PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO
An Electronic News Magazine of the Phliippine Information Agency Mindanao Clusters
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: r9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Region-IX
EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor ……......... EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI Managing Editor …….........
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 rutchiecabahug@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
ABNER M. CAGA
Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Associate Editors ……....... NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
Regional Desk Editors …...
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editors ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region
2/F 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
Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
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
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA
Presidential Communications Operations Office
OUR COVER
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
features
Mindanao’s Business Process Outsourcing
National
Wednesday,
In This Issue...
Vol. 1 No. 122
18 19 24 25 29 30 34 36 37
New ARC confirmed by DAR Caraga Region
Myra Q. Yu,
City gov’t distributes gifts to indigent Butuanons through “Gasa Hong Pasko” Ritchelle Encabo,
Caraga Region
Agriculture is always a top priority -Aquino .......................................................
13
NFA rice stock adequate till end of 2011...
15
Cover Story Making Mindanao a potential outsourcing corridor
page 4 Mai Gevera-Macapagat
DSWD delisted some 10% of 4Ps erroneously listed households
Rene V. Carbayas,
CARAGA REGION
Region IX
PNP beefs up security in Dipolog Franklin P. Gumapon,
Lanao del Norte – celebrating 50 years in scouting Lorry V. Gabule
page 16
Region IX
Region X
WESTERN MINDANAO
page 21
Cookfest highlights Ozamiz fiesta celebration Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob,
Region X
NORTHERN MINDANAO
City opens Pasalubong Center for Pasko Fiesta Region XI
Mai Gevera Macapagat,
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
DPWH urges private sector to help monitor infrastructure projects Olivia Sudaria,
Region XII
Mga bagong rice seed growers sa South Cotabato sumailalim sa pagsasanay Ac Agad,
page 26
Region XII
page 33
CENTRAL MINDANAO page 36
Cover Story
Making Mindanao a potential outsourcing corridor by Mai Gevera-Macapagat
C
onsidered the biggest business-process outsourcing in Mindanao with a combined workforce of about 2,000 in both Davao and Cagayan de Oro, Concentrix is indeed a pioneer company that opened the doors for the BPO industry in these major cities in Mindanao. 4
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While most of the BPO companies poured in investments in Metro Manila and Cebu and while most of them showed hesitation in exploring any key city of Mindanao , this wholly owned subsidiary of a globally recognized outsourcing innovator SYNNEX Corporation tried out Mindanao ‘s potential in the outsourcing industry. Concentrix was formally opened in 2007 inside the Damosa IT Park, a PEZA-accredited location. Located far from the heart of the city, nobody expected that this formerly laid-back area in Davao could
become a booming community of its own. Senior Operations Manager Ellen Jane Ferenal-Garcia witnessed how this outsourcing company which employs about 900 workers influenced a business boom in the said area. “ This has started the development in this part of the city. Everyone started wanting to build a business in this area.”, she added. The entry of more restaurants, and other form of investments obviously came right after Concentrix built its center at the heart of the IT Park and started operations. Basically a Knowledge Process Outsourcing industry, this company boasts of its expertise in
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the field of technology, communication, and media. It keeps workers embody the 3Vs namely Value, Visibility, and Velocity. The company aims for activities having its economic return provide for greater benefit than cost. It trains workers for speed in decision making, execution, cycle time reduction translated into customer satisfaction and bottom line contribution. The company’s pioneering efforts then paid off as it was awarded the 2009 Best Call Center in Davao City by the National Council for Product and Service and Qual6
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ity of the Consumer Today Magazine. It is also the first BPO to be nominated for the Tripartite Zeal of Excellence, an award given by the Department of Labor and Employment for industry leaders.
With time schedule shifts likely to cause health problems to BPO agents and employees, the company places physical wellness a top priority in all of its programs benefiting its workforce. Health programs are in place to encourage employees live a healthy lifestyle. Doctors and fulltime nurses are stationed to cater to the health needs in the workplace. Employees get to choose and join fitness classes like aerobics, muay thai, taekwondo, body combat as scheduled at a specific time usually on the weekend. One unique health program of the company is the CNX Biggest
Loser, a local adaptation from the American reality game show that allows employees compete to win a prize by losing weight. Vaccinations given at a subsidized cost are also offered to every employee and their dependent family members. Some of these are vaccines for Hepatitis B, Chickenpox, and Cervical Cancer. Proper management of finances is also an important component that the company is aiming to provide its employees. The program “Hatch to Wealth� is a computer based finance program that aims to empower employees with awareness
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and knowledge to improve financial life. This twelve-module financial awareness program that covers basic spectrum of financial wellness is considered Garcia admitted the life in a call center is truly toxic with the time schedule followed, and not to mention the quotas and performance targets, thus, the management ensures that work life wellness activities are implemented at least every month. “ It is only here that we create celebrations or activities every month. We work hard, and so we make it a point that we party harder.�, she said. One of the most-awaited ac8
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tivities in the year is the Family Fun Day where all married employees bring their immediate families and single employees may bring a guest. Games, raffle prizes, food and drinks flood the party venue which is usually a beach resort in the Island Garden City of Samal. Other activities are the Employees Fun Fair, Holiday Contests, Halloween Celebration and Trick or Treat. These are but some of the creative activities that these young minds thought of to give themselves a break after days of hardwork. Garcia explained that the workforce is composed mostly of the young age group which is why the company finds it fitting to match the interests of the employees in every activity implemented. The entire workforce gets hyped up as they wait and prepare for the annual Year-End Party where they get to have fun and at
the same time learn the winners of the Top Performers and Most Outstanding Employees Award. Top performers who turned out with the highest sales for the year receive P5,000 each while the Most Outstanding Employees get to enjoy P60,000 each. Another incentive that keeps the employees eye for excellent performance is the President’s Club, a regular convergence of the top 150 employees from its three branches nationwide. Identified top performers are brought to vacation destination like Boracay where they get to party with the company executives and enjoy free food, booze, and party place for three days. Concentrix never stops its hiring process. “ We keep a pool of workers to make sure that someone can take the place of somebody who takes a leave. We also get 70 percent of our applicants from those coming from Davao City.”, Garcia said. To prepare the newly-hired keep up with the standards set by
the company, they undergo free training and workshop weeks before they officially start the job. The company even offers a 5-day soft skills training to those who failed to get the job. This way, they would have a grasp on the kind of skills the company is looking for in an employee. After the training, they are again evaluated if they are ready and fit for a job in the company. Despite the non-stop hiring schedule, the company boasts of the lowest attrition amongst companies in Mindanao. “ We have the lowest attrition rate of less than 5 percent. This is the lowest since other companies are in between 10 to 15 percent.”, Garcia added. The company continues to strive for excellence in all of
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its services including customer satisfaction and care for its workforce. As Mindanao, specifically Davao and Cagayan de Oro,
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continues to prove its position as the BPO hubs next to Manila and Cebu, Concentrix continues to better its position as a leader in the outsourcing industry.
Aquino assures safety of democracy and sacredness of the individuality of the branches of government
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III assured on Tuesday that the country’s democratic processes and the sacredness of the individuality of the branches of government is and will be preserved in light of his support for the Articles of Impeachment that seeks to remove Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona from his appointed position. Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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The President sought to downplay the concerns expressed by various legal experts and constitutionalists that a Constitutional crisis would prevail if the government would continue to pursue its case against Corona, saying these concerns and the accompanying “exchange of opinions” showed that democracy was truly alive and blossoming in the country. “Ang pagsasalita pa lang nila ebidensya na siguro na hindi nadi-diskaril ang ating demokrasya at bagkus buhay na buhay ang ating demokrasya. ‘Yung pagpapalitan ng kanilang opinyon, ‘di ba, may nagmumungkahi, mayroong kontra doon; ‘pag nag-dayalogo, nagkausap, mapapaganda nila ‘yung mungkahi ng nauna,” the President said. “ S o ‘yun lang po ang nangya12
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yari sa ating proseso ngayon dito. At marami na rin namang mga abugado ang nagpasabi sa atin na sang-ayon sila sa ating mga pinaggagagawa. At ‘yung iba ho medyo kinakabahan na baka ma-sanction ng Korte Suprema kaya nananahimik. Hindi ibig sabihin na mas marami ho ang naniniwalang hindi tama ang ginagawa natin. Palagay ko po kung babasehan pa natin ‘yung mga survey na lumalabas eh karamihan ng mga Pilipino ay talagang sumang-ayon sa atin pong ginawa,” he added. In his speech at the political caucus held at the Edsa Shangri-la Hotel, the President said his government was forging on with its quest to effect changes in the Philippine justice system, as his and the people’s responsibility to ensure that the next generation would be left with an honest and just judiciary. “May responsibilidad tayo sa ating mga sarili, sa ating kapwa Pilipino, at lalo na sa salinlahing paparating pa lamang.
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Isa lang ang pinagpipilian natin: tanggapin ang kasalukuyang situwasyon na hindi tumutugon sa kagustuhan at pangangailangan ng nakararami o itulak ang pagbabago, at bumuo ng sistema kung saan mananagot ang may kasalanan, maski sino ka man,” the President said. “Pagkatapos po ng mga prosesong ito, sinisiguro ko may naitindig na tayong mas matibay na mga institusyong kaytagal pinahina ng nakaraang administrasyon. Ito po ang ating ipamamana sa susunod na salinlahi. Nananalig akong tayo’y magtatagumay dahil tayo’y nasa tama, at hangad natin ang ikabubuti ng nakararami kung hindi ng lahat. Sa lahat ng Pilipinong naghahangad ng malawakan at makabuluhang pagbabago, abot-kamay na po natin ito; nakikita ko na ang tagumpay kung bawat isa sa atin ay gagawin ang nararapat at makatuwiran. Hayaan po nating kunsensya ang magtimon sa atin” he added. (RCK)
Agriculture is always a top priority -- Aquino
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III outlined his
administration’s plan for the country’s agriculture sector saying ensuring enough food for the people always remains his top priority.
“Mananatili pong prayoridad ng gobyerno ang pagpapalakas ng agrikultura na alam nating manganganak naman ng pagsulong ng kalakhang ekonomiya sa kanayunan,” the President said before the farmers and fisherfolks
who attended this year’s Gawad Saka awards at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall. Among these plans include the farm-to-plate strategy, which will fast track government services to farmers and fishermen
and ensure that agricultural produce reach the tables of Filipino families. This strategy i n -
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D o , am erum povilicibes inximmo estrur. cludes training personn ta re incla nel for good agricultural tod res! Seri practices, food safety as lica percae adeatu well as the introduction ta, Castra, of modern technologies v e r i p i o r e , to farmers and fishermed cuppli, men to boost their prom verfec te duction. entilic is. solum pop- The government e teremus, is also forging bilateral em, cae agreements with other es Mae aceret ver- countries so that the counum dit. try’s agricultural produce rem fac could easily be marketm ilis con ed abroad, the President a, quam opulicae- said. uo es- “Tuloy-tuloy na ang tor, the President said, the tillegin pagsasaayos ng ating for- government started buffer aginatre, stocking of quality seeds i v a g i t e eign trade policies at ang that farmers can use. Govmus hoc- pagpapatupad ng mga am hoca; hakbang upang masig- ernment experts are also os acesi urong ang mga produk- continuously doing research on Itam on climate resilient seeds e r u n t e tong iniluluwas natin ay and rainwater harvesting. At onloc ven- kaya ring mamayagnt iam pag sa pandaigdigang the same time, the governt, qui con merkado. Paigtingin din ment is spearheading ordereo, noterganic farming and balanced virius spic te, po natin ang pagmafertilization, he added. niquamdis in matyag laban sa mga “Naglalagay po tayo ntilnestrum pangunahing sakit na acesuam qua sumasalanta sa mga ng matibay na pundasyon res egiticen tes se queri public pananim at mga al- upang lalo pang lumago ang orum et pat ni- agang hayop,” he sektor ng agrikultura. Simple mus aut venatus said. lang po ang ating batayang et? At omanum, To mitigate the prinsipyo: kung may gawin pullariam uteatis, us effects of cli- kang mabuti, tiyak na cupiocus, C. Octam erimmorum incurbite mate change mabuti rin ang balik sa iyo; erehemq uodicie muntem in the ag- kung gumising ka ng maddieniam furo ut Cupio, riculture aling-araw upang pumalaot, ni int? Tius bondam reistra s e c - uuwi ka sa isang hapag na ctoreo imum hicio, cononsimure forsum faurehe ntelute rbemorb effre, nit. Na, macior adducon sus- Wednesday, December 14, 2011 14 ONE MINDANAO pess enatuam dem idessena ina, quosse
sagana ang nakahain; kung magbanat ka ng buto at kumayod-kalabaw buong araw, titiyakin ng gobyerno na may sapat kang suporta upang makaangat ka sa buhay,” he said. Like farmers planting seeds for a bountiful harvest, the President said his administration has initiated reforms to get rid of corruption in the government so the country can move faster towards national progress. The President led Tuesday the awarding of 22 outstanding farmers, fishermen and farmer/fisherfolk organizations who made significant contributions to nation building and development. (AS)
W
NFA rice stock adequate till end of 2011 by Phres A. Evardone
ith 22.1 million bags of rice stored in its various warehouses, the National Food Authority (NFA) assured the public that the country has sufficient rice supply until the end of this year.
Rex C. Estoperez, Director of NFA’s Public Affairs Office, said Tuesday that NFA has a rice stock that will last for 36 days. Moreover, he added that there was no price increase monitored on commercial rice as well. Meanwhile the rice reserve of the entire rice industry will last for about 86 to 87 days, Estoperez said. He added that this is still high considering that the normal buffer requirement for the entire rice industry is 90 days.
Further, Estoperez said that the Department of Agriculture assured that the country’s rice supply for the first quarter of 2012 is still sufficient. But the food authority will still continue to monitor the rice production especially in the lean months, which starts at the month of July, to ensure that the country will have adequate rice supply next year. Moreover, to further ensure the stability of rice supply in the country the NFA will
import 500,000 metric tons of rice next year as a buffer stock. Estoperez said that is volume is lower than the 860,000 metric tons of rice imported last year. Estoperez was the guest at the radio program “Talking Points” sponsored by the Philippine Communication Operations Office (PCOO) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and aired over DZRB Radyo ng Bayan.
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Liga College may operate next school year by Robert E. Roperos
A
ssociation of Barangay Captains (ABC) president and Banza punong barangay Nestor Amora expressed hope that the Liga College will be operational in June, 2011 in time for the opening of classes.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com
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http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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The Liga College is one of the priority projects of the ABC here in support to the Social Development Agenda on Education, as embodied in the Regional Development Plan of Caraga Region. In an interview with a local radio station here recently, Brgy. Capt. Amora said the said college will offer scholarship to more
than 600 students in the province. “We will only be offering one course as recommended by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Assistant Regional Director Dr. Anastacio Martinez and that is on business and entrepreneurship,” Amora added. Amora explained this aimed to teach the students to be busi-
nessmen and entrepreneurs in the future, and not just mere employees or workers. Amora further said CHED Officials are set to check the building and facilities by April 2012. He said he was optimistic that barring problems during the inspection, the CHED will issue the school’s permit to operate.
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New ARC confirmed by DAR by Myra Q. Yu
TANDAG CITY – The National Agrarian Reform Community Task Force (NARCTF) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Office recently confirmed a new Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) to be launched in the province of Surigao del Sur before the year ends.
Said ARC named as CARSISA ARC is composed of three barangays namely: Caromata, Siagao and Sagbayan of the Municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. 18
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According to Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Restituto R. Marilla, documents submitted was approved and confirmed by the panelist headed by DAR Asst. Sec. Herminia Fe B.
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San Juan, Chairman of NARCTF. Creating a new ARC is a means of extending support services to the respective barangays identified. CARSISA ARC will soon be the 41st ARC
of the province of Surigao del Sur. Like any other ARCs, they will become a recipient of different infrastructure or livelihood projects to be implemented in the coming years funded or sponsored by the
various stakeholders or partner agencies like the Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Agriculture, National Irrigation Administration and other foreign organizations.
This undertaking is one of the major components of CARP, the Program Beneficiary Development(PBD) implemented by DAR nationwide. (DAR Surigao del Sur)
City gov’t distributes gifts to indigent Butuanons through “Gasa Hong Pasko” by Ritchelle Encabo
BUTUAN CITY – The local government here has started to distribute packed Christmas gifts for the 86 barangays of the city through the “Gasa Hong Pasko 2011.” Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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The “Gasa Hong Pasko� of the city government has a Php 3 million allocation to ensure the sustainability of the program. Among the areas reached by the program were barangays Tungao, San Mateo, Dulag, MJ Santos, and Manila de Bugabos whose constituents are the first recipients of 20
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these Christmas gifts. Barangays Bitanagan, Dagohoy, Villa Kananga, New Society Village, Tandang Sora, and Lapu-lapu will also receive the same packed gifts from the city government. Report said that around 200 families belonging to the marginalized sector were already identi-
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
fied to receive ear- l y Christmas gifts in every barangay of all the 86 barangays here. Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with the Liga ng mga Barangay, will lead the said gift giving program with the assistance of the Butuan Search and Rescue Team (BUSART). (Butuan City PIO)
Pag-ibig Fund @ 31 : Makabuluhan, Matatag at Maaasahan by Alma L. Tingcang
A
ptly describing the name for which it stands, the theme for Pag-ibig Fund’s 31st Anniversary celebration symbolizes the epitome of quality service through the years - “Makabuluhan, Matatag at Maaasahan.” Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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In a press conference held at the Roxan Hotel yesterday, Mr. Ibrahim N. Lajarato, Branch Manager of the Home Development Mutual Fund, Pagadian Branch enlightened the media by saying, “Makabuluhan because we have made ourselves relevant to members who availed of our housing loan program. We made their dreams come true and now they own a house. At the same time, we made savings an important part of any worker’s life. Savings are important especially for future use. That is why Pag-ibig Fund is called a provident fund, it is a provision for the future.” Matatag in the sense that they have been meeting a lot of challenges and threats in its 31 years of exis
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tence, implementing crucial strategies and hitting the P300 billion asset mark to date. “So Pag-ibig Fund is now a P300B company,” Lajarato modestly explained. Maaasahan because in times of calamities, through difficult times of our lives Pagibig is there to cushion the impact of devastation by providing short term benefits to its members. At the height of the typhoons that hit Metro Manila and the rest of the country, Lajarato said, “while other offices were closed, we were open to serve our members. So we made ourselves reliable when you need some money for your expenses, always there ready to serve you.” Briefly citing the
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
notable accomplishments of Pagadian Branch, Lajarato said that as of November, 2011, membership level stood at 69,000 reaching a collection of P1.082 billion broken down into the following : Members’ contribution – P194.46M; STL collections getting the bulk at P663.96M and housing loan collections - P223.93M. On the other hand, total fund disbursements amounted to P1.011.98B: housing loans – P328.84M; STL - P608.14M and claims - P74.98M. The excess of over P70 million goes to show that Pagadian branch can sustain its operations by just collecting and at the same time disbursing its funds, without necessarily needing any funds
from head office. Lajarato shared another piece of good news. On January 2, 2012, the penalty condonation program for housing loans will be implemented. Default borrowers are given six (6) months to avail of this program which means that all penalties will be condoned and the amount left will become the restructured account. Your obligation would be to pay the restructured account together with your original account. This is a very good chance offered for those who were not able to pay their housing loans on time. Meanwhile, Pagibig is on its final course for the computerization of records with the end in view of making its services accessible any-
where in the country and facilitating transactions hassle-free to members. Relative to this, he said Pag-ibig Fund was recently ISO certified, awarded the seal of excellence “meaning it complies with international standards of excellence in delivering quality service.” Hopefully next year, the Fund will open a branch in Ozamiz City and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, bringing its services closer to the people. As Atty. Margie James Lumasag, Attorney IV rightly said, “With Pag-ibig Fund, you’re in safe hands.” We say Mabuhay and more power on your 31st Anniversary today! (ALTPIA9/Zambo Sur)
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DSWD delisted some 10% of 4Ps erroneously listed households by Rene V. Carbayas ISABELA CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has intensified the review and verification of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries to cleanse it of unqualified ones.
themindanaocurrent.blogspot.com
Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said they have already delisted around 162,000 households who were erroneously listed as beneficiaries based on the results of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty
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Reduction (NHTS-PR) survey previously conducted by the agency. In a consultation meeting with the media recently, Soliman admitted that the NHTS-PR still has “inclusion errors” that were committed by enumerators hired by the agency for the survey. “We’re continually cleaning up our database based on the complaints that we receive through our hotline 0918-9122813 and reports filed in our field offices,” Soliman said. For the third quarter of the year, she noted that the DSWD processed a total of 1,399 complaints and resolved 404 of them.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
“We’ve been getting numerous complaints. Our hotline alone receives an average of 500 text messages on a daily basis and it takes about a month to process them all,” she said. But overall, Soliman said they consider the results of the survey as satisfactory and that the uncovered inclusion errors were only minimal. “This is not a perfect system. It has some errors but it’s not at the 20 or 30 percent level. We have delisted less than 10 percent of the beneficiaries so far so I think the system is working quite well,” she added. (JPA/PIA9-ZBST)
PNP beefs up security in Dipolog
by Franklin P. Gumapon
DIPOLOG CITY - With the observance of the Christmas season, the Philippine National Police (PNP) here headed by PSupt. Warlito C. Serna has beefed up its anti-criminality and anti-terrorism activities to protect the public against lawless elements. Serna told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the Dipolog Police Station (DPS) had conducted crime prevention for a with businessmen, bank employees and lending operators as participants. DPS is currently
concentrating on crime prevention, monitoring of lawless elements and execution of barangay-based public safety services. It also organized the Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives (MASCO) composed of PNP personnel equipped with
motorcycles, PNP marked helmets and arm bands marked “MASCO.� The city has remained the most peaceful place in the region in particular and in the country in general. (FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)
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PACT, DOT take street kids back to nature by Apipa P. Bagumbaran
M
ore than 40 children in this city have enjoyed exploring nature during the “Educational Tour for Street Children, Trafficked Women and Children and Child Laborers� held at Mapawa Nature Park and the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, yesterday. The educational tour was spearheaded by the Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), in region 10. Maria Lavern Jabien, regional 26
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convenor of PACT Mindanao, said the tour was aimed at raising the kids awareness on the issues of trafficking and encouraging them to join in the advocacy of anti-child trafficking. The tour was participated in by
20 children from Carmen, 15 kids from Youth With A Mission (YWAM), and 10 kids from Isla de Oro, as well as, 20 guardians and facilitators, who enjoyed nature trekking and ziplining at Mapawa Nature Park. The kids were also encouraged to care for the environment through the conduct of tree planting of fruit bearing trees at the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village. To feel the spirit of giving and sharing this Christmas Season, each child also received a gift from the organizers and partner-agencies. Meanwhile, DOT-10 Regional Director Catalino E. Chan III, expressed appreciation to all the partner-agencies for supporting the project. “We have been conducting the educational tour and other similaractivities for the children vulnerable to trafficking in collaboration our partner- agencies, and for eight
years now, the project has benefitted more than 400 children in the city,” he said. He also gave assurance that the DOT and its partner-agencies will continue doing this activity in order to strengthen efforts to protect children from trafficking. The whole-day educational tour was in line with the observance of the International Day Against Trafficking, with the theme “Komunidad Palakasin: Child Trafficking Sugpuin,” which focuses on the crucial role of the community in creating an environment that prevents trafficking of children.
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Photo Gallery
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Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Lanao del Norte – celebrating 50 years in scouting by Lorry V. Gabule
TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE -Around 1,200 boy scouts and scout leaders joined the Lanao del Norte Council Golden Jubilee Year Scouts Jamboree and Kid/Kab Olympics at its camp site in Agora Grounds, Tubod, this province, December 8-11.
The Kids belong to Grades 1-3 and Grades 4-6 for the Kabs, with boy scouts from first to fourth year at the secondary level. During the opening, Gov. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, the council chairman, recognized the contribution of the boy scouts in the province. “I want the Provincial Jamboree of Lanao del Norte to be the best Jamboree in Mindanao,”
expressed Governor Dimaporo. “We have proven this during our participation to the recently concluded One Mindanao Jamboree in Pagadian City, garnering major awards and being the Biggest Delegation with 600 scouts and scouters,” he added. Anchored on its theme, “Scouting Builds Community,” the boy scouts who came from the 22 municipalities Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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in the province were able to build friendship and brotherhood. At the camp site, the main activities focused on Global Development Village (GDV) (Education and Children’s Rights; Peace; Health and Nutrition; Environmental Protection and Conservation; Science and Technology and Entrepreneurship); Challenge Valley and Orienteering; Community Development; Community Service; and Back to Basics. While special activities included Arts and Crafts; Livelihood Skills; Water Rescue and Survival; and Jambo Race. Activities like Jamboree Quiz Bee and Scouts Got Talent added excitement to the camp. On the culminating day, Keynote Speaker Regional Chairman Jose Manuel M. Dalipe, Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Western Mindanao
Region cited the Boy Scouts vision to be the leading provider of progressive outdoor-based non-formal education committed to develop morally straight, disciplined, concerned, selfreliant citizens in the best tradition. Dalipe formally presented to the governor the Golden Jubilee Year Plaque given by the national organization, recognizing Lanao del Norte’s active participation in Scouting. Witnessing the awarding were Honorary Chairman former Congressman Abdullah D. Dimaporo, with some members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, this province. Also present were Council Scout Commissioner Dr. Maria Luisa B. Mutia, Department of Education (DepEd) Lanao del Norte; and members of the Local Council Benoni Tolero, Sr., Ray Cariño, Manny Imperial, Domingo Sacote.
Cookfest highlights Ozamiz fiesta celebration by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – A cooking contest for the Best Native Delicacy and the Best Native Chicken Recipe was among the highlights of the activities undertaken by the City Government, here, during feast day of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Celebrated every Dec. 8, the said feast is actually the city’s second religious celebration in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the City’s patron 30
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saint, after that of July 16, the Feast of the Lady of Mt. Carmel. To enliven the festivities, the Liga ng mga Barangay has also
initiated the contest for the Best Booth of agriculture products and home cottage industries put up by the city’s 51 barangays, Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez said. Meanwhile, the activities of the day included a foot parade starting at 7:30a.m. from the Osmeňa-Roxas (OsRox) Park to Cotta Square where a program was held. Route of the parade was as follows: From OsRox Park forward to Rizal Avenue, turn right to Burgos Street, turn left to Zamora Street, then forward to the Ozamiz City Public Mall, turn left to Capistrano Street, then turn right to Rizal Avenue, then forward to the Port Road, then to Cotta Square. Next was the drum and lyre competition among elementary and high school students to be participated in by the Ozamiz City Central School, Doňa Consuelo Elementary School (ES), San Antonio ES, Catadman ES and Baybay Triunfo ES. Participating high schools in the
competition included the Misamis University High School (HS), Tabid National HS, Ozamiz City School of Arts and Trade, Ozamiz City National HS, Labinay National HS and Medina Science HS. Also featured at 7:00 p.m. at the Don Anselmo Bernad Avenue, Corner Rizal Avenue, was Rubber Band and the Eil Rach Band of San Miguel Brewery Inc. from Cagayan de Oro City and the Beauty and the Beautician from Manila. The fiesta celebration was ended with a fireworks display.
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A
2 Davao women law enforcers cited as Mindanaoan achievers lady soldier and a lady jail officer here recently received citations as among the women outstanding achievers of Mindanao for epitomising empowered women in fields traditionally overruled by men.
Major Rosa Ma. Cristina R. Manuel of the 10th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and chief inspector Grace Taculin of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology gained the recognitions from the Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW). Manuel was cited for actively engaging in fields traditionally overruled by men and for breaking barriers in the military service, being the being the first female line officer to be assigned outside the 8th ID division headquarters based in Samar. She is also the first female and the current Battalion Executive Officer of the 10th Civil Military Operations Battalion of the AFP. Previously, MCW said that Man
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uel improved the system and database management of the G1 office and the massive clearing operation in Samar has moulded her to be a seasoned Female Line Officer. In 2007, the lady soldier joined the 10th ID and was assigned to launch and operationalize the 10th Division Public Affairs Office which continues to function efficiently and work closely with members of the media. Manuel also received military honors and civilian appreciations for her exemplary contributions and support in the military service in pursuit for a just and lasting peace in the communities. Working in the service for more than ten years, the Battalion Executive Officer has consistently proven herself as an asset to the Philippine Army. Being able to balance work and personal life, Manuel is also a champion at her own home being a wife and a mother of two kids. She also actively participates in several civic and religious organizations.
Manuel was placed in the ranks of Hadja Bainon Karon, chair of the Moro National Liberation Front Women’s Committee of the Central Committee and founder of the Federation of United Mindanawan Bangsamoro Women’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Bo-i Era España, tribal chieftain of the Obo-Manobo tribe in Barangay Mua-an, Kidapawan and chairperson of indigenous peoples organization Tuddok; and Atty. Raissa Jajurie. These women were cited by MCW for breaking the normal norms of the society, for improving existing practices and for showing that women too can contribute in the public sphere. Meanwhile, Davao City Jail chief inspector Taculin was recognized for making innovations and breakthroughs as she was instrumental to the establishment of the Ray of Hope Village inside the city jail facility. The village provides homey atmosphere for inmates, especially for women and children as prison cells were transformed into small bungalows where inmates are allowed to create handicrafts and cook food for sale outside the jail.
Taculin calls the female inmates “bakasyonistas” whom she helped acquired livelihood opportunities through her linkage with government agencies, private and religious sectors. The jail officer was among the other four women whom MCW named as Mindanaoan achievers for breaking new grounds along with Manuel and nine other women honourees during MCW’s 10th anniversary on December 8 in Davao City. The honourees under the breaking new grounds category included Betty More, executive director of the Kababayen-an Alang sa Teknolohiya nga Haum sa Kinaiyahan ng Kauswagan, Inc. (KATAKUS) and Agnes Locsin, a dancer, teacher and is considered one of the most progressive contemporary choreographers in the Philippines. The other honourees under same category were regional director Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in South Central Mindanao, and Myla Leguro, senior program manager for monitoring, evaluation and learning at the Catholic Relief Services (CRS). (Carina L. Cayon)
fact and figures... 21
The number of Davao City Councilors who voted to override the veto of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte in a City Council ordinance reclassifiying the site of the 300-megawatt coal power plant from agricultural to heavy industrial. Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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City opens Pasalubong Center for Pasko Fiesta by Mai Gevera-Macapagat
DAVAO CITY– In time for the holiday season, the local city government of Davao opened the Pasalubong Center that offers only Davao City made products for tourists and locals as well. City Tourism Officer Jason Magnaye explained that the facility is operating on a temporary basis as the local government is yet to finalize the guidelines for the operation of the center. “In the meantime, we are opening this for Pasko Fiesta. For now, tenants get to pay P25 per square meter everyday since we are still using Local Government Code as basis. But next year, this rate may go up or may go down depending on what will be agreed on,” he said. Unlike the other “pasalubong” stores in the city, this newly-opened center prioritizes small and medium 34
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entrepreneurs who sell Davao-made products. Multi-national companies have access to bigger department stores and other commercial centers, thus, the city government strictly limits tenant occupancy for local Davao products. This two-storey center is divided by sections: there’s a space for fruits, flowers, processed foods, and housewares. It has also allotted a space for the products of women groups from the Davao City Jail. These women have been making mats and printed mugs, and are often assisted by the local government for the marketing of their products. The second floor is intended for restaurants that offer truly-Davao food and delicacies. The food area at the second level is yet to start operation early next year. Trade and Industry Davao City Director Teololu Pasawa said the center is highly commended by the business sector as SMEs are given a good opportunity to showcase their products at a very affordable rate. Commercial stalls offered by private owners are often rented at P1,000 per square meter per day. This is way too expensive compared to the rate of an estimated P220/square meter per day rate in Davao ’s Pasalubong Center.
Gov. Migs, DOST install AWS at Sarangani Capitol ALABEL, Sarangani – Gov. Migs Dominguez and personnel of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) install the Automatic Weather Station (AWS) at the Capitol Thursday, December 8. The AWS is capable of monitoring the weather system including rainfall, temperature, sunset and sunrise, wind velocity, solar and lunar positions. All collected data will be sent automatically to Pag-asa website and can be accessed by the public. (Russel Delvo) Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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Lutayan fisherfolk recieve 1M tilapia fingerlings by Jane Christine Balayo and Niǹa Joyce Macabinta
KORONADAL CITY -- At least 27 fisherfolk in Lutayan town, Sultan have benefited from distribution of GET EXCEL tilapia by the regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-12) in cooperation with the Mindanao Freshwater Fishery Technology Center (MFFTC). GET EXCEL is a tilapia strain developed by the government to increase fish production and provide solutions to the perennial problems of food security. As such, the fingerling distribution aims to fulfill the same objective and develop more livelihood opportunities for the impoverished fisherfolk in the locality and in South Central Mindanao in general. BFAR 12 Assistant Regional Director Ambutong K. Pautong led fellow officials in the fingerling distribution ceremony. He said that more fisherfolk in the region will benefit from the project because more fingerlings will be
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distributed soon. Meanwhile, MFFTC head Usop Pendaliday, announced in the same venue the plan to award another million fingerlings to Lutayan in 2012 considering the area’s viability in pro-
duction of freshwater and frozen tilapia. Lutayan lake has an area of 4,947 hectares. Tilapia growers in the area need to meet market demands reaching 50 to 80 tons of tilapia
per month. Besides markets in Sultan Kudarat and nearby provinces, tilapia products here are sold in Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City and Metro Manila. (BFAR12/DEDoguiles)
DPWH urges private sector to help monitor infrastructure projects by Olivia Sudaria ALABEL, Sarangani -- The Department of Public Works and Highways urged the private sector to help the government in the monitoring public works projects as part of the transparency program of the Aquino Administration. This was the call 2012-2016 infrastruc- The DPWH Sec. also of DPWH Secretary ture programs. said that the Aquino Rogelio Singson during the recent meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC)- Infrastructure Committee chairpersons held in Manila, according to RDC XII Infrastructure Committee chairman Alfredo Bronx Hebrona who was one of the participants. Hebrona said Singson urged the participants to aim for better coordination and project implementation of the
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administrations strives to complete the concreting of all primary and arterial roads by 2014; and all secondary national roads and national bridges along national roads by 2016, Hebrona added. Hebrona said Sing-
son recommended that
all regional development plans must be consistent with DPWH priorities to ensure funding support. He also suggested that all congresspersons should be invited in the RDC budget reviews and consultations. Secretary Singson
attributed most of the delays in project implementation to right of way problem where, he said, the local government units play a vital role in helping the DPWH in resolving the problem, Hebrona quoted Singson as saying.
Mga bagong rice seed growers sa South Cotabato sumailalim sa pagsasanay KORONADAL CITY – Sampung mga bagong inbred rice seed growers ang sumailalim sa pagsasanay ng South Cotabato Provincial Agriculture Office upang lalo pang mapataas ang supply ng binhing palay sa lalawigan. Ayon kay Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) seed coordinator Renato Parcon, layon umano ng nasabing training program ang mapataas ang produksiyon ng binhing palay at makatulong sa food security program ng Pamahalaang Aquino. Umaasa din si Parcon na ang mga kaalaman ng mga seed growers na kanilang sinanay ay makakatulong sa pagpapanatili ng katatagan ng supply ng certified palay 38
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seeds sa lalawigan na mababa ang presyo. Mga makabagong teknolohiya at mga kaalaman sa produksiyon ng palay, lalo na ang pamamahala at pagpapatubo ng binhing palay ang kabilang sa mga asignaturang ibinahagi sa mga rice seed growers na nagmula sa South Cotabato, Cotabato at Sarangani ng mga eksperto mula sa Bureau of Plant IndustryNational Seed Quality Control Services; Agricultural Training Insti-
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
tute at Philippine Rice Research Institute. Ang Lalawigan ng South Cotabato ay kasalukuyang mayroong 60 aktibong mga rice seed growers, kung kaya’t hinihikayat ng OPAG ang ilan pang magsasaka na makibahagi sa inisyatibong ito ng pamahalaan. Ayon kay Parcon, ang isang 40-kilogram bag na binhing palay ay kasalukuyang ipinagbibili ng mga local rice seed growers sa halagang P1,600.00 bawat sako. (Ac Agad)