EDITORIAL ADVISERS SEC. SONNY B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency
EXECUTIVE EDITOR EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western & Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region
One Mindanao REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region
COPY EDITORS FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST
NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region
THELMA B. OLIVER Regional Director, PIA Region X OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
PIA Regional Offices
LAYOUT ARTISTS MARY MAY ABELLON, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X DAISY JANE APIT, PIA Region XIII
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. 0919-9994516 E-mail: ro9_pia@yahoo.com, mimibern17@yahoo. com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969 E-mail: pia10_pd@yahoo.com, r10_pia@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
SOCCSKSARGEN Region Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com, pia_xii@yahoo.com
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com , pia_caraga@yahoo. com,ph Website: www.piacaraga.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - Caraga Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga
today’s news
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LGU-Gensan receives Blue Certification Award from Ombudsman By: Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan
NATIONAL
to propose 10 DBM to PNoy release of
Tranche 1 of salary adjustment
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WESTERN Researchers: Drastic change in climate can bring ‘dryer dry’ periods in Zambo By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy
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INFOCUS Bangsamoro Women’s active role in peace-building and transformational governance takes center stage
top legislators 17 SurSur’s bared By: Greg Tataro Jr
SOUTHERN
covers 30 NORTHERN 32 PhilHealth package for contraceptive implant Norte bodybuilder 28 Lanao By: Kleah Dublin wins at international competition
clarifies DTI-Camiguin, chamber 25 COMELEC campaign guidelines for 29 spearhead business May polls By: Alfonso T. Ruda
CARAGA
consultative confab By: Zita M. Abellare
SOCCSKSARGEN
12 a special 36 February non-working holiday in Kidapawan City
By: Danilo E.Doguiles
COVER STORY
LGU-Gensan receives Blue Certification Award from Ombudsman By: Catherine T. Apelacio
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he city government of General Santos, through its Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD), received a Blue Certification Level I Award from the Office of the Ombudsman after complying with the standards that hasten the process and provide ease in doing business in the city. 4
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Blue Certification, according to Ombudsman-Mindanao is “similar to the ISO certification for compliance with management system standards or to the Green Business Certification for meeting certain environmental standards and criteria.” It also establishes a methodology in clarifying systems and procedures in the regulation of businesses to reduce the burden of red tape in doing business, and creates pressure for Local Government Units (LGUs) to get certified.” The assessment it said will revolve around LGU’s compliance with the 87 standards and nine categories set by the agency, and the steps and time as well as convenience offered to clients when making business transactions. Ma. Rosanna Sasuman, chief of the Public Assistance Unit of Ombudsman Mindanao personally handed over the Blue Certification Level 1 to Mayor Ronnel Rivera in a simple ceremony last week at the office of the local chief executive.
various local and national government agencies needed in the renewal of business permits or application for new business are grouped together in one place,” said Joy Grace Bundaon, Licensing Office 1 of the city’s BPLD.
Bundaon explained that the “One-stop-shop” hastened the renewal of business permits which used to take a very long time because of the requirements that compel the signatures of various local and national agencies which offices are Based on the Certification scattered all over the city. Assessment Result, Gensan met 52 out of the 87 prescribed standards or Some of the national agencies 60% compliance which qualifies the represented in the One-stop-shop city to the Level I Blue Certification. include the Social Security System, “One of our best practices is the establishment of a One-Stop-Shop Business Processing every January of each year where representatives of
Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-ibig), Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) while from the local government are
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the City Planning and Development Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Health Office, City Treasurer’s Office and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
years and it does not stop on Level I as there are still two higher levels of certification: Levels II and III.
To qualify for Level II, the LGU must meet or satisfy at least 75% or “Barangay clearances can also 65 of the standards; while Level III be processed in the one-stop-shop as requires 90% compliance or 78 out of representatives from the 26 barangays the 87 standards are met. of the city are also present,” she said. Bundaon also disclosed that on It explained further that once an regular months they have assigned LGU got a Level III Certification for 2 personnel who are doing legworks consecutive assessment periods then for their customers for free especially it will be “Blue Certified,” which is the those who are applying for new highest certification level. business to encourage the latter that doing business in Gensan is easy. Meanwhile, OmbudsmanMindanao also clarified that the Blue Certification level is valid for three
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Nominate and recognize outstanding public servants -- CSC Chief
QUEZON CITY -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is accepting nominations for the 2016 Search for Outstanding Officials and Employees until 31 March 2016. “We are encouraging the public to submit nominations to the Search to recognize our lingkod bayaniwho helped transform the civil service to one that we can truly be proud of— makatao at may malasakit sa lahat—and who have committed
themselves to effect exemplary public service,” said Civil Service Commission Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala. The awards to be given are the highest and most coveted recognition given by the
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government to state workers.
demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of All employees in the career his/her adherence to the Code of and non-career service of the Conduct and Ethical Standards for government, including appointive Public Officials and Employees. barangay officials and employees recognized as government The CSC Pagasa Award is employees, may be nominated. given to an individual or group Employees who are under job of individuals for outstanding order or contracts of service are contributions that directly benefit excluded from the program. more than one department of the government. The 2016 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and To promote and strengthen Employees forms part of CSC’s teamwork, the CSC strongly Honor Awards Program (HAP), encourages group/team and has three award categories. nominations. The Presidential Lingkod Any individual or organization Bayan Award is conferred to an with extensive knowledge of the individual or group for exceptional outstanding work performance or extraordinary contributions and/or exemplary ethical of that had nationwide impact. certain public servants may nominate an individual or group of The Outstanding Public individuals for a specific category Officials and Employees or in the Honor Awards Program. the Dangal ng Bayan Award is conferred to an individual for Nominations for all award performance of extraordinary act categories can be submitted or public service and consistent to any CSC provincial/field or
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regional office until 31 March 2016. Only nominations with complete requirements will be accommodated for screening and evaluation. Nomination forms and guidelines are available for download at csc.gov.ph. For further inquiries, please
contact the HAP Secretariat at telephone numbers (02) 931-7993, (02) 932-0381, or emailhapsecretariat@yahoo.com or email@contactcenterngbayan. gov.ph. (CSC)
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DBM to propose to PNoy release of Tranche 1 of salary adjustment
MANILA -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is preparing its recommendations to President Benigno S. Aquino III on the possible implementation of the first tranche of salary adjustments for government workers, as provided for in the proposed Salary Standardization Law 4 bill, Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr. said Thursday. “A total of P57.9 billion 2016 and this will fully cover the appropriation is included in the first tranche,” Coloma said. “DBM General Appropriations Act of will include a similar item in the
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Abad cited Section 13 of Presidential Decree No. 985 and Item 17 of Congress Joint Resolution No. 4, s. 2009, authorizing the President to periodically revise or update, upon the recommendation of the DBM, the government’s proposed National Expenditure Compensation Program (NEP) for 2017, to cover and Position Classification the second tranche.” System. The proposed NEP for 2017 Based on these laws, Abad will be turned over to the next said, the President may effect administration, he added. a compensation adjustment that is still consistent with In a separate statement, the compensation adjustment DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” strategy under the proposed Abad said, “The Executive has Salary Standardization Law of options within its power to effect 2015. (PND/PCOO/PRC-PIA) the proposed compensation adjustment.” February 5, 2016
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Bangsamoro Women’s active role in peace-building and transformational governance takes center stage
photo credits to: philstar.com
COTABATO CITY-Some 800 women from the provinces and cities of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) were in attendance during the 1st ARMM Bangsamoro Women Leadership Summit on February 1-2, 2016.
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The first ever women summit was spearheaded by ARMM’s Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW) to showcase women’s role and struggle especially in armed conflict scenario in the region. According to the OPAPP Undersecretary Ma. Cleofe Sandoval, in more than five decades of armed conflict, women have carried the burden of war as fighters, mediators, peacekeepers, caregivers and providers.
and experiences will be helpful to attain unending peace. With NAP, she emphasized, all efforts that translate into peace and security should lead to lasting and meaningful changes in the lives of women and girls in communities wrapped by violence and conflict.
Sandoval said in ARMM, women from all the provinces have been reached by the regional government to encourage them to get involve in addressing gender related issues “They have been brave and and programs – through women faithful pilgrims in this journey leaders to use the gender and towards lasting peace - up to this development (GAD) budget. day, the Bangsamoro women continue to be called - to action, Sandoval said, the to preserve the peace that many government needs more have worked so hard and died transformative leaders that will for to achieve,” Sandoval said. create a gender fair society. “We need to invest in young The burden and impact of women and young men to take armed conflict of women propel leadership roles by exposing the community of nations to them to different realities in our commit, to protect their rights communities.” and to include their voices in crafting a peaceful future, she “We hope the efforts of the added. RCBW and the ORG have kept the LGUs into action and that She believes that developing soon the fruits of their labor will the national action plans (NAP) be more real and accountable in based on our own perspective women’s lives,” Sandoval said. February 5, 2016
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photo credits to: balita.com
Meanwhile, amid the nonpassage of the BBL by Congress, she called on the participants to stay calm and hold on to the dream of lasting peace. At present, there are Women Centers in each province of the regional government which symbolizes the local leaders’ commitment to bring and implement gender programs to the communities.
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The two-day summit anchored on the theme, “Strengthening Bangsamoro Women Leaders’ towards Transformative Governance”, was held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, ARMM Compound, in this city. (IBEroy/PBChangco-PIA Cotabato City)
February 5, 2016
DAR hands P33-M irrigation to AgNor farmers By: Joie L. Ceballos
JABONGA, Agusan del Norte – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) handed to Baleguian Organic Farmers Irrigator’s Association (BOFIA) the P33 million communal irrigation system (CIS) on Thursday, February 4, 2015. In a ceremonial turn-over Maldo added in his dialect. held in Brgy. Baleguian, Jabonga, The irrigation project, funded BOFIA chairman Winefredo under the Agrarian Reform Maldo expressed thanks to DAR Infrastructure Support Project for sourcing out funds and to the (ARISP-III) of the DAR includes National Irrigation Administration three dams and will serve 180 (NIA) as the implementing hectares of rice land in the area. agency. “118 farmers in our The ceremony was attended barangay will enjoy this big help,” by DAR Caraga regional director
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Julita Ragandang, provincial board member Danny Moran, provincial agrarian reform program officer Andre Atega and Engr. Solidad Puyales of the NIARegional Office. Board Member Danny Moran, representing the Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba said that DAR and NIA are vital partners in rural development especially in Agusan del Norte. In her message, Ragandang emphasized DAR’s commitment to partner with NIA and the local government to bring more development in agrarian reform communities. “But it is the unity and the strong will of the farmer beneficiaries that prompt this project to be realized,” Ragandang added.
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In the same occasion, DAR also handed 11 units of common service farm facilities to BOFIA amounting to P4.3 million under the DAR’s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) Program. The irrigation facility is the second project of the DAR-ARISP III in the barangay. In December 2011, DAR also handed the 1.8 km NRJ-Baleguian to Sitio Bagang farm-to-market road (FMR) amounting to P11.6 million. Also present during the activity were: Engr. Cristy Dagdag of the DAR-ARISP III Central Project Management Office, Engr. Louie Mendoza of the NIA-CARPIC and asst. irrigation manager Diosdado Ranio.
February 5, 2016
SurSur’s top legislators bared By: Greg Tataro Jr
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur– The Tanggapan ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan (TSP), this province, bared the top achievers among legislators here in 2015. Monalisa Cañedo-Su, secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), disclosed before capitol employees during Monday’s flag ceremony program the “top five ranking SP Members in terms of authorship of resolutions.” Named were SP members Donell Polizon, Eleonor Momo, Conrad Cejoco, Glenn Plaza, and Teresita Donasco with 79, 70, 52, 40 and 38 resolutions authored, respectively. The 12-member 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan here, as of latest, headed by ViceGovernor Manuel Alameda, Sr. as presiding officer, has adopted 554 resolutions and 33 ordinances, the TSP secretary revealed. On ordinances, Su likewise mentioned SP member Tito Cañedo to have authored seven, SP members Henrich Pimentel and Mary Grace Lim had three apiece, SP members Mariano Atacador, Sr. and Glenn Plaza had two each, and SP member Teresita Donaco had one to her credit.
“The rest (15) of the ordinances enacted were jointly sponsored by the SP Members present during sessions,” she added. Earlier, the TSP secretary pointed out that “Our legislative officials have conducted 47 sessions from January to December, 44 of which were attended by Hon. Mariano R. Atacador, Sr., while Hon. Donell V. Polizon made it to 43 sessions, making the two SP Members with the most attendance to sessions.” Beforehand, Su said “the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan has continued to diligently conduct committee meetings and sessions to ascertain that issues are discussed, reviewed and evaluated as legislative measure.”
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Zambo communications group to meet IDPs anew through camp dialogues By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The inter-agency Zamboanga Communications Working Group (CWG) is now preparing for another round of camp dialogues in the twelve transitory sites here to inform internally-displaced persons (IDPs) on updates regarding the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R), and other important matters.
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Sheila Covarrubias, city public information officer said that there is a need to inform the IDPs on updates with regards to the rehabilitation process, who have been in transitory sites for more than 2 years now. “We will continue to work with our international humanitarian partners, and we really appreciate their help since the very beginning,� she said. Meanwhile, Covarrubias emphasized that Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar finds it necessary to inform the IDPs on the water shortage due to the dry spell, and how they can be instruments to mitigate its effects. At present, there are still 16,750 individuals, or 2,988 families in the transitory sites. The inter-agency group is composed of the City Public Information Office (PIO), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and international humanitarian partners like the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Community and Family Services, Inc. (CFSI), Integrated
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Resources Development for TriPeople (IRDT) and others. During the camp dialogues, previously called information caravans, representatives from the different clusters making up the rehabilitation structure will be brought to the camps and speak about updates on their end. It will be a two-way forum, in which IDPs also share their insights and complaints with regards to the services they receive from government. The CWG considers these dialogues as a very important aspect in rehabilitation, since it is a medium to share information between the clients and their service providers. In previous information caravans like those done last year, the CWG was able to utilize youth volunteers coming from local colleges and universities. CWG is looking to formally tap the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology (ZSMST) and the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC). The camp dialogues will kick off next month.
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Researchers: Drastic change in climate can bring ‘dryer dry’ periods in Zambo By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy
ZAMBOANGA CITY– The city might experience “dryer dry periods” than what it is experiencing now considering the drastic change in climate, researchers have revealed in the recent National Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management held here at the Garden Orchid Hotel. The two-day conference is anchored on the topic “Role of Research in Changing Times” that seeks to converge research think tanks, academicians, local
government officials from the different towns and cities in the Zamboanga Peninsula region, and
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non-government organizations from all over the country. “We should all expect that the worst will get worst. Talagang emergency (It is really an emergency). You have to do your utmost with water resources. Food security will also be affected,” emphasized Dr. Rosa Perez of the Manila Observatory, Ateneo de Manila University, who discussed climate change related-hazards and their implications on water and food security. Dr. Perez said climate has significantly changed over time. “The supposed recurring pattern of El Niño and La Niña is no longer experienced, instead, dry spell is followed by another dry spell,” she said. “Yong hindi natin kabisado might save our lives. Let’s transform our behavior. Let us include the educational system. Nagbabago na ang panahon, panahon na para magbago,” she encouraged, quoting the slogan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) joint advocacy campaign on climate change. Director Teresita Montano, director of the Ateneo Research Center, Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) said, “It
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can no longer be denied. We are experiencing drastic environmental changes, from extreme floods to critical water supply which lead the local government to put our city under state of calamity.” “That is why it is important for us to address these impeding issues and act on it,” she further explained. Dr. Enrico Paringit, program leader of the University of the Philippines’ Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation (DREAM) Program served as the keynote speaker of the event. He discussed his study on river basins in the country and how data gathered from it could help send out early warnings of impending flood hazards. Other plenary speakers include: Director Romeo Fajardo, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD); Dr. Oscar Victor Lizardo, chief science research specialist of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (Project-NOAH); Engr. Sarah Jane Samalburo, chief science research specialist on data processing of DREAM Program, Philippine-Light Detection and Ranging (PHIL-LiDAR 1) project.
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There were also speakers from the academe such as: Engr. Guada Calalang of Xavier University, who is an expert on Soil Reference System for Food Security; and Engr. Dexter Lo who shared the DRRM experience of Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City. Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, head
of CDRRMO talked about the city’s challenges and response to disaster. The event was organized by ADZU’s Ateneo Research Center, in collaboration with the local government of Zamboanga City and the regional offices of DOST, OCD, DOT, CHED, DepEd and DILG in Region 9.
COMELEC clarifies campaign guidelines for May polls By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY---The Commission on Election has reiterated its reminder to candidates running for various positions in the province of Zamboanga del Norte to observe rightful campaigning this coming national and local elections. February 5, 2016
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During the recent Kapihan sa Dipolog, outgoing Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Ellis Miguel said that campaign period for national candidates starts on February 9, 2016 and March 25, 2016 for the local positions. However, Miguel clarified that campaign period for local positions will only start on March 26 since March 25 falls on a Good Friday, which is a holiday. He said that as of now, no advisory has been received yet from its central office on any amendment of the sizes of campaign materials. He also warned the candidates to post campaign materials only in areas designated by the Comelec. Incoming Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Jossil Macute cautioned candidates not to post campaign materials on trees or electric posts as they are not considered poster areas. To strictly monitor the expenditures of any candidate, Atty. Macute said Comelec has created the Campaign Finance Office, purposely to check on the veracity of the candidates’ Statement of Contribution and Expenses (SOCE). Failure to file SOCE for two times, according to Atty. Miguel, is already a ground for perpetual
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disqualification to hold public office in the future. “If one fails to file SOCE, he will be fined. If he will not pay the fine, he will be charged administratively and barred to hold public office,” Miguel said. On the other hand, Comelec 9 Regional Director Atty. Wilred Jay Balisado said that public school teachers will serve this coming national and local elections as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), unless otherwise they are disqualified for various reasons. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police is currently conducting regular checkpoints in different areas along the national highway of the province since the implementation of Comelec gun ban last January 10.
February 5, 2016
DENR 10 set to release coffee table book By: Department of Environment and Natural Resources
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources 10 (DENR 10) is set to release soon a coffee table book of Region 10 Protected Areas (PAs).
The Coffee Table Book is a compilation of nature photography, natural landscapes and objects in natural landscapes. It presents the conservation and preservation efforts
of DENR underlining the PAs potentials in ecotourism. Regional Director Ruth M. Tawantawan said, the DENR enforces the protection and management of
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the protected areas because of their recognized natural, ecological and/or cultural values. She added that these areas are essential for biodiversity conservation, often providing habitat and protection from hunting for threatened and endangered species. Region 10 has 10 protected areas under four categories - resource reserve, protected landscape, natural monument/landmark and natural park. The resource reserve category includes the protected landscape and seascape areas of Initao-Libertad, Baliangao and Bacolod-Kauswagan. The Mimbilisan Protected Landscape falls under the protected landscape category, while Mt. Timpoong-HibokHibok is under natural monument/landmark category. Most of the Region’s PAs are categorized as natural parks including ranges of Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Kalatungan, Mt. Balatukan, Mt. Malindang and Mt. Inayawan. Each PA is managed by its
Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). All 10 PAMBs of Region 10 were able to pass a total of 170 resolutions in compliance to its mandate of strengthening and operationalization of the protected areas in the Region 167 of which were approved. The PAMBs also took steps in administering the Habitat Protection by designing restrictive, directional and interpretive signages based on standard design and specification of signs, buildings, facilities and other infrastructures that may be installed or constructed within the protected area. These signages are installed along the protected areas’strategic entry and exit points. The objective in setting up these signages/billboards is to increase the level of awareness of the local communities living in the park and that of visitors/tourists. The billboards likewise convey the prohibited acts inside the Protected Areas as provided under RA 9304, RA 9147 and RA 7586.
LanaoNorte bodybuilder wins at international competition TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – Veteran bodybuilder and Fitness Gym Manager Eddie Mugar of Tubod, Lanao del Norte recently won at the Asia-Philippines Bodybuilding Competition and Mr. Universe International Bodybuilding Championship.
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Mugar won 5th Place in the Master’s Class category in the Asia-Philippines Bodybuilding Competition. While in the National Bodybuilding Association (NABBA) Mr. Universe International Bodybuilding Championship, he won 4th Place in the Mixed Pair category together with international Zumba instructor Emma Satchel of Cebu City. The event was organized by Workout Fitness Center of Cebu City and sanctioned by the (NABBA) held at Mariner’s Court, Cebu City. “I’m thankful to the provincial government especially to Governor Khalid Dimaporo, Vice-Governor Cristy Atay and Congresswoman Imelda Dimaporo for their all-out support in this endeavor. I hope they will continue to support our local athletes so we can get exposure especially in international competitions,” Mugar
expressed. More than 60 countries participated in the five-day megacompetition including powerhouses Australia, New Zealand and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Mugar is also a 4-time Champion of the Mr. Philippines Bodybuilding Championship in the Middle weight and Masters Category. “I want to promote healthy lifestyle among the people of Lanao del Norte. If you can’t afford to go to the gym to exercise, then do your exercises at home. It’s important not only to eat nutritious food but also to live an active lifestyle,” added Mugar. Mugar is the current manager of Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) Fitness Gym Club at MCC Sports Complex, Barangay Sagadan, in the capital town Tubod, this province.
DTI-Camiguin, chamber spearhead business consultative confab By: Zita M. Abellare
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Camiguin Provincial Office, in partnership with the Camiguin Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (CCCI)., has spearheaded a Consultative Meeting with the Poblacion Barangay Council of Mambajao and the local business sectors on 20 January 2016, at the height of the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) registrations. February 5, 2016
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The Consultative Meeting was aimed at being the right forum for data gathering and clarification from the Poblacion Barangay Council Officers regarding the implementation of an ordinance, specifically Barangay Ordinance No. 2014-01 increasing the Barangay Business Clearance Permit, approved from the barangay level on July 21, 2014 and further approved by the Sangguniang Bayan of Mambajao on January 19, 2015. The business community requested for a possible refinement and amendment of the ordinance. Majority of its members, led by the CCCI President Nelpher Catacutan said they had a vague understanding in the implementation of the ordinance as the fees were allegedly deemed excessive, hastily implemented, not well disseminated and are yet to be standardized. Punong Barangay Rodin Modina Romualdo represented the Poblacion Barangay Council and properly explained how the ordinance has been formulated in the purpose on increasing local revenues and taxes and in an appropriate manner been expressing his openness for an open dialogue regarding this issue. The two parties made agreements where Punong Barangay Romualdo assured the members of the CCCI and the whole business community that by first week February 2016, the Barangay Council of Poblacion Mambajao will convene inviting representatives CCCI, Mambajao Business Community, DTI, and other interested parties to
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discuss the possibility of amending the imposed Barangay Business Clearance Fees, improved the crafting of the Barangay Ordinance, and make recommendations to the council to improve and enhance the relationship between the business community and the Barangay Council. Next steps include a tax mapping activity to be organized by the Barangay Council after the close of the renewal time of securing business licensing permits to validate the capitalization indicated by the businessmen at their application forms. The CCCI is a business advocate of private sector concerns, economic counselor, trade facilitator, government relations officer, liaison to the public sector, investment promoter and, most importantly, a partner in local economic development, among others. The DTI acts as a secretariat and advocacy partner of the CCCI, whose principal function was to promote and enhance the growth of the existing and thriving industries in the country and a partner in local development. Under the Local Government Code of the Philippines, the LGUs have common revenue raising powers like the barangay clearance, which is one of the requirements for any municipality to issue permits and licenses for business activities and for such clearance, the sangguniang barangay may impose a reasonable fee.
February 5, 2016
Defense chief visits Eastmincom
DAVAO CITY- As part of his unified command visits and to assess the security in the region. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin visited the headquarters of the Eastern Mindanao Command last February 2. The Eastmincom headquar- manders, soldiers and civilian ters is located inside the sprawl- personnel of Eastmincom. ing Naval Station Felix Apolinario The unified command covin Panacan, Davao City the home ers the regions of Southeastern of the Philippine Navy’s Naval Mindanao, Northern Mindanao Forces Eastern Mindanao. and parts of Central Mindanao. Gazmin highlighted the cur- (PIA/RG Alama) rent updates of the Armed Forces’ modernization program and emphasized the role of the military in the coming 2016 national and local elections. “You have to remain apolitical and not get involved in any partisan political activity.” The DND chief said. The Secretary also commended Eastmincom under the leadership of Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero for taking the right direction in winning the peace, he also congratulated the command for its accomplishments in the previous year. After the talk, Sec. Gazmin had boodle lunch with field comFebruary 5, 2016
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PhilHealth covers package for contraceptive implant
DAVAO CITY– Adding to a string of benefits that increase Filipinos’ access to alternate family planning methods, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) now covers benefit package for subdermal implant used for contraception. According to Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 2015-0006, these subdermal implants are small tubes, the size of a matchstick, which are inserted under the skin of the upper arm of women, producing progestin-only hormones that inhibit ovulation and prevent pregnancy for three years. The procedure is also known for its rapid reversibility. In a circular issued by PhilHealth, the package which is worth Php 3,000 covers the procedure including pre and post counselling, drugs and supplies, professional fee and use of the facility. It can be availed in accredited hospitals, primary care facilities, birthing homes or maternity clinics, and ambulatory surgical clinics and must be performed by accredited professionals who have acquired a Certificate of Training from DOH. As with other benefits availment, the process of availing this
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package requires the member to have sufficient and regular payment of premium contributions. For those under the indigent, Kasambahay and senior citizen categories of PhilHealth, the No Balance Billing policy also applies. PhilHealth further specified that the package can be availed every 730 days which is equivalent to two years; the agency shall cover availments starting January 1, 2016. (PHIC-XI/ Kleah Dublin)
February 5, 2016
regional gallery
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin greets the officers of the Eastern Mindanao Command during his arrival at the Eastmincom HQ in Felix Apolinario Naval Station. Sec. Gazmin visited Eastmincom last Tuesday (Feb. 2)
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Anti-Smoking Ordinance Task Force inspects establishments in Gensan
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb 5 - Members of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance Task Force inspected buildings in the city Tuesday, February 2, to ensure the full implementation of smoking ban. Establishments like malls and public markets were visited by the task force to check if they
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have already complied with the policies set by the anti-smoking ordinance.
February 5, 2016
One of the major requirements in the task force checklist is the presence of designated smoking areas in business or public buildings. These smoking areas should be 10 meters away from places of congregation. Among the establishments examined were barangay halls, the Lagao Public Market and malls. The Hall of Justice was not exempted from the inspection. City Administrator Arnel Zapatos, one of the members of the task force, warned that business establishments not following the guidelines of the anti-smoking ordinance will be penalized. Non-renewal of business permits is among the sanctions. Business owners have already been briefed by the city government regarding the ordinance. The General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) has pledged to apprehend anyone who will be smoking in public areas, especially in government offices. A deputation order has already been given by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera to GSCPO OIC Director Maximo Layugan to deploy police personnel to different public areas in the city. Violators of the anti-smoking ordinance will be fined P1,000,
P2,000 or P3,000 based on the number of offenses. These fines will be given to the treasury of the barangay where the violator was apprehended. If a violator is unable to pay the fine, he/she would immediately be subjected to inquest. The Ordinance No. 6 Series of 2015 or Anti-Smoking Ordinance is new local law in General Santos City which strictly prohibits smoking in government institutions, schools, public places and business establishments. This ordinance also forbids the use of tobacco and electroniccigarettes. Even selling cigarettes and any smoking device near the vicinity of schools and churches is also punishable under this ordinance. It was Mayor Rivera who pushed for the creation of the ordinance. He said he had felt the adverse effects of smoking. “I do not want other people to experience what I have experienced. To those who became sick because of smoking, you know what I am talking about,� the mayor said. “Through this ordinance, I am inviting everyone to stop smoking. It is your health that is be
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ing put into danger when you continue to smoke,” he added. Mayor Rivera admitted that he was a heavy smoker for almost
30 years before he eventually stopped in 2015. (IJLagareGensan CPIO/DEDoguilesPIA12)
February 12 a special non-working holiday in Kidapawan City KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Feb 5 — Malacanang has declared a special non-working holiday in Kidapawan City for the celebration of its 18th Foundation Anniversary. Executive Assistant Paquito Ochoa noted in Proclamation No. 1210 that “it is fitting and proper that the people of the City of Kidapawan be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.” This means, according to a report from the City Information Office that all public and private schools as well as public offices will be closed. Private offices may opt to close. With this declaration of a holiday, City Mayor Joseph Evangelista invited residents to participate in the festivities. Kidapawan was converted from being a municipality into a component city of North Cotabato province by virtue of
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Republic Act 8500 signed into law by then President Fidel V. Ramos on February 18, 1998. Among the activities of the city’s 18th year as a city are hip-hop dancing competition on February 7, inter-collegiate cheer dance competition on February 8, color fun run on February 10, marathon on February 14 and carnival-themed street dancing competition on February 12. On February 10, Kidapawan City will also attempt to break a Guinness world record for the largest cha cha dance. At least 10,000 individuals are expected to join the bid. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
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