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: ro9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA WesMin Info Blitz
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 Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
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 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)
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
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
Regional Desk Editors …...
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
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
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
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
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
ABNER M. CAGA
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Cover Story
Agusan del Norte
lights-up capitol park Brian Jay Ceballos Caraga Region
page 4 Photo credit: Carlo Dilla
Today’s issue...
Monday, Dec. 26, 2011
Vol. 1 No. 134
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Across the Nation:
11 13
15
18
Phl to import 500,000 MT rice in 2012
Simple, meaningful parties held in public schools
Regional News:
15 17 19 21
Surigao City, Dinagat Islands on alert level 1 due to continuous rainfall FEAbkilan, Caraga Region
PRO-Caraga sends food & non-food items to Iligan City
PSUPT Martin M Gamba, Caraga Region
ARMM gets P800 million initial health stimulus fund
Western Mindanao
Dipolog mayor supports impeach rap vs CJ Corona Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao
22 27
31
23
United States provides additional $800,000 to assist victims of tropical storm Sendong
24 28
Del Monte brings aid to Sendong survivors
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Kapalong college… Region XI’s first recognized municipal college
32 33
Northern Mindanao
Northern Mindanao
DavNor solon sees no instability with CJ’s impeachment Jeanevive Abangan, Southern Mindanao
Christie Jean Ganiera, Southern Mindanao
DSWD covergence framework gains support from CSOs
Dani Doguiles , Central Mindanao
Moratorium sa pagmimina kailangang pag-aralan
Dani Doguiles , Central Mindanao
Cover Story Agusan del Norte lights-up capitol park by Brian Jay Ceballos
C
hristmas celebrations in the provincial capitol this year will be significant in that this will be the last year that the seat of local governmnet will be based here.
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Next year, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte will be transfered soon to Sanghan, Cabadbaran City. Thus, Governor of Agusan del Norte, Erlpe John M. Amante, wanted this year’s celebrations to be much more beautiful and colorful than in the past. People from all walks of life can come and bring their family to this beautiful place to view the wonderful spectacle and experience the joyful feeling of the glowing
yuletide season that happens only once-a-year. The planning stage was started as early as the middle of the year. Lights and decors were emphasized coupled with renovations and landscaping. The fountain, located in the middle of the park, has not been working for several years now. But the Provincial Government went through great lengths just to bring it back to life and was, for the first time, finally turned on last December 2, 2011. The Monday, December 26, 2011
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sight was epic. The lighting was also simultaneous to the lighting done at the City Government of Butuan. After the city’s lighting, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante graced the lighting in the Capitol Park which showed unity between Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, a sight never seen for quite a long time between the province and the city. Schedule to be switchedon at sundown, the sights and scenes at the park and its peripheries started to lit-
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erally shine with multi-color, mini-lights and colorful decors, creating the special aura of the Christmas holidays. Even the old Capitol Building enhanced the delightful ambiance with its ever changing color that glows. The rooftop of the historic Building was also placed with Santa, the Reindeers and the popular sleigh from both sides of the roof. Another spectacle to behold at night is the nearby Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office (SPO), the office of
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the Vice Governor of Agusan del Norte. It is adorned with a Belen that symbolizes the birth of our savior Jesus Christ which, in the first place, is the reason why we celebrate the Christmas Season. The SP Building is also enhanced by well-decorated and beautifully lighted decors with glowing lights to cover its whole premises. The Governor did the honors of pushing the turn-on button to light the whole Park and the Capitol Building together with a number of municipal Mayors and Government Officials of Agusan del Norte.
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The program ended with a grandiose fireworks display which lighted the sky for minutes leaving the provincial employees and spectators mesmerized in awe. They were then treated by a live band (the EJ Band of Agusan del Norte) until the park closed.
Aquino pardons foreign prisoner, grants commutation of sentence to four Filipino inmates
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III has pardoned a foreign prisoner and commuted the sentence of four Filipino inmates, a Palace official said on Monday. Monday, December 26, 2011
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The Chief Executive granted the conditional pardon with voluntary deportation to prisoner William Robert Burton who was convicted for drug trafficking, according to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte during the regular press briefing in Malacanang. Burton was sentenced to suffer the penalty of life imprisonment by the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 116 for violation of Section 21 of RA 6425 otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972. The Supreme Court (SC) affirmed the lower court’s ruling. He was ordered to pay P20,000 fine. The President ordered to turn over Burton to the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for proper disposition upon his release from the National Penitentiary. President Aquino granted the conditional pardon to Burton with “the 10
condition that he shall voluntarily agree to be deported to Rufforth Yorkshire, England and never return to the Philippines.” During the press briefing, Valte also announced that the President granted the commutation of sentence of Antonio Aure, Aurelio Nartatez, Edy Paneza and Alvani Salasa upon the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Parole. Commutation of sentence refers to the reduction of the duration of a prison sentence of a prisoner. Aure was convicted by the Surigao del Norte RTC for violation of Illegal Fishing with the Use of Explosives (PD 1058) to suffer the sentence of 20 years to reclusion perpetua. His sentence is hereby commuted to a definite prison term of 25 years. Nartatez was found guilty by the RTC of Candon City, Ilocos Sur for violation of Section 11 of RA
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9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He was sentenced to suffer indeterminate prison term of 12 years and 1 day to 20 years and to pay a fine of 300,000. His sentence is hereby commuted to an indeterminate prison term of 7 years to 12 years and to pay P300,000 fine. Paneza was convicted of violating PD 532 (Highway Robbery) by the Iloilo City RTC and the SC subsequently upheld the lower court’s ruling. The President commuted his sentence to a definite prison term of 25 years from the penalty of reclusion perpetua. He was ordered to pay civil indemnity of P50,000. Salasa, was sentenced to suffer reclusion perpetua by Tagum, Davao RTC for violation of robbery with homicide. His sentence is hereby commuted to a definite prison term of 27 years. (JS)
Phl to import 500,000 MT rice in 2012
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he Philippines will import an initial 500,000 metric tons (MT) of rice next year, a statement recently posted on the Department of Agriculture (DA) website said.
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Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the decision was arrived at during an earlier meeting of the National Food Authority (NFA) Council, which he chairs. Of the total volume, he said government will allow the private sector and farmers’ groups to import 250,000 MT each. 12
He said the NFA will concentrate on local palay procurement, as it has yet adequate rice and palay stocks in its warehouses. He said government has enough funds to buy more palay this current dry season and main harvest season next year. In fact, the DA expects a good harvest this
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d r y season due to the ‘Quickturn-around’ (QTA) and ratooning initiatives. These were undertaken by the DA in partnership with farmers’ groups and local government units to offset palay losses totaling 700,000 MT due to typhoons ‘Pedring’ and ‘Quiel’ last September. This year, the country imported a total of 860,000 MT, which is one-third of the 2.4 million MT imported in 2010. Of this year’s total volume, 600,000 MT were imported by the private sector, 200,000 MT by the NFA, and 60,000 MT by farmers’ groups. He said the DA will ensure that the country has enough buffer stock next year, particularly having a 90-day buffer stock by June 30, 2012, going into the traditional lean months of July to September.(DA/RJB/
Simple, meaningful parties held in public schools by Domingo B. Natividad V
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imple yet meaningful this was how parties in public schools nationwide were celebrated this Christmas 2011. Earlier, Education Secretary Armin Luistro ordered the public schools officials to observe simplicity during Christmas parties and “avoid any form of contribution” from students. He also cautioned the school officials from holding lavish and com-
pulsory holiday parties. This, in consonance with DepEd Order No. 114, series of 2009, on the strict observance of simple Christmas celebrations in public schools. “Jesus Christ led a simple life so we can do no less,” he also pointed out.
Public schools held their respective celebration of Christmas from December 19 to 20 this year. Pre-school, elementary, and high schools went on break effective December 21 and will resume classes January 3, 2012. (RJB/DBNV)
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NDRRMC cites needs of flashflood victims in Regions VII, X by Robert E. Roperos
T Sendong.
he National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has cited the needs of the victims who are now housed in different evacuation centers, a week after the devastation wrought by tropical storm
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Monday, December 26, 2011
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photo credit: http://philippines.unfpa.org/
According to NDRRMC Executive Director and Office of Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Benito Ramos, what the people in the evacuation centers need as of the moment are potable drinking water. Because of the massive flashflood, water connections in majority of the areas are not yet back to normal. It was also learned that some opportunist businessmen are now selling bottled mineral waters in higher price. Also, NDRRMC reported that water purifiers are needed to mitigate the scarcity
of potable water supply. NDRRMC also reported that portable tents, foods and nonfood items are among the pressing needs of the flashflood victims. Further, NDRRMC said there is a need for an immediate availability of lot or area suitable for temporary shelter to relieve congestions in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) centers and in preparation of vacating the schools used as evacuation centers in view of the resumption of classes on January 3, 2012. However, the local governments of Ca-
gayan de Oro and Iligan cities are resolving this problem through the concerted efforts of the Department of Education (DepEd) and other concerned government agencies. In Region VII, NDRRMC reported that the flashflood victims need water, blanket, clothing, food, milk for children, and basic kitchen utensils. As of 6:00 a.m. on Christmas Day (Dec. 25), NDRRMC reported 1,100 people dead; 1,979 injured; 1,079 missing whose reported cases are subject to verification; and 441 rescued survivors.
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Surigao City, Dinagat Islands on alert level 1 due to continuous rainfall by FEAbkilan
SURIGAO DEL NORTE -– Alert level one was raised early today, in Surigao City and the province of Dinagat Islands following the continuous rains which started Sunday morning, Dec. 25 brought about by a low pressure area West Northwest of Butuan City. City Vice-Mayor Danilo Menor said an alert level one was hoisted in Surigao City upon recommendation from local Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) chief Jun Arpon. A similar declaration was also hoisted in the province of Dinagat Islands (PDI), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Deputized 16
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Coordinator Rosario Roxas said. With this, the public especially the residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. The local disaster risk reduction and management councils are also alerted for possible pre-emptive evacuation in their respective
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areas of responsibility. Based on PAGASA’s 24-hour rainfall observation, amount and duration, the total rainfall in the entire province has reached at 93.0mm. As of press time, light to moderate rains continue falling in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.
PRO-Caraga sends food & non-food items to Iligan City by PSUPT Martin M Gamba
BUTUAN CITY – As a way of help to the Typhoon Sendong victims in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, the Police Regional Office in Caraga transported relief items. Said items is composed of 30 sacks of used clothings; 20 boxes of noodles; 10 boxes canned sardines; 20 boxes of mineral water; 100 pieces of assorted school supplies for Grade 1 to Grade 6 pupils; slippers/ shoes and six (6) sacks of rice intended for the victims of tropical storm Sendong at Iligan City. Relief goods were do-
nated by the PRO 13 Regional Headquarter, Agusan del Sur PPO, Surigao del Sur PPO, Surigao del Norte PPO, Dinagat Islands PPO, Butuan City Police Office and from civilian sectors. Said items were brought to PRO 13 Caraga Task Group “TABANG-ILIGAN” headed by PSSUPT Eugenio Paguirigan, Provincial Director of Agusan de Norte
stationed at Orchid Subdivision, Purok 13, Santiago, Iligan City. Aid was then turnedover to City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office of Iligan City for proper disposition. Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 13 is continuously receiving relief goods in kind or in cash for the said purpose.
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OSYs get free livelihood training by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
3
http://mindanao.usvpp.gov
5 young blood recently completed their free livelihood training jointly sponsored by one of the city councilors and the Brotherhood for Livelihood Philippines (BLP). Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email
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The 3-day fish processing training was geared at developing and sharing skills to the out of school youth (OSY) for them to be more productive in life and to have opportunity to earn a living for themselves and their families. The OSY-participants came from far flung barangays Bunguiao, Bolong and Sitio Patis.
During the 3-day training, the participants were taught how to make spicy tuyo, tuna flakes, Spanish style sardines in tomato sauce and Spanish style in corn oil. Councilor Miguel Alavar who initiated the training said he was impressed with the participants as they were quick to fallow and learn all that was taught to them during then the training.
Alavar shared he is also happy to note that one of the trainers in the program was a product of the same livelihood training preciously conducted. He informed there are still similar trainings to be conducted in various barangays of the city pending request approval. (JPA/PIA-ZamBaSulTa)
ARMM gets P800 million initial health stimulus fund ISABELA CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)’s health department announced that another trance of funds was already downloaded as part of the health stimulus fund released by the national government; accelerating health programs in the region. Monday, December 26, 2011
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The Bureau of Public Information said that the assertive collaboration of the health department of the ARMM with its national office has yielded another blessing, this time the latter releasing already some P800-million subsidy for health programs in the region. ARMM Health Secretary Dr. Kadil “Jojo” Sinolinding said the DOH
www.laruylaruysinta.com
central office downloaded recently P450-million to his office as another trance of its P1.3-billion share from the P8.5billion stimulus financial package earmarked by the Aquino administration to fast-track development in the autonomous region. Sinolinding said his office earlier got P35020
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million from the DOH national office bringing to P800 million the total amount released from the share of health projects and programs, which Health Secretary Enrique Ona programmed for ARMM on order of President Benigno Aqiono III. He said the P1.3-billion share of his department from P8.5-billion stimulus fund is intended for the procurement of modern equipment and facilities to upgrade medical operations and health services in the autonomous region. “We are just waiting for instructions from Secretary Ona to proceed with the procurement of all equipment and health facilities that we will be using in our region,” Sinolinding announced. He said the P1.3billion procurement fund will pursue the Aquino government-designed Health Facilities Enhancement Program under the P8.5 Billion Stimulus subsidy for ARMM. Dr. Sinolinding ex pressed optimism that
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“with the support of our skilled and dedicated health workers, I am confident that we can redeem ARMM from being always among the regions with high infant and maternal mortality.” He said the modern equipment and facilities to be purchased would be distributed equitably to the ARMM component provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan. Sinolinding lauded the national government for recognizing the trailblazing health campaign in ARMM, which has been acknowledged recently for having the lowest rate of dengue cases and largest number of breastfeeding mothers in the country. “We would like to thank our government because this early, the ordinary citizen of our region has already felt the state’s presence and assistance,” he added. (JPA/BPI-ARMM/ RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
Dipolog mayor supports impeach rap vs CJ Corona by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY - “I support the impeachment of Chief Justice Corona,” thus declared Mayor Evelyn Tang-Uy of this city. Mayor Uy believed Corona had lost public trust in leading the Supreme Court (SC) by flip-flopping in certain decisions on issues brought before the high court. The public also considered Corona as a hindrance to the reforms President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino would like to institute to curb graft and corruption in the bureaucracy. Mayor Flora Villarosa of Siayan town, the poorest municipality in the country, also expressed support to the move to impeach Corona. She, however, gave no reasons for having such a stand. It can be recalled that the House of Representatives has already transmitted the im
peachment case to the Senate after 188 lawmakers signed the 57page complaint against Corona. Corona has been charged with betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and graft and corruption, among others. But all the three congressmen of Zamboanga del Norte failed to sign the impeachment complaint. Congressman Rosendo S. Labadlabad of the second district was in the US while the articles of impeachment were tackled in the House. He belongs to PNoy’s Liber-
al Party. The other two congressmen, Cesar G. Jalosjos and Seth Frederick P. Jalosjos, are members of the LakasCMD party. (JPA/FPG/ PIA-Zambo. Norte)
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Military transports relief goods to CdeO before Christmas Eve
T
he spirit of
Bayanihan among Mindanaoans once again prevails in this difficult time for the people of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City who were ravaged by tropical storm Sendong.
From the hundreds of helpful Mindanaoans, the Eastern Mindanao Command gathered tons of assorted relief goods from various organizations and individuals who initiatedthe“Pagtinabangay-Caravan alang sa CDO ug Iligan.� The Eastmincom facilitated the transport of assorted relief goods
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from Camp Panacan, Davao City to Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City. The assorted relief goods consists of sacks of rice, boxes of potable bottled waters, brand new and used clothes, hygiene supplies, food supplements for children, canned goods, noodles, dried fishes,
utensils among others. It is transported by the twenty two (22) M35 military trucks from the Eastmincom, 10th Infantry Division, 6th Infantry Division, Task Force Davao, 701st, 1001st, 1002nd, 1003rd Brigades, 60th, 66th, 69th, 71st Infantry Battalions and three (3) dump trucks from the city government of Davao.
United States provides additional $800,000 to assist victims of tropical storm Sendong MANILA - The United States is providing an additional $800,000 (PhP34.4 million) to address the immediate needs of victims of Tropical Storm Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City in Mindanao. This funding augments initial assistance of $100,000 (PhP4.1 million) provided by the U.S. Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). The funds will be used to support ongoing emergency relief and early recovery operations by the Philippine Government in disaster-stricken areas. Earlier this week, an assessment team from USAID/OFDA visited floodaffected areas of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City. Based on their assessment and
discussions with Philippine authorities on the ground, they determined that the additional United States Government funding will provide for logistical support for water distribution and temporary shelter materials. In addition to the abovementioned assistance, to help meet the critical need for potable water in floodstricken areas, the U.S. Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) are working with the National Development Support Unit (NADESCU) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to bring in three high-capacity water purification units capable of processing 13,000 gallons of water per day. Monday, December 26, 2011
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MARFORPAC is also providing technical experts who will assist the AFP in the deployment and operation of these units. The United States Joint Special Operations Task Force–Philippines (JSOTF-P) responded to calls for immediate assistance on December 18th with the loan of two 15-foot Zodiac rubber boats with 55hp outboard engines to the Naval Special Operations Unit (NAVSOU) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to support early search and rescue operations. “The United States applauds
the rescue, relief, and recovery efforts undertaken by Philippine civilian and military authorities. We continue to dialogue with appropriate Philippine Government agencies and others to determine what additional assistance might be necessary. While we believe that the resilience of flood-affected communities will eventually prevail, the U.S. Government and the American people are committed to providing further assistance as requested and where needed to ensure that survivors can get back on their feet and start anew.” Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. said. For 50 years the United States has been a key partner of the Philippines in providing immediate humanitarian response during natural calamities.
Del Monte brings aid to Sendong survivors BUGO, Cagayan de Oro - Volunteers from Del Monte Philippines join many other groups who continue to bring aid and succor to survivors of Tropical storm Sendong, many of whom lost their loved ones as well as their homes during one of the world’s worst storm this year. The volunteers are employees from the company’s pineapple cannery in barangay Bugo, some 20 kilometers away from flooded areas of the city, and children of Del Monte employees who are on their school break. As news on the extent of Sendong’s devastation began to spread, Del Monte volunteers were 24
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among the first to lend comfort and bring food to families in various affected areas on December 17. Since the first day of the flood, four (4) mobile teams of about 5-10 volunteers each, conduct daily relief missions in barangays Consolacion, Macanhan, Carmen, Balulang, Kauswagan and Macasandig. Among the team’s first
beneficiaries were some 100 of its employees whose houses were destroyed in varying degrees by the floods. In addition to responding to the needs of affected areas, these mobile teams were tasked to seek out the company’s employees and ensure their safety and security. Several of these families were relocated to safer quarters; all received food packs, medicines, clothes and beddings. Del Monte’s two (2) fire crews deliver water as shortage affects half of the city’s 750,000 residents.
A total of 29,500 liters per day are delivered to affected areas and this will continue for the next 30 days. To supplement delivery, the company has recently installed four water refilling points outside its plant gate for the public. A mobile medical team extends free treatment and medicines spread across the nine evacuation centers, while nurses go around homes with the mobile relief teams to identify people needing medical attention and refer them to its mobile medical team. At Del Monte’s Cannery Headquarters, teams load relief goods for delivery. Another team collects donations from employees as others pack donated items for distribution. Volunteers from Del Monte’s agri-headquarters in Camp Phillips, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, have lent support to colleagues at the cannery. Monday, December 26, 2011
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Clean up teams armed with brushes, pails, and shovels travel to Cagayan de Oro every day to help affected residents clear mud and debris from their homes, making the houses ready for re-occupancy by Christmas Eve. Del Monte Philippines Mindanao Operations Group Head Manny Nisperos said “We at Del Monte are one with the community in moving forward from this tragedy. The company, as well as its volunteers, is here to help.� As the Company’s relief effort progresses, more volunteer teams have been organized to bring assistance to more survivors. Additional relief programs have also been lined up to respond to specific needs of affected communities and help the survivors move on. Among these programs are: the conduct of more medical missions as the risk of disease increases at evacuation centers; feeding programs and provision of vitaminrich juice drinks at evacuation centers; and sustained water delivery in areas where water shortage remains critical. The company is further considering to partner with agencies to help survivors rebuild their homes. Del Monte Philippines has a long tradition of helping 26
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the community not only during good times but more significantly during emergencies and calamities. It has sent teams on rescue and relief operations in the aftermath of a major earthquake that hit Northern Luzon and Baguio City (1990), and during the deadly flashfloods in Ormoc (1991), Camiguin (2003) and Misamis Oriental (2010). Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI) has operated in Bukidnon for the last 86 years and has contributed much to the development and upliftment of lives in the local communities where it operates. At present, there are more than 10,000 people that work in both the cannery and plantation of DMPI. Together with their dependents, there are at least 40 to 50 thousand people that depend on the Company.(PR)
Power firm foundation commits P11M relief, rebuilding assistance for Sendong areas by Carina Cayon
T
that the Foundation has already dohe Aboitiz Foundation has nated to the relief efforts of the local committed over P11 million government units. in relief and rebuilding ef Aboitiz cited that over 11,000 forts for the cities of Cagayan de packs of relief supplies have been disOro and Iligan which were severe- tributed to an estimated 80 evacuation ly devastated by tropical storm sites and affected areas in both cities. Sendong. With the help of its partner-or Aboitiz Foundation chairman Jon ganizations, the foundation immediRamon Aboitiz said in a press release ately distributed almost 6,000 bottles of drinking water in evacuation centers and affected communities, he said. Aboitiz said the Aboitiz Group companies nationwide have pitched in the effort by sending cash and in kind donations such as canned goods and other food items, clothes, blankets, slippers and as sorted Monday, December 26, 2011
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medicines, among others. “We share in the grief of our countrymen in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and we hope we can somehow lighten the burden of the communities affected by this tragedy,” Aboitiz stated. “The Aboitiz Group has been in Mindanao for more than 50 years and we are committed to its development and the welfare of its people,” he added. He said that the relief operations are still ongoing, and that the foundation intends to give more financial aid. “We are ready to bring in more help as needed by our partner organizations, the local government units and
national government agencies,” Aboitiz said. The Aboitiz Group was among the first to dispatch aid to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City in response to the appeals of the Northern Mindanao LGUs. Aboitiz Group representatives immediately addressed the critical need for drinking water in Cagayan de Oro, few hours after the calamity struck. Company volunteers instantly packed and distributed relief goods in Iligan where the Aboitiz business unit Pilmico Foods is located. The company also gave financial assistance to all its affected employees, some of whom lost their homes.
DavNor solon sees no instability with CJ’s impeachment by Jeanevive Duron Abangan DAVAO DEL NORTE - Davao del Norte 1st District Congressman Antonio Rafael del Rosario believes that the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona would not destabilize the country’s economy. What’s crucial for him, however, is the manner of coming with a decision which should “be based on evidence,” he said. “Kay ako nagatuo (because I believe) that if the decision is not based on evidence presented, posible magkagobut (it’s possible there would be chaos.),” he said in an interview after the presscon last Dec. 23 at the Provincial Information Office of Davao del 28
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Norte. He was hopeful that members of the Senate would carefully look at the evidence presented and the testimonies during the impeachment trial set January 16 next year when the Senate reconvenes. He said that even if the public perceives the Chief Justice to have done something wrong, the people still would like to witness a fair trial and expect to know the right decision based on evidence. “Whether guilty or not, angayan jud nga base sa evidence nga gipakita.” (it would be right to base on evidence.) he said. Del Rosario revealed to have not
signed the Impeachment complaint because he was in Davao at the time the complaint was prepared, but admitted being in favor of the impeachment case filed against Corona. On the other hand, Congressman del Rosario is currently working on three priority bills particularly on regulating lead content especially of
children’s toys, on the setting up of a research center for stem cell treatment, and on granting of benefits for the family of deceased GSIS members. His proposals are now being studied by technical working groups as they are up for approval at the House committee levels.
Kapalong college… Region XI’s first recognized municipal college necessary requirements set forth by the commission in establishing a local college.
Regional Director Edward A. Aquino, bared that KCAST is the first local college in Region XI that has been granted with such recognition. KCAST initially started its operation in 2005 under the Bukidnon State University consortium program thru Municipal Ordinance No. 423 which mandates its creation as authored by Hon. Helario T. Caminero, Committee Chair on Education Committee. Inasmuch as KCAST is located in Region XI, Aquino advised to have the college operated independently as a local college starting in SY 2010-2011.
KAPALONG, DAVAO DEL NORTE - The Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology (KCAST), a locally run college institution in town has finally granted with government recognition by the Commission on Higher Education on the different programs/ courses it offers after meeting the
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The completion of the 1st phase 20M 2-storey classroom building construction of the Timbol-Estrada administration which addressed the classroom shortage is a great contributing factor in meeting the recognition requirements. Out of the school income, the LGU was able to establish a 50 capacity- fully furnished and airconditioned Speech Laboratory and Audio Visual Room, a spacious Library equipped with recently published books and reading materials and a computer laboratory with 40 units internet connected computers. Science laboratories and equipment were also provided as part of the compliance process. To date KCAST has already a population of 860 stu-
did you know... The town of San Isidro. Davao del Norte is the region’s top producer of cacao (cocoa) beans accounting for more than half of the total cocoa production in southern mindanao. About 4,000 hectares of its land area is planted to cacao.
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dents with four recognized programs which include Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Financial Management and a Permit to Operate for the Bachelor in Agricultural Technology. “Hopefully we could add more programs to offer including vocational courses which would be of great benefit to our incoming college students. With these programs, we could give them the chance to really enroll on the field that they really want and definitely those that would fit their capabilities,” Mayor Timbol stressed. (Christie Jean Ganiera-MIO Kapalong)
Fireworks display caps “Paskuhan ng Bayan” celebration in Tupi by Pops Gumana-Fruylan GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The one week “Paskuhan ng Bayan” celebration in Tupi, South Cotabato culminated on Friday with a grandiose fireworks display that formed part of the town’s tradition for the past several years.
Thousands of Tupinians trooped to the municipal plaza to witness the impressive showcase of tiny, multicolored fireballs exploding in the sky and illuminated the entire place. Spectators were awed at the sight of dazzling lights filling the sky and complemented the glittering plaza and the municipal building which were earlier dressed up with brilliant Christmas decors adorned with colorful, glimmering lights. Monday, December 26, 2011
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Prior to this, local officials and employees clad with artistic 1960 - 1970 fashion clothes marched towards Tupi Sports and Cultural Center (TSCC) for their Christmas party, while live band entertained the crowd awaiting for the fireworks display. “Paskuhan ng Bayan,
which opened on December 17, was organized by the local government of Tupi to provide nightly entertainments for all the “Tupinians” and “balikbayans.” One of the highlights of this year’s fete was the superb presentation on Thursday of
one of the popular rock bands in the country in a one night performance dubbed as a “Night with Yano.” Other activities include live band contest, singing competition, gift-giving for children, and amateur boxing competition, among others.
DSWD covergence framework gains support from CSOs by Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY -- Department of Social Welfare and Development in Soccsksargen Region has strengthened its poverty reduction interventions by gaining more support from civil society organizations (CSO) and private sector partners.
DSWD 12 Assistant Regional Director Gemma Rivera said, these CSOs serve as their partners, guides, and guardians in strengthening efforts to fight poverty in the region. Among the CSOs that have pledged active participation in DSWD’s convergence framework are: Kadtuntaya Foundation Inc., United Youth of 32
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the Philippines (UNYPHIL), PASALI Gensan, Mahintana Foundation Inc, ChildFund, World Vision, Hauman Foundation, Don Bosco B’laan Self-Help Inc, Tribal Leaders Development Foundation, and others. These organizations, Rivera said have voluntarily joined in conver-
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gence framework along their line of interests. They either serve as watchmen by carrying out anti-corruption campaign, as guides by providing technical assistance, as partners in the implementation of poverty reduction projects, or conduits by providing
feedback and monitoring the mechanism of the three programs in the convergence framework. DSWD’s convergence framework includes the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery
of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), and SelfEmployment AssistanceKaunlaran (SEA-K). Rivera said, through this mechanism, the government has provided partners with opportunity give recommendations toward assuring the programs campaign for transparency, ac-
countability, participation. Despite this accomplishment, Rivera said, they are encouraging more non-government organizations, civic groups and private sector partners to join in the advocacy to fight poverty.
Moratorium sa pagmimina kailangang pag-aralan KORONADAL CITY -- Kailangan ng matinding pag-aaral ang suhestiyon ng ilang miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan na magpatupad ng limang taong moratorium sa pagmimina sa South Cotabato ayon kay Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.
bawal ito. Sa ngayon pinagsisikapan ng South Cotabato ang pagsulong ng responsableng pagmimina sa pamamagitan ng legal na pagmimina at mas pinaigting na monitoring sa mga minahan. Nagpapatuloy din ang mga hakbang na ring lumala ang iligal mapigil ang mga banna pagmimina sa la- las operation sa mga lawigan kung ipagba- bayan ng Tampakan at T’boli. Kabilang sa kailangang ikonsidera, ayon sa Gobernador ang magiging epekto nito sa mga probisyong inilatag sa Environment Code ng lalawigan. Baka aniya magreresulta ng pagrebisa sa Environment Code na pinaninindigan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan. Maliban dito, maari
Matatandaang napag-usapan kamakailang ng ilang miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng South Cotabato ang posibilidad ng pagbabawal ng pagmina, logging at pamumutol ng kahoy sa buong lalawigan matapos nabatid ang resulta ng bagyong Sendong sa Northern Mindanao, partikular sa mga lungsod ng Iligan at Cagayan de Oro. (DEDoguiles)
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