EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region
ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Regional Desk Editors
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region
Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Adviser :
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
PIA REGIONAL OFFICES Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail: ro9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX
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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
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Today’s issue...
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11 17 19 20 22 23 27 28 33
Thursday, December 6, 2012
President Aquino leads Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas P33.6M bangus, fish cages in Panabo destroyed by typhoon Pablo Lovely Carillo , Western Mindanao
ERRCM donates equipment, supplies to LdN LAR & VNL/PIO-LDN , Northern Mindanao
Soldiers conduct medical, dental mission in Kinoguitan 5IB/4ID/PA , Northern Mindanao
PRO 12 nabs 40 wanted persons in November Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao
Illegal firearms seized in Socsksargen Region Dani Doguiles , Central Mindanao
Manufacturing Facility In Nasipit To Be Established Jay Vincent Demain , Caraga Region
Urban living can make you overweight Celina Ann Z. Javier , Caraga Region
MGB-9 identifies areas for proposed ZamPen Mineral Reservation Michael Vincent D. Cajulao , Western Mindanao
Cover Story FRAME Savers’ Movement--an epitome of people’s willpower page 4
Vol. 2 No. 78
CT Apelacio
Central Mindanao
FRAME Savers’ Movement---an epitome of people’s willpower by CT Apelacio
F
rom a small group, the Family Resource Allocation Management and Enhancement (FRAME) Savers’ Movement has now ballooned into a multitude of people.
It started only as a saving initiative of the 23 members from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) field operations in 2003 evolving thereafter into a mass-based saving movement. To date, 40,000 or more are enrolled in FRAME described as anti-poverty initiative of the city government here to improve the living condition of the poor Generals (a reference name to the constituents of GenSan)
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According to CSWDO department head and program chairperson Rebecca Magante, FRAME adopts the spirit of “Bayanihan” system, which anchors on the principle that “all can save” regardless of status in life with God at the center and making use of people’s synergy as power to conquer insurmountable challenges. The program does not only focus on savings, she stressed but above all it nurtures the positive values that are innate in human beings.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Marilou Remegio, a member residing in barangay Bula said the program has helped her not only lift her financial troubles but also strengthen the spiritual fiber in her. “Ang FRAME wala lamang nakatabang sa akong kalisod sa kwarta kon di kini pud nakatabang og dako sa pagpalig-on sa akong espirituhanong bahin. (FRAME did not only help me with my financial problems but more so it has helped me deal with spiritual aspect of life),” she reckoned. FRAME program is now saturated in all 26 barangays of General Santos City. The concept is poised at empowering communities to engage in socio-economic activities
Thursday, December 6, 2012
through various livelihood projects. Aside from its savers brand, FRAME is also a community and value-based capability building program that seeks to “promote family values, spirituality and moral recovery.” It implements a weekly “directional sessions” for members utilizing the 4Ws-- Welcome, Worship, Word, and Work with the end in view to hammer out strong character development and align personal values with the tenets exemplified by FRAME. “This is to ensure the active involvement of every member in the movement lest we forget the goals and objectives for which this is organized,” said Magante. In addition, the movement holds an annual activity dubbed as
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“People’s Congress” where all members “come together in fellowship and unite towards affirmation of their success.” This year, the congress was held on November 27 at the General Santos City gymnasium which was jampacked with the attendance of all members. It was a huge success--a triumph so-to-speak for every member and the organizer.
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The theme of the 9th congress was geared toward “Taking Responsibility” which came handy since all members are focused on taking their responsibility to earn by saving money seriously. Rose Pineda, a leader of FRAME from barangay Calumpang recounted during the event how FRAME Savers’ Movement came to her rescue. She said life was too hard to handle before but when she joined the movement she experienced a gradual transformation not only economically but also spiritually. Pineda said her relationship with God, family and relatives have strengthened for the better. With membership fee of P50.00, a family may be enrolled in the movement provided that it will be represented by a family member, who will abide by the existing rules, and most of all willing to save money. As of this year, FRAME saving
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is continuously rising having already stashed some P32 million in combined savings in 2011. FRAME members are all enrolled in PhilHealth too. It also boasts of other assistance it has institutionalized such as mortuary, hospitalization, education, trainings, among others. Magante said the city government is also helping the movement in education subsidy that
Thursday, December 6, 2012
benefits children of members. It also gets the support of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, the Dept. of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Dept. of Social Welfare and Development and other national line agencies and non-governmental organizations that provide technical assistance through skills training for FRAME livelihood projects. Taking pride of FRAME milestones, Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio hailed all members for the excellent job in keeping the movement alive and kicking for nine years already. She said FRAME is an epitome of people’s willpower to rise above poverty. It is a testimony of transformation bounded on positive attributes such as mutual help, teamwork, trust, love, patience, industry, cooperation and above all taking responsibility sincerely, she quipped.
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ACROSS THE NATION President Aquino leads Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III led Wednesday the 2012 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas at Malacanang and exhorted the awardees to work together in helping rebuild the areas devastated by Typhoon Pablo.
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Thursday, December 6, 2012
“I am seeing a greater spirit of cooperation among our fellow citizens… and I am confident that those of you who have always been giving generously in the past will take the time to lend a helping hand where it is needed,” the President said in his message during the event. At this time of rebuilding for our people, let us work together in the spirit of bayanihan—the spirit that has always pushed our country past any adversity and towards a better tomorrow,” he said. He also encouraged Filipinos to continue aiming for greatness as well as to continue strengthening their roots, which is the country’s collective identity and shared pride. The Philippines, as a newly revitalized nation, is showing greatness in any field, the President said. “In this new chapter of our history, Filipinos everywhere in the world are increasingly finding ways of working together in this constant quest for excellence, so that we may fulfill the collective aspirations of our people sooner rather than later,” he said. The President’s 16-point Social Contract with the Filipino people highlights his administration international migration policy aimed at improving the Philippine economic condition so that Filipinos do Thursday, December 6, 2012
not have to leave and find work abroad. In this policy, working abroad must be a choice rather than a necessity and while the government works in this goal, the administration’s top priority is to ensure the welfare and protection of Filipinos working abroad. In 1991, President Aquino’s late mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino, signed Executive Order No. 498 establishing the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. The honor is a biennial award with the following categories: Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino, Banaag and Pamanang Pilipino. There is also another category called Kaanib ng Bayan which is bestowed on foreign individuals or organizations for their exceptional philanthropic works in
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the Philippines or in Filipino communities abroad. These awards are conferred on outstanding overseas Filipino, individuals or organizations, who contributed to the country’s development and promoted the interests of overseas Filipinos. This year’s Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino awardees were Dr. Manuel Cacdac (US), Dr. Christopher Guerrero (US) and Aguman Kapampangan UK (UK). Two individuals were given the Kaanib ng Bayan award, they are Dr. Gnon Haba (Israel) and Dr. Christian Loehlein (Germany). The recipients of the Banaag Award were Engr. Carlito Alpay (Saudi Arabia), Lawyer Imelda Argel (Australia), Tomas Avendano Sr. (Canada), Rafael Castanos (US), Filipiniana-Europa VZW, Filipino Community of Seattle (US), Filipino Digerati Association (United Arab Emirates), Luzviminda Micabalo (US), Al Perez Jr. (US), Lt. Eric Michael Quema (US), Robert Santos (UAS), Stichting Bayanihan (The Netherlands), and Ma. Luzviminda Tsai (Taiwan). Receiving the Pamana ng Pilpino award were Engr. Mary Jane Al-Mahdi (United Arab Emirates), Dr. Delia Amaya (Brazil), Dr. Samuel Bernal (Czech Republic), Dr. Antonio Fernando III (New Zealand), Almira Astudillo Gilles (US), Dianne
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Monique Lhuillier (US), Allan Pineda (US), Dr. Ruth Elynia Mabanglo (US), Jorge Ortoll (US), Eric Spoelstra (US) and Dr. Francisca Tolete-Velcek (US). Among those who joined the President during the awarding rites were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Commission on Filipino Overseas Secretary Imelda Nicolas. PND (as)
Thursday, December 6, 2012
President Aquino says education to improve with P292.7- billion budget
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday that the P292.7-billion budget set aside for the Department of Education from the 2013 General Appropriations Act would be used to improve the delivery of education to Filipino students through the building and rehabilitation of more classrooms, purchasing more books, and ensuring that the teachers’ salaries are paid on time.
In his speech keynoting the Ten (TAYO) awarding ceremony in MalacaĂąang Accomplished Youth Organizations on Thursday, the President said that after Thursday, December 6, 2012
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a long time, the government is now in a better position to act on the clamor of the public for better education for our children. “ Sa tuwid na daan, namumuhunan tayo sa dekalidad na edukasyon para sa ating kabataan, kaya naman ibinubuhos natin sa DepEd ang pinakamalaking bahagi ng budget para sa 2013,” the President said. “Naglaan tayo ng 292.7 bilyong pisong pondo para sa edukasyon, upang ang minana nating 66,800 na backlog sa classrooms at ang katakut-takot na kakulangan sa mga gamit pampaaralan ay matugunan na,” he added. The President noted that he ensured the strict implementation of this budget for its concerned purpose down to the last centavo. “Ang bawat sentimo ng pondong ito ay nakatutok sa pagpapatayo ng mga bagong silid-aralan, sa pagpapaayos ng mga sira-sirang mga gusali, sa kasanayan ng mga guro at pagdagdag ng mga guro, gayundin sa pagbili ng mas maraming libro, upuan, at mesa ng mga mag-aaral,” the President said. PND (rck)
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Thursday, December 6, 2012
Petronas welcome to Mindanao -MILF’s Murad
M
alaysian national oil firm, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) is welcome to return to explore oil and gas deposits in Mindanao, once the issue of natural resources ownership, under negotiations between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government, is completed. Thursday, December 6, 2012
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MILF chairman Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim said Petronas is one of the oil and gas companies the MILF is looking at, once Mindanao is ready to exploit its hydrocarbon resources. “Once we are ready to open for (oil and gas) exploration, then Petronas can be one of the companies that we are looking to,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview here. There was no immediate reaction from the Philippine government. He said Petronas had established its presence in the Mindanao region a few years ago, carrying out early stage exploration works. Petronas had partnered with the Philippines National Oil Company to search for oil and gas deposits in several potential blocks in the country, without achieving much success. Murad, the head of southern Philippines’ largest armed rebel groups, was in Johor Baharu to attend the 8th World Islamic Economic Forum at the Persada Johor International Convention Center. The MILF and the Philippine government recently entered a historic Framework of Agreement on the Bangsamoro, ending years of conflict between the two parties. The framework agreement, brokered by Malaysia, was signed at the Malacanang Palace in Manila 14
and witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. Murad said oil and gas was one of the natural resources it wanted to exploit for economic purposes, as a means to uplift the economic status of the Bangsamoro people. He cited an area in central Mindanao called the “Liguasan Marsh”, claimed to contain huge hydrocarbon reserves. The MILF chief said before any oil and gas exploration could begin, the group and the Manila government would have to iron out details concerning the issue of natural resources ownership. “On the government side, it seems that they are agreeable for the ownership of the natural resources to be given to the Bangsamoro, but then they wanted to exclude oil and natural gas. So it is still subject to further negotiations,” he said. Nevertheless, Murad expects the Bangsamoro people to have significant control over the natural resources in the area. Besides oil and gas deposits, the Mindanao region is also blessed with huge untapped amount of highly-valued minerals such as gold, copper, iron, chromite ore and nickel.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
DILG Sec. Roxas visits calamity affected Davao provinces by Jeanevive Abangan
lastTuesday (Dec. 4) in most parts of the Davao Region.
TAGUM CITY- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas this afternoon swung to the two provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley to discuss ways of assisting victims of Typhoon Pablo which swept Thursday, December 6, 2012
Roxas told the media the President B e n i g n o S i m e o n Aquino III would like to make sure that needed services and assistance will be delivered immediately to answer needs of displaced families, victims whether injured or dead. His first visit was in Davao Oriental to discuss meas of getting to the isolated towns of Cateel, Boston and Baganga where Typhoon Pablo made landfall early Tuesday (Dec. 4)
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at about 3:00 a.m. The Secretary also organized a sealift brigade with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy. He ordered local government officials at the provincial and city level to use fishing vessels as temporary means of transporting goods even just to Baganga which is nearest to Mati City. After the briefing and discussion with local government officials and heads of concerned agencies, Roxas went to check the isolated coastal towns where 150,000 residents have been cut off from communication lines and land transportation because bridges leading to their towns have been damaged and rendered impassable. Secretary Roxas made sure that transport of goods to these towns via sea and air will be made the 16
soonest. “We will use even choppers to deliver these goods,� he said referring to truckloads of relief goods and food mostly for the three isolated c o a s t a l towns. He then swung to Compostela Valley where Gov. Arturo Uy briefed him of the situation in the area. Roxas was imformed that 165 were monitored dead ad 163 were injured and 22,923 families were displaced. New Bataan has the highest number of casualties totaled at 90 while Monkayo came next with 55; Compostela, 15; Nabunturan 9;Montevista 7; Mabini 4; Laak, 2; Pantukan , 2. Roxas said that Compostela Valley also recieves the same attention ad assistance from the national government. Department of Social Welfare and Development-XI Regional Director Priscilla Razon said a total of 3,000 food packs were initially released to Compostela but DSWD will be adding more to meet the request of Gov. Uy who is asking 10,000 food packs from DSWD. (JMDA/PIA XI photo courtesy of Bonna Pamplona) Thursday, December 6, 2012
P33.6M bangus, fish cages in Panabo destroyed by typhoon Pablo by Lovely Carillo PANABO CITY- Investors in Panabo City’s Mariculture Park are facing a bleak Christmas ahead after they suffered millions of pesos in losses as a result of Typhoon Pablo which ravaged the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Baganga, Davao Oriental on December 4, 2012. “At least P33.6 million worth of bangus and fish cages have been destroyed due to the typhoon and this is only a conservative and partial estimate,” Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XI Training Specialist 1 Maria Lourdes Campeon said Wednesday. The Mariculture Park is the main money-earner of Panabo City generating an income-seed money of P601.65 million as of October 2012 from the initial seed money of only P235.8 million in 2006. Campeon said 318 fish cages in the Park are operational but 110 cages are unproductive or have no fingerlings. Out of the 208 productive fish cages, she added, 112 have been affected by the strong rains, wind and waves during the typhoon. “Up to 75 percent or 84 of the 112 fish cages are totally damaged, with the frame totally destroyed and a hundred percent of the fish Thursday, December 6, 2012
inside let loose,” Campeon said. The technical staff confirmed that some of these fishes were already ready for harvest or weighing 400 grams and up while others are newly stocked. She said a total of 28 fish cages have been partially damaged which could mean the fish nets are still intact but the frames on one or more sides already destroyed, or the net has already been destroyed. The destruction wrought by the typhoon has affected 32 private investors and 11 fisherfolks, most of whom have just re-loaned from the banks. She said one private investor owns between 5 and 17 fish cages. One fish cage can cost as much as P100,000 including the shade (payag) and mooring, she said. “The damage is actually only a conservative estimate because we priced the cages with fish at only P300,000 when it can reach as much as P500,000 each during normal days,” she said. She said the investors and fisherfolks have started to repair their cages.”We have instructed them to secure their cages and repair those that can still be repaired the soonest possible time to avoid further losses,” she said. 17
SP declares CdeO as calamity area by CIO
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The City Council during its regular session Wednesday afternoon presided over by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas declared Cagayan de Oro City as a calamity area.
This, after the city was hit by Tropical Cyclone Pablo Tuesday. Storm Signal number 3 was raised in the city after the storm, with international code “Bopha” bringing maximum sustained winds of 160 kph and heavy rains, also flooded some portions of the city. In the wake of weather advisories that the typhoon has entered the Philippine area of responsibility and will affect the country in few days, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) 18
prepared evacuation centers to accommodate residents from the hazard zone areas, whose houses were partially damaged during Tropical Storm Sendong such as the communities in the riverbanks, shores and those prone to landslide. Meanwhile, Mayor Vicente Y. Emano ordered the CDRRMO to make service vehicles, dumptrucks, payloaders, rubber boats as well as relief goods available. The city’s rescue team is also on stand-by for any eventualities. Thursday, December 6, 2012
ERRCM donates equipment, supplies to LdN by LAR & VNL/PIO-LDN
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - The Early Recovery and Rehabilitation for Central Mindanao (ERRCM) donated supplies and equipment to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) last November 26, to enable the provincial government of Lanao del Norte to respond faster and more effectively to natural and man-made disasters.
The turn-over ceremony was held at the PDRRMC office at the Provincial Capitol Building, Pigcarangan, in the capital town of Tubod. Among the equipment given were two units of Global Positioning System (GPS), an aneroid sphygmomanometer, megaphones, a plug-in-type battery charger, and modular tents. ERRCM also donated toiletries, pails, blankets, kitchen utensils, a single burner gas stove, first aid kits, and garden tools. “To support Lanao del Norte’s Thursday, December 6, 2012
initiatives in responding to disasters, ERRCM donates these equipment and supplies with the hope that these will make the jobs of our local rescuers easier and safer so that ultimately we can contribute to the development of Mindanao and help preserve the peace in this region,” said ERRCM Project Coordinator Cynthia Guerra. According to Guerra, more than P42 million worth of assistance was given to this fast-rising province for this year alone. “In behalf of Governor Khalid Dimaporo, I would like to thank ERRCM for donating these equipment and supplies so we can be more prepared in helping our people in times of calamities and emergencies. ERRCM has always been there for us, not only during relief operations but also during recovery activities. They are there to help build shelters for the affected families and provide livelihood assistance to calamity victims”, with us and providing livelihood to our people”, expressed Provincial Administrator Joselito Quibranza. 19
Soldiers conduct medical, dental mission in Kinoguitan by 5IB/4ID/PA
58th INFANTRY BATTALION, Claveria, Misamis Oriental- Soldiers and the local government unit of Poblacion, Kinoguitan delivered an early Christmas gift to the populace, last Thursday. The 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion headed by Lieutenant Colonel George L. Banzon INF (GSC) Philippine Army and Civil Military Operations (CMO) Task Unit 3 headed by 1Lt. Joseph S. Sabas (INF) PA initiated the activity. The activity also participated in with the LGU of Kinoguitan headed by municipal mayor Danilo A. Lagbas Jr, all barangay captains and Municipal Health Office (MHO). The mission was also participated in by Congressman Peter “Sr San Pedro” Unabia of 1st district Misamis Oriental, Vice Governor of Misamis Oriental Norris B. Babiera and provincial board members. The activity is part of the Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) program of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division under the concept of Internal Peace and Security (IPSP) Bayanihan of Philippine Army. Under the IPSP, the government 20
gives more emphasis on development in rebel-affected areas. The goal is winning the peace rather than simply defeating the enemy, said Lt. Col. Banzon. In suppot to Bayanihan, the Army has adopted the non-traditional approach in ending the country’s decades-old insurgency, recognizing that insurgency cannot be solved through military action alone, but more importantly through peace and development initiatives in partnership with other stakeholders of society. Thursday, December 6, 2012
Soccsksargen exhibits products in Malaysia By Shahana Joy Duerme KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Exhibitors from Soccsksargen region displayed local products in the recently conducted Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines- East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Consumer Fair 2012 held at Melaka International Trade Center, Malaysia.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
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Trade exhibitors included Bios Dynamis M u l t i - p u r p o s e Cooperative of Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc., Matutum Tropical Fruits Association, Noecil Fresh and Frozen Marine Products, Sultan Kudarat Muscovado Farmers and Millers and V’Motril Food Products. Some of the products presented were organic rice, bottled jams and jelly, fresh pineapple and papaya, fresh water and marine products, muscovado, and dried fruits. Said exhibitors were assisted by the Department of
Agriculture (DA) 12 through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR 12). “It’s high time to promote the products from Region 12 and to gain bigger market opportunities for our agri-business sectors,” DA 12 regional executive director Amalia J. Datukan said. She added that the fair would pave the way for the local products to the roadmap of world market. The BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Consumer Fair 2012 was aimed at highlighting special and distinctive products from
the sub regions’ member countries for direct purchase of buyers and market matching. Further, potential distributors for wider market access and greater business opportunities in creating the demand-supply chain from producers to promoters, from manufacturers to markets and from companies to consumers would be easily identified. The fair featured a total of 300 booths with exhibitors from the developing partnercountries including Japan and China. (SJDuermePIA12/PDERana-DA12)
PRO 12 nabs 40 wanted persons in November By Dani Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Operatives of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 have collared at least 40 wanted persons in Soccksargen Region in a month-long massive campaign.
Police senior inspector Benjamin Mauricio Jr., told PIA 12 yesterday that the arrests were made as a result of 28 operations from November 1 – 22
26. Arrested persons, he added, are facing charges including kidnapping; murder; frustrated murder; violations of RA 9262
(Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act), RA 9287 (Illegal Numbers Games) , RA 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Act), RA 7610 (Anti-Child Thursday, December 6, 2012
Abuse) , and PD 1866 as amended by RA 9284 (Illegal Possession of Firearms), theft; grave coercion; falsification of public document; serious illegal detention; rape and sexual assault; less serious physical injuries; estafa; grave oral defamation; robbery with force upon things; alleged suspect in Maguindanao massacre; and statutory rape. All arrested personalities have been detained in different police stations all over PRO 12’s jurisdiction. Mauricio explained that the massive operation was implemented in line
with the PNP’s action plan to account wanted persons and service warrants. Meanwhile, PRO 12 regional director PCSupt. Alex Paul Monteagudo has told police officers in the region that “the job of a policeman is summarized into two things, crime
Illegal firearms seized in Socsksargen Region
prevention and crime solution.” “These two should always be in the heart and mind of every police officer for it is what the people expect them to do. So, let us always be efficient and persevered to uphold the law at all times,” he added. (DEDoguilesPIA 12)
By Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Operations against undocumented firearms in Soccsksargen Region have resulted in confiscation of at least 16 firearms as well as ammunition, a report from the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 12 said.
Police chief inspector head of the PRO-12’s the operations Benjamin Mauricio Jr., information office, said implemented Thursday, December 6, 2012
were from 23
November 1 to 26. Confiscated firearms without pertinent documents included the following: two units each of 45 Armscor, and caliber .38 revolver (homemade) with six live ammunition as well as one each of Caliber .22 magnum. Also confiscated were P.Berreta 9mm, homemade grenade, 45 Colt, 9mm Norinco, M16 Elisco, KG9 9mm, 45 Itacha, Homemade UZI machine pistol, homemade single shot pistol loaded with one (1) live ammunition of 5.56mm (M16 rifle), Daewoo 9mm pistol with one magazine loaded with twelve live ammunition, and 357 revolver loaded with six live ammunition. Mauricio added that these firearms and ammunition were seized in 11 operations following a series of monitoring and surveillance activities Soccksargen Region, that covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani as well as the cities 24
of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato. During these operations, 13 persons were apprehended for violating Republic Act 8294. RA 8294 prohibits illegal/ unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunition or explosives. At present, arrested persons are being detained in police precincts all over Region 12 while waiting for commitment order from the court. Mauricio said, the campaign against illegal firearms as well as improvised explosive devices is being implemented to curb criminalities where these are often used such as kidnapping, robbery, hold-upping, serial killings, murders, rebellion, ambuscades, bombing and even threatening others persons for personal grudge. According to RA 8294, unlawfully
manufacture, deal in, acquisition , disposition, or possession of any low powered firearm, such as rimfire handgun, .380 or .32 and other firearms of similar firepower, part of firearm, ammunition, or machinery, tool or instrument used or intended to be used in the manufacture of any firearm or ammunition carries a penalty of prision correctional and a fine of not less than P15,000. When the violation involves high powered firearm which includes those with bores bigger in diameter than .38 caliber and 9 millimeter such as caliber .40, .41, .44, .45 and also lesser calibered firearms but considered powerful such as caliber .357 and caliber .22 centerfire magnum and other firearms with firing capability of full automatic and by burst of two or three, minimum penalty would be prision mayor and a fine of P30,000.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
No major damage reported in Surigao Norte, Dinagat Islands after Tuesday’s typhoonPDRMMC v
SURIGAO CITY -- No major damage has been reported as Typhoon Pablo struck Surigao del Norte and the province of Dinagat Islands on Tuesday.
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Thursday, December 6, 2012
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The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Surigao del Norte said they received no reports of significant damage of infrastructure in the entire province as of 11 a.m. Wednesday. “What we only have here is the report from Brgy. Consolacion, Dapa that six houses were totally damaged and only one in Mainit while 280 houses were partially damaged in San Isidro town,” said PDRRMC acting chairperson Vice Gov. Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. PDRRMC reported a minor landslide which occurred along Anaoaon – Malimono road in Brgy. Oslao, San Francisco town. “But the road is still passable,” Egay said. Also, PDRRMC said that 6,927 families or 31,837 individuals in 74 barangays all over the province have been affected by the typhoon. No casualty was also reported. 26
Some 200 passengers and 40 rolling cargoes were stranded in Lipata port. The power supply was cut off in some areas of the city after some electric posts were toppled down by strong winds yesterday. Water supply in the city was also temporarily cut off. The PDRRMC also said that nine towns in Siargao Island experienced power blackout yesterday. But as of this report, power has been restored in almost all towns except for Socorro. In Dinagat Islands, PDRRMC reported a total of 300 families or 1,274 individuals in 11 barangays of the province. No major damages were also reported. The PDRRMC also said that the provincial government thru the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has extended relief goods to the affected families. Thursday, December 6, 2012
Manufacturing Facility In Nasipit To Be Established by Jay Vincent Demain
Agusan del Norte -- A wood manufacturing facility will soon be
established in the municipality of Nasipit that would supply desks, tables and chairs for public schools not just in Agusan del Norte but in the entire Caraga region. This was the content of a sanggunian resolution authored by Board Member Joseph E. Tomaneng authorizing Governor Erlpe John M. Amante to sign the memorandum of agreement for this purpose between the provincial government and 3 other agencies of the national government. The facility will be placed in the campus of the Nasipit National Vocational School (NNVS) where a furnace type lumber dryer will also be established, Thursday, December 6, 2012
both inside a 5,000 square-meter lot. NNVS would consequently be turned into a training center on technologies for wood processing and utilization catering to all schools, indigenous people, LGUs and other government and non-government organization here in the Caraga region, making use of the logs/fletches and other forest products confiscated overtime by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 27
As a center for training, it will provide apprenticeship courses on kiln drying, woodworking operation and maintenance, product manufacturing and quality control for students preparing them as future entrepreneurs. The DENR, based on the agreement, will be supplying the raw materials all throughout its operation and shall provide the overall direction and oversight functions in the operation, maintenance and monitoring of the facilities in partnership with the Forest Products Research and Development
Institute (FPRDI) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which will be providing the financial support. The province, on the other hand, shall provide funds for the labor, other materials and infrastructure support needed in the establishment of the said facilities. Governor Erlpe John M. Amante and the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan who pushed for this project believe that this landmark undertaking would further boost the economy of Nasipit town.
Urban living can make you overweight by Celina Ann Z. Javier
Most people want to live in urban areas because they think it is where they can find success in life. But urban living can also create problems, including becoming overweight. Urban living means fast living. People gobble up on fatty food for daily meals. People are always busy with work and, therefore, don’t have extra time for regular exercise. People rely on computers and cell phones for faster work and communication. As a result, they are mostly sedentary (or sitting while 28
working) and lack rigorous physical activity. People often use vehicles for faster transportation, instead of walking, even if the destination is just a short distance away. For these reasons, urban living can make you overweight. Based on the 2008 National Nutrition survey (NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Thursday, December 6, 2012
Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), the region with the highest prevalence of overweight among adults aged 20 years old and above is the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila with 32.2 percent. Overweight and obesity are one of the serious problems of the modern world today. It is the fifth leading risk to global death. Twenty-two medical disorders and twelve types of cancers can develop from being overweight. Dr. Philip T. James, president of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, reported that the problem of obesity is like climate change. People know there that there is a problem, yet they don’t want to do anything about it. But can we really do something about it? The answer is yes. Here are some tips to make urban living healthy: Avoid eating in restaurant buffets or in eat rice-all-you-can fast foods. This setting encourages eating more even if you are already full. Don’t skip breakfast even when busy. Giving up breakfast does not make you slimmer because it slows down metabolism. Add more colors to your plate by eating vegetables and fruits. Have a ready vegetable salad in your refrigerator rather than having ready-to-eat cup noodles which are usually high in sodium, fat, artificial flavors and preservatives. Avoid softdrinks and powdered juice during meals. Just drink lots of water. When buying food, especially processed and packaged fresh produce, read labels to be aware of ingredients, Thursday, December 6, 2012
nutrients, claims and expiry date. Encourage your workplace to have a regular physical activity for employees. Plan a weekend exercise with friends at the nearby park, backyard or front lawn. Popularize a trend, like riding bicycle to work if your location permits you. When in the workplace, avoid using the telephone to communicate with your co-workers. Walk and talk to them personally. Avoid using the elevator or escalator when not in a hurry or when not bringing heavy things. Use the staircase, instead. Overweight and obesity do not only threaten the health of those in the urban areas but rural folks as well. Urban dwellers are just more prone to becoming overweight because of their environment. People in the rural areas or in the provinces are also encouraged to practice healthy living by making healthy food choices and increasing or sustaining physical activities. Fighting overweight may not be as easy as it requires long-term commitment and a lot of sweat. Before deciding on a weight-loss strategy, make sure you have the heart to do it. For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. E-mail: mcv@fnri. dost.gov.ph, Telefax: 837-2934 and 8273164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov. ph. 29
Power 101 - Understanding NGCP’s role in the energy industry By Alma L. Tingcang
PAGADIAN CITY - Media
Ms. Elizabeth A. Ladaga, Regional Corporate Communications and practitioners from Pagadian City Public Affairs Officer made possible and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay convened on December 3 at Hotel a guided tour of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines Guillermo for a very enlightening (NGCP) facility at Aurora Substation activity dubbed Power 101. in Cabilinan, Aurora, Zamboanga del To better understand plant operation, Sur. Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email
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Mr. Avelino Q. Dawis, District 1 Head for Operations and Maintenance welcomed the media and gave a briefing on how the plant operates and provided other vital information to the group. While the media reports power-related events such as power interruption, major system disturbance or significant incident, power restoration, power shortage and weather disturbance, NGCP recognizes their crucial role in delivering timely and accurate information. For easier reportage, NGCP Consultant Guillermo R. Redoblado discussed the key players in the industry sector as well as the core services of NGCP which is power delivery, system operations and
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metering services. Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza, NGCP Spokesperson and Adviser for External Affairs answered queries from the media in a press conference in the afternoon. “Hindi po naming minamaliit ang malaking problema ng Mindanao at hindi po namin isinasantabi ang aming pagsusupply ng kuryente sa inyo,” (we don’t underestimate this huge power problem in Mindanao and we don’t set aside our responsibility to supply power to you) she explained. Atty. Alabanza has gone to various parts of Mindanao to dialogue with stakeholders and to address the problems besetting the power industry. “I know marami kayong questions at mga problema, pero pasensiya na po dahil ang talagang 31
problema po natin ay ang supply ng kuryente,” (I know you have a lot of questions, but please understand that our real problem is the power supply) said Alabanza. Asked by the media if NGCP can assure that there will be no brownouts during the holiday season and the incoming elections in 2013, Alabanza said NGCP is working to guarantee that there will be electricity as this is a priority concern. As to how prepared is NGCP in times of emergency situations, she said NGCP’s disaster action plan is being tested through typhoon and flood drills to speed up power restoration process during actual emergencies. This is part of its Integrated Disaster Action Plan (IDAP) which ensures the readiness of all power 32
transmission facilities expected to be affected by typhoons and other disasters like floods, heavy rains, landslides, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunami. NGCP is a privately owned corporation that holds the 25year concession for operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity from power plants to distribution utilities through its interconnected system of transmission cables and towers, substation and related assets. Thursday, December 6, 2012
MGB-9 identifies areas for proposed ZamPen Mineral Reservation By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau-9 (MGB-9) is currently undertaking an extensive and comprehensive information, education and communication (IEC) campaign in some of the identified areas in the Zamboanga Peninsula for its proposed ZamPen Mineral Reservation. The identified areas cover the Municipalities of Kabasalan in Zamboanga Sibugay; Godod, Leon Postigo and Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte; and Mahayag, Sominot, Dumingag, Midsalip, Bayog, Labangan and Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur. These Municipalities were considered for this project based on the available geological data of the bureau. MGB-9 Information Officer Emma Rodelie Deverala said, “the IEC campaign is a component of a Thursday, December 6, 2012
continuing activity in compliance with the Department Memorandum Order No. 2007-06, the National Mineral Reservation Project, issued by former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Angelo T. Reyes�. She added that initial activities such as data gathering, research, and site visits have already commenced sometime in 2008 up to last year, thus, areas were trimmed down covering the said municipalities. Deverala explained that the 33
National Mineral Reservation Project is designed based on some provisions of Republic Act 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and its’ Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) DAO 96-40 and consolidated DAO 2010-21, with the primary objectives of promoting rational exploration, development, utilization and conservation of all mineral resources in the country in a manner that effectively safeguards the environment and protects the rights of affected communities; and a royalty of not less than five percent (5%) of the market value of the gross output of the minerals/mineral products extracted or produced from the Mineral Reservations exclusive of all other taxes which the contractors/ permit holders/leasers shall pay to the Government through the Bureau. Moreover, ten percent (10%) share of said royalty and another ten percent (10%) of other revenues such as administrative, clearance, exploration and other related fees to be derived by the government from the exploration, development and utilization of the mineral resources within Mineral Reservations shall accrue to the Bureau as a Trust Fund and shall be deposited in a Government depository bank to be allotted for special projects and other administrative expenses related to the exploration, development and environmental management of minerals in Government Reservations. This project, she furthered, is 34
also seen to help address the issue on the proliferation of unregulated small-scale mining operations that brings loss of unpaid government taxes and greater damage to the environment due to lack of environmental protection since small-scale mining cooperatives that are covered by Republic Act No. 7076 or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act, shall be given preferential right to apply for a small-scale mining contract for a maximum aggregate area of twenty-five percent (25%) within a Mineral Reservation subject to valid and existing mining rights. After conducting massive IEC campaign, MGB-9 will conduct a public hearing in all covered provinces with a thirty (30) day prior notification, allowing all concerned stakeholders, such as the communities, interested non-government and People’s Organizations, as well as Local Government Units, to air their views regarding the establishment of mineral reservations. The proposed ZamPen Mineral Reservation project is just one among the proposed mineral reservations in the country, with unified activities being undertaken almost simultaneously. A team from MGB-9 is now conducting a series of IEC campaigns in areas covered within the region headed by Engr. Arnel Cudia, Officer in Charge-Chief of the Mining Environment and Safety Division, with Engr. Romeo Sta. Cruz, Engr. Edgar Austero, Engr. Leo Ver, Engr. Ralph Burlas and Ms. Emma Rodelie Deverala completing the team. Thursday, December 6, 2012
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