today’s news
13 15 18 21 24 25 30 33 36 38
Demand for Filipino health workers still high in Japan—DOLE DENR deploys personnel to help contain Mt. Apo blaze DENR, Mindanao InFocus
30-second tourism video contest launched RG Alama , Southern Mindanao
Cotabato City LGU leads tuberculosis forum Oliveer Ross V. Rivera ,SOCCSKSARGEN
Dinagat Islands reaps gold, silver medals for PH national games archery
PIO-Dinagat Islands, Caraga Region
SurSur COMELEC set sked for demo roadshow on VCM operations Greg Tataro, Jr., Caraga Region
Barangay assembly slated March 26 Emmanuel D. Taghoy,Western Mindanao
4ID has new commander
‘Kwentuhang Bayan’ educates youth, community on honest elections By: Gimar A. Reyes
4ID, Northern Mindanao
Ammo explosion kills 3 teens, injures 1 in Bukidnon Northern Mindanao
DOH-IPHO: Practice healthy lifestyle to avoid heart diseases ARMM
10 15 22
Cover Story
28
19 32
37
One Mindanao EDITORIAL BOARD
EDITORIAL ADVISERS
SEC. SONNY B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency
EXECUTIVE EDITOR EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western & Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI
MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region
ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX THELMA B. OLIVER Regional Director, PIA Region X OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region
COPY EDITORS FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region
SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region
LAYOUT ARTISTS EMMANUEL TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X DAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII
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. 0919-9994516 E-mail: ro9_pia@yahoo.com, mimibern17@yahoo. com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969 E-mail: pia10_pd@yahoo.com, r10_pia@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region) Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
SOCCSKSARGEN Region Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com, pia_xii@yahoo.com
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com , pia_caraga@yahoo. com,ph Website: www.piacaraga.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - Caraga Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga
y r o t S Cover educates youth, commu
‘Kwentuha
By: Gimar A. Reyes
I
n anticipation of the 2016 national elections, Lambig Katilingban (LIHUK) mobilized an extensive voters’ e City spearheaded byKristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpaka University. 4
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
ang Bayan’
unity on honest elections
git Igsoon para sa Hiniusang Pag-Uswag sa atong education program in various parts of Cagayan de Oro abana - Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO) of Xavier March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
5
LIHUK hopes to heighten critical awareness among voters as catalysts of meaningful social change through responsible voting. It conducted a series of Kuwentuhang Bayan sessions in numerous parts of CDO with student volunteers and community leaders as trainers in running voters’ education initiatives. A loose network consisting of the academe, church and youth sectors, LIHUK aims to educate voters and make them realize their crucial part in the greater society by engaging them in four different forms of electoral involvement—voters’ education campaign, candidates’ criteria
6
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
building through a poll survey, agenda building and candidates’ forum, election monitoring, 4) Bantay Pangako. The LIHUK team trained more than 300 student leaders as facilitators since August 2015 from different universities and colleges across the city with the help of the KKP - Student Volunteer Formation Center (SVFC) group and National Service Training Program (NSTP) students who played an essential role in composing the pool of trained facilitators fielded in various educational institutions and communities cascading the Kwentuhang Bayan Voters Education Modules.
Moreover, this has been also a part of NSTP’s goal for greater societal engagement towards good governance imparted to the community and their students as well. The team has also forged partnerships with NSTP Educator’s Association in Region 10 (NEAR-10), Xavier University, Liceo de Cagayan University, Cagayan de Oro College PHINMA, Pilgrim Christian College and Southern Philippines College. A total of 68 religious members from St John Vianney Seminary, San Guillermo Parish in Barangay Iponan and Libertad Parish also took part in Kuwentuhang Bayan.
LIHUK team hopes that the information drawn from the community will help in the second phase which involves criteria building, agenda building, candidates’ fora and profiling. This advocacy campaign was patterned from Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan’s political education program also known as “Katilingbanong Paghisguthisgut” which provides an opportunity for drawing out concerns and issues from the vulnerable sectors in the community through grassrootsparticipatory approach.
In collaboration with the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro After consolidating the (ACDO) led by Archbishop Antonio issues gathered from the Ledesma SJ DD, LIHUK pushes Kuwentuhang Bayan runs, the for a “clean, honest, accurate,
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
7
meaningful and peaceful” (CHAMP) election process and results in which inclusive and participatory discussions on social issues are undertaken.
Gascon said that through this education campaign, “The voices of vulnerable sectors will be heard as well.” Joining the LIHUK 2016 network in the crusade for honest elections are ACDO through its Social Advocacy Center, NEAR-10, Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, Task Force 2016, Philippine National Police - CDO.
The network kicked off its first round of recruitment in November last year participated in by different sectors of CDO. It was followed by a convergence of volunteers on Nov 28, 2015 through a general assembly. Another round of discussions was also held at St John Vianney Seminary on 27 November 2015, “Volunteers proactively and a commitment pledge on 13 engage in the grassroots to December last year. educate and empower community members that they can be of Social advocacy student great impact in choosing new volunteer Francismer Gascon leaders for our country,” related said that by going to different Francesco Labuntog, senior schools, LIHUK 2016 was able student volunteer of KKP. to target the youth sector, which constitutes a potent number of In the process of voters in the coming elections. Kuwentuhang Bayan, facilitators
8
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
assist in drawing out the issues from the community and developing political agenda that will be presented during the candidates’ forum.
to take part in the electoral voters’ education campaign as facilitators thereby responding to Pope Francis’ call to “go to the peripheries” and ripple the aspiration of clean and truthful Labuntog invites students 2016 elections. March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
9
CSC, COMELEC reminds civil servants to uphold political neutrality
MANILA -- “No officer or employee in the civil service, as well as any member of the military, shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political activity, except to vote,” said Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala quoting the 1987 Philippine Constitution. “Civil servants are mandated 2016 to remind public servants by law to uphold political of their sworn duty to uphold this neutrality in the conduct of constitutional provision. our duties even during election season,” she added. The provision, however, does not preclude a civil servant, The CSC and the Commission from expressing his or her views on Elections (COMELEC), both on current political problems independent constitutional or issues, or from commissions, issued Joint mentioning the names Circular No. 001, series of of candidates whom he
10
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
or she supports, according to the or employees holding political Administrative Code of 1987. offices such as the President, Vice President, cabinet members, The circular also clarified that elective local officials except “social media functions such as barangay officials, the staff of the liking, commenting, sharing, re- abovementioned officials, and posting, or following a candidate’s members of the reserve corps of or party’s account,” unless meant the AFP are excluded from the to solicit support for or against prohibition. a candidate or party during the campaign period is allowed. Engaging in partisan political activity refers to an act designed The prohibition covers all to promote the election or defeat members of the civil service of a particular candidate or in all branches, subdivisions, candidates to a public office. instrumentalities, and agencies of the Philippine Government, Existing laws and rules including government-owned identified the following as or controlled corporations with partisan political activities: original charters, and state universities and colleges. Forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees, Uniform and active or other groups of persons for the members of the Armed Forces purpose of soliciting votes and/ of the Philippines (AFP) and or undertaking any campaign for the Philippine National Police or against a candidate; (PNP) are also covered by the prohibition. Holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, An official or employee on parades or other similar leave of absence is still covered by assemblies, for the purpose the prohibition on electioneering of soliciting votes and/or or partisan political activity. undertaking any campaign or propaganda for or against Meanwhile, officials a candidate;
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
11
Making speeches, announcements or commentaries, or holding interviews for or against the election of any candidate for public office; Publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials designed to support or oppose the election of any candidate; or Directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for or against a candidate. CSC Memorandum Circular No. 9, series of 1992 identifies the following as prohibited acts: Wearing of t-shirts, pins, caps, or any other similar election paraphernalia bearing the names of candidates and/or political parties; Being a watcher for a political party or candidate during the election; Consistent presence in political rallies, caucuses of, and continuous companionship with certain political candidates and/or political party, making one closely identified with such candidates or party; Giving, soliciting, or receiving financial
12
One Mindanao
or monetary contributions, supplies, equipment, and materials for the benefit of a candidate and/or political party; and Utilizing government resources such as personnel, including job order or contract of service hirees, time, and properties for political purposes. Those who will be found guilty of engaging directly or indirectly in partisan political activities will be meted with the penalty of one month and one day suspension to six months for the first offense; and dismissal from the service for the second offense according to the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (CSC Resolution No. 1101502 dated November 18, 2011). CSC Chair Bala and COMELEC Chairperson J. Andres D. Bautista signed the Joint Circular No. 001, series of 2016 today at the COMELEC office in Intramuros. (CSC)
March 30, 2016
Demand for Filipino health workers still high in Japan—DOLE
MANILA-- Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz recently said that the increased number of Filipino candidate nurses and caregivers who could be deployed under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) shows there is a continuing demand in Japan for health workers from the Philippines. “The high number of Filipino The eighth batch of candidate caregivers and nurses candidates under the JPEPA is for the eighth batch under the composed of 340 Filipino health JPEPA program is the biggest workers, 63 of whom are nurses batch since its beginning in 2009,” and 277 are caregivers. Baldoz said. “This shows that there is an increasing demand Currently, a total of 398 for Filipino health workers vacancies, of which 77 in Japan.” are for nurses and 321 are for caregivers.
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
13
The health worker candidates are currently undergoing the Preparatory Japanese Language Training which started in November 2015 and will end on May 2016. After the PJLT, the candidate nurses and caregivers will depart for Japan in June 2016 to undergo another six months of Japanese language training.
program’s school track. The JPEPA, signed between the Philippines and Japan on 9 September 2009 in Helsinki, Finland, seeks to improve the trade relations between the two countries. The JPEPA is seen as a building block to the ASEANJapan Free Trade Agreement and covers wider scope that includes trade in services, movement of natural persons, and technical cooperation and assistance.
Once the health worker candidates pass the language training, they can already undertake on-the-job training at the 210 nurse and 392 careworker facilities – a total of Other than nurses and 602 – facilities in Japan. caregivers, the JPEPA, under its chapter on the movement Baldoz said that in 2015, of natural persons, also a total of 293 workers – 75 include other professionals nurses and 218 caregivers – with specialized skills, such as were deployed to Japan under lawyers, accountants, taxation the JPEPA program, the biggest consultants, and engineers. deployment thus far. Since 2009 (DOLE) a total of 1, 265 health workers – 413 nurses and 852 caregivers – were deployed under the program. The Commission on Higher Education has also deployed 37 healthcare workers in two batches under the
14
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
DENR deploys personnel to help contain Mt. Apo blaze
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje directed the DENR’s Region 11 office to discuss with local executives a plan to temporarily close the country’s highest peak to campers to prevent a repeat of the fire incident. The DENR regional office in Davao City has been providing equipment and technical support to composite teams of concerned local government units, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Provincial Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) that were tasked with suppressing the wildfire. “Upon hearing about the incident, we lost no time mobilizing our personnel from
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
15
our provincial and community environment and natural offices in Digos City to help prevent the spread of forest fire in nearby areas,” Paje said. “Each of the seven composite teams now up in Mt. Apo has DENR personnel providing technical assistance, particularly in the use of geographical position system or GPS and control maps, including the establishment of fire lines to prevent the fire from further spreading.” A fire line is a gap in vegetation or other combustible materials that will act as barrier to slow down or stop the fire from spreading.
Paje also reported that a Super Huey chopper from the Philippine Air Force was deployed in the area on Tuesday morning to conduct water bucket operation. “Water dropping commenced at 9 a.m. on Tuesday but ended at 11:30 a.m. due to poor visibility. A total of 10 buckets equivalent to 30 drums have been dropped,” he said. The DENR chief noted that the risk of fire had increased as the long dry spell and high temperatures left large amounts of flammable debris in forest areas. (DENR)
www.dzar1026.com
16
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
PAF, volunteers work together to suppress Mt. Apo Forest Fire By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines DAVAO CITY-- Fire suppression operation went on for the second day at the peak of Mt. Apo facing Davao City and Davao del Sur using a super Huey helicopter by the Philippine Air Force.
Lt. Colonel Jose Ritchie Pabilona, commander of the Tactical Operations Group XI of the Philippine Air Force said that as of 11:00 0’clock am Wednesday, seven bucket operations had been conducted on the peak to put off the fire. He said the chopper picks up water from Lake Mejo in Barangay Kapatagan, Digos, Davao del Sur using a large bucket to douse the raging forest fire several kilometers above the sea level. Pabilona said only one chopper is used in the firefighting operation since two of its kind are posted in Western Visayasand Luzon Island, respectively. “One of the choppers is used to also put off the fire near Mt. Kanlaon between Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental,” he said.
Pabilona said that the volunteers are coordinating with the chopper pilot to prioritize the burning areas which are hard to reach on foot. He said the chopper is under the operational control of the 505th Search and Rescue Group and is capable of the bucket operation and has the capability to hoist survivors. Pabilona said its bucket is capable of carrying three drums equivalent to 620 liters of water. “It is capable of taking water from the lake, sea or river,” he said. Pabilona said the fire suppression operation is focused on the peak facing Davao City and Davao del Sur.
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
17
30-second tourism video contest launched By: RG Alama
DAVAO CITY-- A 30-seconder video contest that aims to highlight the different tourism attractions in the Davao Region was launched yesterday (March 28).
Davao-in-30 seconds is organized by SM City Davao in line with its Arts Festival. The theme of the contest is Experience Davao: Sights, Sound and Soul. The contest is open to all individuals, the videos to be submitted must be 30 seconds or less with 5 seconds allowed for credits, Resolution of the video must comply with Facebook’s aspect ratio that is not larger than 1280 x 1080 px or 740 X 4980 px, avi format. Video entries are to be submitted thru USB, placed in a sealed envelope and labeled with the following information; Contestant’s Name, mobile number and email address. The videos must be original and is compliant with copyright laws. Contestants must submit their videos on or before April 14 at the SM City Davao Marketing Department Office (Ecoland, Davao City). Jurors will pick the winners using the following criteria;
18
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
Creativity and Originality20%, Interpretation of the Theme- 40%, Entertainment Value-10%, Video Quality10% and Virality-10%. Winners will receive P15,000 for the grand prize, P10,000 for the second prize and P5,000 for the third.
Nearly half of prov’l roads in South Cotabato have right-of-way concerns By: Danilo E.Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 30-- A survey conducted by the provincial government here has discovered that about half of its roads have issues regarding road right-of-way (RROW). March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
19
The study conducted by the Road Inventory and Surveying Unit (RISU) of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) found that 53 of the 110 provincial road sections in the area have RROW problems. “Sections with problems regarding road right-of-way comprised 48.18 percent of our provincial roads,” Engr. Jose Daniel Salamat of the PPDO disclosed. However, he added, “the actual number of roads with RROW concerns is still growing as several residents have only recently brought to our attention similar problems.” The survey began in July 2015. It aims to establish a database of the provincial roads and bridges. The survey is done by actual survey and geotagging. Activities also included documenting the road right-ofway. Results of the survey indicated that of the 53 sections of provincial roads with RROW concerns, 4 are located in Koronadal City, 4 in Banga, 1 in Lake Sebu, 6 in Norala, 9 in Polomolok, 3 in Sto, Nino, 5 in Surallah, 5 in Tampakan, 4 in Tantangan, 5 in Tboli, and 7 in
20
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
Tupi. Lengths of these problematic sections ranged from 15 to 60 meters, the report added. Same survey also found that of South Cotabato’s 694.24 kilometers of provincial roads, over three-fourths, specifically 539.27 km, are still graveled roads. Concrete roads comprise 102.89 km while asphalt roads, 52.08 km. Formation widths of the provincial roads also varied from 8 meters to 16 meters. Formation width or roadway width, according to Engr. Salamat, is the sum of the widths of road pavements, shoulders and drainage. Majority of the provincial roads here are within 10 to 12 meter-formation widths. “Most of the road sections with RROW issues do not have deed of donation documents,” Salamat noted. In some rural areas, he added, some RROWs were being encroached on and used as parts farms. There were also cases where provincial roads were re-aligned, thus, RROWs were not delineated. Salamat said, they have already completed the road inventory but has to recheck some road sections to verify
and confirm some findings and observation . Data are being processed in a geographical
information system. (DEDoguiles-PIA12)
Cotabato City LGU leads tuberculosis forum By: Oliveer Ross V. Rivera
COTABATO CITY, Mar 30– The city government of Cotabato spearheaded a tuberculosis (TB) forum earlier this week. The forum held at the City Health Office grounds was designed to make the public more aware ofthe global epidemic of TB and efforts to eliminate the disease. Resource speakers from the Cotabato City Regional and Medical Center – National Tuberculosis Program gave the participants inputs on health education and intensified case finding. PMDT Treatment Center Physician Dr. Alfred Songcayauon, DPPPS lectured on “Ang TB at ang mga Responsibilidad ko Bilang Mangungubo”. Dr. Songcayauon focused on the frequently asked questions about TB. He also shared valuable inputs on the things need to be done by a responsible person with cough – emphasizing on infec-
tion control and cough etiquette. Participants were taught on proper sputum collection and presumptive DR-TB patients with complete attachments such as Chest Xray and latest DSSM results were entertained by the CRMC-NTP team. TB, as defined by World Health Organization, is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs. It is transmitted from person to person via droplets from the throat and lungs of people with the active respiratory disease. The activity is in line with the observance of 2016 World Tuberculosis Day under the theme: ‘Unite to End TB’. (ORVRiveraPIA12)
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
21
P109-M agri infra projects to benefit 2,500 farming households in Caraga By: Fretcher D. Magatao
BUTUAN CITY-The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) has approved another four major infrastructure projects to further boost rural productivity in the towns of Caraga region. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and DA Caraga regional director Edna M. Mabeza awarded recent the certificate of No Objection Letter (NOL) to road and irrigation projects in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte and
22
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
Malimono, Kitcharao and Sison towns in Surigao del Norte with a total cost of P109 million. Alcala said, these projects are proof that the government remains true to its commitment in delivering the goods and services
for agricultural development. “We want all the projects intended for our dear farmers are delivered efficiently and on time for we understand that these things will translate to better production and increase in income,” said Alcala during the farmers’ forum held recently in Butuan City. With the issuance of first NOL, Nasipit town will now start the procurement process of the P34 million Culit Communal Irrigation System which will serve at least 100 hectares of rice area that would benefit 120 farming household. Further, the construction of 3.32 km. Jubgan–Binocaran farm-to-market road worth P40 million in Malimono, Surigao del Norte is also given go signal. The project is expected to serve 348 hectares of rice, banana, cassava, vegetables and fruit trees benefitting 875 farming households. While the construction of 1.56 km. Sangay–Mahayahay FMR worth P15 million in Kitcharao town can now be granted to the winning contractor after the project was issued the second NOL. The project in Kitcharao would benefit 1,260 farming
households and would serve 492 hectares production area for rice, banana, abaca and coconut trees. “Not far from now, our farmers will be more inspired toiling on the ground seeing a concrete road where they can easily transport their produce,” said Mayor Aristotle Montante. Sison town also received NOL 2 for the construction of 1.82 km. Gacepan–Mayag FMR worth P20 Million. This will serve 400 hectares of rice, banana, root crops and coconut and would benefit 274 farming households. PRDP’s I-BUILD (Intensified Build Up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development) component aims to put in place climate resilient farm-to-market roads (FMR), bridges, communal irrigation and potable water systems. All of these subprojects aim to improve the links from production areas to markets to enhance the efficiency of transporting agricultural products. “We hope that through these interventions we can achieve higher productivity,” Alcala said.
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
23
Dinagat Islands reaps gold, silver medals for PH national games archery By: PIO-Dinagat Islands
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands -- Gold and silver medals were brought home by the contenders of Dinagat Islands to the Philippine National Games (PNG) on March 7-11, 2016 held at Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Julie An E. Malinog and Lester L. Llorca, Grades 8 and 10 respectively, successfully made it to the top and become this year’s gold medalists for Mixed Team Recurve Junior Category Competition. They are two of the six archers from Don Ruben Edera Ecleo Sr. Memorial National High School (DREESMNHS) who did their best and rigorously raced in archery competition. Kennyben M. Gallogo, John Imel P. Barrientos both grade 9 and Lester L. Llorca compete in Men’s Team, after a challenging tie breaking match with Zamboanga Team fighting for the first spot, but got the Silver Medals for the Men’s Junior Category. While Julie An E. Malinog, Melanie Lato, both grade 8 and
24
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
Lyka Queen D. Dumangas, grade 10 likewise won Silver Medals for Women’s Team Category. Tagum City in Davao del Norte will host the Qualifying Leg of Mindanao this April 30, 2016. Players who will be chosen in such qualifying leg will further compete in Seoul, Korea. The provincial government of Dinagat Islands assures that they will always be behind the path that archers of Dinagat will track with. Archers aged 20 years old and younger may join the Junior category and/or the Open category. The qualification round scores of these Junior Archers shall be used to rank them in the open category. Archers aged 21 years old and older may join the Open Category.
SurSur COMELEC set sked for demo roadshow on VCM operations
By: Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), this province, has already set the roadshow schedule to demonstrate the actual operation of the vote counting machine (VCM) province-wide. Atty. Raquel Limbaco, provincial election supervisor (PES) and concurrent Caraga COMELEC regional attorney, issued this on March 28, 2016. The seven-day roadshow is going to take place on April 8-14, 2016, starting at the southernmost tip going upward until the last municipality up north, which is Carrascal. The first two days of the entire activity will be dedicated to the whole of District II, it was learned, kicking off in Lingig town and Bislig City to be followed by Hinatuan, Tagbina as well as Barobo on the next day. Afterwhich, the remaining schedule will already be conducted in District I which is
comprised of 13 towns and one city—Tandag. Except for San Miguel and Tandag City on April 12, every outing schedule of the team of trainers will have to handle three municipalities one at a particular time in a day: April 10—Lianga, San Agustin and Marihatag; April 11—Cagwait, Bayabas, and Tago; April 13—Cortes, Lanuza and Carmen; and April 14—Carrascal, Cantilan as well as Madrid. Prior to this, on April 6 and 7, the poll body here is going to join with the PNP, which is set to spearhead the covenant signing, candidates and media briefing, all-in-one, in District II and District I, respectively.
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
25
26
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
27
No PLDT liability in lineman electrocution, says DOLE By Dominic I. Sanchez ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) - The Philippine Long Distance
Telephone Company (PLDT) has no culpability in the accident concerning one of their linemen who was seriously injured after touching a live wire in barangay Culianan, says a labor official here.
28
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
the
As
per
investigation
Department
Employment
of
Labor
(DOLE),
Ma.
by on
his
upper
extremities,
and
and was immediately brought to the Joy Mindanao
Central
Sanitarium
for
Espinosa of the Occupational Safety medical attention. Apparently, he and Health Center (OSHC) shared could have been spared the accident that
the
victim
Arnel
Nazareno had he been wearing the helmet.
is employed by an independent contractor,
and
not
by
PLDT.
“It is the contractor’s liability,
and not of PLDT,” Espinosa said, since Nazareno exhibits employee-employer relationship with said contractor only.
She explained that it is a
standard operating procedure for the employer to mandate linemen to wear protective gear such as a safety helmet, which allegedly Nazareno was
not
wearing
at
the
time.
According to Espinosa, Nazareno
claimed there was no available helmet during the line installation, while the contractor who requested anonymity
The Employees’ Compensation
says otherwise. The DOLE is still Commission
(ECC),
an
attached
verifying the conflicting statements. DOLE agency has been following
Last March 6 Nazareno was the case since it happened. In its
installing a telephone line in Culianan Facebook page, Jerrick Go, regional when his head touched a live wire. focal person of the ECC said that He suffered second-degree burns Nazareno and his family were “briefed March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
29
on the EC program and the process region at the Garden Orchid Hotel. of filing (claims and benefits) with The training will run end on March 18. the Social Security System (SSS)”. “We are encouraging all companies
The OSHC is currently conducting for safety-first practices,” Espinosa
occupational safety training for safety stressed. officers for both public and private in
the
“To
many
of
those
labor
sector,
this
could
institutions from different areas in the be a matter of life and death.”
Barangay assembly slated March 26 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy
ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to conduct synchronized barangay assemblies nationwide come March 26 for the first semester of the year.
30
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
This is in compliance with Section them regularly as to their compliance
397 of the Local Government Code of to
the
activity,�
said
Ms.
Lu.
1991, which enjoins every barangay
Barangay Assemblies should be
in the country to deliver their State conducted not less than twice in a of Barangay Address (SOBA), present year pursuant to Chapter 6 of Section their accomplishments and financial 397 of the Local Government Code. reports as well as their priority projects
The
under the recently launched Barangay shall Bottom-Up
Budgeting
Barangay
be
Assembly
spearheaded
by
the
(BBUB) Municipal or City Mayors, Liga ng
program, for the public to know. mga Barangay Chapter President
During the assembly, barangays and the DILG Regional Director.
are also encouraged to educate their
constituents
regarding
Actual
residents
of
the
the barangay who have lived in the
revitalization of the Barangay Anti- barangay for six months or more, Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) and fifteen years old and above, Filipino its role in drug-clearing operations, citizen can attend the said activity. as
well
as
discuss
issues
and
Furthermore,
concerns on disaster preparedness organizations, and
solid
waste
management. mga
faith-based Ugnayan
Barangay
Ms. Josefina Lu, assistant city (UBAS)
and
director of DILG-Zamboanga City said organizations
other are
at
ng
Simbahan civil
also
society invited.
they would allow barangays to conduct Any resident may file a the barangay assembly earlier than complaint against the barangay the target date considering it falls on officials in the event that they fail to conduct the assembly. the Black Saturday of the Holy Week. The barangay assembly aims “It is actually a case to case to strengthen the ties between the basis when the barangays scheduled government and the community the conduct of the Barangay for the effective delivery of basic Assembly. But we are monitoring services to the constituents. March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
31
DOLE MisOcc holds GIP orientation to 101 interns By: Lei Garrett I. Miraflor
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – The first batch of interns under Government Internship Program (GIP) of the Department of Labor and Employment Region 10 (DOLE-10) this year completed their orientation on 16 February 2016 at the ABC Gymnasium, Oroquieta city.
32
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
DOLE-10 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante cited that GIP is one of the flagship programs of DOLE, which provides a sixmonth full time-work to dynamic and talented youths, especially the poor and indigent workers as the priority sector of government intervention, who want to pursue a career in the government service, particularly in the fields and disciplines related to labor and employment. The DOLE-GIP interns are mostly young professionals and fresh college graduates between ages 18-30 years old, who are degree or technical vocational course holders relevant to the DOLE’s operations such as economics, law, labor and industrial relations, social science, political science, public administration and journalism/communication. Starting February until August this year, the interns will be deployed in different government agencies. They will undergo training in DOLE’s public service functions and operations including but not limited to program advocacy, front-line services delivery, program research and monitoring, project evaluation
and documentation, encoding of Skills Registry System profile of registrants, providing assistance to LGUs and/or academe staff and other non-technical functions. Under the program, the interns will receive allowance/stipend amounting to P238.50 per day which is equivalent to 75% of the existing Regional minimum wage of P318.00, payable every 15th and 30th of the month. In addition, DOLE-X shall enroll the interns to a one-time Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) premium in the amount prescribed by the GSIS for an insurance package. “This program will serve as your training ground to be effective public servants in the future. It will enable you to gain experience and sharpen your skills in preparation for longterm employment”, Rodrigo said. Through the GIP, young workers are given opportunity to demonstrate their talents and skills in the field of public service, contributing to the national goal of inclusive growth through massive employment generation and sustainable poverty reduction.
4ID has new commander CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division holds a Change of Command Ceremony at the Division Grandstand, March 23, 2015. March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
33
The Ceremony was graced by the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lieutenant Eduardo M Año and was attended by the different local chief executives, regional directors, military commanders, police directors in Northern Mindanao and officers and men of 4ID. Also in the ceremony was National Defense Secretary Voltaire T Gazmin. The ceremony was highlighted by the parade and review in honor of the outgoing division commander, Major General Oscar T Lactao who already assumed his post as the new Inspector General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City last 17 March 2016. He replaced Major General Benito Antonio T De Leon who bowed out from the military service upon reaching his mandatory retirement at the age of 56. During the ceremony, Lt Gen Año formally handed over the command responsibility of 4ID to Major General Benjamin R Madrigal, Jr., a member of PMA “Sandiwa” class of 1985. MGen Madrigal is a well decorated Army officer who received various military awards for excellence in combat and administration, letters and plaques of commendation and appreciation from different military units and civilian sectors. He is a well-rounded and highly respected Army officer having been assigned to several military units and offices and held different vital positions
34
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
in operations and intelligence both local and abroad. Prior to his assumption as the commander of 4ID, MGen Madrigal is the Chief of Staff of Philippine Army. He also hold key positions such as acting division commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division for more than a month, assistant division commander of 10ID, brigade commander of the 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division; chief, management and fiscal office of the Philippine Army; head executive assistant to the chief of staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines; secretary Joint Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines; secretary Army General Staff; and chief of War Plans Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, J5 at the General Headquarters, AFP. During his stint as battalion commander of 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion in Northeast and Central Mindanao, the unit was adjudged as the 4ID’s Best Battalion on 2006-2007 and eventually over-all best battalion of Philippine Army the following year (2007-2008). Likewise, during his stint as brigade commander of 701st Brigade, the unit has been adjudged as Best Brigade of 7th Infantry Division for Calendar Year 2013-2014 for its overall exemplary performance in both administration and operation at the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division Area of Responsibility, where the Brigade is
deployed and placed under operational control, which has contributed so much to the attainment of the Internal Peace Security Plan “Bayanihan” campaign in Davao Region. LtGen Año said during his speech, Ang bawat Change of Command sa Philippine Army ay mahalagang kaganapan hindi lamang sa ating magpapalitang mga pinuno kundi pati na rin sa ating lahat. Ipinapahiwatig ng seremonyang ito na bagamat nagpapalit man tayo ng mga pinuno, patuloy pa rin ang paglilingkod ng ating organisasyon sa ating bansa at sa ating mamamayan. Sa ngayon, ang layunin ng ating paglilingkod ay ang pagkamit ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Ang ating paglalakbay
tungo sa pangmatagalang kapayapaan ay puno ng mga hamon na dulot ng ating pagtugon sa mga operational requirements batay sa pabago-bagong security landscape. Sa larangang ito nasusubukan ang galing ng isang Commander sa pagdadala sa kanyang mga tropa tungo sa pagtupad ng misyon ng kanilang yunit. “Dahil dito, nararapat lamang na mga mahuhusay na pinuno ang bigyan ng responsibilidad na pamunuan ang mga “Diamond Troopers.” Mapalad tayo sapagkat ang ating outgoing at incoming commanders ay parehong mahusay at de-kalibreng mga pinuno,” LtGen Año added. (4ID/PA)
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
35
Ammo explosion kills 3 teens, injures 1 in Bukidnon MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon– Three teenage brothers were killed and another youth was wounded when an ammunition exploded on Good Friday, March 25, at Kalilangan, Bukidnon. In a spot report, Cpt Lorenzo B Siobal Jr, army’s 403rd Brigade information officer said, the ammo exploded around 1:00 p.m. at Pudong Hill, sitio Kibaritan, barangay Malinao, Kalilangan town. Dropped dead on the spot were 15 years old Delmar Copresos and Regie Copresos, 11 years old. The third victim, 13 years old Roldmar Copresos was rushed to Bukidnon Provincial Hospital based at Kalilangan but was declared dead on arrival. Loyd P. Nanggaska, 13 years old, managed to run but was injured and rushed to the said hospital. All fatalities were residents of the said sub-village. Initial reports said the four children went inside the military reservation and training area in Pudong Hill, Camp Kibaritan—which is ‘off-limits’ to civilians—when they saw and fiddled with the unexploded 90mm Recoilless Rifle ammunition, played with it that eventually triggered the ammo to explode. Lieutenant Colonel Peter Edwin R. Navarro, commanding officer of 1st Special Forces Battalion said, years prior to the incident, the army’s
36
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
Land Warfare Center, Training and Doctrine Command and Division Training School (DTS) of 4th Infantry Division had been into dialogues and advocacy informing residents that the said area is off-limits to civilians because it serves as the impact zone for firing high and low caliber weapons including mortars and 90RR weapons. LtCol Navarro said that the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division through the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade has extended necessary assistance and their deepest sympathy to the families now grieving for the loss of their loved ones. “We are supporting the investigation being conducted by the local police and will cooperate in any way deemed necessary. Whatever is the result of police’s investigation, the 4ID will abide by it. We are now conducting joint investigation in coordination with the Municipal Police Station of Kalilangan to determine the facts of the incident. We will also enhance security measures in order to prevent the same incident from happening again in the future,” Lt. Col. Navarro said.
PNP chief recalls policemen assigned to gov’t officials
T
he chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered the immediate recall of police personnel serving as part of the security details of local public officials.
PNP Director General Ricardo Marquez gave the order after stakeholders raised concerns on poor police visibility in the province. He said policemen assigned to local government officials must return
to their respective units, perform police functions and heightened police presence on the ground. On March 22, the PNP Chief held a stakeholders consultation to hear security concerns in the province and
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
37
provide guidance in the local security preparations for the upcoming elections. The PNP has identified 19 election watch list areas in the province due to intense political rivalry and armed threats. Noting that the success of the elections will not be possible without the help of the stakeholders, Gener-
al Marquez instructed the Provincial PNP Office to engage with community members in the crafting of the local election security plan. He said the participation of the community members is essential in developing peaceful communities. (APB/PIA-10)
DOH-IPHO: Practice healthy lifestyle to avoid heart diseases MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is reminding the public to avoid unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle to reduce their chance of heart disease. Practicing healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking, eating healthy diet, and exercising regularly can have significant impact on preventing heart disease, said IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang. He said heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the country and known as a silent killer since a lot of people develop the disease without them knowing it. It can affect anybody thus it is important that the public know how to prevent this even at an early age, he
38
One Mindanao
March 30, 2016
added. Minalang said regular consultation with physicians or even with health workers in Rural Health Units is also essential in keeping one’s heart healthy. (APB/PIA-10)
March 30, 2016
One Mindanao
39