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 Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
THELMA B. OLIVER Regional Director, 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
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail: pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com, pia_xii@yahoo.com
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com , pia_caraga@yahoo. com,ph Blogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga
Today’s issue...
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Vol. 2 No. 190
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Cover Story
ELECTIONS 2013 in Region XI Southern Mindanao
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President Aquino appoints new Associate Justice of the Court of Tax Appeals Cotabato governor wants conflict between MILF, MNLF in Matalam resolved before June Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao
Handicrafts firm receives P700-T assistance from DOST-9 Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao
Fire hits Iligan’s coco oil mill, injures 2 Lorry V. Gabule, Northern Mindanao
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ESTERO Project installs trash traps at Carangan Creek in Ozamiz Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao
BRAC Philippines provides assistance to differently able learner in Maguindanao Oliver Ross V. Rivera, ARMM
GIZ to conduct Planning Workshop on Local Flood Early Warning System in Caraga Jennifer P. Gaitano, Northern Mindanao
CoVer StoRy ELECTIONS 2013 in Region XI from combined reports of the PIA-XI election monitoring team Joey Dalumpines, Carina Cayon, Jean Abangan, Cristy Sanico, Karen Deloso, Rudolph Alama, Erwin Fernandez
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he 2013 local and national elections in Davao Region occurred without major untoward issues or incidents.
Glitches in some of the Precinct Count Optical Scanners (PCOS) were reported while some voters had complaints of not finding or having difficulty finding their precincts, though these problems were not as major as to affect the successful holding of the second automated elections in the country’s history. By the evening, the Board of Canvassers had reconvened in the respective areas as the machines began to transmit the votes. MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL During the early hours of the morning, voters flocked at polling stations, eager to cast their ballots. In Mati City Central Elementary School 4
alone, there are 8 clustered precincts with roughly 8,000 registered voters, making it one of the biggest polling areas in Mati City, Erwin Fernandez of Philippine Information Agency- XI reported. DAVAO CITY Senior Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa, director of the Davao City Police Office assessed a relatively peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections as of 9:30 am Monday. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte also cited the zero major untoward incidents in the City during the conduct of the May 13 elections. The Mayor urged Dabawenyos to take a time out during the day and go Thursday, May 23, 2013
Police provincial director PS Supt. Edgardo Wycoco confirmed that elections in Davao del Norte was done “orderly and peacefully” and that areas placed under close-watch of the police and the military authorities were relatively peaceful with no political violence nor any sort of conflict. DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR Davao del Sur Provincial election t o the polling centers to vote. Voter turn assistant supervisor Edgardo Sadili said that the opening of the election in the out was estimated at 57%. province this morning has generally been peaceful and orderly. No untoward DAVAO DEL NORTE Except for minor glitches of the incident has been reported so far. precinct count optical scan (PCOS) units, Davao del Norte sustains the COMPOSTELA VALLEY Comval elections were generally trend of a peaceful election that it has established since the immediate past peaceful however it was marred by a shooting incident that occurred at national and local elections. As of 2:00 p.m. Atty. Ma. Febes around 8 a.m of May 13 and which Barlaan, provincial election supervisor, resulted in the death of a certain Monier assessed the conduct of this year’s Hasin who was shot by unidentified national and local election in Davao gunmen using unknown caliber at Sitio del Norte as “generally peaceful” with Bitoon, Brgy. Tagdanua, Pantukan, no untoward incidents that could have Compostela Valley. Recovered from the scene were otherwise disrupted the casting of 4 MC black Honda Wave with plate votes. number 8381QK, blue TMX with no plate number, red Raider 125 with plate number 1101QL and black XRM with no plate number. In Barangay Gabi in Compostela Valley, elections were postponed for the barangay’s 400 voters after the ballots intended for the barangay were mistakenly delivered to Baguio City. Thursday, May 23, 2013
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ACROSS THE NATION Philippines joins world in expressing sympathy for Oklahoma City tornado victims in the US
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he Philippines joined other nations in expressing sympathy and grief for the residents of Oklahoma City suburb of Moore in the United States that was struck by a gigantic tornado on Monday.
In a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte expressed sadness over the “loss of young lives in this catastrophe� and offered prayers for the victims, their families and friends. Thursday, May 23, 2013
According to reports, a giant tornado measuring around two miles wide struck the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore and its environs killing 24 people 9 of them were children. Packing winds of at least 200mph (320km/h), the storm has been upgraded to the
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level of a powerful twister. “The Filipino people join the world in grief in the wake of a devastating tornado that struck Oklahoma City and its environs. We extend our sympathies to the thousands affected by this calamity, among them the Filipino-American community, who are confronted by the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and their
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homes,” Valte said. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of young lives in this catastrophe, many of whom perished in a school. Our thoughts and prayers are with their parents and families in these difficult times. May all the victims of this disaster find solace and strength in the days ahead,” she added. PND (rck)
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President Aquino appoints new Associate Justice of the Court of Tax Appeals
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III appointed Maria Belen RingpisLiban as Associate Justice of the Court of Tax Appeals replacing Olga R. Palanca-Enriquez.
The President signed RingpisLiban’s appointment May 17. A graduate of the UP College of Law, Ringpis-Liban served as regional trial court judge of Malolos and Quezon City. She also became a solicitor at the Office of the Solicitor General from 1988 to 1996. From 1986 to 1988, she worked as a confidential attorney at the Court of Thursday, May 23, 2013
Appeals. Ringpis-Liban was also a legal associate at PNCC and the Puruganan Ongkiko and Chato Law office. Also on May 17 the President appointed Teresita O. Hatta as executive director of the Central Bank Board of Liquidators. Hatta replaces Leopoldo A. Abad Jr. A graduate of Business Administration at the University of the Philippines, Hatta
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worked as assistant governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s (BSP) Systems and Methods Office in 2001 to 2009. She also became the BSP’s managing director for Accounting and Information Technology and concurrent chief accountant and chief information officer of the BSP from 1997 to 2001. She also served in the old Central Bank of the Philippines and also worked
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at the SGV and Co. for six years. Other presidential appointments include Aurora Javate-de Dios as Philippine Representative to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children. Javate-de Dios will serve for three years as the country’s representative. PND (as)
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Alsons Power to supply 25% of projected Mindanao peak demand by 2016
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lsons Power International Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of listed Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. (ACR), is on track to produce an additional 282 megawatts of electricity by 2016 to meet Mindanao’s growing demand. The additional power generation capacity will come from Alsons Power’s facilities: the revamped Mapalad Power Corp. (MPC) plant in Iligan City; the first phase of the Sarangani Energy Corp. (SEC) coal-fired plant currently undergoing construction in Maasim, 10
Sarangani; and the prospective San Power, Inc. (SRPI) coal-fired plant in Zamboanga City which is slated to start producing 105 MW upon commencing operations in 2016. ACR bared that the SEC plant has completed the site clearing phase Thursday, May 23, 2013
of construction with site grading, excavation and levelling currently ongoing in preparation for setting up the plant’s structural framework later this year. On the other hand, the SRPI facility in Zamboanga is in the last stages of securing an approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of its Power Sales Agreement (PSA) with the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZAMCELCO). “The SRPI plant’s contractor is expected to receive a notice to proceed with the engineering and construction process before the end of 2013. Both
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the SEC and SRPI plants have signed power sales agreements with key distribution utilities in Mindanao,” ACR said in a disclosure. The 282 MW is on top of the current capacity of 181 MW from the MPC plant, the Southern Philippines Power Corp. (SPPC) plant in Alabel, Sarangani and the Western Mindanao Power Corp. plant in Zamboanga City. “The resulting aggregate electrical capacity to be generated by Alsons Power in 2016 will be 463 MW –more than one-fourth of the Department of Energy’s projected 2016 Mindanao peak power demand of 1,829 MW,” it said.
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LGU Gensan calls on professionals to take advantage of “PRC on Wheels” GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The local government here is calling on all professionals of the city and other neighboring provinces and municipalities to take advantage of the mobile services of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on its visit here this weekend.
City Media Affairs Officer, Avelmar Manansala disclosed that personnel from PRC– Davao Regional Office will be coming over to process applications for examinations and extend other services on May 25-
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26, 2013 at the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) Conference Room. “This is very beneficial for PRC clients in SocSarGen (South Cotabato, Sarangani, and General Santos City) area as they don’t have to travel to Davao anymore to get the documents they need,” he said. In 2011, the PRC has also rolled out its “PRC on wheels” in the city and extended services on various applications for licensure examinations at the Oval Plaza Covered Court. Thursday, May 23, 2013
“We changed the venue this year at the CMO Conference Room, which is fully air-conditioned, to provide more convenience to the applicants,” Manansala explained. Some of the on-site services that will be provided by the “PRC on wheels” on weekend include processing of applications for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) with deadline of filing on June 7, 2013 for repeaters and June 28, 2013 for first timers; and applications for licensure exams for Social Workers, Pharmacists, Foresters, and Agriculturists. Manansala said “PRC on wheels” will also facilitate the renewal of professional identification cards of various professions, registration for teachers who passed the March 2013 LET, and will accommodate requests for certification, authentication of PRC-issued documents, and other inquiries. He disclosed that professionals
can also claim their PRC ID provided that they have a prior request sent via email (prc.davao@gmail.com). “In view of the implementation of the “On-line Application System,” all applicants for licensure examinations are required to log in to the official PRC website at http:// www.prc.gov.ph/online/application to fill out the application form under “Data Entry” prior to the scheduled mobile service.” Manansala clarified that the PRC will only process those with complete documentary requirements and be issued with the Notice of Admission. For further inquiries, one may call the PRC at (082) 234-0006 and 234-0007. “We advised interested applicants to be at the city hall before 8 a.m. on Saturday to get their priority numbers,” he said. (PGFruylan/ PIA-Gensan)
Cotabato governor wants conflict between MILF, MNLF in Matalam resolved before June By Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza yesterday led a dialogue among stakeholders to hasten resolution
of the conflict between troops of the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Fron (MILF) in Matalam town.
“Our most pressing concern now “If families who have evacuis the opening of classes,” Gov. ated could not return to their Taliño-Mendoza said. homes soon, schooling of their Thursday, May 23, 2013
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children would definitely be affected,” she said. Classes are set to begin on June 3. The governor’s call for a dialogue came after the recent resurgence of skirmishes between the MILF and MNLF troops in Barangay Marbel, Matalam which resulted in the evacuation of approximately 3,000 individuals -- mostly women and children -- from said village and adjacent areas. Participants to the peace dialogue at the Villa Oro Resort in Poblacion, Matalam included local officials and representatives MILF and MNLF. Representatves from Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) as well as the International Monitoring Team (IMT) were also in attendance. “Both groups (MILF and MNLF) should understand the implications of their feud and the consequences of this to the residents in the area,” she said. Military forces have been deployed to Barangay Marbel where MILF and MNLF forces are separated only by a river. Matalam police station chief CInsp. Elias Dandan, said tension 14
in the area has eased but added the situation remains volatile. He added that although the situation seem normal at day time but residents fear that gunfights could erupt because movement of Moro troops in the area continue, especially at night time. “This is the reason why residents in the area have evacuated,” he said. The conflict in Matalam started on May 5 when MILF went to Barangay Marbel -- a known zone of the MNLF to promote the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. According to reports, Dima Ambil, an MNLF leader in the area, earlier agreed to the conduct of the forum provided that the MILF team did not carry guns. However, the MILF group who went to the area for the forum were in full gear, which Ambil took as an insult. In a dialogue spearheaded by IMT and CCCH on May 12, Ambil assured a ceasefire, particularly to allow for a peaceful elections. Elections on Monday went through without incident. However, at around 6 a.m. on Thursday, May 16, a running gun fight erupted in the area which resulted in death of two MILF members. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12) Thursday, May 23, 2013
Military, DILG help solve transmission line problem in Mindanao By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY - As an extension of their service to the country, members of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade (MIB) of the Philippine Army (PA) in Iligan City rendered their assistance to solve Right-of-Way (ROW) issues concerning the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) transmission lines in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte. The military unit, through the directive of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10, coordinated with more than 20 owners of the land traversed by the Agus 2 – Kibawe 138 kilovolt
(kV) line of NGCP. Through this effort, the military aimed to convince the owners to allow NGCP to trim the trees that are breaching or about to breach the ROW clearances set by the system operator.
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As reinforcement, the 2nd MIB also conducted information dissemination among the members of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) of Balo-i on the ROW problems and how these adversely affect the service delivery of NGCP. Earlier this year, NGCP found it difficult in maintaining the said transmission line due to the intentional planting of trees under the facilities which caused 20 outages in Lanao as of May. “NGCP is thankful that the DILG and the military are helping curb ROW violations in Lanao Del Norte. We hope that this would be the start of a smoother operation and better community relations for us in the area,” NGCP Spokesperson Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza said. The Balo-i Substation and lines connected to it, including the Agus 2 – Kibawe 138 kV line, are crucial
to the Mindanao grid because they carry the bulk of electricity produced by the government-owned generator Agus Complex. The said hydro power plant supplies 500 megawatts or around 60% of Mindanao’s power demand and 200 MW passing through NGCP’s Balo-i Substation and lines emanating from it. NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. NGCP transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines and towers, substations and related assets. NGCP’s regular maintenance activities and expansion projects aim to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity delivered to customers.
Handicrafts firm receives P700-T assistance from DOST-9 By Alma L. Tingcang ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Science and Technology IX has released P700 thousand for the newly approved project of the Sulo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (SARBEMCO) in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay. In a press release, DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology and Upgrading Program (SETUP) approved the project “Upgrading of Abaca Processing Facility of SARBEMCO,” for them to acquire five units of Abaca spindle stripping machines to 16
service the abaca plantation of the cooperative. The fund assistance targets to increase the fiber production efficiency of the farmers-strippers, from 15 kilograms to 50 kilograms per day, to showcase the production Thursday, May 23, 2013
of quality abaca fibers and to increase the farm productivity of the cooperative. With only 75 hectares fully planted with abaca out of the 500 hectares targeted parcel, the cooperative initiated intercrop production of rubber latex and abaca fibers and specializes in handicrafts and horticulture. With their desire to expand the abaca plantation, SETUP procured 5 units of stripping machine to support abaca fiber production. DOST-IX will also conduct procedures to improve the cooperative’s system and production process, and develop the manpower through skills training as part of the technological interventions.. SETUP is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in implementing technological innovations and improvements in their operations to boost their productivity and competitiveness. For more information, interested parties may visit or call DOST-Regional Office IX, Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 991-1024; the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Upper Turno, Dipolog City, telephone numbers (065) 212-2244; Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City with telephone number (062) 925-1152; and the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) at 2/F Faundo Bldg., National Highway, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay with telephone numbers (062) 3332793; or you may visit the DOST-IX website at www.region9.dost.gov. ph. Thursday, May 23, 2013
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MultiDrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB), a growing public health concern - DOH by Jennica Rojas
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) region 10, City Health Office and local government unit here are one in doing massive information dissemination on a growing public health concern, the MultiDrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
Dr. Arlene Esling of German Doctors Hospital explained that normal (early stage) tuberculosis (TB) transforms or develops into a MultiDrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) when TB patients fail to get correct treatment or not get complete required medication. If so, the patient will develop resistance Thursday, May 23, 2013
to the anti-TB medications which will result in MDR-TB. It is very expensive and difficult to treat, she added. Administrative Order 2008-2018, also known as the “Guidelines for the Implementation of the Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB (PMDT),� issued on May 26, 2008, sets the mandate to support the efforts to manage MDR-TB in the Philippines in the context of the existing TB control infrastructure. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), an international funding instrument provides the necessary support for human resource development, physical and equipment outlay in the fight against TB, specifically MDRTB through the Tropical Disease 19
Foundation (TDF) as the Principal Recipient and the implementing sub-recipient for PMDT in close collaboration with the DOH through its regional health offices or Centers for Health Development (CHDs). One of the treatment centers in region 10 is the German Doctors Clinic this city. Patients with TB or MDR-TB are more susceptible to Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV because they have weak resistance, according to Dr. Esling. The latest screening from German Doctors show four patients who were positive with HIV also became positive with TB. This is why they call these two “doubletrouble.� Primary reasons why a person has MDR-TB: 1) Patient might have caught MDR-TB from another person with such disease; 2) The germ became resistant during the previous treatment which means patients who has undergone treatment for TB before has not finished the 6-8 months treatment. 3) Also, patients who had interrupted or unfinished medication for TB and had a relapse may cause them to have multidrug-resistant TB this time. When a patient is diagnosed of MDR-TB, the medication process takes 18-24 months. The process consists of daily injectables for the first six months probation stage equivalent to 156 injections or 468 doses of medicine. Every patient undergoing MDRTB medication allocates 300,000 pesos worth of imported drugs that 20
are not available over the counter. Every two or six months there is a blood chemistry examination and X-ray for patients not more than or more than 50 years old, respectively. Alternative drugs are given for patients who could not tolerate the drugs for MDR-TB. However, the dosage of the medicines is given according to the weight of the patient. Say, more dosage for overweight patient 11-18 tablets not including injections. Once a patient is enrolled to MDR-TB medication, they are to sign a waiver to complete the whole process. On the other hand, patients who withdraw from the medication because they could not take the medication anymore or they thought they are already feeling better, could result to their death later on, according to Dr. Esling. The Philippines is 8th among 27 priority countries for MDR-TB. In 2007, 36,000 Filipinos died of TB.
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Fire hits Iligan’s coco oil mill, injures 2 by Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte -- At around 5:55 p.m., a fire broke out at the compound of Granexport Manufacturing Corporation, located along the national highway, Barangay Kiwalan, Iligan City on May 20, 2013. SSupt. Lindy C.Lauzon, regional director of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-10), said they have not determined yet the cause of fire and it is very immature to say until we fully do fuel reduction, but one thing for sure he confirmed that the fire started at the Granex’ warehouse/ storage of millions of metric tons of copra, to be processed into a cooking oil. Its firm name Granexport Corporation was derived from Grand Export. It puts up around 20 copra buying stations in the Philippines and copra bought from these stations are brought to Kiwalan, for milling. Granex produces crude oil and coco pellet. The products are also exported to USA, Europe, Japan and other parts of the world. At the height of the fire, two firefighters were injured when they stepped and accidentally slid down into a hot water. They were brought to the nearest hospital here in Iligan City, and were confined at the Sanitarium Hospital, Tibanga, this city. The two firemen suffered second degree burn namely SInsp. Glen Chua of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Ozamiz City, and FO1 Reymondo T. Magallanes. Thursday, May 23, 2013
Lauzon further said they perform fuel reduction by pulling out the copra, wet and place in a cooling area, the copra which contained an oil element that causes fire ignition. We have contained already the ignition through this process but with the structure on how this bulk of copra is confined, it could be how fast and effective we do the fuel reduction, explained Lauzon. There are about 25 fire trucks with their fire team augmented to suppress the fire, all coming from the BFP stations in coastal municipalities of Lanao del Norte and in Misamis Oriental. As of this posting, no declaration that blaze is already fire out, dark smoke is emitted intensely in the area. Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare Office (CSWD) relief team of Iligan is distributing dry ration to victims of fire who sought refuge to the evacuation centers as their temporary shelter while they were advised not to return home yet due to unpredictable burst of fire and emission of thick and dark smoke. Each family were given five kilos of rice including sardines, noodles and coffee, etc. City Councilor Ruderic Marzo said the local government unit also provides some 2,000 masks to be 21
used by the residents in the affected area and those groups that provide assistance to avoid suffocation due to black smoke. La Farge, formerly Iligan Cement Corporation has provided a room for families who vacated their homes near Granex and provided them food in the evening when fire transpired. While Barangay Chairman Antonio
Alon and his barangay officials assisted those families during the evacuation, as well as the assistance provided by Barangay Chairman Milagros Luisma of Acmac, this city. CSWD has reported around 2,525 individuals, composed of 1,150 families affected to this blaze which until now has not been declared out of danger already.
ESTERO Project installs trash traps at Carangan Creek in Ozamiz by Rutchie C. Aguhob
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Trash traps made of fabricated steel have been installed by the Ecological Strengthening Through Environment Rehabilitation and Orientation (ESTERO) project of the Misamis University Community Extension Program (MUCEP) in Ozamiz City.
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A public-private partnership (PPP) to reduce the pollution at the Carangan Creek, this city, the ESTERO project intends to develop a comprehensive program that involves all the stakeholders in the community. The project aims to determine the necessity of and the possible plans for dredging and de-silting of the creek and involve interventions, such as planting of bamboo and other plant species along the creek banks, riprapping and regular clean-up, Grace Villanueva, MUCEP Program Director, said. She said regular clean-up of the creek has been conducted by the students taking up the National Service Training Program (NSTP) in MU, beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the MUCEP staff.
Meanwhile, the trash traps with matching fabricated forks to lift the trash from the creek for use in the weekly clean-up of the creek, have been installed between the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Metro Bank, along Burgos Sts., this city, during the launching of the ESTERO Project. Also set up during the occasion was the mural painting of the wall near the DBP for some messages to remind the public about environment protection/preservation and how to take care of mother nature. Villanueva said MU President Dr. Karen Belina Feliciano-De Leon has allocated P156,135.50 from the MUNSTP Fund for the ESTERO, while DBP contributed P10,000 and MetroBankBurgos, P7,000 for the purchase of paint and other painting materials needed for the wall murals and McDonalds-Ozamiz for snacks during the launching.
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ARMM human rights body strengthens partnerships, collaboration By Perlita D. Changco COTABATO CITY-- The Regional Human Rights Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RHRC-ARMM) assures aggressive partnerships with local agencies and international bodies in its monitoring activities to establish profile mechanism and address human rights issues particularly on forced displacement in the region. RHRC was established last year in the ARMM pursuant to Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 288 otherwise known as the “ARMM Human Rights Commission Charter of 2012�. In a press briefing, RHRCARMM chair Laisa Alamia said, through the multi-year collaboration with the United Nations High Commission on Refugee (UNHCR), the agency would undertake monitoring activities, ensure protection and assistance for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the autonomous region and help prevent 24
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situations of forced displacement. Lawyer Alamia said, they are establishing a strong collaboration with the Bangsamoro Human Rights Network which is composed of government agencies, the security sector, civil society groups including non-government organizations (NGOs) UN agencies and other international bodies in advocating to uphold and respect human rights and prevent situations of forced displacement. Considering its limited resources, they are partnering with local government units in the region to access their services and cater to the needs of people in the communities, she said. “Since we don’t have field offices in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, we will set up the provincial human rights action centers where there will be human rights focal persons,” she said. She said, to help RHRC to reach
out to all the communities, they are organizing a human rights foundation with the help of partners on the ground and the Quick Reaction Teams in all the provinces of ARMM. In the 2012 UNHCR report showed that two million people have been victims of forced displacement across Mindanao attributed to 146 incidents, and of this number, 278,472 are in the ARMM as a result of 25 incidents. Apart from natural disasters the top three causes of forced displacements include rido, armed conflict and generalized violence. The reports also said that contrary to popular belief, instances involving the MILF and the AFP did not generate large number of IDPs in 2012. Rather, ridos created many instances of multiple displacements –residents of one community forcibly displaced many times over the year. (PBChangco/PIA 12)
BRAC Philippines provides assistance to differently able learner in Maguindanao By Oliver Ross V. Rivera COTABATO CITY -- Alibay M. Katua, a seven year-old student from Barangay Upper Silling, Buluan, Maguindanao suffers from a congenital mobility impairment.
She was born with no legs but despite of her condition, she is determined to attend school every day. Her ailment did not hinder her willingness to learn. Non-government Organization Thursday, May 23, 2013
BRAC (formerly Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) through its local partner, Kapagawida Development Services Association, Inc. (KDSAI) provided a wheelchair for Alibay. 25
This is in-line with its mission of empowering people and communities to achieve positive changes and realize their potential. Words cannot express the gratitude felt by Alibay’s parents because aside from the wheelchair, their daughter has been able to receive education through the BRAC Learning Centre free of cost. “Providing our daughter with a wheelchair has made a huge difference in her life. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude,” said an overjoyed Kapisa Katua. Rehana Angeles, Alibay’s learning facilitator said, “This act of kindness has given a sense of hope, not only to Alibay’s family, but to all parents who have children with physical needs. BRAC is truly committed to creating an
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environment free from all forms of discrimination.” The wheelchair presentation ceremony was attended by Department of EducationMaguindao Division 1 Coordinator for BRAC, Sammy M. Modales; BRAC Philippines Provincial Manager for Maguindanao, Md. Abdullah-AlMahtab Khan; Barangay Upper Silling Chairman, Jayson M. Lantong and KDSAI Executive Director Nomairie Mustapha. The establishment of Upper Silling BRAC Learning Center is part of the Alternative Delivery Model Project under the Basic Education Assistance in Muslim Mindanao (BEAM-ARMM) programme funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). (ORVRivera-PIA12/ BRAC)
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Butuan City Police assists ‘Brigada Eskwela’
BUTUAN CITY -- The Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) is assisting the Department of Education (DepEd) in its “Brigada Eskwela” or “School Maintenance Week” Program which started Monday and will end on May 25.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com Thursday, May 23, 2013
h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .
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Butuan City Police Director PSSupt. Nerio Bermudo said he directed the five police stations under the BCPO to assist the community in their respective jurisdiction in the rehabilitation, maintenance and the clean-up of the public elementary and secondary schools. Bermudo also said they have the plans ready for the June 3 opening of classes to ensure the safety of children going back to the schools. The DepEd have identified the places to be cleaned, the classrooms to be rehabilitated or repaired and the other things to be addressed during “Brigada Eskwela� Program. Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide voluntary effort 28
which started in 2003, bringing together teachers, parents and the community to do clean up and repairs in public schools to prepare the facilities for the June school opening. Undertaken in all public schools every third week of May or two weeks before classes begin, it is participated in by private organizations, individuals, national and local government agencies, local businesses, and international organizations and foundations, among others. Volunteers paint classrooms, repair furniture, and clean up the school grounds. Materials and supplies are usually donated by the parents or by private businesses and foundations. Thursday, May 23, 2013
GIZ to conduct Planning Workshop on Local Flood Early Warning System in Caraga by Jennifer P. Gaitano
Butuan City -- To continuously reduce risks during floodings in Caraga, the German International Cooperation (GIZ), a nongovernment organization will be conducting the Stakeholders’ Orientation and Planning Workshop on Local Flood Early Warning System (LFEWS) in the province of Surigao del Sur on June 6-7, and Surigao del Norte on June 13-14, 2013. As a jumpstart for the LFEWS project, the workshop intends to bring together the relevant local stakeholders to have a common understanding and appreciation about the LFEWS and actively Thursday, May 23, 2013
interact their respective roles in managing the causal factors of disaster by flood and thereby reduce exposure to the hazard, lessen the vulnerability of people, rationally manage land 29
and environment, and improve preparedness for adverse events, said Olaf Neussner, Chief Advisor of GIZ-Disaster Risk Management. Neusser also bared that the LFEWS Project is under the 8th Action Plan of European Community under the Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) within the Disaster Preparedness program (DIPECHO) entitled “Improvement of Disaster Risk Management Integration into Local Development Initiatives in the Philippines” supported by DIPECHO Plans 5 to 8, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ). “LFEWS is located within the GIZ intervention in Disaster Risk Management that contributes to the strategic framework of the Environment and Rural Development (EnRD) Program of Improving the Institutional performance of government agencies in sustainability managing natural resources. LFEWS traces its origins from GIZ (then GTZ) cooperation with various government agencies and programs in the field of DRM since early 2005. The first generation 30
of GIZ-LFEWS was piloted in the Binahaan Watershed of Leyte Province in 2008. The system has been replicated to seven other watersheds in Region 8,” explained Neusser. Neusser also recalled that in January 2012, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) sent a proposalto GIZ through EnRD seeing support in replicating the good practices in LFEWS in Caraga. GIZ through its DIPECHO project has officially expanded its intervention in Caraga. “Concretely, the intended outputs until December 2013 is to establish at least two LFEWS in the region. The selected project sites are the river basins of Surigao River stretching from the municipality of Sison down to Surigao City in Surigao del Norte and the Tago River covering the municipalities of San Miguel and Tago in Surigao del Sur,” he said. GIZ offers customized solutions to complex challenges. An experienced service provider and assist the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation. It offers demand-driven, tailormade and effective services for sustainable development. Thursday, May 23, 2013
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DavNor’s Brigada Eskwela assures smooth opening of classes
by Noel Baguio
TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE– The success of the Brigada Eskwela will guarantee the smooth and orderly opening of the regular classes on June 3.
Davao del Norte Division Superintendent Josephine Fadul said she is confident the beginning of the School Year 2013-2014 will go on 36
quietly, since classes will no longer be hampered by minor repairs and clean ups in schools. “Regular classes starts on June 3 and cleaning and repair of school facilities are not allowed anymore,” she stressed. She said that the advent of the Brigada Eskwela made it possible for all the pupils to be attending their lessons right away on day one. As Fadul puts it, this is a breakaway from the stark reality over a decade ago where school kids were required to bring tools and do all the cleaning and repair works during the opening weeks. Thursday, May 23, 2013
This time around all public schools are expected to hold regular classes uninterrupted on the first day with the clean classrooms and school surroundings, she noted. The official was overwhelmed with the good turnout of students, parents, teachers, officials, and ordinary citizens during this year’s provincial launch of the National Schools Maintenance Week, known as the Brigada Eskwela, in Dujali Elementary School. She said the activity, which was held from May 20 to 24, 2013, has brought into play the ancient Filipino custom of Bayanihan or spirit of communal unity and cooperation to
achieve a common noble purpose. The Brigada started in 2003 as a nationwide voluntary effort bringing together the education stakeholders to do clean ups and repair works to prepare the school facilities for the opening of classes. However, Fadul called on the parents and the community to also support the clean-up drive of the schools the whole year round, dubbed as Brigada Eskwela Plus. “We are doing this not for the benefit of the school or the teachers, but it is for the good of their children,” she concluded.by (Noel Baguio DavNor PGO)
Army to run after landmine explosion culprits by Joey Dalumpines
CAMP PANACAN, DAVAO CITY-A top military commander ordered a pursuit operation against the perpetrators behind the two explosions of improvised landmines along the Tagum City-Mawab national highway 6:00 am Tuesday. Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said the incident called for forceful intervention by government since the incident happened right in a major access road where civilians travel. “We must run after the persons behind the criminal action,” he said. Thursday, May 23, 2013
A civilian and five members of the 66th Infantry Battalion on board in a military vehicle were slightly wounded when the explosion occurred as they passed by Barangay Magdum, Tagum City, Davao del Norte. 1Lt Vilma Mojado of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion identified as Privates First Class Lovie Joy Semillano, Joseph Mendio, Erwin Cordero, Bai Johanna Dorado and Ryan Torena and Gina Gubantes, a civilian dependent. She said two of the victims were under observation at the Tagum Doctor’s Hospital while the four 37
others were declared out-patients after their medical treatment. Mojado said the soldiers headed by 1st Lieutenant Grace Joy P Arado were tasked to do procurement in Tagum City when the incident happened. One and a half hours later, another improvised landmine exploded at Barangay Tagmanok, Mawab, Compostela Valley stalling the movement of the soldiers who were tasked to conduct clearing patrol on the national highway. The soldiers were spared in the explosion. Incidentally, two riders of a motorcycle were injured slightly while one taxi was damaged since they were at the rear of the military vehicle during the explosion. 38
Colonel Angelito De Leon, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade condemned the incidents blaming them to communist rebels. He underscored that the recent series of improvised land mine explosion is a clear violation of Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. “These desperate acts of the New People’s Army put innocent civilians in harm’s way as they can no longer claim that they hit only military targets. These incidents occurred along the highway where many travellers pass. Their actions affect even innocent civilians,” he said. (PIA XI-Joey Sem Dalumpines) Thursday, May 23, 2013