Today’s issue...
Monday, Feb. 6, 2012
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
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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
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) 2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
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
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com , pia_caraga@yahoo.com,ph Blogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur
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Aquino r
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NTC urg radio op
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OWWA
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OCD-AR officers
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RDC-X a bridge a
28th IB troops join Wo National Wetland Day Cele 28th IB PA, Southern Mindanao
RDRRMC-12 undertakes rev Crisis Manual for Dis CT Apelacio, Central Mindanao
Koronadal LGU brings offices closer to v Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao
DILG urges AgNor prov pass anti-piracy me Caraga Region
Cabadbaran City creates youth Caraga Region
Vol. 1 No. 176
receives P19.283-B dividend from GOCCs
Executive Editor ……......... EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
ged to curb illegal handset perator, jammers Western Mindanao
opens scholarship for OFW Dependents
RMM orients local DRRM on RA 10121 Apipa Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao
approves replacement of RCBC to flat slab at Sapang Creek, CDO Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, Northern Mindanao
view of sasters
villagers
vince to easures
council
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ABNER M. CAGA
Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
Regional Desk Editors …...
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
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Managing Editor …….........
Associate Editors ……....... NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
Mary Jane R. Amarado, Western Mindanao
orld and ebration
EDITORIAL BOARD
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SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
Cover Story Local media, gov’t workers, extol Malacañang’s release of draft of Freedom of Information Bill Jocelyn P. Alvarez Western Mindanao
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Cover Story Local media, gov’t workers, extol Malacañang’s release of draft of Freedom of Information Bill by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
L Bill.
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ocal media here and state workers commend the Palace’s recent release of the approved draft of the Freedom of Information (FoI)
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“Approving a draft bill that would allow information on government services freely available to public is laudable move,” said Riza Lacbao of Zambotimes. com online news in a candid conversation with Philippine Information Agency 9. She said, such move from the palace builds trust and confidence that would result to a more efficient work flow, less, if not totally void of corruption and can even provide feedback mechanism that will fine-tune bureaucratic services. Antonette Go, news writer of the Daily Zamboanga Times (newspaper) contained her excitement about the bill in a text message saying “itong Freedom of Information bill ay maganda lalo na sa aming mga mamamahayag dahil mas mapapadali nito ang aming trabaho, mas madali kaming makakakuha ng information na kailangan namin” (this Freedom of Information bill is good for us media, because it will hasten work for us due to readily accessible government information). “Maganda din ito dahil magiging bukas din ang information sa public da-
hil makakatulong ang public pag well informed sila.” (This is good because information will now be open to the public. The public can help if they are well informed) Go said. “Transparency is the key to good governance. The FoI is a long overdue measure which is the foundation of democracy, the cornerstone of good and responsible leadership under a solidified democratic principle of progressive pro-people institutions,” Bernie Concepcion, broadcaster, Radyo ng Bayan commented. He said freedom is the core value of human dignity when practiced fully. “FoI is now the gauge for people to make decision collectively in support of the state under a democratic space value. Bottom line is good governance must be reinforced by transparency, while unveiling the truth in open democratic governance would be fundamental, so that honesty, sincerity and dignity can emerge reflecting the kind of institution we have.” Concepcion was quoted as saying. Vergel Meneses, also a local media
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here salutes the president for approving the FoI bill saying “this is truly a commendable move of the President.” “Thank you Mr. President. We need that FoI to expose corruption,” said Bong Bue, a radio announcer/ anchor and a teacher in one of the colleges here. Taking the side of state workers, Lowell Vallecer, Information Officer, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said “I wholeheartedly agree with the passage of the FoI. It would be a major milestone, a big step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government,” he shared. Vallecer hopes and pray that the bill gets to be enacted into a law soon. “I fully support PNoy’s anti-corruption initiatives and efforts to put grafters behind bars ,” he said. Socci of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said although she is not well verse of the FOI but she appreciates the President’s move, “ I hope there were conditions and grounds prior to its release,” she said. Recently, the Makati Business Club (MBC) commends the palace for the release of the approved draft of the FOI. MBC in a press statement said “MBC believes that the passage of the FoI law is an indispensable element of … [President Benigno S. C.] Aquino [III] administration’s commitment to the ‘daang matuwid’ (straight path).“ Meanwhile, according to Undersecretary Manolo Quezon of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, the FoI will guarantee full access to information or public disclosure of government undertakings “except when the information is detrimental to the ability of the state to protect peace and order, diplomatic relations with other countries and compromise police and military operations.” 6
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ACROSS THE NATION
Aquino cites continuing government reforms for high dividend contributions of GOCCs
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resident Benigno S. Aquino III cited the continuing government reforms for the improving dividend contributions of government owned and controlled corporations.
In his message at of GOCCs check President said the more the ceremonial dividends at the Rizal than P19-billion turnover Hall of Malaca単ang on Monday, the Monday, February 6, 2012
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remitted by 21 GOCCs was a result of government’s crackdown on corruption in government. “Nang manungkulan po tayo, ginawa natin kaagad ang tama at makatuwirang hakbang. Inatasan natin ang mga GOCCs na isakatuparan ang mabuting pamamahala sa kanilang mga tanggapan. Tinanggal natin ang mga tiwali sa kanilang mga institusyon, hinanap ang mga tagas sa pondo na dumidiretso sa kapritso ng
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iilan, at tinuldukan ang mga short-cut sa mga transaksyon ng kanilang korporasyon,” the President said. By stemming corruption, the Presidnet pointed out that the saved funds could now be used for the government’s various social programs such as providing education, healthcare, food and livelihood for more Filipinos. “Malinaw po ang nangyari… kung hindi natin inayos ang pamamalakad sa GOCCs,
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hindi po natin makakamit ang halagang ito na malaki ang maitutulong upang pondohan ang ating mga serbisyong panlipunan,” the President said. “Patunay lamang po ang tagumpay na ito sa GOCC na tuwirang nakakaapekto ang mabuting pamamahala sa kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino; natutulungan nitong iahon sa kumunoy ng kahirapan ang ating mga kababayan,” he added. (RCK)
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Aquino receives P19.283-B dividend from GOCCs resident Benigno S. Aquino III received P19.283-billion representing dividend contributions from 21 Government-Owned and –Controlled Corporations (GOCC) in ceremonies marking GOCC governance day in Malacaùang on Monday. The President turned over the amount to National Treasurer Roberto Tan. The Land Bank of the Philippines topped the list with a total of P5-billion in remittances while the Development Bank of the Philippines remitted P4.012-billion. The Philippine National Oil Company and its subsidiary PNOCExploration Corporation turned in P3.5-billion while the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Philippine Ports Authority remitted P1.362-billion and P1.2-billion, respectively. Other GOCCs that turned over their dividends included the Philippine
Amusement and Gaming Corporation (P1-billion); Manila International Airport Authority (P1.142billion); Philippine Reclamation Authority (P700-million); Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (P470million) National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (P18-million); Cebu Ports Authority (P50 million); Clark Development Corporation (P100 million); Philippine Leisure and Retirement Authority (P106.90-million); Trade Investment and Development Corporation (P65-million); Philippine Economic Zone Authority (P276-million); Bases Conversion Development Authority (P504-million);
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (P150-million); National Livelihood Development Corporation (P70-million); Cebu Ports Authority (P48-million); MactanCebu International Airport Authority (P26.88-million); and National Housing Authority (P7.30-million). Under the Dividends Law of 1994, GOCCs and GFIs (government financial institutions) are required to remit to the national government half of the income earned in each fiscal year. The remittance should be in the form of cash or in unencumbered or real estate properties with clean titles. (RCK)
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CSC announces conduct of career service exams by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
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he Civil Service Commission (CSC) has started accepting applications of those wanting to take the CSC Career Service professional and sub professional examinations –Paper and Pencil Test.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIAWesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310
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For 2012, the examination dates are on May 27 and October 21 respectively. CSS in a press statement said, for the May 27 examination date, filing of application started January 17 and deadline is on April 12, while for the October 21 exam, applicants may file on May 28 to September 6. The same press statement said, acceptance of applications is on a first come-first served basis and that the CSC Regional Office may refuse to accept applicants even before the deadline if it has already met or reached its target number of applicants. Applicants are to submit upon filing of application, accomplished CS Form No. 100 which can be secured at the CSC office; four pieces
recent pictures (passport size) with white background and with full hand written name tag; and original and photocopy of any valid I.D. CSC said, scope of examination for Career Service Professional will cover English, Filipino, vocabulary, grammar and correct usage, paragraph organization, reading comprehension, analogy, logic and numeric reasoning, while for Career Service Subprofessional, examination will cover English and Filipino; vocabulary, grammar and correct usage, paragraph organization, reading comprehension, spelling, clerical operations and numerical reasoning. Passing rate is 80.00 (JPA/ PIA-ZBST)
NTC urged to curb illegal handset radio operator, jammers DIPOLOG CITY - The city council here recently passed a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to hunt down illegal handset radio operators and jammers that have already interfered with the radio transceivers of the city police station. City councilor James Cyril Ruiz, who sponsored the said resolution, underscored the importance of insulating the
radio transceivers of the police from jammers and unscrupulous handset radio operators to protect the public against any untoward incident. “It is imperative that the radio transceivers of the police be secure from jammers to protect the lives and Monday, February 6, 2012
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properties of the public,” the councilor stressed. Councilor Ruiz added that the illegal handset radio operators should be stopped to protect the duly registered operators. NTC is a government agency
tasked with regulating telecom and broadcast industries to include, among others, the registration and licensing of radio station/system. Jammers have been observed to have grown in numbers in the city. (FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)
OWWA opens scholarship for OFW Dependents by Mary Jane R. Amarado
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 9 is now accepting applications for its OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (OFWDSP) for the school year 2012-2013. OWWA Officer Leonilo Y. Daymiel said a total of 64 slots have been allotted for Region 9 this year. The scholarship program offers financial assistance of P20,000 per school year to qualified dependents of OFWs who are OWWA active member and whose monthly salary is not more than US$ 400. Daymiel said that the program requires grantees to enroll in any 4-5 year baccalaureate course or associate course leading to a baccalaureate degree in a state college or university. Grantees of the program shall also be entitled to a group health and insurance coverage of Php100,000.00 per scholar. 12
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Eligible to the program are high school graduates, those about to graduate and those already enrolled in college. The OFWDSP was established in view of the agency’s continuing thrust to expand its educational scholarship program to make it accessible to the intended beneficiaries all over the country. Interested applicants can personally visit or call the OWWA 9 office at the 4th floor BGIDC Corporate Center (PhilHealth Bldg.), Gov. Lim Ave., Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 9912785 & 991-7764 or at the DOLE Provincial offices in Region 9. (MJRA-OWWA9/PIA9/ALT)
Thousands join ‘PhilHealth Run’ to help kids with cancer by Apipa P. Bagumbaran
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lose to 4,000 runners in Northern Mindanao joined the Mindanaowide benefit run to help kids with cancer. It was held at six venues in Mindanao yesterday, February 5.
The Mindanao-wide run was spearheaded by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), highlighting the agency’s 17th anniversary celebration. Dubbed as “PhilHealth Run: The Mindanao Run for Hope,” this
fund-raising event was the first run in Mindanao held simultaneously in the cities of Butuan, Davao, Koronadal, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, and Marawi. The main beneficiary of the event is the Southern Philippines Monday, February 6, 2012
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Medical Center Children’s Cancer and Blood Disease Unit (SPMC-CCBDU) in Davao City, the only facility in Visayas and Mindanao that can deliver multidisciplinary care for children with cancer. Aside from the SPMC-CCBDU, the PhilHealth in Northern Mindanao has also chosen the Pediatric Chemotherapy Unit of the Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital (MRXUH) as a local beneficiary. Despite the cold atmosphere and the weather disturbance facing the region, runners in Northern Mindanao started to come in as early as 4:30a.m. and gathered at the Pelaez Sports Center, the starting point of the race in the city. The Mindanao Run has four categories namely: 3K, 5K, 10K and 17K. Participants in the region included personnel of the various national line agencies, peace keepers,
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law enforcers, firefighters, Gender Advocates (GA) in Northern Mindanao, Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM), and some private organizations and individuals, among others. The provincial governments of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Bukidnon and city government of Cagayan de Oro also supported the benefit run. Datu Masiding Alonto, PhilHealth Vice President for Northern Mindanao, expressed appreciation to all the runners who participated in this worthy cause. He cited that Northern Mindanao has the biggest delegation, posting the highest number of participants over the other regions where the run was held. The runners were also treated to a raffle where prizes from the event sponsors were away.
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OCD-ARMM orients local DRRM officers on RA 10121 by Apipa Bagumbaran MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-ARMM) once again conducted an orientation on the salient features of Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known as the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Act of 2010 to further enhance the capacities of local government units (LGUs) on DRRM. This time around, the participants of the orientation were municipal DRMM officers in the province. The DRMM orientation was held at the conference hall of Kampo Ranao, this city, on January 30 for DRRM officers in the First Congressional District and on February 1 for DRRM officers in the Second Congressional District. Retired Brigadier General Loreto Rirao, OCDARMM Executive Director, said the orientation was aimed at informing the local DRMM officers on the major changes and improvements on the disaster management system in the country, the shifting of the old law into the new DRRM Law, and its relevance in today’s situation. It was also designed to help in the institutionalization of systems and mechanisms for better disaster risk reduction and management at the local level. Earlier, the members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) 16
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were oriented by the OCD-ARMM on RA 10121 for them to have a better understanding on the new law and implementing rules and regulations (IRR). The OCD-ARMM has also conducted an Executive Forum for all the local chief executives (LCEs) in the province to fully inform them on the organization of DRRMCs and the establishment of DRRMOs and OPCENs in their respective localities, as well as, on the utilization and allocation of the local DRRM Fund and the interventions to be sought from the national and foreign sources.
RDC-X approves replacement of RCBC to flat slab bridge at Sapang Creek, CDO by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental – Raising of grade and replacement of the old reinforced concrete box culverts (RCBC) to flat slab bridge at Sapang Creek, along the Butuan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road (BCIR), Kauswagan-Bulua Section, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City, has been approved by the Regional Development Council, region 10 (RDC-X). Presented by Ozamiz City Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez, Chairperson of RDC-X’s Regional Infrastructure and Ulitilies Committee (RIUC), the proposal was acted upon during RDC-X’s Full Council meeting in the city. Echavez said the project is, actually, a flood mitigating measure to address the perennial flooding during heavy rains and occurrence of typhoons at Kauswagan-Bulua Section along the BCIR, in CDO. Replacement of the old RCBC at Sapang Creek to flat slab bridge involves 300 meters, six (6) lane road section to be raised and be paved with Portland cement concrete pavement, the side slope of which will be protected with retaining walls. With a projected cost of Php50 million, its components include the civil works amounting to Php49 million and technical assistance, Php1.0 million. The civil works includes the flat slab bridge of 12
meter-six (6) lanes at Php26 million, approaches of six (6) lanes-300 meters at Php19.8 million and retaining walls at Php3.2 million. Meanwhile, RDC-X also approved the proposed improvement of the existing waterway of Sapang Creek from the old BCIR National Road to Macajalar Bay, Bulua, CDO. Cost of the project is estimated at Php49.60 million, broken down as follows: civil works, Php44.22 million, acquisition of Road Right of Way (RROW), Php4.38 million and technical assistance, Php1.0 million.
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PhilHealth’s Mindanao fun run to benefit Davao’s children cancer center by Carina Cayon
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he Mindanao-wide simultaneous fun run organized by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) Sunday (Feb. 05) would benefit the Children’s Cancer Center and Blood Diseases Unit (CCCBDU) of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), this city.
The PhilHealth Run: The Mindanao Run for Hope kicked off early morning of February 5 in six key cities in Mindanao with around 18,000 runners from Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Koronadal, Marawi and Zamboanga. Newly appointed PhilHealth president Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon said that the fun run aimed at providing financial assistance to its chosen recipient, the children cancer center facility of the largest government-ran hospital in the country. Banzon said that 100 percent of the proceeds, estimated to net P4.5 18
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million from the registration fees and major sponsors, will go to SPMCCCCBDU. He said that PhilHealth strived to pursue the charity activity after seeing the need to give support to the facility which lacked beds and the financial means to help families increase the survival rates of patients. SPMC-CCCBDU pediatricianoncologist Dr. Concepcion J. Dolendo said that despite the presence of the facility, the survival rate remains bleak due to reasons such as budgetary constraints, uneducated parents and the lack of access to a cancer facility. Dolendo said the center has only 25 beds, a dismal number compared to the number of kids with cancer that need to be treated. The SPMC-CCCBDU is said to
be the only facility in Visayas and Mindanao that can deliver multidisciplinary care for children with cancer, Banzon told the media in a press conference held on Saturday (Feb. 04) at Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City. From the participants’ registration fees at P250 for the 3K run, P300 for the 5K run, P500 for the 10K run and P600 for the 17K run, PhilHealth regional vice president Dennis Adre said the fun run was estimated to generate not less than P4.5 million. Adre said that the charity activity is a kick-off event to PhilHealth’s 17th anniversary celebration on February 14, which banners a theme: “Sa PhilHealth, Pinalawak na Benepisyo, Garantisado.” (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)
did you know ... That the DENR (Department of Environment And Natural Resources) is working on ways to manage invasive species which are threatening indigenous flora and fauna, among these non-native species include the marine animals like janitor fish, carps, big mouth bass, African catfish. Terrestrial invaders include ipil-ipil (leucaena leucocephala), African tulip, hagonoy (Chromolaena odorata), lantana (Lantana camara), golden kuhol snails among many other introduced organisms.
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28th IB troops join World and National Wetland Day Celebration
LUPON, Davao Oriental – Troops from the 28th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), based in Lupon, Davao Oriental, in its Coastal Clean-Up Drive on Thursday (Feb. 2). The activity was initiated by DENR in connection with the celebration of 2012 World and National Wetland Day with the theme: “Wetland and Tourism”. About 200 students from Lupon Comprehensive National High 20
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School participated and were educated thru a lecture on environmental a w a r e n e s s conducted by Nelson L. Pilotos of DENR Lupon. “Our unit will never stop participating in any environmental protection and preservation activities”, 28th IB Commander Lt. Col. Leopoldo A. Imbang Jr. said. This is the second time that troops of 28th IB partake in the coastal clean-up drive held in Brgy. Ilangay in Lupon. They also joined several mangrove and tree planting activities in Davao Oriental as the unit contributes in the restoration of the environment while conducting Peace and Development Outreach program (PDOP) in the area. “Environmental protection is everybody’s concern, and our untiring participation in these activities is to stress the role of AFP as environmental protectors”, Lt. Col. Imbang Jr. said. (28th IB PA)
Maguindanao to stage maiden Sagayan Festival by Dani Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Red won’t be the color of Valentine’s Day in Maguindanao Province. Instead, it will be a beautiful mix of colors of the Muslim culture as the local government, private sector, and residents celebrate their first Sagayan Festival. Monday, February 6, 2012
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Organizers said the staging of the fiveday Sagayan Festival, which will start on Friday, Feb. 10, is a move to boost this Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao province’s ecotourism. It is also geared to promote a better image for Maguindanao. Although all 32 towns of Maguindanao will be participating in the festival, all Sagayan activities will be held at the interim provincial government seat, Buluan town. Raquel Magalona, overall festival coordinator, said the opening day would be highlighted by a civic parade, opening of the agri-trade fair and
a grand kanduli and thanksgiving banquet. At the kanduli, Muslim delicacies and dishes made from tilapia, one of Buluan town’s primary products will definitely be served. Medical and v e t e r i n a r y services, livelihood trainings, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority demonstrations and social welfare services will also be given on Friday and will last until Feb. 14. Other activities include Carabao race, horse fight, drum and lyre competition, rubber and palm oil technology forum and cultural presentations.
Saturday, Feb. 11 is exclusive to two important festival competitions such as Sayagan Dancing and Kulintang competion. A street dance, a showdown and a tribute program will highlight Feb. 14. Sagayan is a Muslim war dance traced from both Maguindanao and Maranao tribes. It depicts the steps of their hero Prince Batugan from wearing his armaments, the war he fought in, and his victory. Dancers carry a shield with shell noisemakers on one hand and a kris (double-bladed sword) on the other. (DED/ PIA12)
RDRRMC-12 undertakes review of Crisis Manual for Disasters by CT Apelacio
GENERAL SANTOS CITY-- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) here has met with its technical working group (TWG) over the weekend to review and discuss the Crisis Manual for Natural Disasters.
The RDRRMC chaired by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) 12 underscored the impor22
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tance of reviewing the regional version of the manual with the TWG draft. in order to come up The council has with a comprehensive sought the existing
Monday, February 6, 2012
standard operating procedures (SOPs) or protocols of the different member-agencies for submission to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Roy Dorado, OCD12 assistant regional director for operations presented the draft manual emphasizing that SOPs already practiced by different member-agencies will form part of the regional version. The SOPs are those undertaken by response agencies immediately within the 72 hours during disasters. Among those who presented their SOPs
were the Philippine Army 1002 Brigade, the Philippine Army 512ECB, 52nd Engineering Brigade, the Philippine Coast Guard, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Information Agency. Dorado also said under Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as “An act strengthening the
Philippine disaster risk reduction and management system, providing for the national disaster risk reduction and management framework and institutionalizing the national disaster risk reduction and management plan,” the local DRRM office can enforce the evacuation of residents living in hazard-prone areas in times of disaster upon the approval of the council. Leo Chong, chief of Health Emergency Management Staff of DOH-12, in his presentation, cited the importance of defining to what extent and levels of coordination a member agency of the council can offer. M e a n w h i l e , Jerome Barranco, OCD-12 assistant regional director for administration, who took note of the issues and concerns such as “who takes command and control during disaster and who should be the agency authorized to give information during
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disasters,” said the Council would resolve these as soon as possible. Earlier in the meeting, the DILG-12 representative said the agency has already issued a directive to all barangays in the region that in time of disasters “they can give an early warning sign” to all residents at risk. The Crisis Manual was born out of the directives issued by
President Benigno S. Aquino III to the NDRRMC in December last year in the wake of Typoon Sendong that caused the loss of many lives and huge damage to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. The President’s directives are to issue warning advisories at least three days in advance, to move and transfer assets, including military response capabilities
before the warning whenever a typhoon will affect communities at risk and to formulate a Crisis Manual for Natural Disasters. Dorado also announced that OCD-12 would be spearheading this year a conferenceseminar for local chief executives in the region on the utilization of five-percent calamity fund. (CTA/PIA General Santos City)
Koronadal LGU brings offices closer to villagers KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Residents of the 27 barangays in this city can expect services of the city local government unit to be more accessible. 24
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This after the city LGU launched its “Programang Bayanihan para sa Mamamayan,� which begins this month. Mayor Peter B. Miguel explained through the bayanihan, basic services will be brought closer to the residents by bringing the city offices to each barangay for a day. He also hopes to establish closer ties between offiicials and citizens through a fellowship. Besides the office of the city mayor, other departments
such as civil registrar, environment and natural resources, e n g i n e e r i n g , veterinary, population, social welfare and development, assessor, nutrition, cooperative, Comelec, business permits and licensing system, cooperative and information will set up offices in the target barangays for one day. The activity will be a one-stop shop where needs of villagers could be attended to. This would also be time for locals to settle their accounts with the city government, the mayor said.
Among the services that residents can avail of include: real property tax, assistance and consultation regarding organization of cooperatives, medical and dental services, lectures on family planning and responsible parenthood, free registration of live birth, payment of taxes, and many others. There will also be free haircut and sharpening of tools. Just recently, Mayor Miguel called on barangay captains to actively support the activity. (DEDoguiles/ PIA 12)
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Caraga Region officials grateful to PNoy Bayanihan Project by Robert E. Roperos
F
ollowing the ceremonial turnover of school armchairs Friday morning at the covered court of Butuan Central Elementary School (BCES), local officials of the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Sur, as well from Butuan City are thankful to the Aquino administration for coming up with the “PNoy Bayanihan Project.�
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Monday, February 6, 2012
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In their short messages during the ceremony proper, Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John Amante, Agusan del Sur First District Congresswoman Tina Plaza, and Butuan CityLas Nieves Congressman Jose Aquino III are one in expressing thanks and gratitude to the national government for the realization of the project. According to Plaza, she is thankful for the opportunity given to the schoolchildren in Caraga Region. She added schoolchildren must be properly nurtured so
that they can get quality education. “...And one way of doing this is to make sure that they will be comfortable as they listen to their teachers,” Plaza said. Plaza further said the armchairs are gifts from the country’s chief executive and that she urged the school recipients through the respective school administrations to take care of these gifts because these are fruits of labor from the national government. Also, Aquino said he is happy to know that
government agencies have joined hands in providing help to schools in Caraga Region. The good congressman also said BCES is close to his heart because his mother and three brothers have graduated in this school. He also said the area where BCES was established is donated by his father, the late Gov. Jose Aquino of the then province of Agusan. “Whoever will be in the government position, my heart will still be with Butuan Central as the memories of my family will always linger in this
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school,” Aquino said. Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte Gov. Erlpe John Amante said this is the first time in his three-term as provincial governor of the province that dignitaries have visited the city of Butuan. He added this shows how serious the present administration in implementing the thrusts and programs for the benefit of the Filipino populace. The official also stressed he is thankful that a very unfortunate activity resulted into something good and will 28
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be perpetually used by schoolchildren in schools in Caraga Region. However, Gov. Amante said he is not hoping that more chairs will be donated “because if this will be the case, this means more illegal logging activities are expected to happen”. According to TESDACaraga, 6,096 chairs are distributed to eight schools in Butuan City, one school in Agusan del Norte, and another school in Agusan del Sur. The armchairs is under the PNoy Bayanihan Project, funded by the Philippine Amusement
Monday, February 6, 2012
and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and was made possible through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Dept. of Education (DepEd). The turnover ceremony on Friday was graced by DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro, TESDA DirectorGeneral Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, PAGCOR Chairman Cristino Naguiat, Jr. and DENR Asec. Michelle Angelica Go who is also a Butuanon.
DILG urges AgNor province to pass anti-piracy measures AGUSAN DEL NORTE – All component municipalities and cities in the province are enjoined to pass an ordinance curtailing the sale, transfer, distribution, manufacture and/or production of pirated or fake goods, articles and services per Memorandum Circular No. 2011-89 issued last June 21, 2011 from the Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Quezon City.
DILG has issued the same circular way back in 2003 urging LGUs to enforce intellectual rights in support to the PNP, NBI and the Video Regulatory Board but there were only 12 LGUs as of 2008 who passed an ordinance on it.
The new circular seeks to reiterate to all local legislative bodies in the country to adopt an ordinance to curtail, if not eradicate, these fake goods and services to protect the intellectual rights of scientists, inventors and
other gifted citizens. T h r o u g h Sanggunian Resolution No. 317-2011 authored by BM James T. Reserva, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte approved the said resolution. (LGUAgusan del Norte)
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Cabadbaran City creates youth council
AGUSAN DEL NORTE – The city of Cabadbaran of this province recently created a council for the advancement of its youth through its City Ordinance No. 2011-026 authored by SP Member Salutario B. Cuasito.
The council dubbed Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) is aimed at inculcating patriotism and nationalism among the young generation, and to encouraging them to be actively in national affairs. The general objectives of this council are: a) To develop and harness the potential of the youth as responsible 30
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in nation building; b) To encourage youth to participate programs, projects, activities and; c) To supplement g o v e r n m e n t appropriations for youth promotion and development. It shall formulate and adopt a five-year City Development Pan which shall be the basis for the implementation of Local Youth
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D e v e l o p m e n t Programs and Services in coordination with concerned agencies. A Youth Center may be established which shall be the official venue for all official activities of the youth and shall serve also as resource center for all information and date regarding the state of the youth. (LGU-Agusan del Norte)