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ASEAN works towards ensuring good nutrition for all children in the region Japan inks P23-M development projects in Bangsamoro Mindanao InFocus
Organic Agriculture Awareness and Products Display Kicks Off jaszparas, Southern Mindanao
OWWA-12 sets 6th Scholars’ Conference Oliveer Ross V. Rivera ,SOCCSKSARGEN
DAR Agnor holds seminar on Integrating Work, Family, Personal Life Gil E. Miranda, Caraga Region
Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee pleased over “NGP” in SurSur Greg Tataro, Jr., Caraga Region
Sibugay ICT Council spearheads Digital Literacy Training for barangay ofAlma L. Tingcang,Western Mindanao ficials DBM allocates P390-M for ZamboSur under BUB Claro A. Lanipa,Western Mindanao
DPWH submits list of completed infra projects in Oro
Cover Story
Camiguin protected area named ASEAN Heritage Park By: Jorie C. Valcorza
Northern Mindanao
Declaration of brgys under state of calamity sought Northern Mindanao
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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 MARY MAY A. ABELLON, 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
Cover Story
Camiguin protected area named
ASEAN Heritage Park By: Jorie C. Valcorza
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he Island’s bold move to bid to the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) to be included among the finest protected areas in the region paid off when Mts. TimpoongHibok-hibok Natural Monument (MTHNM) was declared as the 8th ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP) in the Philippines during and the 3rd in Region 10 during the Ministerial Meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam in October 2015. 4
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To formally confirm the recognition, ACB Executive Director Atty. Roberto V. Oliva and Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) Undersecretary for field operation Demetrio Ignacio Jr. presented the plague of declaration to Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Chair, DENR-10 Regional Director Ruth Tawantawan and Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo during the launching ceremony held in the province on 16 March 2016.
The declaration, according to Oliva is a first in many respects, “This is the only heritage park with recommendation coming from the local government unit (LGU) and a manifestation of success when the DENR and the local government units (LGUs) are seeing eye to eye, passionately pursuing one vision to protect the biodiversity and surrounding natural resources.� Oliva said MTHNM meets the criteria for exemplary uniqueness, completeness, and richness in biodiversity.
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DENR rated the protected area with high level endemism, with diverse flora and fauna life. Various endemic species as birds, rodents, amphibians, medicinal trees, dipterocarps, rattans, and ferns have been discovered and identified inside the MRHNM. It has a total strict protection zone of 2,227 hectares and a buffer zone of 1,422 hectares. The local communities within
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the buffer zone acts as the social Biodiversity as cornerstone fence of the natural monument. for development The MTHNM, being a watershed for the whole island, is the source of water for domestic and agricultural uses. Its geo-physical features which include waterfalls, cold, hot and soda springs, mountain lakes and distinctive rock formation have high ecotourism value.
Citing the edge of the ASEAN member countries as the fastest growing economy in the word, the ACB Executive Director stressed on the need for biodiversity protection and conservation. “The cornerstone of ASEAN integration or development is our biodiversity, ASEAN
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occupies only 3 percent of the world’s surface but we are home to 20 percent of all flora and fauna in the world, 30 percent of coral reefs and 35 percent of mangrove forest. Philippines is a mega diverse country along with Indonesia and Malaysia.
resources we also have the legal obligation to take care of it.
“With privilege comes responsibility and responsibility begets accountability, for the people of Camiguin begins the day that we recognize, assert even greater responsibility The declaration of MTHNM to protect and conserve the as ASEAN Heritage Park will environment,” he said. open opportunities for the island-province as there will be Protected areas declared more information assistance as AHP gets the edge as an and data sharing. ecotourism destination and models for effective protected Becoming Champions area management through the enhancement programs of the As the leaders of the ACB. province successfully bring home the bacon, Oliva commended Other AHPs found in the all Camiguingnons for their Philippines includes Mt. Apo contribution noting “You are Natural Park, Mt. Hamiguitan all champions, individual Range Wildfire Sanctuary, Mts. champions, but becoming a Iglit-Baco National Park, Mt. true champion we must all Kitanglad Range Natural Park, make others champion so that Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, everyone will be prosperous.” Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, and Tubbataha Reefs Congressman Xavier Jesus Natural Park. D. Romualdo likewise stressed that care for the environment has intergenerational indications; it involves the concept of intergenerational responsibility, that while we have the right to enjoy the environment and
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MOU signed to develop co-branded SMS for faster, efficient jobs announcement
MANILA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hiring PH involving the development of a short message service (SMS) job announcement platform to help jobseekers instantly get job alerts and other labor market information from their mobile phones. DOLE and Hiring PH offers a DOLE Secretary Rosalinda simple and effective way for Dimapilis-Baldoz said the use of jobseekers to get job alerts modern mobile communication from their cell phones. Sending technology to facilitate text messages is easier, faster, employment will add capacity to cheaper, and more accessible way the government in bridging the of informing jobseekers gap between jobseekers about job vacancies and and employers. other opportunities.
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“Mobile phone SMS is fast. If we are fast in delivering job alerts and other relevant and accurate labor market information to jobseekers, the easier it will be for them to find employment,” she said. Under the agreement, the DOLE and Jomian Business Services, owner and developer of the Hiring PH brand, will co-develop the SMS job enhancement platform to be called DOLE Hiring PH. Jomian Business Services, Inc. uses technology and innovative measures to provide job market information to jobseekers through Hiring PH, its job advertisement platform.
opportunities using text codes via SMS. These details include, but are not limited to, complete job title, complete address of the agency, contact information, and requirements. If the jobseeker wants to browse for more job vacancies, a link to a Wireless Application Protocol, or WAP site, will be made available at the end of the SMS. The WAP site will have a list of all the openings available for the line of work that the jobseeker is looking for.
According to the MOU, Hiring PH shall also disseminate information and labor market information through their website. This information will be made available to all jobseekers “The partnership with Hiring and employers. PH shows that using new and innovative technologies is an DOLE, on the other hand, effective mechanism to deliver shall provide Hiring PH with current and relevant labor content of job postings from market information for enterprise the PhilJobNet database or any growth and productivity,” Baldoz database available for the mobile said. platform. The program shall also be endorsed to all DOLE Regional Through Hiring PH, Offices and Public Employment jobseekers can receive Service Offices (PESOs). details of the latest job (DOLE)
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ASEAN works towards ensuring good nutrition for all children in the region
JAKARTA -- “As ASEAN Member States implement key policies and programmes consistent with the ASEAN Post 2015 Health Development Agenda (2016 – 2020), raising awareness on nutrition security in ASEAN through evidence-based documents is imperative,” said H.E. Le Luong Minh, SecretaryGeneral of ASEAN.
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The successful completion and launching of the Regional Report on Nutrition Security Volume 2 today further expanded the first volume to include evidence-based nutrition actions that tackle malnutrition and build a healthier environment. This included sharing of effective interventions throughout the lifecourse in addressing the multiple causes and consequences of malnutrition among the general population – especially children. There are interventions that are nutrition-specific or those that address the immediate determinants of malnutrition such as poor breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, and lack of micronutrient-rich foods. There are also interventions that are nutrition-sensitive or those that address the underlying determinants of malnutrition such as poor water, sanitation or hygiene; inadequate food access; inadequate health services; and unhealthy lifestyles.
caring, sustainable, inclusive, people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN Community,� SG Minh further emphasized.
The Regional Report on Nutrition Security, Volume 2 provides a number of recommendations that ASEAN Member States are currently undertaking with the support from UNICEF and WHO. These recommendations facilitate regional and national actions in addressing the challenges in attaining nutrition security. These include, among others, strengthening nutritionrelated policies or frameworks; prioritizing nutrition targets in the global direction such as SDGs; prioritizing strengthen health systems and promoting universal health coverage; strengthening a comprehensive approach in capacity building of relevant stakeholders; promoting community empowerment and behavior changes; and strengthening monitoring “This publication will serve systems. as a reliable reference in further shaping the ASEAN health The first volume of the cooperation in nutrition, joint Regional Report on in pursuit of a healthy, Nutrition Security from
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ASEAN together with UNICEF and WHO with the support from EU was endorsed by the ASEAN Health sector and launched in September 2014 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. Volume 1 presented a compilation of data on food and nutrition security among ASEAN Member States. This report showed that there is a high prevalence of stunting and wasting in children under five years of age in many ASEAN Member States. An estimated 5.4 million children in ASEAN suffer wasting. This is reflected in low weight for height, and can impair
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the function of immune system that increases the likelihood of diseases. There are also 17.4 million children in ASEAN that are stunted. This can result from a long-term lack of nutrition due to poor maternal health and nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding; and, poor feeding practices, lack of nutrientrich food or repeated bouts of infectious diseases in children. The first two years or first 1000 days of life are critical periods for preventing life-long effects of nutritional deficiency. (ASEAN)
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Japan inks P23-M development projects in Bangsamoro
COTABATO CITY -- Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa signed grant contracts with five Mindanao-based organizations for socio-economic development projects to be implemented in conflict-affected areas through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security projects (GGP). The grant assistance is under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) program. The package assistance commitment to peace and amounting to approximately to development efforts in Mindanao. P23 million, is part of Japan’s March 31, 2016
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Recipients include the Lower Riverside Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Lanao Intercultural Convergence for Development and Peace, Inc. (LICDPI), AlAmanah Humanitarian and Development Services, Inc., Philam Foundation, Inc., and Mindanao Children’s Library Foundation, Inc. (MCL). The contract signing was witnessed by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme and United Nations High Commission on Refugees among other members of the local press, the City Government of Cotabato, civil society organizations, students, and other members of the academe. Bangsamoro Development Authority (BDA) Chairman Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan extended his gratitude to the people of Japan through the Ambassador.
Bangsamoro peace process. He also highlighted that Japan had always been one of the strongest supporters of the peace process in the international stage since it started. The J-BIRD has been contributing to the development of conflict-affected areas in Mindanao (CAAM) since December 2006. From FY 2006-2014, 79 projects in the Philippines have been funded under the GGP amounting to USD 6,664,893.00 (P315,282,763.37). The projects include construction or rehabilitation of schools, training centers, water supply systems and health centers, and provisions for post-harvest facilities and equipment. With regard the Bangsamoro peace process itself, Japan is a member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the International Contact Group (ICG) -- mechanisms ensuring the faithful adherence of both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to the signed documents.
Government of the Philippines negotiating panel member and former Department of Agriculture secretary Senen Bacani said that “much is to be credited to the Government of Japan and its people” with “The continued support regard the success of the of Japan to the peace process
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continues today,” Bacani said. The newly signed projects will be implemented in the municipalities of Ampatuan, Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte, Al Ashaire Academy in Cotabato City, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur and Kalbugan Elementary School in Pikit, North Cotabato. “Today’s Grant Contract Signing… is invaluable to the Bangsamoro peace process. Efforts such as this, both initiated by the Philippine government and in its local and international peace partners, are sources of light against the darkness of injustice and bigotry, of hope, that we can realize our dreams of a Filipino nation united and progressive,” Bacani said.
“These projects, through your hands, must bear fruits, so that more will benefit from them. Peace and development can only be achieved if we work hand in hand and are looking toward the same direction,” he added. Meanwhile Ambassador Ishikawa assured the Bangsamoro people that Japan would continue to work hand-inhand with all the stakeholders to support the social and economic development in Mindanao through development assistance such as the J-BIRD project.
“I would like to close my remarks by wishing you lasting peace and prosperity in Mindanao. I hope the five (5) projects signed today will be Addressing the recipients of steadily implemented and make the grants directly, Bacani said substantial contribution to your that they should use the projects goal,” he said. (OPAPP) to their full potentials. “These grants come with responsibility – a responsibility not to Japan or the Philippine government but to your fellow Bangsamoro. Use these to improve your communities and to further strengthen the ties that bind you together.” March 31, 2016
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Former rebels receive gov’t assistance By: Rey Antibo
Compostela Valley Province -- Fifteen New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from various areas of the province go back to the folds of the law and receive cash and livelihood assistance from the national and provincial government of Comval. The 15 rebel returnees were presented by Colonel Macairog Alberto, commander of the 1001st Infantry Pag-asa Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to Vice Governor Manuel E. Zamora representing Governor Arturo T. Uy during the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) at the Social Hall, Capitol building on March 22. Each of the rebel returnees received P5,000 as immediate cash assistance, food packs and other materials such as mosquito nets, blankets and others, for their respective families. The rebel returnees were also given temporary shelter by the provincial government, meals and other livelihood assistance
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through a “half way village” somewhere in Nabunturan. Vice Governor Zamora urged the rebel returnees to completely abandon armed struggle and to become productive members of their respective communities and hoping that this will encourage others. Provincial Director PSSUPT Albert Ignatius D. Ferro said Filipinos, whether from the government or rebel sides, have been fighting for years yet the armed confrontations have given nothing but the loss of precious lives to the country. (PGO-IDS)
Organic Agriculture Awareness and Products Display Kicks Off By: jaszparas PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte -- Through the City Government spearheaded by the City Agriculture Office (CAGRO) organized the 1st Organic Agriculture Awareness and Products Display on March 16 at the ARF Gym, Barangay New Pandan. Various organic products and agricultural supplies were displayed on different booths such as vegetables, fruits, pesticides, among others. With this year’s theme: “Lawas Pahimsogon, OrganikongPagkaon Palambo-on alangsaHimsog nga Katawhan ug Lig-on nga Katilingban”. CAGRO head Alejandro Mayato mentioned that this is one of the activities of the 15th Araw ng Panabo celebration. He is advocating backyard gardening and Gulayan ng Paaralan in coordination with the Department of Education. City Councilor and SP Chair on Agriculture RenanteBangoy emphasized the contribution of the Agricultural sector in the city’s development which is to produce more agricultural products. Worth mentioning also is that our city is known as the banana capital of the country. Mayor James Gamao
represented by Atty. Jamail Lunar Macla cited the importance of using organic products and pesticides for a healthier and longer life. Meanwhile, an intermission number from the Farmers Field School (FFS) graduates of Gredu Elementary School followed by the audio visual presentation of ACES Organic Farm owner Francisco dela Peña, PhD and one of the active organic farming advocates in the city. Other testimonies were presented by Ma. Luisa Murga, Margarita Lanticse, JoemerMillada and Jules Baluran for the Technodemo Transference. P rivate sector also contributed to the realization of the activity such as; Pigrolac Agricultural Products, Macondray Plastic Manufacturing and PMC Enterprise. Samuel Anay and Reynaldo Agorde hosted the Program. (CIO Panabo)
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South Cotabato farmers learn silagemaking By: Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 31 -- To address concerns over increasing difficulty in finding pastures for livestock amid continuing drought, the provincial government here is training farmers on silage-making. Silage-making, OIC Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Flora Bigot ex-
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plained, is the process of preparing and storing fodder that
can be fed to carabaos, cattle and other ruminants in lieu of traditional fresh grasses, especially during long dry spells. She said the initiative to train farmers on silage-making is an upshot of clamor among farmers whose usual pasture fields are turning brown because of the drought that started last November. This condition, she added, is expected to persist for months based on the estimates of DOST-PAGASA that indicated that the current El Nino will continue until June, this year. “We are training farmers on preparing dried rice straws, corn stalks and similar materials and mixing these with molasses, which will be fed to animals,” Dr. Bigot said. The first training was conducted on Monday (March 28) for farmers in Banga followed by training of farmers in Polomolok on Tuesday and farmers in Norala on Wednesday (March 30). Training team will proceed to Koronadal City (April 1), Sto. Nino (April 4), Tampakan (April 5), Surallah and Tboli (April 6), Tupi (April 7), Lake Sebu (April 8) and Tantangan (April 11). Each training involves 40
farmers, at least two farmerleaders per barangay, the provincial veterinarian added. “These farmer-leaders are under obligation to train other farmers in their respective villages on making of silage,” she said. After the training, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian will distribute molasses that farmers could use in making silage, she added. The provincial government has allotted Php300,000 for the conduct of the said training. Apart from the training, the provincial government has also proposed for the distribution of feed concentrates and vitamins for livestock. “So far, we have not received any report of deaths among large animals such as cattle and carabao because of the ongoing drought,” Dr. Bigot emphasized. “However, farmers have complained that their animals are now emaciated.” In an earlier interview, she said that milk production of animals distributed under the provincial government’s dispersal program has decreased because of the drought. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
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OWWA-12 sets 6th Scholars’ Conference By: Oliveer Ross V. Rivera
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar 31– The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration XII (OWWA12) is set to gather its scholars for a two-day conference at London Beach Resort in General Santos City on April 7-8. OWWA-12 Director Marilou Sumalinog said the 6th Scholars’ Conference will be participated by OFW dependents and beneficiaries under Educational Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP). “Every year, we gather OWWA scholars to provide them new skills and avenues where they can enrich their values and attitude as government scholars,” Sumalinog said. “Through this activity, we are able to join OWWA scholars’ journey towards achieving life’s important milestones. As we take part on this event, we are certain that we are able to contribute worthwhile experience to each and every one of them”, she added. She emphasised that it is
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part of OWWA’s objective not only to support the scholars financially but also to continuously guide them in other aspects of their student lives. At least 100 scholars from different colleges and universities across the region are expected to attend the event. The participants are set to undergo undergo workshop and learning exercises focused on group dynamics and team building. This year’s scholars’ conference is anchored on the theme “Kabataang may maayos na kaisipan, karangalan ang hatid sa ating Lipunan”. (ORVRivera-PIA12 with report from OWWA12)
DOE, PIA spearhead multi-sectoral advocacy campaign in Butuan By: Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY-- The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, conducted a Multi-Sectoral Advocacy Campaign on Downstream Oil Industry on March 30, 2016 at Almont Inland Hotel, here.
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This is under the Communication Initiatives Program being managed and implemented by the DOE through its Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB). The advocacy campaign aimed to create and capacitate a critical mass of communicators/ media practitioners that would serve as conduits in disseminating the benefits and developments in the industry. One of the topics discussed was the illegal sale of bottled gasoline more commonly known as “bote-bote” peddled in sari-sari stores and even in households. The DOE urged the participants present to help stop this kind of illegal act. They also urged the local government units to pass an ordinance prohibiting the sale of “bote-bote” and penalize the violators considering the danger it would cause and harm the lives of the people.
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The DOE also discussed the Overview on the Downstream Oil Industry, LPG Industry Regulatory Framework, Retail Rules, Metrology and Basic Principles on the Sealing and Calibration of a Dispensing Pump. The DOE emphasized that “a well-informed and vigilant consumer is the best protected consumer.” Other DOI stakeholders present during the said event were representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Product Standards, Department of the Interior and Local Government – Bureau of Fire Protection, National Economic and Development Authority, Local Government Units, Liquid Petroleum Products (LPP) retailers, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) dealers and media practitioners.
DAR Agnor holds seminar on Integrating Work, Family, Personal Life By: Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY -- Employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte attended the Seminar on “Integrating Work, Family and Personal Life” held recently in one of the convention centers here. The seminar was part of the for Land Tenure Improvement month-long activities in line with Division Laudecia F. Acquiatan in the National Womens’ Month with her message encouraged every the theme “Kapakanan ni Juana, employee to put into practice Isama sa Agenda!” organized by what they have learned during the Gender and Development the seminar. (GAD) technical working group of The activity aimed on how to this province in partnership with maintain not only a productive DAR Ladies Association (DARLA). workplace but also a harmonious Provincial Agrarian Reform family relationships. It also Program Officer II Andre B. brings personal growth and Atega, represented by Chief development in order to live Agrarian Reform Program Officer a well-balance work and life March 31, 2016
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coupled with inner satisfaction from relationships with God. Honey Jane Dadula, DARLA officer and one of the organizers, said that this seminar will do in balancing the value of work while keeping their family’s relationships strong and healthy behind the everyday challenges in the office and home.
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resource speaker, said that “in this busy world, there are always competing demands for time. If the quality of our work affects the quality of time spend with our family, then, this seminar will give a perfect balance on integrating work, family and personal life.” Topics discussed were Complementary Roles of Husband and wife; Healthy Communication in the family and in the workplace; Affair Proofing of your marriage; Understanding men and women’s differences; and Making and managing money.
Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee pleased over “NGP” in SurSur By: Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Provincial Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (PMFPC) here has expressed satisfaction on the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) provincewide. Efren Rivas, provincial land devoid of lushness. administrator and concurrent In his opening statement, PMFPC chair, while presiding what the PMFPC chair told the over the 1st Quarter Committee PMFPC members, comprised Meeting held on March 29, 2016, of mostly government said that Surigao del Sur had agencies, including the army remained protective over its and police, had apparently existing forests. matched the “Presentation of He, who just came from 1st Quarter Forest Protection General Santos City recently, Accomplishments for CY representing Governor Johnny 2016, NGP and Mangrove Pimentel during the last Beach Forest PROJECT (MBFP) meeting called by Mindanao Accomplishments/Status for Development Authority (MinDA) CY 2016” care of the three Chair Luwalhati Antonino, said Community Environment and that Caraga Region, particularly Natural Resources Offices Surigao del Sur, had continued (CENROs) located in Cantilan, to stay on beautifully green of Lianga, and Bislig City, its forest cover as compared to respectively. other provinces. Meanwhile, for the NGP Pointing out the ill-effects alone, except for CENRO-Cantilan of “El Niño,” Rivas shared what which posted 94 percent, both he noticed along the way while CENROs in Lianga and Bislig City heading home on an overland reportedly hit the 100 percent trip—it was more of dried tract of mark in 2015. March 31, 2016
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LGU culminates 2016 National Women’s Month By Grace O. Montallana
DIPOLOG CITY--- The local government units (LGU) of Dipolog City and Zamboanga del Norte jointly held the culmination activities of the 2016 National Women’s Month anchored on the theme: “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda” at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention Center on March 28-29.
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Dipolog City Councilor Jasmin N. Pinsoy said that through the challenges and trials that Juana has encountered, still she is able to stand and fight for life.
“I salute all women for their determination, braveness, and fighting spirit,” she stressed. In her speech, Pinsoy encouraged women not to belittle their value as a mother who gives light to the family. “Their value to nurture their children and teach them to live uprightly is enough to impact the world as children are the future generation,” Pinsoy said. The celebration featured an ethnic dance competition and a video presentation of women who played a vital role in the history of our country. Highlighting the activity was the oath-taking of the newly-
elected officers of the Local Council of Women (LCW) from the municipalities of Katipunan, Piñan, and Polanco with Ms. Pinsoy as inducting officer being the committee chairperson on Women and Family Welfare. Meanwhile, Senator Teofisto Guingona III hailed the celebration to honor the empowered women of today and cited her role in nation-building. Guingona shared important contributions of women: to nurture life, to take care and provide stability and security in this chaotic world.
The presence of Senator Kiko Pangilinan motivated women to do more aside from domestic works. ”Women should be given an opportunity and privilege to do an extra mile of service for the country not merely in doing
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household chores as they have the capacity to do more,� he said. Among those who attended were City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, Governor Roberto Y. Uy, president
of the Local Council of Women Josephine Leyson, as well as officers and members of LCW in District I, II and III.
Sibugay ICT Council spearheads Digital Literacy Training for barangay officials By Alma L. Tingcang
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - - About 25 barangay officials and staff recently hurdled the 2-day Digital Literacy Training held at Sibugay Technological Institute Inc. (STII), this municipality. 32
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The training was sponsored by the Information and Communication Technology Council of Zamboanga Sibugay, in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology- ICT Office, which carries the theme, “Digital Literacy Training Towards Digitally Empowered Barangays.” ICT Council President and Board Member Eufemio Javier Jr. said the training aims to provide basic knowledge on how to use the computer, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel which are basic tools for barangay officials and staff to learn. Mr. Rodrigo A. Macansantos, ICTO head said participants were
taught the basics. “Most of the participants lack the knowledge and some do not know how to use the computer at all. They were also taught how to use the internet,” he explained. “Thanks to all barangay officials and staff for the enthusiasm on adopting and learning basic computer skills. You will know how to be fast and accurate as you go on learning. And soon you will be faster and more accurate in delivering services in the office through being digitally empowered. We, from the ICT Office, will continue to assist all Juan and Juana in Sibugay in
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all your ICT-related needs and endeavor,” he encouraged. Ms. Judith Abuan, a barangay health worker said, “This is my first formal training on digital literacy. During my undergraduate years, computer was just a subject and it was very complicated. When I started working at the barangay office, I always peep at what the treasurer is doing with the computer. Learning how to use the computer is very useful in
my work as recording can be computerized now.” “ I am grateful to the ICT Office and ICT Council for teaching me further on the functions and techniques of using the computer. It is my first time to use Microsoft Excel. This training is very important to me. I have learned a lot of new things,” said Ms. Maria Jouis Arsenal, an admin clerk.
DBM allocates P390-M for ZamboSur under BUB By Claro A. Lanipa
PAGADIAN CITY – To get rid of corruption and to ensure that Filipinos in the rural areas will benefit from government projects, the present administration introduced the so-called Bottom-UpBudgeting (BUB), where the people themselves are involved in the implementation of projects in their respective community. A total of P 389,997,020.00 was allocated by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the implementation of different identified projects in Zamboanga del Sur in 2016. These projects comprise roads, bridges, water systems, flood controls, agro-fisheries equipment and facilities, day care and health centers, skills
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training, livelihood programs and support services, among others. According to DBM, BUB is an approach to preparing the budget proposal of agencies, taking into consideration the development needs of poor cities/municipalities as identified in their respective local poverty reduction action plans that shall be formulated with strong participation of basic
sector organizations and other civil society organizations (CSOs). BUB is a game changing mechanism that allow citizens, local CSO’s and local government units to contribute directly in deciding how the national budget pie is subdivided every year, DBM described. This mechanism changes old paradigm in national budgeting process, making it more decentralized and participatory, according to the DBM. Its ultimate goal is to bring
genuine equity, development and empowerment to the poor households and communities and it makes growth more inclusive and transparent. Meanwhile, DBM also allocated for Zamboanga del Norte a total amount of P462 million, Zamboanga Sibugay with P243 million, Zamboanga City – P50 million and Isabela City with P16 million with a total of P1,160,988,620 for the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.
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NEDA bares 2015 economic performance of Northern Mindanao By: Apipa P. Bagumbaram
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Northern Mindanao gathered media practitioners and Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM) members to apprise them on the overall economic performance of the region 2015.
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Engr. Leon Dacanay Jr., NEDA regional director, said the forum is part of their regular activity to further improve the awareness of the general public about the economic situation of the region. In the media forum, NEDA-X bared that the region performed well in terms of agricultural and fishery production, trade and investments, and revenue collections. Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete, chief economic development specialist, said palay production posted 1.6 percent growth from 713,764 metric tons (MT) in 2014 to 725,120 MT in 2015 because of huge production during the last quarter of the year due to the seed and fertilizer subsidy program under the “plant now pay later” scheme. Despite the minimal decrease in the value of corn production due to decline in farm gate prices, the total volume of corn produced in the region in 2015 increased to 1,216,302 MT or 1.7 percent higher than the production in 2014 as both yellow and white corn registered increases. The region’s fishery sector also registered positive performance during 2015 posting 3.4 percent growth from 158,212.73 MT in 2014. Favorable yield was noted for both the commercial and municipal fisheries. Aquaculture also fared well although fish caging and seaweeds production decreased due to inavailability of marine bangus fry and warm weather, respectively. Similarly, NEDA-X noted surge in investments during the year. Total
investments reached P28.39 billion in 2015, higher by 65 percent compared to the P17.19 billion generated in 2014. The energy sector comprised more than half of the annual regional investments sharing 62 percent or P16.64 billion. These included construction of power plant in Manolo Fortich and Maramag, establishment of 165 MW coal fired power plant in Balingasag, completion of hydro power plant in Villanueva, and construction of building facility for an energy company in PHIVIDEC, Villanueva. Regional tax collections also breached the P10 billion mark in 2015. Reports from the Bureau of Internal Revenue showed that a total of P10.329 billion was collected in 2015, up by 13 percent from the P9.150 billion tax collections in 2014. Meanwhile, NEDA-X is seeing a downward trend in agri production in the first quarter of the year because of less planting activities due to the dry spell. But Clarete is confident that the region will maintain its performance in 2016. He said the national elections may slightly offset the side effects of the dry season. “Since its election year, we expect more investments and more expenditure that would generate opportunities for alternative employment,” he said. NEDA-X regularly monitors the regional statistics to gauge the targets for the regional economy and identify issues and concerns so that relevant policy recommendation and remedies will be instituted. (APB/PIA-10)
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DPWH submits list of completed infra projects in Oro CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some infrastructure projects undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Cagayan de Oro have been completed.
This is based on the monthly status report of various construction projects submitted by the DPWH2nd District Engineering Office to the Office of City Mayor Oscar Moreno copy furnished to the City Council committee on public works. Shown in the report, as of February this year, the completed projects are the construction of
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Balubal National High School (NHS), Macasandig NHS and Agusan NHS. The list includes the repair of multi-purpose buildings in barangays Consolacion, Camaman-an, Balubal, Bugo, Macasandig, Agusan, Tablon, Cugman, Macabalan, Barangays Nos. 5, 13, 15, 17, 18, 26 and 35 and the repair and maintenance of the Agusan River Control. The rehabilitation of the drainage along Tin-ao, Agusan, Lapasan, Villa Ernesto, Gusa, along Julio Pacana, Puntod, Macabalan and the improvement of the DPWH building are also included in the list of completed projects. According to the DPWH, the submission of the report is in line with the agency’s policy of close collaboration and coordination with local government units in the implementation of infrastructure projects in the region. (JBD/CdeOSP)
Declaration of brgys under state of calamity sought CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The City Council of Cagayan de Oro is set to act on the proposed legislation declaring barangays Agusan, Balubal, Bayanga, Bugo, Canitoan, Cugman, Dansolihon, F.S. Catanico, Indahag, Mambuaya, Pagatpat, Tablon and Tignapoloan under the state of calamity due to extensive crop damages brought about by the long drought caused by the El Niùo Phenomenon.
This is in response to Resolution No. 01 of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) approved during its meeting held last 16 March 2016, as endorsed by Mayor Oscar Moreno. The resolution requests the city mayor to recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod that a state of calamity be declared in
rural barangays severely affected by the current drought. According to the resolution, the drought caused damages to agricultural crops, livestock, poultry and livelihood in the said barangays. It cited that various offices of the city government, which form part of the CDRRMC, namely, the CDRRMO, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), Agricultural Productivity Office (APO), the City Health Office (CHO), and the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), jointly conducted damage assessment and needs analysis in the drought-affected rural barangays of the city. (CdeOSP)
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