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 and Northeastern Mindanao Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region
ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, 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 Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Adviser :
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, August 30, 2012
Vol. 2 No. 11
Cover Story
6 10
12 15
18 21
25 27
Butuan City Council to go “paperless” page 4
8 13 16 17 20 22 24 29 30
Junesther Jean S. Iway Caraga Region
President Aquino to leave next week for Vladivostok in Russia to attend the 20th APEC Leaders’ Summit ARENA XI caravan benefits Sarangani folks Sheryll Sanico, Southern Mindanao
DSWD Caraga to host Elderly Filipino Week 2012 Danilo S. Makiling, Caraga Region
Province supports Jabonga for Makamasang Tugon Program JACorvera, Caraga Region
P2.3-M child development center to rise in Dipolog Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao
Three institutions in Region 10 train Grade 7 teachers for K to 12 Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, Northern Mindanao
Comelec reminds Filipinos overseas of voters’ registration Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao
DA 12 advances cassava production Shahana Joy Duerme, Central Mindanao
3 towns in N. Cotabato to implement Kalahi-CIDSS projects Central Mindanao
Butuan City Council to go “paperless” by Junesther Jean S. Iway
T
he Sangguniang Panlungsod here has started the implementation of the Legislative Management, Codification, Tracking and Information System (LMCTIS), which will pave the way for a “paperless” session at the city council, easier tracking of documents and legislative measures, as well as the planned codification of ordinances. To jumpstart the implementation of the LMCTIS, an orientation on the system’s features was conducted by the system provider to selected employees of the SP last August 10, 2012. The orientation was intended to initially introduce an information system that will automate the full operation of the Office of the Vice Mayor (OVM) and the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The point of reference was for involved users to learn and familiarize how the system works and 4
ONE MINDANAO
to get acquainted with the features and reports generated by the system. The LMCTIS is a program that provides accessibility and reliability of the legislative information system, easy tracking of documents to verify status, and allows automated filing of hard and original copies of legislative measures for easy cross-reference. It makes available an innovative approach to efficiently execute some major functions of this local government unit, specifically the OVM and SP Office. Thursday, August 30, 2012
The following are some of its features: 1) Provides database of proposed and approved resolutions and ordinances and easy retrieval of the same; 2) Database of all minutes of meeting and journals; 3) Record management of incoming and outgoing documents, letters, request, city resolutions/ordinances; 4) Views scanned supporting document of proposed measures; 5) Allows crossreferencing of hard copies of files so original copies can be readily accessed; 6) Provides history of amendments of a particular measure; and 7) Capable of archival system, which means an automated version of the manual or physical filing system. The realization of the integrated computerized and automated system is basically designed to empower and enable local legislators and the sangguniang secretary and employees to execute the role of the said two offices more efficiently. For instance, committee hearings will no longer need Thursday, August 30, 2012
photocopies of attachments and other documents and instead will be paperless. All users will now be using computer-based system to draft, search, retrieve, store ordinances, resolutions, encode incoming communications and determine status and manage records. This is just one of the reforms Vice Mayor Lawrence “Law� Fortun has put forward to continually improve and advance the delivery of basic services to the public along with their interactive cooperation with regard to legislative measures passed, approved and implemented in the City of Butuan.
ONE MINDANAO
5
ACROSS THE NATION
Aquino confers Order of Sikatuna on outgoing Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Philippines
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu, Silver Distinction) on outgoing Ambassador Robert Gerard Brinks of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in ceremonies at Malacanang.
In his farewell call at the Music Room of the Malacanang Palace on Wednesday, the Chief Executive presented the award to Ambassador Brinks for his significant works in various fields as Netherlands’s envoy to the Philippines that further strengthened the bilateral relations between the two countries during his five-year tour of duty in the country.
6
These include the maritime sector, specific visa issuance policies, combating human trafficking, the promotion of human rights and the preservation of cultural heritage. The Dutch envoy has actively participated in the country’s maritime sector through the NetherlandsPhilippines Maritime Institute in Thursday, August 30, 2012
Palompon, that train cadets along Dutch standards for wok in Dutch vessels. He has maintained close cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment and the Dutch Shipowners association in efforts to address issues in the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) in a way that both the interests of the ship-owners and the Philippines are served. Ambassador Brinks also introduced a Philippine specific visa policy to address the increasing number of visa applicants from the Philippines, reducing the waiting period for the issuance of visas to three days for seafarers and one week for other types. He has likewise pushed for the enhancement of efforts to combat human trafficking from the Philippines and adopt an integrated approach at the Dutch Embassy dedicating most of its financial and manpower resources to address this illegal activity. The Dutch envoy pushed for the promotion of human rights through close coordination and cooperation with the Commission on Human Rights, other concerned private entities and Thursday, August 30, 2012
the promotion of programs on this cause. Ambassador Brinks has been a steadfast friend of the Filipino people throughout his tour of duty in the country. Witnessing the event were Ruth G.M. Emmerink, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of The Netherlands in Manila and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda F. Basilio, among others. The Philippines and The Netherlands have been enjoying close relations since 1598 when a Dutch naval merchant fleet entered the Philippine waters for the
7
first time. Over time, this relationship has flourished and today the Dutch are present in the Philippines in many different ways. Dutch companies, both large multinationals and Small and Medium Enterprises have strongly contributed to trade and commercial ties and nurtured links between the two countries. At present, Dutch companies operate within a wide range of sectors, among
these are in agriculture, shipping and maritime services, information technology and energy supply. Equally important are the people to people contacts, the activities of several Dutch Non-Government Organizations and the initiatives of many private Dutch organizations and citizens working closely with disadvantaged groups in Philippine society. (jcl)
President Aquino to leave next week for Vladivostok in Russia to attend the 20th APEC Leaders’ Summit
P
;resident Benigno S. Aquino III will travel to Vladivostok,
Russia, next week to join the 20 other world leaders attending the 20th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit on September 8 to 9.
8
Thursday, August 30, 2012
This year’s APEC summit, which has for its theme “Integrate to Grow, Innovate to Prosper,” is hosted by the Russian Federation. President Aquino will be joined by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. During the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), the leaders will discuss four priorities namely: trade and investment liberalization and regional economic integration, strengthening food security, establishing reliable supply chains, and cooperation to foster innovative growth. Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Laura del Rosario of the Department of Foreign Affairs said the President will also participate in the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Dialogue with the Leaders, a key feature of the AELM. The APEC Business Advisory Council Dialogue gives ABAC members the opportunity to meet with the APEC leaders to discuss the entire year’s ABAC work program and to raise issues of pressing Thursday, August 30, 2012
concern to the business community. ABAC Philippines will be represented by A. Magsaysay Inc. president and chief executive officer Doris Magsaysay, Jollibee Food Corp. Chairman and CEO Tony Tan Caktiong, and Ayala Corp. chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala. Undersecretary Del Rosario also said that during the 20th APEC Summit in Vladivostok, President Aquino will also be holding bilateral meetings with other countries. Del Rosario also said that during this summit, the announcement of the Philippines’ hosting of the APEC summit in 2015 is expected through the APEC Leaders’ Declaration. APEC is an organization of economies in the Asia-Pacific region. It is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in Asia-Pacific region. It has 21 members which account for approximately 40 percent of the world’s population, approximately 54 percent of the world gross domestic product and about 44 percent of world trade. (co)
9
South Cotabato among country’s top five performing provinces
T
he provincial government of South Cotabato was ranked fifth among the country’s 80 provinces in terms of local governance performance in the last three years. South Cotabato Governor effective, transparent and Arthur Pingoy said Wednesday accountable governance here in suchaccomplishment was based the province,” he said. on the state of performance The DILG report was based on report released recently by the the Local Governance Performance Department of the Interior and Management System (LGPMS) Local Government (DILG). evaluation for the country’s local “It mainly recognizes our efforts government units (LGUs) for the these past years toinstitutionalize last three years.
10 ONE MINDANAO
Thursday, August 30, 2012
LGPMS is a metric system of evaluation that covers areas of administrative governance, social governance, environmental governance and fundamentals of good governance, which include transparency, participation and financial accountability. A performance area index, ranging from one to five (one as the lowest and five as the highest), was used to rate each LGU. Based on the 2011 LGPMS evaluation, South Cotabato province posted an aggregate rating of 4.864 to notch the fifth spot. Bohol took the top spot with a rating of 4.94 followed by Lau Union with 4.89, Cavite with 4.88 and Pangasinan with 4.87. Through the LGPMS, Pingoy said the provincial government was able to determine its capabilities and limitations in the delivery of public services as well as initiate measures to address them. “It takes good Thursday, August 30, 2012
governance to administrate a local government with tri-people -— Lumads, Muslims and Christians, co-existing harmoniously and receiving same amount of government services from the urban poor villages to far-flung communities,” he said. The booming town of Surallah in South Cotabato also made it to the top seven in the national LGPMS evaluation for the municipal government category. Surallah received a rating of 4.843, besting a number ofestablished and older municipalities in the country. (PNA)
ONE MINDANAO
11
Coast Watch Stations improves PN capability By Carin Cayon
DAVAO CITY- The Coast Watch Stations (CWS) set up across southern and central Mindanao has greatly improved the Navy’s capability in maritime security and safety.
According to Captain Robert Empedrad Deputy Commander of the Philippine Navy Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, the past year have seen the Navy interdict suspicious vessels and seacraft aside from rescuing three to four vessels with the help of the
12 ONE MINDANAO
CWS. Empedrad said that coast watch stations helps the navy preserve its assets from wear and tear. He said that navy ships usually have 20-40 natical miles radar coverage while on sea, instead of conducting intensive sea patrols CWS with its radars can monitor suspicious seaborne movements and relay these findings to the coast watch center at the Felix Apolinario Naval Station in Panacan Davao City which will in turn feed the data to the nearest navy vessels that will in turn interdict the targets. Lieutenant Commander JulienDolor, Coast Watch Area Director Eastern Mindanao said that coast watch stations are equipped with radars along with Automated Identification System (AIS) to identify vessels and modern communication equipment.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Dolor said that CWS radars can cover 80 nautical miles of coast. The Eastern Mindanao Coast Watch center has six CWS one in Calamansig Sultan Kudarat, three CWS in Sarangani Province (Maitum, Maasim and Glan), one inBalut Island, Davao del Sur and a CWS in Cape San Agustin Davao Oriental. The Regional Command Center is in the Naval Station in Panacan. “These CWS were established in traditional and busy marine routes.” There are two Coast Watch Centers, Central Mindanao and Eastern Mindanao, Dolor said, he added that each Coast Watch Station costs around P100-million each. Empedrad said that the CWS are part of the initiatives in improving the Navy’s capabilities, he said that the CWS can be further upgraded particularly it can be linked to the
country’s Air Defense system to detect airborne intrusions. He said that PresidentBenigno Aquino III is very interested in the modernization of the armed forces particularly the navy. This year the country is expecting its second Weather High Endurance Cutter (WHEC) from the United States. It is also eyeing to buy two Italian frigates to beef up its territorial defense capability. Meanwhile To enhance the capability of the CWS, the Philippine Navy will launch the Coast Watch System Capability Exercises in Davao City this September 3-7. It will be participated by two Philippine Navy vessels, two aircraft and four speedboats. It will also involve the participation of 31 representatives from different government agencies and local government units.
SARANGANI, DAVAO DEL SUR(I am very happy because this is the first time that these kind of services reached Sarangani Island),” declared Sarangani Mayor Jerry Cawa during the opening ceremony of the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Davao Region (ARENA XI) Serbisyo Caravan held in Brgy. Mabila, Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao del Sur on Sunday, August 26.
ARENA XI caravan benefits Sarangani folks By Sheryll Sanico
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Over 25 National Government Agencies joined ARENA XI to provide services to Sarangani folks. “ARENA XI is a fiesta of government services! We are hoping that this will not be the last time that NGAs will visit the municipality to provide various services to the people,” remarked ARENA XI President and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Director Achilles Gerard Bravo. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ONE MINDANAO
13
rendered services for PantawidPamilya beneficiaries, as well as to Sustainable Livelihood, Supplementary Feeding and Social Pension recipients. PantawidPamilyang Pilipino Program or the “Conditional Cash Transfer Program”, a poverty reduction and social development strategy that provides “conditional cash grants” to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education disbursed P 2, 690, 200.00 amount of cash grants for the payroll period May – June 2012 to 2,048 beneficiaries in all twelve barangays in Sarangani. Furthermore, the Sustainable Livelihood Program or formerly known as the “Self-Employment Assistance (SEA-K)” which aims to enhance and promote self-sufficiency of poor families through the provision of capital assistance and training in entrepreneurial skills, launched a total of P 200,000.00 capital assistance to 20 beneficiaries for a Fishing Project (Lapu-lapu Culture). It is designed to enhance the socio-economic skills of poor families to establish and selfmanage a sustainable communitybased micro-credit organization for entrepreneurial development Also, the Social Pension disbursed a total of P 171,000.00 for Indigent Senior Citizens. The program provides a monthly stipend to indigent senior citizens of P 500.00 that will be disbursed on a quarterly basis. The program guidelines provide
14 ONE MINDANAO
that eligible pensioners should be indigent senior citizens aged 77 years old and above and who do not have a permanent source of income or do not receive a regular support from their families and relatives. Also covered are senior citizens who are sickly, frail and or with disabilities and who are not receiving monthly pension from GSIS, SSS, PVAO and other private insurance companies. The Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), on the other hand, turned-over a check in the amount of P 788,892.00 to 31 DaycareCenters with 630 recipients. SFP involves the provision of food in addition to the regular meals to currently enrolled Day Care and Supervised Neighborhood Play children as part of the DSWD’s contribution to the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program of the government. For 2012, food supplementation will be in the form of hot meals to be served during break/snack time in the morning or during break/snack time in the afternoon to children in day care centers for five (5) days a week. The parents manage the feeding program based on the prepared cycle meal using available indigenous/processed food materials. The children will be weighed at the start of the feeding program and monthly weighing thereafter will be done to determine improvement and sustenance in their nutritional status. Thursday, August 30, 2012
Agusan Norte Tourism Dev’t Plan nears completion by LGU-Agusan del Norte
AGUSAN DEL NORTE -- The Provincial Tourism Development Plan of the Province of Agusan del Norte is nearing completion. The plan, which is mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991 otherwise known as R.A. 7160, Sec. 17, aims to develop potential tourist attractions within their respective localities, and to formulate development and promotion programs. The said plan has specific Norte’s economy which has a Natural objectives that are eyed to contribute Draw provided by its outstanding a steady growth for Agusan del natural assets that bode well for
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 30, 2012
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-CaragaUpdates/165374590187484
ONE MINDANAO
15
its future in tourism development. The priority tourism destinations are leaning towards the following areas: Lake Mainit Circuit – Lantawan View Park and Kalinawan River Cruise; Butuan Bay West Circuit – Punta Diwata Dive Sites, Mt. Carmel View Park and Nasipit Cove Marina; Cultural
Heritage Circuit – Cabadbaran City Heritage Houses, Bitaug Centennial Tree and the First Mass Marker, Delta River Cruise; and Mountain Adventure Circuits such as the Hilonghilong Waterfalls Route; Pirada MineTunnel and Horse Back Riding Loop.
DSWD Caraga to host Elderly Filipino Week 2012 by Danilo S. Makiling
BUTUAN CITY -- -The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga region will host this year’s annual celebration of Elderly Filipino Week 2012 slated on October 1-7. Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation no. 470, October 1-7 is declared as “Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino” (Elderly Filipino Week) which aims to promote public awareness of the rights and well-
16 ONE MINDANAO
being of elderly people in the country. During the Regional Inter-agency Committee for Senior Citizens (RIACSC) meeting spearheaded by DSWDCaraga, the committee has lined-up activities for the weeklong celebration. Thursday, August 30, 2012
A Jog for Health and Hataw to be participated by some physically fit senior citizens and the RIACSC members will be held as the kickoff activity of the celebration. As highlight activities of the weeklong celebration the RIAC-SC will also conduct jail visitations to senior citizen inmates of the city and
provincial jails slated on October 3, 2012, as well as a Summer Camp for Elderly to be participated by some senior citizens from the five provinces of Caraga region on October 9, 2012. Some member agencies of RIAC-SC also pledged goodies to please the senior citizens during the Elderly Filipino Week Celebration.
Province supports Jabonga for Makamasang Tugon Program by JACorvera
AGUSAN DEL NORTE -- The
Municipality of Jabonga will receive P1 million from the provincial government here as funding counterpart for the implementation of projects under the Makamasang Tugon 2 Program. The said municipality is one of the beneficiaries of the KALAHI CIDSS Makamasang Tugon project granted by the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which is co-financed by the municipality and the province. Six barangays of Jabonga will benefit from the funding support. The projects will include construction of fish landing and market at Barangay A. Thursday, August 30, 2012
Beltran; construction of 0.30 kilometer concrete road each of barangays Magdagooc, Sto. Ni単o and San Vicente; construction of day care center at Barangay Cuyago; and Construction of evacuation center at Barangay Magsaysay. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has already authorized Governor Erlpe John M. Amante to transfer said funds through Sanggunian Resolution No. 177-2012 authored by Vice Governor Enrico R. Corvera. ONE MINDANAO
17
Jobs Fair in Zambo City set on Sept. 7 By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Job hunters will have another shot at employment as the Office of Rep. Beng Climaco, the Department of Labor and Employment 9 (DOLE-9), and the Public Employment Services Office (PESO), will hold a one-day jobs fair on September 7, at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University. DOLE-9 announced that overseas deployment. employment varies from skilled In a list released by DOLE-9, to professional works for local and job vacancies for local employment Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIAWesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310
18 ONE MINDANAO
ro9_pia@yahoo.com
piazampen.blogspot.com Thursday, August 30, 2012
include clerical jobs for cashiers, clerks, draftsmen, programmers and computer technicians; sales workers specifically financial analysts and sales trainees; and professional workers like pharmacists, physical therapists, and mechanical or electrical engineers. There are also vacancies for factory and skilled workers like hydraulic or automotive mechanics, and crane operators. Job orders for overseas deployment include surveyors, teachers, accountants, medical workers like nurses, midwives, chemists, and radiologists; sales workers from sales executives down to salesmen/ladies, service workers like waiters, plumbers, car attendants, and painters. Skilled workers (e.g. aircon/
Thursday, August 30, 2012
electronics/auto technicians, carpenters, and butchers), plantation workers and household service workers are also needed abroad. Interested applicants are advised to go to DOLE-Zamboanga City Field Office and PESO for preregistration and issuance of Jobs fair identification cards. There will also be a one-stop processing shop in the area during the activity to be manned by staff from the National Statistics Office (NSO) for authentication of birth records, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for initial processing of passport requirements, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for assessment & issuance of skills certificate.
ONE MINDANAO
19
P2.3-M child development center to rise in Dipolog By Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY In support to the implementation of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program, a child development facility worth P2.3 million will soon be constructed at Barangay Olingan, this city. The City Information Office (CIO) has issued a press release stating that Dipolog is one of the 100 recipients of the National Child Development Center (NCDC) nationwide and the first in the region. With this, a series of trainings on early childhood care for daycare workers would be conducted to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills in handling and attending to the needs of children from zero to six years old. In a related development, the Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCDC) headed by Ms. Celia Eugenio recently conducted a seminar dubbed “Induction Program for
20 ONE MINDANAO
Daycare Workers” with participants from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the municipalities of Leon Postigo and Siayan. The training underscored the importance of “Early Learning Development Standards” for Filipino children. Also tackled in the said training were topics such as child brain development, parents as partners in ECCD program, importance of active play for children and others. The national leadership has been pushing for projects aimed at improving the quality of early childhood development program in the country. Thursday, August 30, 2012
Macajalar Wharf porters to sign up with Pag-IBIG Fund by Apipa P. Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Members of the Macajalar Wharf Porters Association FFW Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) are set to activate their membership to the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), popularly known as Pag-IBIG Fund. The Macajalar Wharf Porters Association FFW Multi-Purpose Cooperative, an organization of porters who have been serving since July 12, 1991, will sign a memorandum of agreement with the Pag-IBIG Fund to formalize and strengthen the membership activation of the cooperative. The agreement will be signed by Pag-IBIG Fund Cagayan de Oro Branch Department Manager Juliano S. Banghal and Macajalar Wharf Porters Association FFW MPC Chairman Pacquito C. Santua, along with the officers from both the Fund and the said cooperative. The signing will be held tomorrow, August 30, at the cooperative’s headquarters located in Port Area, Barangay Macabalan, this city.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Banghal welcomed this new accord and encouraged officers and members of every cooperative and association in Northern Mindanao to start saving in the Fund. “I hope they will emulate the officers and members of cooperatives ONE MINDANAO
21
like CAMODA and the Macajalar Wharf Porters Association, who are thinking of a better future, by saving a portion of their income today in Pag-IBIG Fund,� Banghal added. CAMODA MPC, a cooperative of multicab operators and drivers in the city, inked an agreement last month with the Pag-IBIG for the activation of their membership to the Fund. A briefing on Republic Act 9679 was earlier organized and given to the officers and members of the Macajalar
Wharf Porters Association as part of the Fund’s Knowledge Management campaign. Republic Act 9679 which also known as the HDMF Law requires all Filipino workers earning at least one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) monthly to actively save in Pag-IBIG Fund, Banghal said. The law, he said, also applies to all self-employed including the transport group and cooperative workers.
Three institutions in Region 10 train Grade 7 teachers for K to 12 by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - At least three teacher education institutes (TEIs) in Region 10 have been engaged in the training program for Grade 7 teachers under the K to 12 basic education program curriculum. The TEIs are part of the 57 HEIs nationwide that have been accredited by the Teacher Education Council as centers of excellence in providing quality teacher program and training, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said. These institutions, which have also been recognized for their longtime partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) in their teacher trainings, included Xavier (Ateneo de Cagayan) University, Capitol University and Liceo de Cagayan University, all based in Cagayan de Oro. Luistro said these TEIs have
22 ONE MINDANAO
satisfactorily delivered many costeffective teacher training packages for DepEd, such as the Teacher Induction Program and certificate programs for science and mathematics teachers who are non-majors and other related-training programs. Thus, DepEd has engaged their services for trainers and Grade 7 teachers in all subject areas on the Grade 7 curriculum of the K to 12 basic education program, covered by a memorandum of agreement, he said. The TEIs in the other regions of Mindanao are as follows: Ateneo de Zamboanga and Universidad de Thursday, August 30, 2012
Zamboanga in Region 9; Ateneo de Davao University and University of Mindanao in Region 11; Notre Dame University in Region 12; Saint Paul University in Region 13; Mindanao State University and University of Southern Mindanao in Surigao and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao . In the Visayas, the HEIs are Carlos Hilado Memorial State College, Main, Collegio de San Agustin, Bacolod, La Consolacion College, Bacolod, West Visayas State University, Main Campus and Collegio de San Agustin, Iloilo in Region 6; Cebu Normal University in Region 7 and Leyte Normal University, Main, in Region 7. In Luzon, the HEIs include are the University of Baguio and University of the Cordilleras in the Cordillera
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Administrative Region; Mariano Marcos State University, St. Loius University, Union Christian College, University of Luzon, Pangasinan State University, University of Northern Philippines and Don Mariano Marcos State University in Region 1; and Saint Paul University, Tuguegarao and Cagayan State University in Region 2; Baliuag University, Holy Angel University, Wesleyan University, Phil., Angeles University Foundation, Tarlac State University, Assumption University, Bulacan State University, Central Luzon State University in Region 3; Manuel S. Enverga University, Foundation, University of Batangas, De La Salle University, Dasma, in Region 4A; Palawan State University in Region 4B, Bicol University and Universidad de Sta Isabel in Region 5; Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Centro Escolar University, Philippine Normal University, Main, University of Sto. Toman and University of the East, Manila, University of the Philippines, Adamson University, Sta. Isabel College, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Rizal Technical University, Technological University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Arellano University and Far Eastern University in the National Capital Region. ONE MINDANAO
23
Comelec reminds Filipinos overseas of voters’ registration by Rutchie C. Aguhob
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded all Overseas Filipino Voters (OFV’s) of the Overseas Absentee Voters’ (OAV) registration for the coming 2013 elections. The registration period for the 2013 national elections has actually been set from November 2, 2011 to October 31, 2012, Lawyer Sylvan Gerald L. Sabio, Ozamiz City Election Officer, said. Qualified to register as OAV are all Filipino citizens abroad who are at least 18 years old on May 14, 2013, and who are not otherwise disqualified by law. Also included are those who have reacquired or retained their Philippine citizenship under R.A. 9225 and other Filipino citizens with dual citizenship and immigrants or permanent residents of other countries who are recognized, as such, in their host countries. Sabio said the Application for Registration as an OAV is filed if you are not yet a registered voter in the Philippines while an Application for Certification as an OAV is filed if you are already a registered voter in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the OFV must personally appear at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General or the identified registration site to register so that their biometrics may be captured. To vote, however, the OFV need not appear anymore,
24 ONE MINDANAO
as the ballots will be mailed to them, Sabio said. He said biometrics capture means that the photograph, signature and thumb mark of the OFV will be electronically recorded using special digital equipment, hence, the need for the personal appearance of the OFV for the biometrics to be taken. The Philippine Embassy/ Consulates General will conduct several mobile registrations at various areas within their consular jurisdiction to coincide with their consular outreach missions in 2012. Notices will be put out as soon as the areas are identified and schedules have been programmed, Sabio said. Among the requirements for an OAV registration is a valid Philippine passport, in the absence of which, a Certification from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), may be issued through the Philippine Embassy/ Consulate General. Such certification must assert that they have submitted documents that will warrant the issuance of a passport and that they are valid passport holders but are unable to produce it for valid reasons, Sabio added. Thursday, August 30, 2012
Lamitan City inaugurates TB DOTS center, gets PhilHealth accreditation By Rene V. Carbayas
LAMITAN CITY, Basilan – The Lamitan City Health Office recently inaugurated the TB Dots Center on August 15 that would jumpstart the intensified campaign of the government to eliminate tuberculosis in this part of the country. In a press release, City Information Officer Felipe Fernando said that the setting up of the center was timely as the country observes National Tuberculosis Awareness Month this August with the theme “TB-free Philippines: A continuing challenge from Childhood to Adulthood” On behalf of City Mayor Roderick H. Furigay, City Administrator Danilo Alvaro stressed the need to inform TB patients not to be humiliated Thursday, August 30, 2012
and feel outcast as “Tuberculosis is curable nowadays,” he said. Fernando reported that Lamitan City had registered 86 patients of Tuberculosis during the first two quarters this year but some of the patients are coming from the nearby municipalities of Tuburan, Tipo-Tipo and Sumisip. He said that the city is grateful for the support of the TB Linking Initiatives and Networking to Control Tuberculosis (LINC), a USAID program ONE MINDANAO
25
that helps support the National Tuberculosis Program. Dr. Teodoro Yu of TB LINC said the program assists Rural Health Units to fast track accreditation of TB DOTS Centers as well as organizing the Local TB Councils tasked to monitor and improve medical capabilities. Meanwhile, PhilHealth Manager Genevieve Nuñal said that the application of Lamitan City TB DOTS Center is already approved on the day of their submission. “The center may now accept TB patients with PhilHealth
26 ONE MINDANAO
membership whether employed in government, private, self-employed or in the barangay. And the center will be self-sufficient that can generate revenues to augment their needs particularly on related medical equipment,” she said. City Health Officer Dr. Vicente P. Yu III said that with the accreditation, the center will be the choice in Tuberculosis treatment because the city government is giving free medicines for the entire TB medication period of six months.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Media, info officers in Region 12 train on popularizing weather, climate reports By Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY -– Media reporters and government information officers in Soccsksargen Region gathered at Sarangani Highlands Garden in General Santos City for a two-day seminar workshop on laymanizing environment, climate, and weather reports.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
ONE MINDANAO
27
The seminarworkshop, which started yesterday was sponsored by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA 12) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-12. Dr. Olivia Sudaria, regional director of PIA 12, said the workshop was conceptualized to address the need for delivery of updates and information that are easy for the public to understand, especially during increment weather. “The seminar workshop is also in response to President Benigno Aquino III’s call to simplify weather and climate reporting,” she said. Jerome Barranco, OCD 12 assistant regional director, said
28 ONE MINDANAO
they consider the media as important allies in disaster risk reduction and management. “Through them messages or information related to disasters or emergencies can reach the broadest number of people in the shortest time like the effects on people, properties and the environment and government action,” he said. However, he said, the public often barely understands weather, climate and similar reports because these information are reported in technical and scientific terminologies as they were delivered by sources such as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (Pagasa), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and other agencies. “Thus, laymanizing or writing our news and reports on the weather, environment and climate in a language that is understandable to the general public was seen as a way to resolve this concern,” Barranco said. Participants include 15 broadcast, TV and print media reporters; 18 information officers of national line agencies and 8 information officers of local government units. Anianita Fortich, senior weather specialist of PAGASA Mindanao Regional Services Division helped participants understand terminologies involved in reporting weather conditions such as thunderstorms, monsoons, inter-tropical convergence zones, and tropical cyclones as well as the development of these conditions and the hazards they bring. Liza Socorro Manzano, supervising science research specialist of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau discussed Thursday, August 30, 2012
concepts in floods and landslides. Kidapawan Seismic Station field observer Milo Tabigue and Hibok-Hibok Volcano
Observatory resident volcanologist Luisito Salugsugon explained earthquake and tsunami and volcanic hazards, respectively.
Presentations were followed by exchanges on how these specific conditions should be disseminated or described in reports.
DA 12 advances cassava production By Shahana Joy Duerme
KORONADAL CITY --The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 spearheads the promotion of cassava production as part of the department’s Food Staples Self-sufficiency Program (FSSP).
To strengthen the promotion, a cassava techno-demo showcase was launched recently in Barangay Sinawal, General Santos City where a hectare of land was allotted for cassava farming. The said activity aims to widen cassava production in Soccsksargen region in line with the objectives pushed by FSSP. Highlight of the techno-demo was the field demonstration wherein intercropping and relay system in planting cassava were presented Dra. Lorna Vilbar, Center Chief of Tupi Research Outreach Station and Roel De Ramos. Thursday, August 30, 2012
In addition, corn intercropping was proposed during the demonstration. On the other hand, to help cassava farmers grow better crops, DA 12 is set to provide planting materials, fertilizers and pesticides. City Agriculturist Merlina Donasco, stated that the said department wants
to help cassava farmers improve cassava production by giving new ideas and presenting modern technology which are beneficial to them. Donasco also assured the farmers that cassava is in demand in the market. “Farmers don’t need to worry on where to sell their products since cassava is one of
ONE MINDANAO
29
the top selling staples which consumers buy”, Donasco added. According to the data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, cassava production
performance in the region recorded a 25.5% change from 34,556 metric tons in 2010 to 43,486 metric tons in 2011. This year, cassava
industry targets to produce 2,470,000 metric tons of cassava that can give 75% cassava self-sufficiency in the region.
3 towns in N. Cotabato to implement Kalahi-CIDSS projects By Shahana Joy Duerme KORONADAL CITY --Three towns in North Cotabato are set to implement projects under Kapit-bisig laban sa kahirapan- Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Kalahi-CIDSS regional community development specialist John Kevin Camarinas said the beneficiaries are the towns of Libungan, Pikit and Arakan which are considered as conflict-affected areas. To realize the said projects, a fund amounting to P27 million will be given to the three beneficiaries. Pikit town will receive P12.6 million while the towns of Arakan and Libungan will be given P8.4 million and P6 million respectively. The projects will be implemented by DSWD 12 in partnership with the
30 ONE MINDANAO
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) under its program, Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA). “These projects aim to alleviate poverty as well as to ensure peace and order in the three towns,” Camarinas said. The projects will be identified by the town beneficiaries after the conduct of the six-month preparation which includes orientations and consultations in the barangay and municipal levels. Further, it was noted
that each barangay in the three towns will be given a grant of P300,000. Kalahi-CIDSS is a community-driven development project wherein communities are trained on how to choose, design and implement projects that can help their respective places. It is aimed at encouraging communities to engage in development activities, delivering benefits to villagers and improving responsiveness of local governments to community needs. Thursday, August 30, 2012