comprised of eight girls and 22 boys. The members of the cheerleading team are: Glen Blythe Alloso, Catherine Atis, Lorefe Alipio, Nelme Vann Dagondon, Lylanie Esguerra, Noriza May Quabo, Jennie Bantilan, Joy Sumalpong, Jaymar Saberon, Dwyeth Vergeire, Jayson Sarona, Jay-ar Abarquez, Marjun Perocillo, Leoniez Handumon, Janmar Manloza, Jevon Saberon, Aigime Bontuyan, Leberde Caralde, Edmar Melecio, Renz Marion Estavas, Johnlewin Echavez, Johnryl Baylosis, Denmar Gomera, Roy Rochell Vios, Harold Merontos, July Omas-as, Eric Trajano Jr., Jereniel Tiongco, Arafat Tomanto, and Felmer Taguinca. “We are very thankful for the overwhelming support that we get from the Dimaporo family, the local government officials of Baroy, the teaching staff and administration of LNNCHS and all the people who support our squad including our families,” said Wildcats head coach, Emenioneth Gordoncillo. The LNNCHS Wildcats is also coached by Jzeconiah Prince Villacorte, Chriza Faith Manlosa, and Suzette Morilla. Thursday, March 14, 2013
DAR, DTI, DA converge for ARBs by Florence A. Ramos
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted the DARDTI Technical Discussion on Value-Chain Analysis and Planning for Project Converge on March 6-8 in this city. The three-day affair was attended by officers and staff from the DAR and DTI central office and their counterparts from Regions 9, 10, and 13 (Caraga). A representative from the Department of Agriculture (DA-10) also attended. The value-chain analysis and planning activity aims is to analyze and map the value-chain business development plans for selected crops in each of the covered regions and thereby increase the income of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). “DTI will be a major support since it will be the agency that will assist the project in building and improving agribusiness partnerships between ARB organizations and private sectors,” said Beh Afable, director of the DAR Project Development Management Service. Furthermore, John Lucero, a senior trade industry development specialist from DTI central office said with the fast-paced development on the market, competitiveness between commercial products and products from local farmers will become more challenging. Thursday, March 14, 2013
“Consumers today are more sophisticated and tend to go for the best and convenient products on the market. This will be where value-chain can help our farmers,” said Lucero. Value-chain analysis, according to his presentation, is a business promotion approach to help improve sectoral competitiveness. Further, DAR Undersecretary for Support Services Jerry Pacturan emphasized the importance of properly organizing the ARBs in the value-chain to strengthen their competitiveness in the market. The Convergence on Valuechain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment, or simply Project Converge is a project conceptualized by the Philippine government through the National Convergence Initiative agencies (DA, DAR, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources) whose principal goal is to reduce poverty by increasing the incomes of poor agrarian reform community (ARC) clusters with the assistance of the International Fund for Agricultural Development. 29
Grilled delights in first Dabaw Sinugba Festival by Rudolph Alama
DAVAO CITY- Highlighting the grilled specialties for which Davao City is known for, a private group is holding the first ever Dabaw Sinugba (grilled) Festival. The event will be held this March 14-17 at the Tienda del Mercado in Juna Subdivision this city. The Sinugba Festival will bring together the city’s local and international barbeque and grill businesses from pork, chicken barbeque, grilled sea 30
food, kababs and designer burgers for four nights. The Festival will also serve to engage and educate Dabawenyos and visitors alike of the various barbeque and grill cuisines of the city. Much of the city’s bustling and emerging food establishmentsarebarbeque and grill businesses. The much anticipated festival involves an Eat-AllYou-Can sinugba buffet, where for a ticket worth twohundred pesos (P200) one can have an unlimited taste of the varied grilled and barbecue offerings in the festival. It will also have burger and barbeque-eating contests, cooking demonstrations and grilled culinary competitions plus nightly acoustic music entertainment. Set-up by the private group Mocha Productions, the Dabaw Sinugba Festival is part of the Thursday, March 14, 2013
support to the City’s Life is Here tourism branding campaign and the Department of Tourism’s It’s More Fun in the Philippines, it also provides another culinary attraction for visitors and residents celebrating the 76th Araw ng Dabaw Celebrations.
The Festival hopes to push Davao City as a destination for the best barbeque and grill cuisines not just in Mindanao but also in the country. (PIA/RG Alama)
Tagum’s women group reaches out to New Bataan TAGUM CITY- The Tagum City Council of Women headed by Madame Alma L. Uy celebrated the International Women’s Month together with the victims of Typhoon Pablo at the Sports Complex in New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province last March 6, 2013.
The event, which banners the theme “Women Helping Women,” is a project of the Tagum City Council of Women, Inc. in coordination with Provincial Government of Compostela Valley, Compostela Valley Province Council of Women, and with the partnership of Lady Local Legislators of Tagum City, Human Resource Management Tagum City, Tagum City Muslim Chamber & Commerce Industry, Tagum City Gay Association, Tagum City Information Office, Tagum Cooperative, Balik-Sigla Program (Tagum City Mobile Therapists), Philippine Pharmaceuticals Association, and the Women and Children’s Desk of the Tagum City Police Office. As part of the long-term stress debriefing to typhoon victims, the Thursday, March 14, 2013
Tagum City Council of Women with their partners conducted several activities that include free massage, haircut, check-up and parlor games with prizes. The parlor games led by the Human Resource Management of Tagum City, included “soldier of fortune,” “bakya,” “marble relay” and “ring relay. A sense of inspiration ignited when the survivors listen to the internationally-acclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers which was invited by the council to perform in the typhoonbattered town as part of their 50th anniversary concert tour. After the activity, the group offered flowers and prayers to the dead and missing persons in Barangay Andap. Governor Arturo Uy and Congresswoman Maricar Zamora of the 1st District of Compostela Valley Province extended gratitude to the Tagum City Council of Women and to the rest of the groups and partners who gave time and effort just to be with the victims of Pablo. (Jorjan Federiso of CIO Tagum) 31
Soccsksargen Region is top implementer of MRDP development projects By Danilo E. Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Of the six regions in Mindanao, Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 has emerged as the top implementer of various development projects under the Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Rural Development Program–Adaptable Program Loan Phase 2 (MRDP-2).
Based on MRDP-2’s yearend evaluation and assessment, ratings indicated that the four provinces of the region were the program’s top performers so far in terms of project implementation and funds disbursements. Soccsksargen Region is comprised of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. South Cotabato 32
was adjudged as the best provincial local government unit in the implementation of MRDP projects. This after the province recorded an accomplishment rating of 129 percent ranking, the highest among 26 provinces in Mindanao. Sultan Kudarat posted an accomplishment rating of 83 percent followed by North Cotabato with 68 percent and Sarangani with 55 percent. In an interview,
South Cotabato Gov. Arthur “Dodo” Pingoy Jr. revealed that from the province’s original target of P60 million, it was able to implement a total of P77.5 million worth of projects in 10 localities in the area. He added that the program had served 174 people’s organizations, cooperatives and associations in the province from in the last two years. “We have received this citation because of our unique management strategy, and that Thursday, March 14, 2013
is implementing the projects beyond politics,” he said. With this excellent performance, South Cotabato will also serve as the pilot area for a bigger and wider Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) which is set to kick-off this year. During the DA Region 12’s “Ulat sa Bayan” and “Farmers Hearts Day” celebration held at its regional station in Barangay Bololmala in Tupi town on February 11, Secretary Proceso J. Alcala had awarded a special citation to the provincial government of South Cotabato for topping the implementation of MRDP-2 projects in the last two years in the entire Mindanao.
Alcala said that for this year, DA has allotted another P6 billion for the implementation of additional projects under the program. He added that such funding was on top of the agency’s appropriation for its priority initiatives in Mindanao this year that accounts for 38 to 40 percent of DA’s P76-billion budget for 2013. Under the MRDP-2, the national government has allotted some P240 million for the implementation of various communitybased projects in Region 12. North Cotabato received an allotment of P80 million followed by South Cotabato with
P60 million, Sarangani with P45 million and Sultan Kudarat with P37.5 million. The program so far benefited 771 cooperatives, people’s organizations and farmer associations in the region. MRDP is a poverty alleviation initiative funded by the World Bank and the national government through the DA with the LGUs providing an equity share. The program seeks to further improve rural incomes and achieve food security through agrifisheries infrastructure, livelihood enterprise, and biodiversity conservation projects. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/LMSalvo-DA 12)
P12-M anti-poverty infra projects completed in North Cotabato By Hilbert T. Estacion KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- A total of P12.28 million worth of antipoverty infrastructure projects have been completed in various villages of Libungan, North Cotabato, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported. DSWD Region- 12 Regional Director Zorahayda Taha said, Thursday, March 14, 2013
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these comprised 20 community sub-projects, including schools, daycare centers, health stations, solar dryers, potable water system, road rehabilitations and other projects could benefit thousands of poor families in the area. “We are happy to report the completion of 20 community subprojects that address the most pressing needs in various villages of Libungan and directly benefited a total of 5,787 households,� Taha said. Taha further explained
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that new school buildings were constructed in Batiocan, Palao, Abaga, Montay, and Cabaruyan, solving the classroom shortage and congestion of these remote villages. Young children of a small village of Kapayawi who used to walk a long distance to get to school, now have their own day care center right there in their community. Roads in Malengen, Ulamian, Sinapangan, Cabpangi, and Baguer that have long been clamored for by the
people have also been rehabilitated. Potable water is now accessible in Grebona with a water system project, while health and other social services are now readily available in the villages of Kitubod and Nicaan through newly constructed health stations. A new solar drier in Kiloyao and Demapaco is also expected to augment the income of the farmers, who decried the lack of postharvest facilities in the community for many
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years. Dark nights will be over with the completed rural electrification project in Sinawingan, while perennial overflowing of canals and constant flooding have been solved with the completion of drainage system in Barongis and Poblacion, and putting up of box culvert in Gumaga. The different sub-projects were constructed through the DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa KahirapanComprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KalahiCIDSS), a communitydriven development antipoverty flagship project of the agency financed
by World Bank. The town of Libungan has implemented various sub-projects earlier when it completed the three cycles of KalahiCIDSS. The recently completed projects are now in the 4th cycle or the Makamasang Tugon (MT), an LGU-led project. Makamasang Tugon is a performance –based incentive cycle that provides good performing local government units of KalahiCIDSS municipalities an additional grant to support efforts of LGUs to integrate CDD approaches and strategies to address poverty.
“Libungan is among those LGU in the Philippines earlier identified that demonstrated adherence to the principles and processes that promote participation, transparency, and accountability in implementing the first 3 cycles, making it eligible to implement the Makamasang Tugon or the LGU-led modality of Kalahi-CIDSS,” Taha added. To date, Libungan has constructed various Kalahi-CIDSS subprojects amounting to P34.86 million. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/ Hilbert T. Estacion DSWD-12)
CCSPC prepares for conversion into state university By Shahana Joy E. Duerme KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato--The Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC) is now preparing for its conversion into a state university.
The CCSPC is required to conduct community extension projects while mentors are advised to get masters and doctorate degrees as mandated Thursday, March 14, 2013
under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). In a gathering of CCPSPC staff and students recently, college president Dr.
Dammang Bantala emphasized that it is very important for the institution to become a state university. Bantala said the conversion will give 35
unprivileged students access to quality education. M e a n w h i l e , Maguindanao 1st
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district Rep. Sandra Sema encouraged everyone to support CCSPC’s conversion into a
state university. Also, she recommended conducting a community extension project with regards to the growing inland fishery industries in the city. Sema is the author of the House Bill 5914 or the conversion of CCSPC into a state university. The House of the Representatives has approved HB 5914 on third and final reading. (SJDuerme-PIA12)
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