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 ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X Senior Layout Artists Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers :
ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
PIA REGIONAL OFFICES Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail: ro9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz
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
Today’s issue...
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Aquino says local government units must be empowered to become more business friendly Surigao Norte receives P7M in Philhealth capitation fund Fryan E. Abkilan, Caraga Region
Committees discuss updates on Butuan City’s Clean Ground Zero Waste Program implementation Jennifer P.Gaitano, Caraga Region
“Project Tambayayong,” a Public-Private Partnership to eliminate Child Labor Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao
City Schools Division conducts fire and earthquake drill Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao
Regional Search for 2012 Idols ng TESDA is on Marigold Cherie R. Garrido, Northern Mindanao
City gov’t offers free wedding, medical services, vet services on July 5 and 6
Northern Mindanao
Strong response network prevents fatalities in Banaybanay flashfloods Jeanevive Duron-Abangan, Southern Mindanao
Surallah mayor, suportado ang ALS E-learning SJDuerme, Central Mindanao
P30M inilaan sa programang PAMANA sa Rehiyon 12 Central Mindanao
All systems go for General Voters’ Registration in ARMM
Perlita Changco, Armm
Cover Story Lanao Del Sur celebrates Karimbaran SA Ranao 2012 page 4
Apipa Bagumbaran Northern Mindanao
Vol. 1 No. 295
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Cover Story Lanao Del Sur celebrates Karimbaran sa Ranao 2012 by Apipa Bagumbaran
A
week-long festivity and merrymaking marked “Karimbaran sa Ranao 2012”, the 53rd founding anniversary celebration of Lanao del Sur with the theme “Lanao del Sur: My Home, Your Home.” The celebration kicked-off last June 26 with a series of shows featuring the rich Maranao culture such as “kakolintang” (playing the kolintang), “kasipa sa manggis” (a game of skills with the aim of dropping a suspended colourfully-decorated cube by kicking a rattan ball towards it), “kambayoka”
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(chanting of poetic verses with a theme revolving around the festivity being celebrated), “kasayaw sa singkil” (dancing the singkil), and “kanggarotaya” (Maranao version of tug-of-war). The Karimbaran sa Ranao was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the tourism potential of the province especially with the lined-up cultural showcase of Maranao traditional performing arts, said Secretary Nassreena Sampaco-Baddiri of the Department of Tourism in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The celebration is a way to look
back at our past, our history as Maranao, our culture and heritage. It is a way to remain proud of who we are and what we can be, she further said. Adding energy to the festivity was the conduct of sports tournaments from June 26 to July 3. Players all over the province, including local chief executives, fought for the honor of being the provincial champion in basketball, volleyball, tennis, 21K marathon, badminton, golf, and practical shooting. Line Agencies Day
session followed by a reportorial show with no less than ARMM Acting Governor Mujiv Hataman as the keynote speaker. The Line Agencies Day was also filled with offering of free services such as mass registration of live birth, legal assistance, and application of business permit, as well as, medical and dental mission. Solidarity Day As part of its social contract with the provincial government, civil society organizations (CSOs) and peoples’ organizations (POs) under the umbrella of the Lanao del Sur Peoples’ Council also joined in the celebration through a tree planting and fish dispersal in Ramain town on July 2. On the same day, the Lanao CSOs spearheaded a solidarity walk from the Sarimanok Station going to Social Hall of the New Capitol Complex where a Solidarity Day
Line agencies also participated in the celebration by showcasing their respective programs and projects in a booth exhibit within the New Capitol Complex grounds from June 26 to July 3. On July 1, which is declared as Line Agencies Day, representatives of the various line agencies operating in the province, held a ‘hataw exercise’ Friday, July 6, 2012 ONE MINDANAO
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program was held. The program was graced by Asaka Nyangara, country deputy director of the United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP) who launched the agency’s Protracted Relief and Recovery Operations 2 and led the symbolic turned-over of the WFP Food Support to the provincial government. LGU Day On July 3, local government units (LGUs) from the municipal down to the barangay level, including the two congressional district offices, who are active partners of the provincial government in bringing services to the grassroots took-part in the festivity through a simple program that highlighted their various accomplishments. During this day, Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. delivered his State of the Province Report where he announced that the provincial government was a recipient of the Seal of Good Housekeeping for its compliance to the full disclosure policy of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Culmination Day A cultural street dancing and presentation by the five schools 6
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division in the province capped the week-long celebration on July 4 with DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo gracing the program. Winners of the cultural events and sports tournaments were also given their trophies and cash prizes during the culmination program. In his keynote message, Robredo cited the relevance of commemorating the founding anniversary of the province. He said the commemoration is an opportunity to look back in the past, learn, plan, and work hard for the future. “Kung walang pagtanaw sa nakaraan at kung walang paghanap ng paraan para sa magandang kinabukasan ay hindi magkakaroon ng saysay ang anibersaryo,” he added. Lanao del Sur got its charter in July 4, 1959 by virtue of Republic Act No. 2228. The province has one component city and 39 municipalities with a total of 1,158 barangays. Its is the home of the Maranao sultanate known as the “Pat a Pangampong sa Ranao” (four principalities) namely Masiu, Unayan, Balo-I, and Bayabao.
ACROSS THE NATION
Aquino sees brighter future for agriculture sector after government reforms
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III said the country’s agriculture sector has achieved a lot in two years, as he asked the public to continue supporting the reforms being initiated by his administration for the benefit of the Filipino people and the country as a whole. “Kung may isa man pong sektor na talagang sumasalamin sa kung gaano kaepektibo ang ating krusada sa tuwid na daan, ito ay ating sektor ng agrikultura, sa pangunguna ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka,”
the President said in his speech at the Makina-Saka 2012 Agri-Machinery Roadshow in Pasay City on Thursday. “Talaga naman pong sa pamumuno ng ating Kalihim Proceso Alcala, ang dating Friday, July 6, 2012 ONE MINDANAO
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pambansang kamalig na pinagmumulan ng kaliwa’t kanang anumalya, ngayon ay bukal ng mabubuting
balita.� Under the Aquino administration, the government was able to cut the volume of rice imports last year from 1.3 million metric tons to 850,000 metric tons, the President said adding that for this year, the country will just import 500,000 metric tons for national consumption. The agriculture department is also expecting achieving rice self-sufficiency next year and the country may also start shipping out rice to other countries especially if weather disturbances do not affect production next year. The government has also invested on the agriculture sector to reduce wastage, the President said. Last year, the government allocated P1 billion to buy more than 2,300 units of postharvest machinery and other equipment. For this year, the government increased the budget to P2.6 billion
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to buy 7,000 farm machineries that will be distributed to farmer organizations and local government units throughout the country, the President said. The government has also invested on the country’s irrigation system to improve food production, he added. The President also acknowledged the need to enhance research and development in the country, saying that the state colleges and universities and the Department of Agriculture must work together to help agriculture professionals, farmers and growers with the use of modern technology and farming methods.
“Hinihimok din po natin ang pribadong sektor na patuloy na makibalikat sa pagpapayabong ng ating agrikultura. Ang pagbabayanihan natin ang susi upang matiyak ang pangmatagalang seguridad sa pagkain, gayundin sa mas matatag na ekonomiya ng bansa,” he said. “Nananalig ako na ang tagumpay ng Makina-Saka 2012 ay magiging isang dambuhalang hakbang tungo sa mas moderno, mas kapaki-pakinabang, at mas matatag na sektor ng pagsasaka,” the President added. The President also asked every Filipino
to strengthen the spirit of volunteerism to empower their fellowmen noting that every seed o f reform sowed today will benefit the next generations of Filipinos. “Samahan po ninyo ako --- Ituloy po natin ang pagtahak sa tuwid na landas, at atin pong pitasin ang mas mayabong na bukas,” he said. Also present during Thursday’s event were Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Cambodian Ambassador to the Philippines Hos Sereythonh, and Palo, Leyte Mayor Matin Petilla. (AS)
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Aquino says local government units must be empowered to become more business friendly
P
resident Benigno S Aquino III said his administration is working to change the mindset of the local government units and empower them so that they become more business friendly.
“We are working on really upgrading also the local government units. We want a change in mentality from ‘what gets me elected’ to ‘what is good for the long-term benefits of the community’. And some of it might be counter intuitive to those who keep on remembering that they have to run again every three years,” the President said during the Wallace Business Forum Quarterly Roundtable in Makati City on Wednesday. The President acknowledged that there are LGUs that are extremely
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unfriendly to investors, forcing companies to relocate to other areas in the Philippines. But there are improvements, according to the President. A recent SWS survey showed a 24-percent increase in positive perception in the issuance of local permits by city and municipal governments, he said. The Chief Executive said that there is 73-percent satisfaction rating in the performance of the LGUs in processing business documents, such as permits
and licenses. “So it is a work in progress. There are various programs that encourage positive behavior from the LGUs, getting the good housekeeping,” he said. President Aquino likewise said that there has to be a corresponding drive once more power is given to LGUs. And there must be greater execution and exercise of this power towards the common good against the parochial interest of politicians. LGUs must be empowered and encouraged for the responsible exercise of its power, the President said even as he added the country’s business leaders to give his administration more time to carry out more reforms. “I think, you would see more progress on that aspect. We would
prefer to use the carrot rather than the stick but we are prepared to use the stick for those that have been caught up in totally outmoded thinking. But we will try to achieve all of these through consensus,” the President said. The President expressed his gratitude to the forum organizers for giving his administration an opportunity to express its views on issues concerning the business sector and at the same time hearing the sentiments of the sector. (AS)
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UNESCO places two Mindanao mountains in final list of World Heritage sites
T
he United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has placed Mount Apo and Mount Hamiguitan both found in Mindanao on its final list of World Heritage sites.
Sonny Dizon, city hall consultant and president of the American Chamber, said the two mountains are the only sites in the entire Philippines along with 27 other sites in various parts of the world being considered by UNESCO to declare a World Heritage status. UNESCO World Heritage Committee is the United Nations body responsible for preserving
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the world’s most important cultural sites. Dizon said Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio has tasked him to work out for Mt. Apo’s nomination as World Heritage Site, one of which is the submission of letter of expression to her interest and support to the nomination. Two weeks ago, a letter of expression was submitted to the Friday, July 6, 2012
chairman of the World Heritage Committee. Governor Douglas Cagas of Davao del Sur for Mt. Apo and Governor Lala Tolino Mendoza of Davao Oriental for Mt. Hamiguitan also signed the letter of expression, Dizon said. History tells Mount Apo is a large solfataric, potentially-active stratovolcano in the island of Mindanao, Philippines. With an altitude of 2,954 metres (9,692 ft), it is the highest mountain in the country and is located between Davao City and Davao del Sur province in Region 11 and Cotabato province in Region 12. The peak overlooks Davao City kilometres (25 mi) to the northeast, Digos City 25 kilometres (16 mi) to the southeast, and Kidpawan City20 kilometres (12 mi) to the west. Apo, which means “ancestor”, is flat-topped mountain with three peaks and is capped by a 500-metre-wide (1,600 ft.) volcanic crater a small crater. The date of its most recent eruption is unknown, and none are verified in historical times. Mount Hamiguitan is a mountain located in the province of Davao Oriental has a height of 1,620 meters (5,314.96 ft.). The mountain and its vicinity have one of the most diverse wildlife populations in the Philippines. Among the wildlife found in the area are Philippine eagles and several species of Friday, July 6, 2012
Nepenthes. Some of the latter, such as the Nepenthes peltata, are endemic to the area. The mountain has the only protected forest in the Philippines, with an estimated area of 2,000 hectares. This forest is noted for its unique pygmy forest of century old trees in an ultramafic soil with many endangered, endemic and rare species of flora and fauna. The Mount Hamiguitan Range, with an area of 6,834 hectares (68.34 km.), was declared a national park and Wildlife Sanctuary in 2003. The nominated World Heritage Sites will be judged by a panel of judges from all over the world based on various criteria among others its biodiversity and social impact. It will not be the public through internet votes like the Natural Wonders of the World that will be the basis of the declaration, Dizon said adding that it goes with a nominating procedure. UNESCO issues World Heritage Sites every three years. If the two Mountains are declared the World Heritage Status, it will be subject to strict preservation and protection. “I agree that both mountains will be declared as World Heritage because both are unique. It is important that we get this branding so the preservation and protection measures will truly happen,” Dizon said. (PNA) ONE MINDANAO
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New DENR-Caraga head formally presented to RDC members by Robert E. Roperos
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he new regional executive director (RED) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Caraga Region was formally presented to members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) today during the 71st RDC meeting held in one of the local convention centers here.
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RDC Chairperson and Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas formally introduced Marlo Mendoza who is also the department’s assistant secretary, saying that with the issue that the region is facing with regards to the anti-illegal logging campaign of the government, Dir. Mendoza is here in the region for a very important mission. For his part, RED Mendoza pointed out that one of his marching orders from Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III is to closely coordinate and work with the RDC and how to revitalize the wood industry. “To be honest with you, one of the marching orders from the President is for me to look for strategies or measures in order to revitalize the wood industry here in Caraga Region in the midst of the issues of illegal logging operations that is going on here in the region,” Mendoza said. With this, RED Mendoza also emphasized that with the implementation of EO 23, declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber
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in the natural and residual forests and creating the anti-illegal logging task force, that as of June 2012, the DENR and LGUButuan were able to dismantle 14 small sawmills and were able to apprehend illegally-cut logs. Mendoza further said these illegallycut logs will be donated to the Department of Education (DepEd) for the construction of additional chairs. In response to the power situation in Mindanao, RED Mendoza said forestbased industry is dependent to electricity. Because of this, he said the DENR will also work closely with public and private stakeholders for a possible establishment of mini-hydropower plants in Caraga Region. Meanwhile, RED Mendoza also announced that the Anti-Illegal Task Force that is based in Manila is moving their office here in Caraga Region following the direction of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III, to intensify the govt’s campaign against illegal logging. Mendoza added this showed that the Aquino administration is serious to uphold what was stipulated under EO 23. Because of this, Mendoza is calling the support of the RDC in an effort to uphold and strictly implement the anti-illegal campaign of the national government. ONE MINDANAO
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Surigao Norte receives P7M in Philhealth capitation fund by Fryan E. Abkilan
SURIGAO CITY, -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) turned over P7, 756,440.96 to the provincial government of Surigao del Norte representing capitation fund payments Tuesday. Capitation fund is PhilHealth’s provincial government in improving way of returning a portion of its the health services to all the members’ contributions to their Surigaonons. I thank Dr. Banzon respective local government units to for keeping my health agenda alive improve their health services. through PhilHealth,” Matugas said. Dr. Eduardo Banzon, PhilHealth Banzon, on the other hand, said, president and CEO, presented a check “we’re not here just to talk about to Governor Sol Matugas held at the enrolment on our ID cards, that’s the Provincial Convention Center. old PhilHealth. Health insurance is not Other areas also received their just the ID cards, health insurance is capitation fund payments, which not just enrolment, health insurance is included: the municipality of Alegria about financial protection and making with P172,000; municipality of sure that each of the Filipinos when Gigaquit with P292,200; municipality they’re sick can avail themselves of of Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands with health services. This is what we are P496,200; and municipality of Dinagat, doing now in PhilHealth.” Dinagat Islands with P694,050. To date, PhilHealth enrollment “The capitation funds from in Surigao del Norte had reached PhilHealth greatly helped the around 40,000 families.
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Committees discuss updates on Butuan City’s Clean Ground Zero Waste Program implementation by Jennifer P.Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -- Committees on the city’s Clean Ground Zero Waste Program composed of government agencies and private sector convened and discussed updates on the implementation of the program in the different barangays. Esther Guno of the Clean soon, those communities well Village Committee said that as conforming on the implementation observed in the community here, of said program will be given the eco-marshalls seemed to grass cutters, and a definite time be effective in their main task, considered as a “grass-cutting to orient the households on the time” in the respective barangay proper solid waste management. will also be implemented. City Councilor Dr. Virgilio It was also learned from Nery, chair of the Clean Streets the Clean Airwaves Committee Committee, bared that his chaired by PIA-Caraga that they committee already deputized are continuously advocating or some 100 personnel in the campaigning for the program. barangays in a shifting schedule, Partners in the local tri-media who will apprehend violators of were also observed disseminating the anti-littering law. information on proper solid waste Nery also emphasized that management during their radio, Friday, July 6, 2012
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tv programs while print media also published news articles. Meanwhile, the committees agreed to further enhance its strategies in the implementation of said program and hoped to accomplish the main goal, to have a Clean Ground Zero Waste City of Butuan. It can be recalled that the said program was launched on September 11, 2011 with simultaneous cleanup activities in all barangays in Butuan. The city
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government led by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. and the committees under the program continue to ask the full support and cooperation of the general public.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Street dancing, float competition highlight Sibugsay culmination festivities By Claro A. Lanipa
O
ne of the activities highlighted during the culmination day of the weeklong First Sibugsay sa Sibugay Festival 2012 (June 25 - July 1) was the street dancing competition and showdown back to back with the parade of floats depicting the annual theme aligned with the Sibugsay concept. Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIAWesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310
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It can be recalled that Sibugsay is a Subanen term which means “to move forward by paddling together.” All the 16 municipalities of the province, clustered in four contigents bested each other for the street dancing contest, as follows: Cluster 1 (contigent 2) is composed of the municipalities of Alicia, Olutanga, Mabuhay and Talusan; Cluster 2 (contigent 3) - Buug Imelda, Diplahan and Malangas; Cluster 3 (contingent 4) - Naga, Payao, Kabasalan and Siay while Cluster 4 (contingent 1) is composed of Ipil, Titay, R. T. Lim and Tungawan. Governor Rommel Jalosjos in his message prior to the final showdown of the street dancing competition at Ipil Central School grounds said, the Sibugay festival is an expression of thanks and gratitude from the provincial government to all the local government units (LGUs) in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. “Thank you to all of you,” he said. He emphasized, that the festival should not be linked to any politics, it should be link to the celebration of the people of Zamboanga Sibugay. “You make the province, not us,
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we are just your servants and we are at your service. Kayo po ang dahilan bakit nandito kaming lahat,� he told the spectators. He urged every Sibugaynon to grab the hope of the province, push it forward to the next level and gave the assurance that he will be with them, 100 percent all the way as well as his counterparts. Meantime, in the street dancing competition, special awards were also given to the competitors such as: best in costume, best in street dancing and Best Festival Queen was awarded to Cluster 2 represented by Buug; best in musicality and liveliest group – Cluster 1 (Alicia); and Cluster 3 (Naga) won in the street dancing showdown. The winner of the contest received a grand prize of P200-T and the opportunity to represent the province in street dancing competition slated in Cagayan de Oro on August , this year and in Cebu City on January 2013. Consolation prizes of P50-T were also given to nonwinners. While in the float competition, Float No. 4 of the MLhuillier bested three others in the contest. (ALT/CAL/PIA9) Friday, July 6, 2012
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“Project Tambayayong,” a Public-Private Partnership to eliminate Child Labor by Alma L. Tingcang
PAGADIAN CITY - Recognizing that the vital task of eliminating child labor and exploitation in the countryside cannot be done single-handedly, the Department of Labor Employment (DOLE) conceptualized a partnership among national government agencies and the private sector to include TVI Resource Development (TVIRD) and the Pagadian-Zamboanga del Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Federation Inc. (PZCCIFI). Aptly called “Project Tambayayong,” it gathered together recently various agencies of the government namely: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd), PhilHealth, Social Security System (SSS), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Provincial Social Welfare and Development office (PSWDO), Department of
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Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Pag-ibig Fund with private partners, TVIRD and PZCCIFI. DOLE Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon said the convergence was an off-shoot of their recent visit to the area upon receipt of Board Resolution 03-032012 of the PCZCCIFI requesting DOLE and DSWD 9 to investigate and immediately effect necessary actions on the issue of child labor and unsafe working conditions in Friday, July 6, 2012
child labor and illegal recruitment of minors in Barangay Balabag and Depore in Bayog. Program interventions were identified by partner agencies with the end in view of eradicating child labor which exposes children to hazardous working conditions and exposure to toxic chemicals. Everyone pledged their support to the program, mutual in the belief that children should be accorded every right and privilege to enjoy a healthy environment and above all, children should be protected from Bayog. any activity that takes advantage “DOLE Secretary Rosalinda D. of them or could harm their welfare Baldoz has directed DSWD regional and development. offices to identify and transform (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur) pre-identified barangays with high incidence of child labor to be child labor-free barangays. This is a very tall order coming from our secretary and you know what is happening in the countryside, child labor and child exploitation is a real scenario in Bayog,� Bonbon said. Meanwhile, DTI Provincial Director Ma. Socorro M. Atay asked to be more apprised of the current situation so that they could identify the interventions her office could extend to address the prevailing situation in the area. A documentary on illegal mining and child labor activities in the aforementioned municipality was presented after which, each agency signified their commitment to be actively involved in the goal of eliminating Friday, July 6, 2012
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City Schools Division conducts fire and earthquake drill By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY - Elementary schools in Brgy. Sta. Felomina, Dipolog City conducted fire and earthquake drills, Friday, to comply with the directive of the Department of Education. The drill was implemented in cooperation with the Department of National Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Education Secretary Armin Luistro recently issued DepEd Order No. 48, series of 2012, directing all private and public schools throughout the country, including its attached agencies to conduct fire and earthquake drills. According to Luistro, through the regular conduct of fire and earthquake drill, the Department will be able to assess the capability level and responses of the schools and the community in time of disaster
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and emergency situations. Sta. Felomina barangay chairman Nelson Saldon, who heads the Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Council, lauded the initiative of DepEd as it helps his constituents, specially the children to prepare for any disaster. Meanwhile, Kagawad Crispin Garcia, who is also the news editor of a local tabloid (Mindanao Observer) circulating in the city urged the children to always remember what has been taught to them during the drill and not to panic during emergency situations. (JPA/ATR-PIA9, Zambo Norte) Friday, July 6, 2012
Xavier Ecoville celebrates “Balik Tanaw sa Larong Pinoy” by Xyla Mercedita Gualberto
X
avier Ecoville’s education cluster headed the opening of “Balik Tanaw sa Larong Pinoy” last June 30, Saturday. A celebration of the Pinoy games and a means of embracing our identity as Filipinos, this will run up to July 21. The event will be held at Xavier Ecoville, the Xavier University-led resettlement site for tropical storm Sendong survivors, where the the young ones and the young-at-heart are rediscovering patintero, sipa bola, takyan and other old-time favorites.
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There are four competing teams with three divisions each team, in age brackets of 10-12 years old, 1316 years old and 17-21 years old. The opening day of “Balik Tanaw sa Larong Pinoy” was jumpstarted by a series of patintero games. (XU)
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Regional Search for 2012 Idols ng TESDA is on by Marigold Cherie R. Garrido
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - To mark its 18th Anniversary celebration, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-X is giving due recognition to skilled workers who have become successful in their field through Tech-Voc training program. This year, the search for Idols ng TESDA award is now on. The selection of a potential candidate for self-employed and wage-employed categories will commence at the TESDA provincial office for the regional competition. The regional winners will compete for the national search through rigorous selection process. Candidates must be graduates of Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) programs whose enterprise or employment is aligned to his tech-voc training program. The nominee must either be a selfor wage-employed worker who has
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outstanding accomplishment and is nominated by any legitimate civic, social, religious, labor or industry organization. Criteria for each category include the productivity index, technical competence, maturity and flexibility in the work station. The nominees must also demonstrate values of integrity, discipline and love for family and enjoyment of work commitment to community building. Documents will be required for interested candidates as evidence for achievements consisting of training certificates, diplomas or transcript of records, nomination letters from any legitimate association and evidence of awards received. Wage-employed nominees are required to submit proof of employment and compensation, and self-employed nominees are required to submit a business permit. Through the Idols ng TESDA 2012 award, successful professional skilled workers will be recognized to increase the level of awareness and appreciation for Tech-Voc education as well as raise the number of graduates from Tech-Voc programs. The first national winner of the TESDA Idols award is Dr. Ramegio Gonzales of Iligan City, a graduate Friday, July 6, 2012
of an industrial electricity course. Dr. Gonzales worked as an electrician and eventually became a certified building wiring and installation expert. He finished an electrical engineering course as a self-supporting student and later earned professional license
as electrical engineer. He also holds masters and doctoral degrees in education management. He was director of the School of Engineering Technology at the Mindanao State University when he was given the award.(TESDA)
City gov’t offers free wedding, medical services, vet services on July 5 and 6 CAGAYAN DE ORO -The city mayor is inviting all city folks from Zone 10, Barangay Carmen and neighboring barangays to come and avail themselves of basic services offered by the city government during the People-to-People Program (PPP) starting today, July 5.
During the PPP, residents can benefit from free services such as medical consultation and free medicines, dental extractions, registration of children, mass wedding, distribution of fruit tree and timber seeds, veterinary consultation and Friday, July 6, 2012
vaccination, rice assistance, feeding and many other services. On July 6, Friday, Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Y. Emano and his officials will also bring the PPP to the people of Cogon at the second floor of the Cogon Market. (CIO) ONE MINDANAO
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Davao coal plant to be fast-tracked by Rudolph Alama
T
he 300-megawatt clean coal fired power plant by Aboitiz Power is now being started on the preparatory phase, with the company intent of fast-tracking the project to provide a solution to the looming Mindanao power crisis. Bobby Orig, First Vice President for Mindanao Affairs of Aboitiz Power said that they hope to deliver much-needed power to
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distribution utilities, electric cooperatives and other consumers in Mindanao by 2015 when the power plant is expected to be completed. Estimated at P35 billion it is considered as the largest investment in Mindanao. And just this week Aboitiz Power through its subsidiary Therma South Incorporated has signed $546-million worth of contracts related to the construction of the plant. The site of the power facility is an 80-hectare land situated in the city of Davao and the municipality of Sta. Cruz. Site preparation has already been started which could last for one year before construction of vertical infrastructures are started.
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Hundreds of workers from the host communities of Barangay Inawayan (Sta. Cruz) and Binugao (Davao City) has been utilized in the site preparation. Aboitiz Power is setting up jobs fair within the communities to supply the manpower needs of the construction. It is estimated that the project will generate up to 2,000 direct and indirect jobs during the 3-year construction period of the plant. A 200-hectare carbon sink has already been identified to be put up in Coron Sta. Cruz, which will be planted with different species of trees. These are one of the mitigating measure put up by Aboitiz Power to ensure that the project complies with environmental standards. The modern Circulating-Fluidized-bed technology used by the power plant utilizes lime to capture sulphur and nitrogen emission and turn them into solids in contrast to old coal power plants which allows sulphur
and nitrogen to seep into the atmosphere as emissions. These lime wastes are then sold to cement factories which would be used for the production of cement. Erramon Aboitiz President and Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz Power said that the company is committed in building the power project the soonest time possible. “We have been an integral part of the Mindanao power sector since the 1930s, We will continue to invest in power generation projects to support the growth of Mindanao today.� Aboitiz said. As of Wednesday (July 4) total power curtailment in Mindanao reached 210 megawatt. It is estimated that Mindanao will have energy deficit of 484 megawatts of power by 2014 if no new plants is going to be built. Currently the Davao power plant is the only power investment in Mindanao which has started construction. (PIA/RG Alama)
Did you know... That Sta, Cruz Municipality in Davao del Sur is the mother municipality of Digos City, Padada and Malalag.
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Strong response network prevents fatalities in Banaybanay flashfloods MATI CITY- The recent flashflood in the Municipality of Banaybanay in Davao Oriental prevented the occurrence of fatalities due to the strong network of rescuers and responders that went along with immediate implementation of forced evacuation. Davao Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) action officer Jesusa Timbang made the conclusion as she looked back at the rescue operation she led to save lives of families affected by the flashfloods that hit Banaybanay early morning of July 04. The flashflood incident happened due to heavy rains which started pouring from 2:00 a.m. on July 4 till early morning of the same day. Timbang said she immediately asked the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management action officer of Lupon town “because it’s the town closest to Banaybanay.” Other rescue units that helped in evacuating residents of flashflood affected areas were the 28th IB of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Rescue 166 of the Municipality of Lupon, the local Philippine National Police, PDRRMC rescue team of Davao Oriental, among others.
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Reports from OCD counted 144 total families affected in barangays Kalubian, Kabangkalan, Panikian and Piso in the Municipality of Banaybanay. When flashfloods were noted at 6:00 a.m., Timbang ordered forced evacuation of residents in affected areas though rains had stopped at that time. Rescued families were housed at the Municipal Gymnasium of the respective barangays and were given relief goods by the municipal government of Banaybanay. Most of the affected families went back home late afternoon on the same day as waters already subsided, Timbang said. Timbang bared an agreement of all Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils in Davao Oriental to immediately respond to a neighboring town affected with any calamity. While the towns of Banaybanay, Lupon, San Isidro and Governor Generoso are facing the Davao Gulf area, the rest of the 11 town of Davao Oriental lie at the coastline facing the Pacific Ocean except for Mati Cit which lies along the coastline of Pujada Bay. (PIA11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan) Friday, July 6, 2012
regional gallery
Tourists on board the river cruise boat which takes visitors on a 8.8 kilometer tour of the Liboganon River in Tagum City
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DOLE 12 lauds bus company for complying with fixed wage rule By Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, -- Officials of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 commended Yellow Bus Line Inc., (YBL) based here for its compliance with Department Order 118-12 and other labor standards.
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“YBL is the first public utility bus (PUB) company in Soccsksargen Region compliant with the department order (particularly on the requirement of giving fixed salaries to their drivers and conductors),” Jessie dela Cruz, secretary of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 12, said. He added that YBL has also been repeatedly validated to have complied with other standards and laws pertaining to the welfare and protection of their employees. “Part of the program during the upcoming visit of Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz would be the awarding of the labor standard compliance certificate to YBL,” dela Cruz said. According to the initial plan, Secretary Baldoz will be coming to Region 12 next week. As proof of the submission to provisions of DO 118-12, YBL Human Resource manager Norlan Yap Friday, July 6, 2012
and YBL Employees U n i o n president Jose Ronie Mondragon yesterday presented a copy of their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to DOLE 12 regional director Chona Mantilla at the RTWPB office here. Y a p emphasized that besides giving the riding public quality and safe service, YBL had been keen on providing their employees benefits. “The basic salary that our drivers receive is above the minimum wage,” he said. “We also give performancebased benefits such as quota system,” Yap said. He added that their drivers and conductors are only required eight hours of work daily, for only six days each week. “YBL, I think, is the
only bus company here that pays a regular salary for its drivers while they are on rest days,” he said. Based on their CBA, YBL drivers and conductors are also given productivity incentives, such as 2.5 percent share when they exceed their quota collection of P6,000-P12,000 depending on the type of route. They are also entitled to monetary incentives for working at least 24 days in a month, and sleeping ONE MINDANAO
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allowance if they render duty outside their base. They also enjoy leaves, including vacation leaves of 1115 days depending on length of service; sick leaves, tuberculosis leaves of up to four months, maternity/ paternity leaves, and others. YBL plies the Isulan (Sultan Kudarat)General Santos CityDavao City route. It has a fleet of 142 buses with 200 drivers. Director Mantilla explained that the department order is meant to curb some problems involving
transport companies, especially in Metro Manila where drivers need to work long hours and make as many trips as they can because their salaries are commission-based. “This scheme has been identified as a major factor in road accidents,” she said. Mantilla appreciated the YBL management for its opencommunication policy with its workers and for giving salaries that are more than the minimum wage set by the regional wage board to their workers. She added that DOLE 12, along with
RTWPB 12, have been coordinating with the other two bus companies in the region. These are Biocrest Multi-Purpose Cooperative & Transport Services (Husky Bus) that traverses the General Santos City-Cotabato City route and Weena Bus Company that travels the Cotabato City-Davao City route. “Compliance to Department Order 118 – 12 is a requirement for the renewal of franchise and issuance of certificates of public convenience to PUB operators,” dela Cruz said. (DED-PIA 12)
Surallah mayor, suportado ang ALS E-learning
LUNGSOD NG KORONADAL-- Todo suporta ang mayor ng Surallah, South Cotabato sa bagong tatag na E-learning sa ilalim ng programang Alternative Learning System (ALS) ng naturang bayan bilang makabagong pamamaraan ng pagtuturo. Kaugnay nito, naglaan S a ang lokal na pamahalaan pamamagitan ng Surallah, sa ilalim ni ng E-learning, Mayor Romulo O. Solivio isang “virtual Sr., ng P60,000 para sa instructor” sa pagpapatuloy ng nabanggit kompyuter ang na modernong sistema ng magtuturo sa pagtuturo. mga mag-
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aaralngALS.Ibigsabihin, gagamit ng kompyuter ang mga estudyante sa kanilang mga pagsusulit at aralin. Sa isinagawang pagpapasinaya ng programa kamakailan, pinangunahan ni Surallah North ALS Coordinator Maria Judith Magbanua
ang presentasyon ng E-learning at itinuro ang tamang paggamit nito. Samantala, sa kanyang mensahe, kinatigan din ni Department of Education Regional Director Deborah Adrales ang bagong pamamaraan na ito. Aniya, ang pag-aaral ay isang patuloy na
proseso kaya’t kailangang magkaroon ng mithiing matuto upang makamit ang mga hangarin sa buhay. Layunin ng E-learning na maturuan ang mga estudyante sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng modernong teknolohiya. (SJDuerme-PIA12)
P30M inilaan sa programang PAMANA sa Rehiyon 12 LUNGSOD NG KORONADAL -- Abot sa P30 milyon ang halagang inilaan sa Rehiyon 12 sa ilalim ng programang Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) katuwang ang Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 12 na siyang responsible sa pagsusuri ng mga isusumiteng proyekto. Nabatid na ilan sa mga programang ipatutupad sa ilang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa rehiyon ay ang mga sumusunod: “connectivity systems, basic services for economic development, agricultural services and industry investments, economic investments in IP areas and disasterpreparedness climate change adaptations interventions.” Sa kanyang mensahe sa naganap na “reorientation conference” kamakailan, hinikayat Friday, July 6, 2012
ni DILG-12 Regional Director Buagas Sulaik ang mga lokal na pamahalaan na magsumite ng kanilang proposisyon para sa mga proyekto at “technical requirements” sa takdang panahon. Aniya, kailangang bumalangkas ng mga proyektong tutugma sa nilalayon ng programa at isagawa ang mga ito nang maayos upang maraming pondo pa ang maibigay sa ilalim ng programang PAMANA. Ang PAMANA ay
programa ng pamahalaan na ipinatutupad sa mga pamayanan na apektado ng kaguluhan at nasa ilalim ng “peace agreements.” Layunin nito na masigurong mabibigyan ng batayang serbisyo ang mga lugar na sakop ng programa sa tulong ng mga “responsive, transparent and accountable local government official” o responsable at bukas na mga lokal na opisyal. (SJDuerme-PIA12)
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11 ARMM agencies get P8-B to implement projects By Shahana Duerme KORONADAL CITY-- Eleven government agencies in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) received over P8 billion for the implementation of projects under the Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP). ARMM Acting Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman said these funds are for the implementation of projects as part of the reform program of the Aquino administration in
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the said region. “ C o n c e r n e d government agencies and the budget from TISP will be made public in spirit of transparency and accountability,�
Hataman said. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWHARMM) was granted the biggest amount among the agencies worth P2,851,155,000 for projects like preventive maintenance of national arterial or secondary roads and replacement of national bridges. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)-ARMM with P510 million will develop farm to market roads, municipal fishing ports and halal production Friday, July 6, 2012
while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-ARMM was given P49,586,000 to continue the National Greening Program. Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)ARMM was funded with P1,275,790,202 for its potable water supply project, slaughter houses, Yakan training center and fire stations, among others. P200 million was allotted for the massive electrification program of the Department of Energy (DOE)-ARMM while P956 million was given for the projects of the Department of Health
(DOH-ARMM) such as health infrastructure and for medical equipment. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) with P24,650,000 will implement a small enterprise technology upgrading program while P80 million is allocated for the rehabilitation of the Jolo seaport and Sangasanga airport projects of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC)ARMM. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)ARMM was granted P1,971,145,000 to construct day care centers, continue its supplemental feeding
programs and livelihood and emergency shelter assistance. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)ARMM got P60 million for its business permits and licensing system streamlining program while P61,638,000 was allocated to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA)-ARMM training for work scholarship program. Hataman ordered the creation of the Project Management Office to monitor the status of these projects under TISP to ensure that the funded projects will be implemented. (DED/ SJD-PIA12)
All systems go for General Voters’ Registration in ARMM By Perlita Changco COTABATO CITY - It’s all systems go for the July 9-19 general voters’ registration in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in so far as preparations and awareness campaign is concerned, the COMELEC, military and police assured.
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Army’s 6th Infantry Division Chief Maj. Gen. Rey Ardo, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations for Western Mindanao Head Police Director Manuel Barcena, and Maguindanao Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Udtog Tago updated the media on the status of preparations being undertaken to ensure clean, smooth and peaceful conduct of the general voters’ registration in the ARMM. During yesterday’s media interaction held at the 6th ID camp, Ardo vowed all out support to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in ensuring protection and security of personnel, machines and aquipment as well as the public during the conduct of the general voters’ registration. Ardo said everything is ready for the general voters’ registration with the establishment of the joint AFP/PNP/ COMELEC Commander Center for immediate action on issues and
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concerns that may arise. While remaining focus on the general voters’ registration and the implementation of the gun ban, Ardo said they also extend full support to the upcoming Bangsamoro Leaders’ Assembly scheduled July 6-9, 2012 at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to boost peace advocacy campaign in Mindanao. “Sixth ID and the PNP are ready and prepared in providing security and protection to the election personnel, machines and equipment and the registrants. In fact we are busy considering the implementation of the gun ban, and the security aspect of the Bangsamoro Leader’s Assembly at Camp Darapanan,” Ardo said. M e a n w h i l e , M a g u i n d a n a o Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Udtog Tago said the poll body is ready
to have the general voters’ registration with the availability for use of 332 registration machines to be handled by 664 election personnel from various regions all over the country. Tago said the augmentation team is to undergo training on July 6-7 and will be ready for deployment to different areas in Maguindanao on July 8, adding the assignment of a COMELEC monitoring team starting July 5. Tago also appealed to help document erring election officers and file appropriate charges as part of the cleansing process. “In fact, I have filed a case against an election officer from Lanao del Sur for allowing the registration of two minors and a hearing is set on September 6, this year, so I appeal to our media partners to help make realize the much needed electoral reforms,” Tago said. (DED/PBC/PIA 13-Cotabato City)
Friday, July 6, 2012