Today’s issue... 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
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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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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Aquino s Iligan Cit
ARMM ca regional
Hundred position
ZAMCEL power s
40 days survivor
Lanao d from US
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DENR-XI starts bird counting a Southern Mindanao
Kuaman assumes top post in Social Fund P
Perlita D. Changco, Central Mindanao
Programang pangkabuhayan para s preso sa South Cotabato mas pina
KJNavecis, Central Mindanao
SP endorses Las Nieves’ request to Re Development Council in C
FRJayoma, Caraga Region
Cabadbaran City gov’t to imp swine re-st
MSMonoy, Caraga Region
Vol. 1 No. 164
says people power spirit very much alive in ty rebuilding efforts
an effectively fight illegal logging once l body is complete, Aquino says
ds take qualifying exams for key ns in ARMM Western Mindanao
LCO proposes to purchase additional supply to counter power shortage Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao
s after flood, new start for Sendong rs at Xavier Ecoville Northern Mindanao
del Norte receives medical equipment S donor
Vincent N. Labial and Lovely A. Rosario, Northern Mindanao
champ in traditional music receives ous instruments
Carina Cayon, Southern Mindanao
activity
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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 Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Associate Editors ……....... NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
Regional Desk Editors …...
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
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
Cover Story
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Sarangani scholars to train in Japan Bon-Bon Quiño
Central Mindanao
page 4
Cover Story Sarangani scholars to train in Japan
by Bon-Bon QuiĂąo
T
welve scholars of the Philippine-Nippon Technical College (PNTC), all from Sarangani, are scheduled to fly to Japan in the first quarter of the year to be trained by Japan’s top industrial companies, and at the same time, to earn.
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, January 25, 2012
PNTC teamed up with the provincial government through the Strengthening Technological Advancement for Reforms (STAR) Project under the office of Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon in identifying qualified applicants for an opportunity to acquire technical skills and earn in Japan. The 12 scholars who underwent skills training in Padada, Davao Del Sur and Calamba, Laguna passed and qualified for internship. PNTC is a Japanese affiliatedtechnical school in the Philippines that offers study-now-pay later technical courses and free Japanese language study to qualified applicants under their Education to Career Assistance Program (ETCAP). Qualified applicants are already considered scholars. Scholars who are high school graduates, under graduate, or graduated with voca-
tional courses, undergo free threemonth Japanese language training at PNTC in Padada, Davao Del Sur and four-month skills training in Calamba, Laguna. For sc-holars with college degree, the language and skills training are conducted in Laguna with free accommodation, food, fare and allowances. Skills training include welding, machining, painting, electronics, heavy equipment, and automotive. With the assistance of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), scholars who passed the examination and met the qualifications will then be chosen by the accepting Japanese companies through their country representatives for further training in Japan under the Japan International Training Cooperation Organization (JITCO) Program.
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POEA ensures that all scholars sent to Japan are considered trainees and not as employees or workers; they shall be turned over to JITCO when they arrive in Japan for cultural and values orientation and their official deployment to identified companies. More or less 1,800 PNTC graduates are currently training in Japan. Tomas Delator, 19 years old, and a former fast-food chain crew from barangay Talus, Malungon, and five others, flew to Japan on January 16. “This is a big help. The opportunity to pass and qualify as PNTC scholar through the support and endorsement of the Office of the Vice Governor is very seldom. This will hopefully improve our life,� Delator said. Delator is set to work in Hitachi Kasado, a bullet-train repair and assembly plant in Japan. Wilbert Sara, a graduate of management accounting and a former employee of the Municipal Accounting
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Office in Alabel is scheduled to go to Japan this February. “The scholarship opens opportunities for us. I am encouraging my fellow youth to help themselves. Do not just dream for yourself but strive harder to help your parents. Do not forget to pray and be mindful of where you came from. Opportunities are everywhere but we have to work harder to be successful,” Sara said. He took up his Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) training at PNTC in Laguna. In his message to the PNTC scholars, Vice Governor Solon said: “This is a good opportunity, a Godgiven opportunity. This is an opportunity to benefit not only yourself
but your family and the Province of Sarangani. So good luck and God Bless.” Other PNTC scholars assisted by STAR project are: Danny Boy Ojayas, Eric Jones Himota, Jake Rosa, Reymart Badaran, Loreto Mogpon, Carlito Lumpan, Louie Coloma, John Patrick Empuerto, Cloudee Jim Olarter, and Santiago Pantalita Jr., all from Malungon; Jomelito Wanal, Ronald Kevin Sanchez, and Ronald Pallar,from Alabel; Jose Pepito Español of Glan; Merald Jay Rivera, Francis Leo Serna, Archie Alta, Mark Anthony Castro, and Reinz Michael Alta, all from Maitum; and Dennis Anthony Ofredo and Julius Ceasar Patagnan, both from Kiamba.
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ACROSS THE NATION Aquino honors mother’s birth anniversary by joining Sendong victims in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III honored the 79th birth anniversary of his mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino, by joining the victims affected by Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Office of Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda
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said that the President is in Mindanao today to ensure that the rehabilitation process for the victims is going on
ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, January 25, 2012
smoothly and on track in order for them to “get back o n
their feet at the soonest possible time.” “Today, on the birth anniversary of the late President Corazon C. Aquino, the President paid tribute to the values espoused by his mother by traveling to Iligan and Cagayan de Oro to join shelter builds and conduct inspections in areas that were devastated by Typhoon Sendong,” the statement read. “President Aquino is committed to a rehabilitation process that will help the victims get back on their
feet at the soonest possible time, while also ensuring that the assistance provided to local government units will reach those who need it the most. He also believes that communities should be rebuilt in areas out of harm’s way,” it added. “Through the joint initiatives of the DSWD, the local government units, the National Housing Authority, and volunteers from Habitat for Humanity and Gawad Kalinga, the Aquino administration is showing its commitment not just to restoring communities strick-
en by disaster, or to the people who lost their livelihoods, but also to the very principle that no one should be left behind,” the statement said. The former President was born on January 25, 1933 in Tarlac. She served as the 11th president of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992 and has the distinction of being the first female president of the Philippines. She succumbed to cancer on August 1, 2009. (RCK)
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Aquino says people power spirit very much alive in Iligan City rebuilding efforts
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isiting the permanent relocation site of the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Iligan City, President Benigno S. Aquino III likened the rebuilding of the city to the period where the country rose in the aftermath of the Marcos dictatorship.
The fight against the Marcos’s tyranny was spearheaded by the President’s mother, former president Cozaron C. Aquino who died in August 2009 after a fight with colon cancer. The country
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commemorates today the birthday of the former leader. “Napapanahon din po siguro ang pagdiriwang natin ngayon sa paggunita sa kaarawan ng aking yumaong ina. Maaari po nating maihambing ang ginawang pag-
ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, January 25, 2012
bangon ng mga Pilipino noong matapos ang diktadurya sa pagbangon natin ngayon pagkatapos ng trahedya,” the President said during his speech in Sta. Elena, Iligan City, where
houses are being built for flood survivors. “Bilang paggunita po sa iniwang biyaya sa atin ng aking yumaong ina, patuloy nawa nating ipamalas ang diwa ng People Power upang harapin ang iba’t ibang suliranin ng ating bansa at mapaunlad ang kabuhayan ng ating kapwa.” With the ideals that former president Cory Aquino fought for the country, President Aquino said it inspired Filipinos to rise from the ruins of the Marcos dictatorship. And with the reforms being initiated by the present government, President Aquino said Filipinos are witnessing the transportation of the nation as a new society. Filipinos responded to the call of former
President Cory Aquino to restore democracy in the Philippines and the President said he’s calling on the Iligan City residents to live with that call of the icon of Philippine democracy. “Tulad po ng ipinamalas natin sa araw na ito, muli’t muli po nating patunayan sa mundo ang bisa ng pagkakaisa at pagkakapwa-tao,” President Aquino said. The President added that he’s proud of his Cabinet members who immediately acted to respond to the disaster particularly by assisting people in need during the December 16 flashfloods in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro City. The building of new homes for the survivors of the Iligan City flashfloods won’t be possible without
the dedication of all the government agencies as well as the local government unit that gave their all out efforts, the President said. At the same time, the chief executive vowed to provide the additional money needed to complete the housing project in Sta. Elena in Iligan City, in addition to the fund already donated by private corporations. The local government of Iligan City partnered with Gawad Kalinga to build the new community for the survivors of the flashfloods. Proponents intend to build 300 new homes in the 16-hectare area until February. According to local officials, the location can accommodate up to 1,900 new homes for the survivors. They are also eyeing for another 15-hectare land in another site in the city to relocate other survivors. Each house costs around P110,000, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (AS)
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ARMM can effectively fight illegal logging once regional body is complete, Aquino says
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III said the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman could effectively respond to the illegal logging activities in the region once a regional assembly is organized.
The region has blamed Illegal logging activities for the deadly flashfloods that killed thousands of people in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro city last December. The President said he hasn’t lifted the
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state of national calamity he declared after the flashfloods enabling the government to respond more effectively to the disaster. The President was in Iligan City on Wednesday to visit the shelter building activities in the city which will be the permanent
ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, January 25, 2012
relocation site for the survivors of the December flashfloods. In a media interview in Iligan City on Wednesday, the Chief Executive also said he is awaiting the complete report on the disaster al-
though he expects an initial briefing from Governor Hataman probably this week. The President reiterated that one of his instructions to Governor Hataman is to stop illegal logging activities in ARMM to avoid similar disasters in the future. “Isa sa mga unang iniatas natin kay Governor Hataman ay tugunan itong illegal logging na siyang dahilan kung bakit] nagkaroon ng pinsala dito, tukuyin yung may kasalanan at ihabla
yung mga may kasalanan,” he said. The government will make sure that illegal loggers do not get a market for their illegally produced products to completely halt logging activities in the ARMM, the President said. The President also explained that the existing state of national calamity enables the government to do certain things more expeditiously particularly in finding long term solutions that reduce danger of disasters pose to vulnerable communities.
With regards to the ongoing housing project in Iligan City for the flood survivors, the President said housing agencies committed to finish the 1,700 housing units by June 2012. “Ang punto nito, talagang sinisigurado natin na maisasaayos at the earliest possible time lahat ng mga kababayan natin, maibabalik sa normal ang kanilang pamumuhay at masiguro na yung dating risk na tinatamasa nila ay hindi na mangyari,” he said. (AS)
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Community Leaders for Health Seminar winds up in Bayog by Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan
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total of 80 health workers attended the 3-day Community Leaders for Health Seminar which was conducted on January 20-21, 2012 at Glupa Gulian Eco Park, Sitio Quibranza, Barangay Kahayagan, this municipality.
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa Jr. said Dr. Gretchen A. Dubrico, Municipal Health Officer spearheaded the training with midwives, barangay chairman, barangay health workers (BHWs) and barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) as participants in the 3-day activity. It can be recalled that the municipality of Bayog was one of the recipients of the Feeding Program package from Zuellig Family Foundation. Facilitators from the Department of Health – Region IX were: Floro B. Fabe, Edgardo Dirige, Cristobelt D. Bermudez, Mary Jane Bernabe, Rico Saquin and from Zuellig : Derkie Alfonso, Rosh Paloma and Helena D. Lago. Mayor Babasa said the seminar was one of the requirements of Zuellig Family Foundation to its beneficiaries before they will be granted the feeding program package. In his welcome address, he said the training was designed for the participants to know their responsibilities in this health program thereby find no difficulties in its implementation and other programs to be undertaken in the future. Among the topics discussed were : Municipal Health Situation, Transforming Systems to Improve
Health for All Filipinos, How to Be an Instrument of Health of the Poor in the Community, and other related topics. The municipality of Bayog will receive from Zuellig Family Foundation through Jollibee Foundation, a feeding program for 200 malnourished children from 5 barangays which will run for three (3) years. The foundation also committed to supply various medical equipments and other health facilities to six barangay health stations in order to fully serve the rural folks. Completing the health package is the construction of a half-way house which will cost Php600,000 that will serve as a temporary shelter for expectant mothers and their families waiting for delivery. (BAG/ALT/PIA9-Zambo Sur)
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Hundreds take qualifying exams for key positions in ARMM ISABELA CITY Consistent with his reform policy of transparency in the regional governance and his commitment to streamline its bureaucracy, ARMM OIC Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman has put to test the competence of applicants for assistant secretary, undersecretary, bureau chiefs and administrators of the different departments and offices in the regional government. Hataman stressed his leadership’s paradigm of “open governance” which will highlight transparency and equal opportunity for all constituents in the ARMM. He also made sure that each official under his term will faithfully adhere to the reform agenda that his administration is keen to implement in the region. “They were chosen considering 16
ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, January 25, 2012
territorial and ethnic representation but not at the expense of merit and fitness to their respective positions,” he said earlier this week, after swearing in newly-appointed members of his cabinet. ARMM Assistant Cabinet Secretary John Magno said that the twoday qualifying examinations held last Jan. 18 and 19 inside the
Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex is designed to give equal opportunities for all applicants who want to serve the region. He also assured that all applicants will undergo the proper process of screening. Magno said that 163 applicants took the qualifying exams on the first day. “Whoever will be chosen should have a strong commitment towards the reform agenda of the governor,” Magno said, who is also a member of the Screening Committee. The screening committee will come up with a shortlist of applicants who passed the examinations who will again undergo interviews after which
a final list of the chosen candidates will be submitted to the OIC Governor for his final selection and decision. According to Magno, the new officials will be announced next week. Applicants on the other hand, also expressed approval with the selection process being put into practice by the Hataman administration saying that the process gives equal opportunity to all who want to serve the region. “This method of selection will eliminate the practice of political accommodation in the ARMM bureaucracy,” says some of the applicants who took the examinations. (BPIARMM/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
ZAMCELCO proposes to purchase additional power supply to counter power shortage by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY Officials of the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZamCelCo) recently met with Mayor Lobergat to discuss the proposed purchase of additional power supply of Zamcelco as a counter measure to the impending power supply shortage in the region and the entire Mindanao. Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias said “the discussion focused on Zamcelco’s proposal to enter into agreement with a generation company, the Therma Marine Inc. (TMI) for the supply of electricity of its over a hundred thousand member-consumers.” Covarrubias informed, initially the proposal with TMI was 20 watts, but now, what is available from TMI is only 18watts. According to Covarrubias, Zamcelco will have to make their intention formal to TMI because the delay of such formal agreement means losing the opportunity to purchase the additional electricity needed as TMI will start disposing available supply of electricity once the problem on power shortage worsen.
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“Zamcelco will have to make their intentions formal because if they do not formalize, then as time goes and the power shortage becomes more acute then TMI will start also disposing that available supply of electricity,” Covarrubias explained. Covarrubias said a wide area in Mindanao including Zamboanga City is already experiencing frequent brownouts and power interruptions and Zamcelco said this situation will get worse by July. Covarrubias said that mayor Lobregat sees the need to act on the issue right away or lose the chance to purchase the needed additional power supply and suffer the consequence. (JPA / PIA ZBST)
PNoy inaugurates Calaanan relocation site with Habitat
P
resident Benigno III led the inauguration of the Calaanan Relocation site, this city, which is a joint project of the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD), National Housing Authority (NHA), city government of Cagayan de Oro (CDO), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP). Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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President Aquino presented the first four (4) families who will benefit from the housing project. A model quadruplex (four housing units) was constructed at the site. Also present at the inauguration
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are Vice President Jejomar Binay, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon J. Soliman, Public Works and Highways Secretrary Rogelio Singson, National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, Education Secretary Bro. Armin A. Luistro, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma, Jr., Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Luwalhati R. Antonino, Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection J.R.
Nereus O. Acosta and National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Chito M. Cruz, Mayor Vicente Y. Emano and HFHP CEO and Managing Director Charlie Ayco. This 12.4-hectare site targets to house 1,400 to 1,600 families left homeless by the recent typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) and are now staying in evacuation centers. The government, through its national and local agencies, and HFHP are fast-tracking the construction of these houses and in developing a community that is suitable for residents of CDO. “We commit to build not just homes but also communities where
families can live safely and securely. We share the vision of our partners in rebuilding the lives of affected families. We envision a community wherein they live in a clean, green and safe place where they are empowered to organize themselves for development and progress. This is what we call a community-led change,� remarked Ayco. In partnership with the government, the private sector and non-profit organizations, HFHP aims to build 6,000 homes in CDO in six (6) months. San Miguel Corporation has pledged to support 2,500 of these homes. SMC President and COO Ramon Ang was present during the inauguration. (HFHP)
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40 days after flood, new start for Sendong survivors at Xavier Ecoville
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The number 40 holds various significant meanings for various spiritual and cultural traditions. Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights,Buddha reached enlightenment after meditating for 40 days under the Bodhi Tree, Prophet Muhammad received his first revelations at the age of 40, and it rained for 40 days and 40 nights during the Great Flood. On January 25, exactly 40 days after Sendong struck Cagayan de Oro with devastating force, signs of a new beginning for the survivors are taking solid shape in Barangay Lumbia. Xavier University is blessing Xavier Ecoville, a brand new neighborhood 22
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for families who have been displaced by the typhoon that destroyed wide swaths of the city on Dec 16 and 17. Five hundred families – about 2,500 people – will take up residence at Xavier Ecoville, a joint relocation and resettlement project of Xavier
University and the local government of Cagayan de Oro. The relocatees were chosen from a comprehensive list supplied by the City Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the affected barangays and the Archdiocese. Priority has been given to families whose houses had been completely washed out and those from barangays that have been declared as no-build zones, these areas are considered as dangerously floodprone to ever allow resettlement.
Estrella Borja, community organizing and community development head, who went on to explain that the process involves three phases: selection, which covers profiling and orientation of the beneficiaries, and matching of houses to the beneficiaries; transfer to the temporary shelter; and lastly, transfer to the permanent
shelter. The long-term goal is to “facilitate the organization and development of an eco-friendly and sustainable village with the community participating in the process,” adds Borja. Formation and community development programs will start as
“Our mandate is to ensure a smooth and organized c o m m u n i t y transfer,” says Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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soon as the families have settled in. The first batch of 40 families has already moved in to Phase One of Xavier Ecoville, the temporary shelter provided with help from the Philippine Red Cross, International Organization for Migration, the Philippine Army and DSWD. The temporary shelter has water from Rio Verde and electrical supply from the Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company, Inc. (CEPALCO), restrooms including sustainable sanitation toilets, and washrooms provided by the Human Resettlement Consortium, a waste disposal system, laundry area, kitchen and a community center. Phase 2 will be the site for the permanent houses. A mobile school will also be provided in partnership with the Department of Education to ensure that the children can go back to school immediately even if there might not be 24
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enough classrooms yet to accommodate the new students. Xavier University and DepEd Region 10 will plan the curriculum for emergency education using the mobile school, a bus provided by UNTV equipped with audiovisual components and a public address system, among other learning tools. Knowledge materials will come from the Knowledge Channel. With the expected arrival of 500 families who will be building their futures at Xavier Ecoville in Lumbia, Xavier University is consequently engaged in community development to help the relocatees establish authentic relationships with their new neighbors. The master plan of the new settlement involvessupport for“green” technology through provision of waste water treatment facility and promotion of solid waste management, livelihood, education, community organizing and governance. “The project is not just about building houses,” says Fr Eric Velandria SJ, head of the partnership management committee. “The project is building a community of responsible citizens who will care for one another, for our city and for the environment.” (XU)
Lanao del Norte receives medical equipment from US donor by Vincent N. Labial and Lovely A. Rosario
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – Medical equipment and hospital supplies valued at close to 380 thousand dollars (approximately 15-million pesos) arrived here in the province last January 20, 2012 inside a container van at the Mindanao Civic Center complex. The latest shipment is the second of three deliveries containing assorted medical equipment, hospital instruments and supplies from donor World Medical Relief, Inc. (WMRI). The Detroit-based organization has been distributing surplus medical resources to places and countries where they are needed most without regard to race, color, gender, religion, nationality or political beliefs. “We are very fortunate that we are one of about 7 provinces who were able to meet with Dr. David Zarate, WMRI coordinator for the Philippines. He was instrumental in helping us secure this much-needed equipment for our provincial hospitals,” Governor Khalid Dimaporo expressed. As counterpart, the provincial government will shoulder the freight and handling fees of the container vans holding the donations gathered by WMRI. The donated equipment arrived in the country through the port of Davao and brought to Lanao del Norte using container haulers. “For the 20-thousand US dollars that we’re paying for every container, bawi na kami sa isang dental chair
lang kasi high-tech talaga ang mga equipment sa loob ng containers and they’re still good as new,” Dimaporo added. The first container which arrived in the province last October 15, 2011 was valued at 133,500 US dollars or approximately 5.3 million pesos bringing the total value to more than P20 million. “We are very grateful to World Medical Relief for their generous donation of hospital equipment. This will help a lot in improving our healthcare services in our hospitals,” said Dr. Melania Untao, Provincial Health Officer. Among the medical equipment and supplies found in the container vans were 70 hospital beds, orthopedic supplies like arm slings and child’s back brace, urology supplies like urinary bags and catheters, surgery supplies, anesthesia, dental units, crutches, walkers, blood pressure sets, and infusion pumps. The third container van is expected to be delivered in this fastrising province within the second quarter of this year. (PIO) Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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Davao Chinatown council seeks greater presence by RG Alama
T
he Davao City Chinatown Development Council is seeking a greater and relevant presence in the Chinatown district this coming year. According to Edgar Te, head for special projects of the DCCDC, the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) are subject for final approval by the City Mayor who is the chair of the DCCDC executive committee. “We hope we can intensify the relationship of the council with the
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stakeholders, it will take a little bit of time.” Te said during a guesting at the Club888 media forum at Marco Polo Davao. Te said the council is hoping that the body will be understood by the Chinese-Filipinos particularly the elders as something that can help them in the area and be recognized and not just known during events like mooncake and Chinese New Year festivals. “We are already eight years old.” Te said of the Council which coincided with the signing of an ordinance establishing the Davao City Chinatown District within 44 hectares of the City, an area of which 70% of the residents are Chinese or with Chinese blood. He said that if the IRR is approved they will be focusing on regulations for the Chinatown; one such regulation is requirement of a Chinatown council signature in the building plans of any structure built
within the Chinatown area. The regulation will mandate building project owners to conform to Chinese motifs so as to slowly transform the area into a more Chinese character. The DCCDC is also eyeing Magsaysay Park to be part of the Chinatown district which the council hopes they can beautify. One of the concrete plans would be to use the seaside park as
the venue of Chinese cultural presentations and Chinese film showings twice a month. The activities will serve to highlight Chinese culture and enhance the relationship between the residents and visitors. The DCCDC is also eyeing to help the city in beautifying and developing Sta. Ana wharf which they consider as part of the Chinatown District.
School champ in traditional music receives indigenous instruments by Carina Cayon
DAVAO CITY – A public elementary school here that consistently emerged champion in a traditional music fete for two successive years received sets of indigenous musical instruments from a private power company.
troupe called “Sa Tabok Cultural Dance Ensembles”, as presents from the Davao Light and Power Co. in December last year. The sets of indigenous instruments consist of one large agong, one medium agong, one small agong, one set Kulintang with stand, The Bolton Elementary School two large Dabakans, and of Davao City accepted the musical two brass gandangs. instruments for its music and dance DLPC said that the gift was the result from a request of the school’s ensemble conductor Agnes F. Tatoy and principal Zosimo G. Pana shortly before a national musical competition held in Manila last year. DLPC said that the school did not own any indigenous musical instruments, and only borrowed from generous individuals in Davao City. “They were hoping then that Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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their request would be positively responded and the instruments reach their hands before departure to Manila for the national finals,” the power firm stated. “But large ticket donation cannot come in handy,” it added. Ironically, using borrowed instruments did not stop the ensemble from emerging again as champion to the Traditional Music Ensembles Category of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) held in Manila on November 27, 2011. “They still proved superior to the rest,” DLPC said. The school also won the finals of the same competition in 2010. With the response of the school’s request for the musical instruments, DLPC stated, “With
such honor tucked on their belt, the ensemble did not know that they were to come home with the gift of their passion waiting – their longdreamed of indigenous musical instruments.” With the instruments they now own, they can use them for practice anytime they needed to, the power firm stated. The champion ensemble played and danced their winning piece during the turnover of the instruments which was attended by officials of the Department of Education Davao City Division led by Central District Supervisor Dr. Jima A. Gelmo. The Bolton Elementary School principal was looking forward to winning its third and achieving the Hall of Fame award in the next national competition, DLPC concluded.
DENR-XI starts bird counting activity DAVAO CITY – The Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has started its bird watching/bird counting activity in three municipalities of the region.
In line with the Annual Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) for migratory birds, the bird watching is being conducted at Malalag Bay in Malalag town, Davao del Sur; Carmen, Davao del Norte and Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. DENR-XI regional executive director Jim O Sampulna said that the bird counting will last until January
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29, 2012. The municipalities of Malalag, Carmen and Banaybanay are the only three identified temporary habitats of migratory birds in the month of January after crossing the continents. This activity aims to obtain information on the population of migratory birds at wetlands in the region as well as to monitor on an annual basis the status and condition of wetlands. Residents of this region are however warned not to enter into this venture as this bird maybe carrying the dangerous avian flu virus. Last year, Sampulna said that a total of 7,836 migratory birds were counted by the three teams from PAWD. There were a total of 3,705 birds found in Malalag, while 1,566 birds were counted in Carmen and 2,565
birds in Banaybanay. These migratory birds are composed of different species like Godwit, Sand Plover, Common Greenshank and Black-winged Stilt to name a few. AWC is an annual event which takes place during the second and third weeks of January. The census was initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent and has grown rapidly to cover over 32 countries. According to the National Wetlands Program, many species of waterbirds fly in droves during winter to go to warmer and more hospitable tropics. After winter following weeks of hopping from one country to another, waterbirds go back the same way feeding on marine species of animals and plants found along the shores. (DENR-XI)
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DA 12 eyes production of 2 M trichogramma cards vs corn borers by Dani Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY -- Corn farmers who prefer natural means of controlling borer pests have more help coming this year. This year, the Department of Agriculture in Soccsksargen Region (DA-12) aims to produce at least two million trichogramma cards against corn borers that will be distributed free to farmers in the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato and the cities of Kidapawan, Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos. Zaldy Boloron, DA12’s corn coordinator, said this number of 30
trichogramma cards is sufficient to cover the Soccsksargen’s target of 462,617 hectares for corn planting in 2012.
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In line with its Food Staples Sufficiency Program, the agriculture department is promoting application of environment-friendly and
inexpensive means of pest control such as use of natural biological controls Among these is the use of trichogramma cards that have been proven effective in controlling pests such as borers, cutworms, armyworms, and others and doing away with chemical-based pest control. Each trichogramma card, according to in-
Trichogramma spp are small wasps, having wingspan of about 1/50th of an inch. These insects feed on the eggs of more than 200 species of moths and butterflies which are leaf eaters in the larval stage. They seek out eggs but do not feed on nor harm vegetation. In their nine to eleven-day life span, female
formation from DA 12, contains about 1,000 to 1,200 Trichogramma spp eggs, approximately 30 percent of which are female, that when hatched can parasitize pests like corn borers.
wasps can destroy about 40 to 80 eggs of pests by laying an egg in the pest egg. When the trichogramma egg will hatch out, it will consume the contents of the pest egg, thereby
stopping the its development in to a larva. A technology guide on cultural management of corn, noted that each hectare of corn needs about 30 to 50 Trichogramma cards per hectare for an effective control of borers. These are hanged on the plant’s stalk 20 to 30 days after planting. In case of severe infestation, additional 70 to 100 tricho cards should be put in place seven days after first application. Boloron said the tricho cards are distributed free of charge. Interested farmers may get their tricho cards from the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) located at Barrio 2, Tacurong City or from the Trichogramma Laboratory sa DA Office in Barangay Lagao in General Santos City . They may also ask assistance from their agricultural technicians or from the municipal or provincial agriculture office nearest them. (PIA 12)
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Kuaman assumes top post in ARMM Social Fund Project by Perlita D. Changco COTABATO CITY-- Engr. Nasser Sinarimbo has formally turned over the helm of the ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP) to newly appointed project manager Abba Kuaman yesterday. Kuaman was appointed by ARMM-OIC Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman to head ASFP vice Engr Naaser Sinarimbo who held the post since 2009 during the term of the Adiong administration. A mass communication graduate, Kuaman has been actively involved in communitybased research projects working with various non-government organizations (NGOs) in Mindanao. In the turn-over ceremony, Kuaman vowed to infuse integrity, professionalism and wisdom in his leadership pursuant to the pursuit of instituting reforms in the ARMM. Kuaman laid down his plans for the first 100 days which include facilitating the quick review of ASFP’s operations, process and institutional 32
set-up, fast track implementation of on-going projects and those that are in the pipeline; inventory of programs and projects’ and synergizing development efforts of donor agencies. “Hindi lahat ng tulong ay nakakatulong,” he said, citing the need for participatory consultation/discussion at all levels to ensure the relevance of projects to be implemented. Noting the impressive 99.68 percent accomplishment of ASFP as of December 31, 2011,
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Kuaman said that there are a lot of things to be done to improve the delivery of programs and projects aimed at empowering communities of the Bangsamoro people. Kuaman said he is open for discussion with the World Bank and JICA officials on how ASFP can target as project beneficiary the communities of other Bangsamoro ethno-linguistic tribes in Palawan and Sarangani. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)
Programang pangkabuhayan para sa mga preso sa South Cotabato mas pinaiigting KORONADAL CITY--Mas pinapaigting sa ngayon ang livelihood program para sa mga preso sa loob ng Provincial Jail ng South Cotabato. Ayon kay Felicito Gumapac, OIC Provincial Jail Warden, may livelihood program na inilaan ang pamunuan ng provincial government para sa mga preso. Ang mga detainee ay gumagawa ng handicrafts, toilet bowls, hollow blocks at culvert. Kapalit nito ay tumatanggap sila ng labor fee na nagmumula rin sa provincial government ng South Cotabato. Ang natatanggap na labor fee ng mga presong manggagawa ay napupunta rin sa kani-kanil-
ang mga pamilya. Ayon pa kay Gumapac, mga pinagkakatiwalaang preso lamang ang hinahayaan nila na makapunta sa likod na bahagi ng provincial jail na inilaang pagawaan ng mga proyekto, at mayroon silang listahan ng mga presong pinapayagan na makapasok sa lugar. Maliban sa handicraft area at pagawaan, matatagpuan din sa likod ng provincial jail and kanilang fishpond at ang kusina ng kulungan. Ayon pa kay Guma-
pac kabilang sa kanilang mga naging kustomer sa mga produkto ang pamahalaang panlalawigan at Department of Education. Kaugnay rito nananawagan si Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. sa mga mamamayan ng South Cotabato na tangkilikin ang mga produktong gawa ng mga preso. Sa ngayon, mayroong mahigit sa 900 na detainee sa loob ng Provincial Jail ng South Cotabato. (KJNavecis/ PIA 12)
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DA evaluates top performing by David M. Suyao rice-producing LGU
T
he National Search Committee from the Department of Agriculture (DA) visited Agusan del Sur Tuesday, to evaluate the provincial government in the national competition of the top performing rice producing LGU - provincial category, in the DA’s Best Agri Pinoy Rice Achievers Award.
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“Although we were badly hit by the floods that occur on the first month of 2011, we are lucky enough to be given much attention and assistance by the Department of Agriculture with Sec. Proceso Alcala himself visiting the province right after the floods,� Deanna Fudalan, acting chief of the Provincial Agiriculture Office said. Aside from awarding the best provincial riceproducing LGU, commendation will also be given to
top performing municipal LGUs, top performer agricultural extension workers and irrigators association. Agusan del Sur, who grabbed the regional award will vie for the national level, together with the municipality of Trento in the municipal level, Alfredo Gimang, also from Trento, for the Agricultural Extension Worker category, and the Boan Barangay Irrigation Development Association, Inc. Of the municipality of Rosario in the irrigators association.
Ten provinces, who will be chosen, will receive P4 million project grant each, while 50 municipalities in the municipal level will receive P1 million project grant each. On the other hand, the ten irrigators associations will also receive P1 Million project grant each while 500 Agricultural Extension Workers will receive P20,000 each cash awards. Winners for the contest will be announced before the end of the first quarter of 2012.
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SP endorses Las Nieves’ request to Regional Development Council in Caraga by FRJayoma AGUSAN DEL NORTE -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously endorsed a municipal resolution from the Sangguniang Bayan of Las Nieves of this province to the chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) for the conversion of Mat-i, Ambacon, Pinan-an – Communal Irrigation Project (MAP-CIP) into a National Irrigation System under the National Irrigation Administration.
This is in support of the desire of Las Nieves officials to ensure the annual financial condition of the project. MAP-CIP is an irrigation project in the municipality under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and was already turned-over to the People’s Organization, purposely to the agrarian reform benefi36
ciaries. The project intends to boost the agricultural activities in this part of the region but the current status of its maintenance and operation is not so well-executed due to lack of financial capability. “The fluctuating yield of the farmers due to unpredictable weather condition caused by
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the climate change occurrence need intervention of the national government,” SB Member Timoteo U. Largo, author of said resolution stressed. He also said that conversion will bring in good harvest to thefarmers amid the unpredictable weather condition caused by the climate change.
Cabadbaran City gov’t to implement swine re-stocking by MSMonoy AGUSAN DEL NORTE -- In support to the Swine Restocking Program, the Cabadbaran City government of this province recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of AgricultureRegional Field Unit 13 (DA-RFU 13) as way of giving authority to the City Agriculture’s Office (CAO) to sell pigs.
The City Agriculture’s Office already received one boar/male swine and two female swine. These are expected to produce more local swine stocks that will also help the city’s funds increase. The city government of Cabadbaran called on the public who are interested to put up a business like this to visit
the secretariat of CAO to assist them and learn more about how to start this kind of business. It was also learned that a 45-day old piglet can be sold at P1,800.00; 46-50 days old piglet at P2,000.00; and 51 days old piglet at P120.00 per kilo. With this, it will help the program be more efficient to the farmers
and backyard swine raisers because of easier access of its resources and it also ensures additional income. The City Ordinance No. 2011-035 authored by SP Raykito M. Kittilstvedt was approved by the Sanggunaing Panlalawigan through the Sanggunian Resolution No. 299-2011 by BM Ernie M. Ceniza.
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