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 the
MindaComNet Congress
in General Santos City
National
In This Issue...
Thursday,
Vol. 1 No. 109
16 17 21
Army’s 6th Infantry Division reiterates primacy of GPH-MILF peace talks Perlita Changco,
Region XII
Mga kawani ng pamahalaan sa Rehiyon 12, natuwa sa pahayag hinggil sa bonus Ac Agad
Region XII
Butuan City gov’t intensifies security this Yuletide Season Robert E. Roperos,
Caraga Region
22 25
Sec. Robredo inspects tunnel leading to CdeO City Jail
26
Oroquieta CDRRMC acquires a rubber inflatable boat
33 34
Philippines remains stable despite global economic uncertainty – Aquino...............................................................
Fryan E. Abkilan,
Sec. Coloma keynotes MINDACOMNET confab
Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob.
page 14
Region X
Region X
CARAGA REGION
page 20
DPWH 9 employees undergo Disaster Risk Reduction Management seminar Michael Vincent D. Cajulao,
Coloma pushes communication for development Carina Cayon
Model cacao nursery opened in Davao City
Mai Gevera Macapagat
NORTHERN MINDANAO
Region IX
MindaCOMNET faces challenges of new media Rene V. Carbayas,
page 4
CENTRAL MINDANAO
Caraga Region
Jeza Mae Sarah C. Sanchez,
10 11
Cover Story
Franklin P. Gumapon
DOH Sec to keynote BHW convention in Surigao Norte
28 30
PHL to remain relentless in fight against drugs – Aquino....................................................
Region IX
page 24
WESTERN MINDANAO
page 27
Region XI
Region XI
SOUTHERN MINDANAO
page 34
Cover Story
Sec. Coloma keynotes MINDACOMNET confab by Franklin P. Gumapon
“Communication for development begins with you.” 4
ONE MINDANAO
Thursday, December 1, 2011
This was the challenge posed Coloma said communication by Secretary Sonny B. Coloma Jr. for development “is our mission,” of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) to the information officers participating in the 9th Mindanao Communicators Network (MINDACOMNET) congress held here last Nov. 28-30. Around 135 information officers from the different national government agencies (NGAS), local government units (LGUs), academe and non-government organizations (NGOs) from all over Mindanao have converged here for the said congress with the theme: “Strengthening Governance Communication through the New Media. Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 5
tation and mitigation, security/ peace and order and good governance.
adding that “it’s what we do and the why of our reason for being.” He also urged the information officers to be good at what they are doing and this can only happen if they believe in themselves. “Who we are and why we are here determine what we do and how we will do it,” he stressed. Secretary Coloma has also appealed to the participants to help promote the programs pursued by the present leadership which center on sustained economic growth, poverty reduction and people empowerment, climate change adap6
ONE MINDANAO
Thursday, December 1, 2011
On the opening day, Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-XII Regional Director and MINDACOMNET President Olivia T. Sudaria welcomed the participants who came all the way from regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Sudaria said that the MINDACOMNET has contributed to governance communication by enhancing the knowledge and skills of communication officers. She also emphasized that this organization would always be
supportive of the peace education among the inhabitants and the quest for lasting peace in the island. MINDACOMNET was founded in 2000 through the initiative
of its founding leaders, namely, former PIA-IX regional director and assistant secretary Leon. J. Omoso, PIA-XI regional director Efren Elbanbuena and PIA-XII regional director Olivia T. Sudaria. Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 7
PIA-Central Mindanao and MidaComNet outgoing President Dr. Olivia T. Sudaria presents the Plaque of Appreciation to PCOO Sec. Herminio “Sonny” Coloma as keynote speaker of the 9th MindaComNet Congress held at the Family Country Hotel, General Santos City.
8
ONE MINDANAO
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Aquino lauds country’s ‘new heroes’ for bringing honor and prestige to Filipinos
P overseas.
resident Benigno S. Aquino III paid tribute to the country’s “new heroes” for bringing honor and prestige to Filipinos through their dedication, sacrifice and hard work while eking out a living far from their families Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 9
In his speech keynoting the awarding ceremonies of the 2011 Bagong Bayani in Malacañang on Thursday, the President praised the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for being partners in nation building. “Saludo po ako sa di-matawarang dedikasyon at sakripisyo ng ating mga OFWs. Malayo man sa kanilang tahanan, buong tatag at sagisag pa rin sila sa pagkayod upang mabigyan ng maginhawang buhay at kinabukasan ang kanilang pamilya,” the President said. “Ang mga ipinadadalang remittance ng ating mga OFWs para
sa panggastos sa bahay o pagpapagawa ng kanilang dream house; para sa pambayad ng matrikula ng mga anak o ng kapatid, o di kaya pangtustos sa negosyo, ay katumbas din ng pag-usad ng mga Pilipino sa tuwid na landas,” he added. He stressed that the term Bagong Bayani or New Hero is a fitting testament to OFWs around the world whose dedication and sacrifice have greatly helped in uplifting the lives of their families and the economy. “Kaya naman hindi maitatangging kayo ang ating mga bagong bayani. Hindi man kayo gumag-
T
amit ng mga sandata sa pakikibaka, pinapalaya ninyo ang bayan mula sa pagkakagapos nito sa kahirapan – mga bayani kayong ipinupuhunan ang dugo, pawis at pagod upang itaas ang antas ng kabuhayaan ng inyong pamilya at ng ekonomiya,” the President said. “Nakikipagsapalaran kayo kaakibat ang tatag ng loob na magtrabaho sa kanila, ng pagkakahiwalay sa mga mahal sa buhay; ang tapang sa pagharap sa mga pagsubok ng pag-iisa at ng hirap ng trabaho at sa pagiging salbabida ng ating ekonomiya,”headded.(rck)
PHL to remain relentless in fight against drugs – Aquino he Philippines will remain relentless in its fight against illegal drugs and its distribution, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday, following the verdict of the Chinese Supreme People’s Court (SPC) which affirmed a lower court’s ruling on the imposition of the death penalty on a Filipino national in connection with a drug trafficking case.
10
ONE MINDANAO Thursday, December 1, 2011
In
an
interview,
the President said the government would never tire in warning the people against being victimized by drug syndicates to transport their contraband. “Wala hong tigil tayong mag-warning doon sa mga nalilinlang for instance na maging drug mule,” the President said.
He pointed out that his administration is working towards strengthening the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in order to increase the anti-illegal drug agency’s ability “to interdict them (drug syndicates) especially within our shores going out and coming in.” (RCK)
Philippines remains stable despite global economic uncertainty – Aquino
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III said Thursday that while the country’s third quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth was slower than expected, the Philippines remains stable and investors continue to put their money in the country. Thrusday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 11
The Japanese production shortfall following major disasters, the Middle East instability, the Eurozone crisis, and the American slowdown have affected the Philippines economically, the President said in an interview at the Palace Thursday morning. The President said the stimulus package that he announced recently is meant to ameliorate all of the effects brought about by what has been happening in the world economy.
The country is still lucky because while many countries received downgrades from leading ratings agencies, the Philippines has been upgraded, which means good financial stewardship of the present government. “ P a a l a l a lang po,: habang n a
12
downgrade ang maraming bansa, naupgrade naman po tayo ng mga ratings agencies, but we don’t exist in a vacuum. Part of our production is tied in the world economy,” the President said. Asked by reporters about the need to augment the P72billion stimulus package because of the deepening Euro crisis and the continuing US slowdown, the President said his administration hopes to do that and marches towards that goal. For instance, the Department of Education made substantial improvements in putting up more classrooms and it is very close to meeting its target for this year, he said. Hopefully that will lay the basis for an expanded schoolbuilding program for next year, he added.
ONE MINDANAO Thursday, December 1, 2011
I n f ra s t r u c t u r e spending by the Department of Public Works and Highways is also good, the President said adding that the department now has safeguards to prevent leakages. “So we did not spend unwisely, I think we spent wisely and we’ll have more acceleration in the second semester,” he said referring to infrastructure spending. Early this week, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) announced that the country’s third quarter GDP grew by 3.2 percent. Although it doesn’t include the P72-billion stimulus package announced by the President, the growth figure is below the projected 3.8 to 4.8 percent target by the government. (AS)
Photo Release
Turnover of basic medical equipment MAASIM, Sarangani – Maasim Mayor Jose Zamorro, barangay Amsipit Chairman Allan Muyak, municipal health officer Jeileen Millar, barangay Lumasal chairman Eduardo Paras and Mahintana project manager Jobe Tubigon during the turn-over of basic medical equipment and supplies worth P300,000 for barangays Amsipit and Lumasal Monday, November 28. The project was funded by the European Union and implemented by the Mahinatana Foundation Inc. thru the Health and Economic Alternatives (HEAL) Project. (MAASIM NEWS CENTRAL/ Abner Arzaga) Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 13
Mindanao communicators meet in 3-day congress in GenSan by Cathy Apelacio
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Over a hundred communicators in Mindanao gathered here in a 3-day Congress in the hope to gain and increase understanding of the new media that has influenced the lives and works of millions of people in the world today. Initiated by the Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet), participants are composed of information officers/communications and public relations officers from the government and the private sectors. The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 12, organizer of the said event, has invited high14
ONE MINDANAO
ly respectable speakers knowledgeable on different fields. Leading the high-caliber speakers was Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma who discussed trending topic “relevant to the task of strengthening communication to effect change in governance.”
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Coloma keynoted the event with a focus on “C 4 D (Communications for Development) Begins with You.” He said reforms in governance starts with an individual and each has its own reason for existence. Jay Jaboneta, founder of the PHL for Little Kids spoke on his experience in helping the
kids in Zamboanga City and other Mindanao areas emphasizing the importance of social media or the social networking sites to gain support for his advocacy from others. The Congress anchors on the theme, “Strengthening Governance Communication Through the New Media.” Among the speakers for the second day also included Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Technical Assistant Rey Tan who introduced and lectured on MindaNOW, a development program focused on nurturing major watersheds and river basins in Mindanao. Meanwhile Enrico dela Torre, director for Mindanao Area, Office of the Presidential Adviser
on the Peace Process (OPAPP) presented the PAMANA or the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan, which is a framework focusing on strategic pillars to achieve lasting peace in conflict areas. The MindaComNet Congress is conducted annually to exchange vital information among members on different issues and policies that affect Mindanao and the country as a whole. It intends to create an environment of oneness and strengthen camaraderie among officers and member communicators with the “end in view to inspire and encourage excellence in governance communication.” The Congress also serves as venue for general assembly of mem-
bers and election of a new set of officers who will be guardians with a task to supervise and look into the well-being of the MindaComNet as organization in the next years. Organized originally for government information officers sometime in year 2000, the membership has extended to communications and public relations officers of non-governmental organizations, private sectors and the academe over the years. The congress will end tomorrow (Nov. 30) with Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair, Mindanao Development Authority inducting the newly set of elected officers and giving inspirational and closing message. Olivia Sudaria, PIA12 regional director and president of the MindaCOmNet said the organization “takes the role of developing or enhancing the knowledge and skills of government information officers needed in promoting and marketing government programs to the generall public and partners.”
Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 15
Army’s 6th Infantry Division reiterates primacy of GPH-MILF peace talks by Perlita Changco COTABATO CITY - Amid the sporadic gunfight between and among commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in certain areas in Maguindanao and North Cotabato recently, the 6th Infantry Division (6th ID), Philippine Army based at Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, remains committed to the primacy of the peace talks. According to 6th ID commanding general Maj. Rey Ardo, while keeping with Army’s mandate as peacekeepers, he maintains “hands off” posture on the conflict of MILF commanders so as not to affect the GPH-MILF peace talks. Ardo said, the government troops are cautious not to conduct operations in MILF recognized controlled areas
16
ONE MINDANAO
in adherence to the existing ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF citing that the war of the group’s commanders is due to land conflict. Gen. Ardo stressed that the military remains in defensive position while closely monitoring the situation and will not iintervene in the conflict involving MILF commanders. “ Our troops are on
Thursday, December 1, 2011
the defensive position but do not meddle on these conflicts because these are mere cases of land conflicts,” Ardo said. Some 3,535 housebased IDPs who sought refuge to safer grounds have returned to their respective places of origin as gunfights between two MILF commanders at Datu Hofer town, Maguindanao, subsided.
Mga kawani ng pamahalaan sa Rehiyon 12, natuwa sa pahayag hinggil sa bonus KORONADAL CITY – Para sa mga ordinaryong kawani ng pamahalaan sa Rehiyon Dose na nakabase dito sa Lungsod ng Koronadal, isang masayang balita umano ang kanilang narinig na pahayag ni Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) secretary Herminio “Sonny� Coloma hinggil sa pamimigay ng administrasyong Aquino ng Christmas bonus para sa taong ito.
Tinukoy ni Ginoong Mario Magbanua ng isang sangay ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 ang pahayag ni Coloma na mayroon umanong sapat na pondo ang Pamahalaang Aquino para sa pamaskong bonus ng lahat ng mga pampublikong kawani kaugnay ng nalalapit
na pagdiriwang ng araw ng Pasko. Matatandaang sinabi ni secretary Coloma noong Sabado na ang hinihintay na pamasko ng mga empleyado ay ipamimigay sa tamang panahon upang ito ay makakatulong sa kanilang mga pangangailangan sa kapaskuhan. Sinabi ni Coloma na
kung pagbabatayan ang mga nakaraang taon, ang nasabing pamasko ay matatanggap ng mga empleyado sa kalagitnaan ng buwan ng Disyembre. Tiniyak din ni Coloma na ipagkakaloob sa mga kawani ang mga biyayang nararapat na kanilang matanggap lalo na sa kapaskuhan. Ngayon pa lamang ay natutuwa na ang libu-libong mga kawani ng pamahalaan at nagpapasalamat sa administrasyong Aquino sa biyayang matatanggap lalo na at nagtataasan ang mga presyo ng mga batayang bilihin sa merkado. (Ac Agad)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 17
Photo Release
Delegates from Caraga Region led by Northern and Northeastern Cluster Head and concurrent Regional Director of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 10 and 13 Abner M. Caga is shown here with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Luwalhati Antonino and PIA Region 12 Regional Director and outgoing Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) President Olivia Sudaria, during the recently concluded MindaComNet Congress held at the Family Country Hotel, Mateo Road, General Santos City.
www.piacaraga.blogspot.com 18
ONE MINDANAO
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484
Thursday, December 1, 2011
piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
Esperanza grabbed title as environmental protection champion in Agusan del Sur by David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR – The municipality of Esperanza was recognized by the provincial government as an environmental protection champion, maintaining the honor of receiving awards and recognition from the local to the national government. According to records presented by municipal administrator Pauline Jaramillo, Esperanza has been recognized as 1st Prize Winner during the search for Most Orderly Municipality (2003-2004) Provincial Level, and 2nd Prize Winner during the search for Cleanest and Greenest Municipality (2003-2004) Provincial Level. Esperanza also pocketed the
first prize award for the cleanest inland body of water in the same year. “Since then, we, in Esperanza, have dreamed of maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of our municipality by strengthening the local laws that protect our environment. All these efforts have paid-off because we maintained the same prestigious awards from the year
2003 to 2007 when we grab the award as the first prize winner on the Kaunlaran ng Pamahalaang Lokal sa Kalinisan from DENR and DILG in 2007,” Jaramillo said. Being the hall of famer in the search for the cleanest and greenest municipality, Esperanza became the national entry for the search for model community eco-waste management system-
Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 19
(segregation, composting and recycling of wastes) in 2008, while grabbing the award as the regional winner in the Zero “Basura” Olympics’ Most innovative and effective in the implementation of environmental sanitation and waste management on November 2009. In the same year, Esperanza, also bagged the platinum award from DENREMB, DOH, DTI, DILG and PIA as the Ecological Sustainability Garbology Grand Master. “In 2010, we really felt that more efforts must be done in order to make our share bigger for the global protection of environment thus we became the national Finalist of Zero Basura Olympics (Garbology Marathon) in the year 2010, while receiving a plaque of recognition in the implementation of Eco20
ONE MINDANAO
logical Sustainability of the Solid Waste Management Program. On the same year, an ordinance was also passed that banned smoking in the entire municipality, where anybody caught violating the ordinance will be penalized by fines of not less than P500.00,” Esperanza Mayor Nida Manpatilan said. Again, according to Mayor Manpatilan, they do not only exert their efforts in the protection of environment, but also on other factors that have connection with environmental protection to prevent flooding that often hit Esperanza especially during rainy season. Because of this, Esparanza has prepared a comprehensive disaster risk management plan that earned an international recognition particularly from Oxfam Great Brit-
Thursday, December 1, 2011
ain in June of this year. “This initiative from the town of Esperanza is truly one of the laudable initiatives and truly one of the first around the world,” Barbara Stocking, chief executive officer of Oxfam who oversees the operation of Oxfam in 60 countries said. “The year 2011 will almost end. We hope we could do more for next year so that even in our own little way, we know we have contributed in the global issue of climate change,” Mayor Manpatilan said. The recognition received by the municipality is a proof that the provincial government is supporting the 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan of President Benigno S. Aquino III, specifically on Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources.
Butuan City gov’t intensifies security this Yuletide Season by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY – With the coming of the Yuletide Season, the city government here has intensified security to ensure public safety, which is also embodied in the Caraga Regional Development Plan .
In an interview with a local radio station here, City Councilor Ryan Anthony Culima, chairman of the committee on peace and security said the city government is organizing a Special Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (SCAA) to augment the po-
lice force in an effort to achieve peace and security in the city. Culima said the city government has coordinated with officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to jointly train the newly-recruited SCAAs. The official added
the city government will shoulder their wages while the AFP and PNP is in-charge of the training. “This is to ensure that our newlyrecruited SCAAs are ready to face their responsibilities as peacekeeper multipliers of our city,” Culima said. Councilor Culima further said the
Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 21
newly-recruited SCAAs will be deployed to strategic areas in the city where the people used to go especially this Yuletide Season. The organization of SCAAs came on the heels of a series of crime incidents in the city these past days. “We should ensure the public especially local and foreign tourists alike of
their safety while they are here in our city. In this way, our local entrepreneurs will have good income this Yuletide Season,” he said. The Caraga Regional Development Plan stated that the region continues to be challenged with continuing concerns on increasing crime incidence, unstable peace
and order and the lack of education or knowledge of the people in the communities, which made them more vulnerable to conflict situations. The resolutions of these concerns are essential to allow the affected groups to be able to participate more fully to or benefit from the programs of government.
DOH Sec to keynote BHW convention in Surigao Norte by Fryan E. Abkilan
SURIGAO DEL NORTE – Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona will visit this province today to keynote the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Provincial Convention at the provincial gymnasium, Surigao City in an effort to uphold proper health of the people as stipulated in the Regional Development Plan of Caraga. 22
ONE MINDANAO
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Upon his arrival, he will be welcomed by Gov. Sol Matugas and other local officials of the province. Gov. Matugas revealed that the summit is expected to bring together public health workers and health advocates in the entire province. This year’s convention carries the
theme, “Empowered BHWs: Facing the Challenges in Attaining Millennium Development Goals thru Health initiatives.” Other officials who are expected to grace the event are 1st district Rep. Francisco Matugas and 2nd district Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. During the sum-
mit, Gov. Matugas will lead the oath taking of the new Provincial BHW Federated Officers and a commitment signing with the two congressmen, provincial governor and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and all municipal of the province will also be conducted in support to the BHW’s cause.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 23
Climbers, energy foundation launch H4L in Bukidnon
M
by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
ore than 80 households in offgrid communities along the mountain trails were lighted through the program Hike for Light (H4L) 2011 by the Solar Energy Foundation (SEF) and the Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation (KPF) mountaineering society. SEF Program Manager Chinie Canivel said the solar lamps which were given free are designed to be carried to remote locations where electricity is not available. “It is suitable for all seasons and can be carried safely to any remote location. Its panels will maximize the capture of the sun’s rays,” Canivel said during the lamp use and management orientation and turnover ceremony with the Daraghoyan tribal settlers at the foot of the mountain. The group visited the province recently and climbed Mt. Dulang-dulang in Kitanglad Nature Park. 24
ONE MINDANAO
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Led by Erwin “Pastor” Emata of KPF Davao, three of the them were from the 1st Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition; three from the SEF; three from the Philippine Red Cross; four from Davao, 10 from Cagayan De Oro-NATURE, Inc; four from Kitanglad Integrated NGO (KIN); seven from Malaybalay City, and one Manila journalist. Some 35 climbing enthusiasts were in Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon to build a network of advocates in the mountaineering community. Canivel said that from November
2011 to February 2012, more than 200 climbers will visit and distribute solar lamps to the dwellers in the county’s five highest peaks that include Mt. Canlaon (highest peak in Visayas), Mt.Majaas (highest peak in Panay), Mt. Pulag (highest peak in Luzon), Mt. Guiting-guiting (most difficult climb), and Mt. Apo (highest peak in the
Philippines). Ma. Easterluna Canoy, Executive Director, KIN, based in Malaybalay City, meanwhile, said this is another milestone in helping the remote communities in the province. “This will make the beneficiaries merrier, especially this holiday season,” Canoy said.
Sec. Robredo inspects tunnel leading to CdeO City Jail by Jeza Mae Sarah C. Sanchez CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo visited the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) here in Northern Mindanao after the agency thwarted a possible escape of inmates. After gracing the recent Indigenous Peoples’ Assembly here in the city, Robredo, together with BJMP Chief Rosendo M. Dial, went to the Cagayan de Oro City facility to personally check on
an 83-meter tunnel that was discovered outside the facility. Dial, on his part, instructed his men to be more vigilant. Meanwhile, he commended the Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 25
leadership of BJMP-10 for a job well done in preventing the possible escape. He, on the other hand, reminded them to beef-up the already stringent security measures implemented not just in Cagayan de Oro City but in all BJMPmanned jails across the region.
Borrowing the words from the late charismatic US leader, John FitzgeraldKennedy, Dial further challenged his men. “Ask not what your Bureau can do for you, but ask what you can do for the Bureau,” he quipped. (BJMP-10)
Oroquieta CDRRMC acquires a rubber inflatable boat by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – The City Government, here, has acquired a rubber inflatable boat and a rescue jeep to be used by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), during emergencies. Mayor Jason P. Almonte, Chairperson of the CDRRMC, said he believes that thru this acquisition, the capability of the city to respond to disaster and other emergencies is strengthened and enhanced. “With this life-saving vehicle, we have planned to conduct a Water Search & Rescue Training (WASAR), next year,” Almonte said. He also said a contingency Planning Workshop had been set by CDRRM, in the last week of January 2012. Included in the plan is the conduct of earthquake drills in public and private schools, as well, as in the hospitals of the city. Among others, the city also plans to buy more rescue tools and equipment, such as, the Automated external defibrillator, helmets and life jackets and additional First Aid supplies. Meanwhile, the contingency plan includes the conduct of the 2nd Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid/Rescue Training (FART) intended for the rural 26
ONE MINDANAO
Thursday, December 1, 2011
barangays and the 3rd such training for private offices and national agencies in the month of February. The first batch of the BLS/FAR Training was held during the 3rd quarter, this year, attended by some 30 participants from all the departments of the local government unit (LGU) and the coastal barangays of the city. Almonte said the participants were trained to administer the proper Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) technique and procedure and the other aspects of First Aid application and emergency rescue/response operations. Before the participants were given certificates and Identification (ID) Cards as Trained Health Care Providers, they were subjected to “hands-on” and “real time” accident scenario. The BLS training was conducted by the Health Emergency Management Staff Department of Health, region 10, headed by Dr. David Mendoza of the Regional Epidemiology, Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit.
DILG Sec orders strict gun ban in Zambo by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
I
nterior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo recently ordered tight and strict implementation of gun ban in Zamboanga City fallowing a powerful explosion Sunday night at the Atilano Pension House in Canelar that killed 3 people and wounded 27 others.
“Dadagdagan po yung paghihigpit ng gunban,” (efforts will be doubled in the imple-
The order is one measure to thwart lawlessness in the city. Robredo ordered the revocation of Mission Orders (MOs) and Memorandum Receipts (MRs) issued to assets and intelligence agents. With the renewed gun ban reinforcement, all MOAs and MRs are technically cancelled. “Based on experience, we can better immentation of the gun plement the gun ban if ban) Robredo told local we cancel the MOAs and newsmen here during a the MRs,” he said. The next step to presscon held recently. Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 27
be looked into is the revocation of permits to carry firearms outside residence, Robredo informed. “Kung hindi pa sapat, pati permit to carry outside residences will also be cancelled,” the secretary was quoted as saying. Robredo emphasized that the gun ban applies to all individual regardless o f sta-
the community or political arena. “Walang pinipili yong gun ban,” the DILG secretary clarified. Robredo also said, security detail for local government officials from the neighboring provinces like Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi will be limited to two (2) per official when in Zamboanga City. The Cabine official emphasized the renewed implementation of the gun ban will definitely help prevent lawless elements from “sneaking” t u s in improvised explosive or standing in devises (IEDs) into the
W
city. Robredo explained, with the stricter implementation of the gun ban, the public should expect inconveniences and hassles during travels and in getting inside establishments, but all these will redound for the general public’s safety. “May mga perwisyo pong mararamdaman, we ask for understanding but we need to do this,” he said. It can be recalled, the implementation of the gun ban in Zamboanga City was revived in 2004, when Mayor Celso Lobregat assumed office.
DPWH 9 employees undergo Disaster Risk Reduction Management seminar by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ith the inevitable effects of climate change drastically hitting our country, the national government has given emphasis on preparedness, and risk reduction management in the event of a disaster to save lives and lessen damages to properties. 28
ONE MINDANAO
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Thus, the Department of Public Works and Highways 9 (DPWH) partnered with the Office of the Civil Defense 9 (OCD) for the conduct of a two part 3-day training and seminar on Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) for DPWH’s employees region-wide last September 26-28, and September 29 – October 1. DPWH 9 Regional Director Jorge U. Sebastian, Jr. said the training will enable a responsive group of people as part of the office’s public service. “Inspired by the calamity response teams from disaster-stricken
regions, we are training our people to be responsive to climate change by intensifying our campaign on building inspections, and upgrading their skills in giving first aid, which hones the commitment to an effective public service”, Dir. Sebastian pointed. DPWH 9 OIC-Assistant Regional Director Nenita Robles added, “The seminar was organized for the preparedness of DPWH IX during calamities, not only in public safety but most especially in emergency situations, being equipped in assisting patients in need
of immediate medical care”. The training is a prelude to DPWH’s plan to establish its own Emergency and Disaster Risk Reduction Response Team. To enlighten the participants on the topic, DPWH invited OCD 9 Regional Director Adriano Fuego as resource speaker. He spoke on a localized disaster preparedness based on the peculiarity of region 9. They also invited expert team from the Philippine National Red Cross – Zamboanga City Chapter headed by Mr. Jethro Arichia, head of the Emergency Medical Team to equip the participants on the basics of first aid application. (JPA/MVC)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 29
MindaCOMNET faces challenges of new media by Rene V. Carbayas
M
embers of the Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaCOMNET) faces the challenges and opportunities that current technological advances offer in efficiently communicating good governance to the Filipino. At the 9th Congress of the MindaCOMNET in General Santos City Tuesday, Jay Jaboneta of the Philippines for Kids (Bagong Pag-asa yellow boat foundation) shared how a one-time facebook status changed the life of school children in an island in Zamboanga City that swims through their way to school. Jaboneta said that after the Philippine Information Agency in Region 9 wrote a story about those kids, a single facebook status posted about the plight of these kids has paved the way to the creation of the Philippines for Kids foundation. Responses from friends 30
ONE MINDANAO
and concerned individuals made Jaboneta realize the potentials of the social network and the new media in bringing about change and progress in the lives of the people. Recently honored by Yahoo Philippines as one of the 1st Pitong Pinoy awardees for his use of social media for change, Jaboneta reveals that according to a study some 30% of Filipinos get news online every month, some 27 million are on facebook, and about 10 million on tweeter. He said that the new media provides the venue for people to be able to comment, react, interact, or gets involve on breaking
Thursday, December 1, 2011
news online right at the comfort of their homes and work places. Thus, “news has become a process” rather than just a finished product. While it has the strength to fast track the spread of current news, it has also its downside of spreading rumors quickly and easily. Jaboneta said rumors quickly spread because these are what people read that is available online. That is why he challenged communicators and information officers to provide and “create compelling contents” and stories that will attract social network users. He urged fur-
ther to “use content to build communities” because he believes that this is what people are hungry about. He said that government and non-government communicators can build on social
networking sites feedback mechanisms for the enhancement of government programs and activities. Some one hundred communication and information officers gathered at Gen-
eral Santos city for the 9th MindaCOMNET Congress from November 28 to 30, 2011 with the theme: “Strengthening Governance Communication through the New Media.”
Named as one of the outstanding Filipinos recently, Jaboneta reveals that according to a study some 30% of Filipinos get news online every month, some 27 million are on facebook, and about 10 million on tweeter. (Rene V. Carbayas, PIA9-ZBST)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 31
Authorities recover three more landmines in Paquibato
T
hree more landmines were recovered yesterday at Sitio Guinobatan, Brgy Paquibato, Paquibato District, Davao City. According to the responding
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) of Region 11, these landmines were part of the series of landmines laid out by the New People’s Army (NPA) that killed three soldiers yesterday morning. “We recovered three more landmines that were laid in series near the creek,” SPO2 Anthony Alco of SOCO Region 11 said. “If these landmines exploded, it could have had worst results,” he added. “We would like to recognize the vigilance of our SOCO teams and the soldiers for finding these three landmines for if not found, since they are just improvised, they can explode anytime when exposed to the elements of the environment,” LTC LYNDON PANIZA, 10ID Spokesperson, 32
ONE MINDANAO
Thursday, December 1, 2011
said. “The lives of the local residents could have been imperiled or endangered if not for the recovery,” he further added. From January 1 to November 29, 2011, a total of 15 landmine incidents were perpetrated by the NPAs with seven killed and 18 wounded from the soldiers, and killing 3 innocent civilians in Maco, ComVal Province which came to be known as the infamous Maco Massacre. It can be recalled that these civilians were on board a military truck on their way home after an outreach program when the NPAs detonated a landmine, killing them instantly. The use of landmines is specifically prohibited specifically on Part 3, Article 2, Paragraph 15 of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) to which the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front are signatories.
Coloma pushes communication for development by Carina Cayon
GEN. SANTOS CITY – Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. urged the public information officers in Mindanao to take and believe in government programs to be effective in communicating for development.
“Kailangan gustuhin natin, paniwalaan natin ( We must like it, we must believe),” Coloma said as he pushed for communication for development (C4D) as the mission for government communicators to carry out in informing and promoting the administration’s endeavors and programs. Coloma discussed the importance of the concept on C4D to more than 150 information officers during
the 9th Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) Congress Tuesday in General Santos City. Coloma underscored C4D in the public dissemination and promotion of President Benigno Aquino III’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2011-2016 as basis of programs for national government agencies and local government units. From the concept of C4D, Coloma raised the need of citizen engagement as part of the tasks that communicators should undertake such as conducting dialogues in the communities. “Our presence is very important in the grassroots in different parts of the country,” he stated. He also emphasized another task of providing enabling environment for the stakeholders citing the mass media, saying that “We want to create high quality public discourse through the mass media.” He further brought up the significance of gaining the support of the media to the development programs of the government. Coloma took in the United Nations’ definition of C4D that states, “C4D stresses the need to support two-way communication systems Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 33
that enable dialogue and that allow communities to speak out, express their aspirations and concerns and participate in the decisions that relate to their development”. The PCOO Secretary was the keynote speaker during the Mindacomnet Congress that gathered government information officers from various national government agencies, local government units, and the academe from Regions 9,
10, 11, 12, Caraga and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The Congress was held on November 28-30 at the Family Country Hotel, General Santos City. Spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Mindacomnet is a network of communication officers from the government, non-government organizations, private sectors and the academe in Mindanao regions.
Model cacao nursery opened in Davao City by Mai Gevera Macapagat DAVAO CITY- ACDI/VOCA, an international non-profit organization that implements the USDA-funded CoCoPal Integrated Farming Systems Project in Mindanao opened earlier today the CoCoPal model cacao nursery situated at Km. 12, Bernabe Subdivision, Catalunan Pequeno, this city. “Presently, we are providing support to qualified nursery operators and partners in our project areas. In Davao City , we supported the establishment of a model nursery with 100,000 production capacity to showcase best practices in cacao nursery production,” said Nicholas Richards of ACDI/VOCA. Seeing the need to assist cacao farmers in mastering the skill in farming, the CoCoPal projects started its assistance by showcasing the best practices shown by some of the suc
34
ONE MINDANAO
Thursday, December 1, 2011
cessful farmers and have it shown as a learning tool for new and interested farmers. CoCoPal promotes the integration of coconut and cacao in a Palayamanan system of rice farming. One of the components of the CoCoPal Project is the establishment of plant material facilities to ensure the supply of good quality seedlings.
The project will also review the existing value chains for those crops at the outset of the program to ensure that activities focus on the opportunities and constraints within each value chain, resulting in increased farmer participation and benefits. More farmers have shifted to cacao farming after seeing the growing demand of cacao from international market. Cacao is now among the top twenty export commodities of Davao region. Every year, the Bureau of Customs Region XI comes up with a list of top 20 commodities
exported from the region which are determined based on their export value. BOC XI Export Division revealed that cacao has finally made it to be among the top 20 export commodities with a total value of US$1.4 million. Destinations of cacao beans exported from the region are Belgium , China , Germany , Malaysia , Netherlands , Thailand , and USA . The volume of cacao exports from the region increas=ed by six fold from 151 metric tons in 2008 to 1,112 metric tons in 2009.
did you know... Davao City has the second best potable water in the world as cited by the World Health Organization. There is no need to boil, distill, purify because the water is absolutely complete plus its mineral content and the taste. The city’s quality water is sourced from Dumoy reservoir which is recharged by the Talomo-Lipadas watershed, one of the 13 watersheds in the City. Aside from the second cleanest potable water next to Chippewa Falls in the United States. The Davao City Water District is also among the topranking water utilites in the Asia Pacific Region.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
ONE MINDANAO 35