NORMIN The OfďŹ cial Electronic Magazine of PIA Northern Mindanao VOLUME 3 . NUMBER 04 1-30 DECEMBER 2019
PLUS
RTF-ELCAC X rallies support from POs, NGOs, COs to fight insurgency
OFFIICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR PIA REGION-X REGIONAL DIRECTOR
FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON
ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECTOR
APIPA P. BAGUMBARAN
PROVINCIAL MANAGERS RUBY LEONORA R. BALISTOY BUKIDNON JASPER MARIE O. RUCAT MISAMIS ORIENTAL & OCCIDENTAL RECTHIE T. PACULBA CAMIGUIN & LANAO DEL NORTE
PHOTOGRAPHERS VINCENT PHILIP S. BAUTISTA ZENER R. DUMAGUING RODOLFO D. MENDOZA
LAYOUT ARTISTS VINCENT PHILIP S. BAUTISTA SHAUN ALEJANDRAE Y. UY
CONTENTS President Duterte awards Medal of Valor to Initao police hero DOH pushes to improve nutritional status of children Christmas around the world opens in Tangub City Sec. Andanar to help improve education in MisOcc 35 brgys in Iligan continue community drug rehab program CHR-10 enjoins youth in promoting human rights 4ID urges youth to stand-up against NPA’s recruitment of minors
RTF-ELCAC X rallies support from POs, NGOs, COs to fight insurgency CDO suppliers hold 1st Christmas celeb for DOJ-PPA10 clients
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26 LGUs in Lanao del Sur declare CPP-NPA persona nongrata DOLE Project Angel Tree benefits 170 child laborers in Valencia
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Oroquieta City lights a tree for Christmas
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Camiguin’s Balay Silangan now houses 81 reformists
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122 ex NPA rebels, dependents now TESDA graduates
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Manobo ‘bakwits’ return home
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Camiguin still insurgency-free; to uphold RCSP
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Camiguin turns 1914 historical mark orange to end VAW
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Foreword NorMin Plus is a bi-monthly electronic news journal of Philippine Information Agency in Northern Mindanao dedicated to documenting the region’s development and progress for the benefit of Filipinos by Filipinos. With this in mind, we hope to inform and spread awareness to our countrymen the activities, programs, and campaigns that our hardworking people in government are working on to address our country’s current issues to build fruitful and humane standard of living for all Filipinos.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte alongside Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Francisco Gamboa awards local police hero of Initao, Misamis Oriental, Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Jason J. Magno Order of Lapu-Lapu Magalong Medal and Medal of Valor on December 5 at his wake in Initao, Misamis Oriental.
President Duterte awards Medal of Valor to Initao police hero INITAO, Misamis Oriental – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte alongside Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Francisco Gamboa awarded Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Jason J. Magno the Order of Lapu-Lapu Magalong Medal and Medal of Valor on December 5 at his wake in Initao, Misamis Oriental. In an interview, Gamboa said the medal of valor is the highest award from the PNP. The leverage of the award is the test of courage. He said, “Kita ninyo si President how he respects medal of valor
awardees. Ingon siya ang mga buhi, iya gyud saluduhan because it is very rare.” (You have seen the President how he respects medal of valor awardees. He will salute those who get to live because it is really rare). “You don’t even have to ask for it or even have to exert effort to get it. It will come naturally,” Gamboa added. The benefits of this award include lifetime survivorship pension to the wife with an additional P75,000 every month. In case the kids would like to enter the Philippine Police Academy, Gamboa said they don’t have to take an entrance exam as they will get in immediately. 5
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Magno died on November 28, 2019 while trying to save civilians and students from a grenade explosion at Initao Community College. According to the police report, Magno tried to secure a grenade explosion from Basher Ampaso Ebrahim, 56 years old, resident of Lanao del Sur, who tried to negotiate illegal logging cases involving his son at Community Environment Natural Resources (CENRO) Initao, Misamis Oriental. When CENRO refused to release the lumbers, this prompted the suspect to get angry resulting him to lash out and used the grenade. This, upon noticing that the pin was already removed, there and then Magno
used his body as cover to lessen the damage and to protect the people in the scene. Among the injured police was PSMS Alice Balido who was also visited by PRRD at the Provincial Hospital in Initao. She was given P10,000 cash, watch, cellphone and gun certificate. She was also given Order of Lapu-Lapu Kampilan Medal. Senator Christopher “Bong� Go accompanied the President during his hospital and wake visits to the two police officers in Initao, Misamis Oriental. Written by Jasper Marie O. Rucat Photos by Zener Dumaguing, Rodolfo Mendoza
President Rodrigo R. Duterte visits PSMS Alice Balido at the Provincial Hospital, Initao Misamis Oriental. She was given P10,000 cash, watch, cellphone and gun certificate. She was also given Order of Lapu-Lapu Kampilan Medal.
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DOH pushes to improve nutritional status of children Department of Health (DOH) region 10 discusses RA11148 “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act” (The First 1000 Days Law) during Talakayan sa PIA, November 25 at Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY --Department of Health Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) discussed the challenges of improving the nutritional status of children during “Talakayan sa PIA” media forum, November 25. Accordingly, there is still a need to improve the nutritional status of children in the country. Telesfora G. Madelo, nutritionist dietician of DOH-CHDNM said prevalent problems are the stunting (low in height for age) and obesity among kids in region 10. She said, among the programs they are pushing for are the Infant Young Child Feeding Program (IYCF) and the Law on the First 1,000 Days. She explained the importance of breastfeeding and giving children nutritious food using fruits and vegetables.
Through the new law RA 11148 “Kalusugan at Nutrition ng Mag-Nanay Act” (The First 1000 Days Law), Madelo explained this will give local government units the financial support it needs to implement and provide health support to expecting mothers. DOH said nutrition starts from conception. While the baby is still inside, the mother should already be given with necessary health support by the local government. This could be through regular health checkups and the provision of folic acid and other supplements for free. But it is still the responsibility of the mother to be careful of her proper nutrition during pregnancy. Madelo said stunting is irreversible. Similarly, Gilda C. Ajoc, Nurse V of DOHCHDNM said through this new law, they are now tasked to locate all pregnant mothers in the region. 7
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In the Republic Act mandated by the law, “We will make a track for the pregnant mothers, and that is called pregnancy tracking, and will look for those pregnant mothers, where do they live in our community, and it is a great challenge to look for them, and give them support and help on how to take care and give their babies a healthy life,” Ajoc said. She added that apart from nutritious food, pregnant mothers should talk to their babies in the womb to develop mental and emotional wellbeing. So far, DOH has been active to monitor
government hospitals to adapt Mother BabyFriendly facilities. This include not just developing breastfeeding stations but particularly making the hospital exclusive only for breastfeeding. It means that the hospital does not allow canned milk or bottle feeding to their newborns, Ajoc added. Through the implementation of this law, the call of President Rodrigo R. Duterte for Filipinos to be one of the healthy nations in Southeast Asia by 2024 will be realized. Written By Jack Deniel V. Castillano-PIA intern Photos By Elda G. Contratista-PIA 10 intern
Christmas around the world opens in Tangub City By Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon
TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental --A new set of Christmas symbols featuring 14 landmarks of select countries have been put up by the local government of Tangub City at the City Plaza for its 2019 Christmas Symbol Festival. Thousands joined in the countdown including national, regional and provincial line agencies. As guest speaker to the event, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin M. Andanar said the creativity of this event has brightened the city and given joy to the residents and to everyone who comes to visit. It has been 27 years since the firstever lighting ceremony of the Christmas Symbol Festival in Tangub.
The secretary added, “My office will definitely share and show this splendid display of lights to the rest of our country for the people to enjoy.” Tangub has gathered the artistic minds and hands for the creation of these lighted masterpieces, he said. “Essentially, it is the light that shows us the better side of life itself; that makes real possibilities of the invisible when shone brightly before our eyes; and that gives us the way towards a better future, where there is no more,” Andanar shared. Every lighted structure is a work of converging imaginative talents, meticulous labor, and skillful hands. Andanar added, “A dignified life of comfort for every Filipino, which our President has set as his vision may well be reflected in this joyous illumination of 8
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Tangub.” Tangub City in Misamis Occidental is touted to be the “Christmas Symbols Capital of the Philippines” because it is illuminated by different kinds of Christmas installations every year. Christmas Symbols Festival is one of the most anticipated shows in Northern Mindanao. It brings some of the world’s famous landmarks in a spectacle of light and gigantic art displays. For his part, Governor Philip Tan highlighted the most important and exciting moment every year is to be here on December 1. “Twenty-seven years of loving, sharing, caring and giving. It all started with one star and a Christmas tree and then slowly it grows bigger and bigger but the growth of Christmas symbol did not stop from the plaza,” Tan shared. The Governor said this is the Tangubanon way of simply giving and sharing the essence of Christmas from simple to an extravagant celebration. Meanwhile, City Mayor Jennifer Wee Tan said the sites featured were the Ashikaga Flowers Park in Japan, Patterson Park Pagoda in USA, Temple of Athena in Greece, Transparent Church of Borgloon in Belgium, Metropolitan 8
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1.) Tangub City in Misamis Occidental lights up its Christmas Symbols Festival. This is the longest-running festival here in the country now on its 27th year that starts every 1st of December until the 8th of January in 2020. 2.) In his keynote address during the lighting and opening ceremonies of the Christmas symbol festival, Communications Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar expresses his appreciation to the Tangub City leadership for sustaining the annual Christmas symbol festival in the city
Church in Philippines, Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta USA, Tivoli Gardens Denmark, Nautilus House – Naucalpan in Mexico, Park Of Cacti In Barcelona Spain, Basilica in Paris, France, Victory Square in Kyrgyzsta, Floral Peacock in Dubai, Berlin walk in Germany, Cascada Monumental Barcelona, Spain, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei and Keukenhof in the Netherlands. “One of the must-see destinations in the Philippines, during Christmas season. Tangub City offers an amazing display of Christmas symbols. An annual festival full of illuminated replicas of iconic landmarks from around the world,” she said. She added that visitors can even pay P40 to pick up their very own “passport,” which they can then get stamped at each of the “countries” they visit during the festival. The Christmas Symbol Festival will run from December 1, 2019 to January 8.
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Sec. Andanar to help improve education in MisOcc
TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin M. Andanar said he would give his full support to the thrust of the local government of Misamis Occidental to improve the status of education in the province. In a press conference, Andanar cited education as the greatest equalizer in society. Based on the findings of the local government, there are only a handful of high schools in the province, specifically in areas affected by the communist group. The tendency, Andanar said, is for the
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin M. Andanar (center) together with Misamis Occidental Governor Philip Tan (left) and Tangub City Mayor Jennifer Wee-Tan (right) answers questions from the media regarding the opening and lighting of Christmas Symbols Festival 2019.
students to drop out due to lack of schools in the area. Andanar gave assurance that he will be working together with the national government to add more high schools in the province of Misamis Occidental. For her part, Tangub City Mayor Jennifer Wee-Tan said the Department of Education can do a lot to help those areas affected by the communist. As the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for region 10, Andanar said, one of the 10
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important effects of having a CORDS is that the region has a national government that is listening. “Now, our responsibility is to be able to communicate and know the needs of the people and ensure that it will be heard in Palace,” he said. During his visit, Andanar was given an extensive tour in the city by Governor Philip Tan and Mayor Jennifer Wee-Tan. He also served as the keynote speaker during the opening and lighting of the Christmas Symbols Festival held at Tangub City, Plaza on December 1. He said, “This is the first time that I was toured extensively in Tangub, I want to share with you that I witnessed how beautiful Belvedere is and the site of the Gardens of the World.” He was very impressed by the leadership of Governor Tan because of the improvement and the non-stop development of the city. He also mentioned the construction of the Panguil Bay Bridge that will connect Tubod, Lanao del Norte and Tangub, Misamis Occidental and is to be the longest bridge in the Philippines. He said this will be a city with a citizenry that is ready for major development.
As the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for region 10, Andanar says, one of the important results or effects of having a CORDS is that there is a national government that is listening to the murmurings of the regions.
Story and Photo by Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon
Tangub City Mayor Jennifer Wee-Tan says Department of Education can do a lot to help those affected area by the communist.
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35 brgys in Iligan continue community drug rehab program
ICADAC Chairperson Mayor Celso G. Regencia (center) discusses updates with members of the Iligan City Anti Drugs Council for 2019 4th Qtr. meeting
ILIGAN CITY --The city government of Iligan continues to support President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s war against drugs as 35 barangays continue its Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP), according to Dr. Gino C. Meteoro, CBDRP supervisor. In line with the week-long national observance of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week from November 18-22, 2019, the Iligan City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ICADAC) lined-up various programs and activities. This year’s theme, “Katarungan Para sa Kalusugan, Kalusugan Para sa Katarungan” has enjoined all local and national government offices, schools and the barangay councils, religious groups,
as well as business/industries, and nongovernment organizations, to actively support and participate the activities linedup. In a report during the activity launching, ICADAC has presented that from January to November 14, 2019, forty-three clients were assisted and processed for admission to Iligan City Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center at Sitio Fatima, Barangay Abuno. Out of this number, 20 were admitted for in-house treatment. In coordination with the City Health Office (CHO), it also conducted a prescreening drug testing to 5,357 individuals, broken down to 1,280 job order applicants; 3,871 Tokhang responders/ 12
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surrenderers undergoing communitybased rehabilitation program (CBRP); 190 recovering drug dependents (after-care enrollees); and 16 barangay personnel.
Dr. Meteoro has confirmed that nine barangays were declared drug-cleared while two barangays, Kalilangan and Panorogangan, were declared drug-free. Another program that was introduced and was opened in October was the Facility-Based Drug Rehabilitation with Dr. Ray P. Sage, as the program director. The facility is inside the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Brgy. Tipanoy. There are 16 detainees with orders from the court to undergo six months of in-house treatment. The rehabilitation will no longer be transferred to government rehabilitation centers but the program will be brought inside the Iligan BJMP facility for three months only. Moreover, some 24 personalities from the city’s 10 barangays were admitted to Balay Silangan, temporarily located in the basement of the City’s Drug Rehab Center in Brgy. Abuno, with Retired Colonel Leony Roy G. Ga as the program director. The temporary Balay Silangan opened last October 1 and caters drug pushers listed in the validated watchlist, the first batch of which are free of charge or no monthly fee. They would avail of a three months program with services from the City Health Office, Department of Justice-Public Attorney’s Office, City Mayor’s Office-Moral Recovery Program and on the third month would be training on livelihood opportunities. Further, each family of the admitted pusher is provided with one sack of rice, assorted canned goods, dried fish and coffee monthly for two months while on the third month their provision will be shouldered by the barangay they come from.n As reported, the permanent Balay Silangan Facility has started its construction and will be opened and functional anytime in December 2019. ICADAC has continuous activities, undertake wholesome activities for the youth
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Dr. Gino Meteoro, community-based rehabilitation program (CBDRP) supervisor, confirms that nine barangays were declared drug-cleared while two barangays namely Kalilangan and Panorogangan of hinterland barangays are declared drug-free.
as an alternative to dangerous drugs, organize awareness advocacy/education campaigns., post-anti-drugs abuse slogans and posters in the workplace/ school campus/ barangays, and conduct unannounced random drug tests.
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Story and Photo by Lorry V. Gabule
CHR-10 enjoins youth in promoting human rights
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY --Kicking off the National Human Rights Consciousness Week with a motorcade and opening program, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-10 urges the youth to take part in fostering and strengthening campaign on human rights. With the theme, “Youth Standing Up for Human Rights,” the celebration slated December 4-10, aims to capitalize on the current momentum and spotlight the leadership role of youth in collective movements as a source of inspiration for a better future. CHR Regional Director Jeanne Ivy Abrina said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) “recognizes what we already have and what we struggled for. It gives us the hope that we can be more than we could have been.” Having the UDHR as their ultimate guide in doing their daily work, Abrina said such will be enforced if other stakeholders like the youth could help in upholding what is just and right. The event also aims to celebrate the potential
Kicking off the National Human Rights Consciousness Week with a motorcade and opening program, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-10 urges the youth to take part in fostering and strengthening campaign on human rights.
of youth as constructive agents of change, amplify their voices, and engage a broad range of global audiences in the promotion and protection of rights. For her part, Department of Justice- Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA)-10 Regional Director Rosa Lacanglacang said it is everybody’s responsibility to know and uphold human rights not only in times when one’s rights are abused. “Let us move together as one with our youth standing up for human rights because we are one,” Lacanglacang added. International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity. Story and Photo by Recthie T. Paculba
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4ID urges youth to stand-up against NPA’s recruitment of minors CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY --The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division of the Philippine Army urges the youth to stand up against the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) recruitment of minors. Based on 4ID records for the period 2016 to 2019, the CTGs were recruiting minors as young as 12 years old. The average age of recruits in Northern Mindanao and CARAGA Regions is 17 years old. Just recently, a 16-year old New People’s Army (NPA) member named Litboy Binongcasan was killed in an encounter with the troops of the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion at the hinterlands of Brgy. Manila de Bugabos, Butuan City. He was recruited when he was just 14-years old. His mother Genelyn Binongcasan emotionally said, “Nganu man girekrut sa NPA akong menor-de-edad nga anak? Kung wala nila ni marekrut, makatabang pa unta ni sa amoa bisan pa man nga mag-uuma lang mi, hapsay nga namuyo.” (Why did the NPA recruited my minor 14
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son? If they haven’t recruited him, he might have been able to help our family even if we are just farmers, living peacefully.) MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID Commander said, “The CTGs are destroying not just the lives of the minor combatants but also our nation’s future. In time for the National Human Rights Consciousness Week, it is high time for the youth to stand-up against the Human Rights violations of the CPPNPA-NDF and one of them is their recruitment of minors.” Gacal also urges the parents to take action against the vicious cycle of NPA recruitment to save the precious lives of our Filipino children.
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Story by 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army
COVER STORY
The RTF-ELCAC X in partnerhsip with OPAPRU and Balay Mindanaw conducts a Forum for Sustainable Peace and Inclusive Development with more than one hundred participants coming from the different POs, NGOs, and COs in Northern Mindanao. The forum aims to provide a venue to discuss and identify areas of convergence and complementation between the RTF-ELCAC TWG and POs, NGOs and COs in the region in implementing the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) program in identified priority and focus areas.
Written By Apipa P. Bagumbaran Photos By Vincent Bautista
RTF-ELCAC X rallies support from POs, NGOs, COs to fight insurgency CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC) in Region X made a call to the people’s organizations (POs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and civic organizations (COs) in the region to help the government address communist insurgency. MGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, RTF-ELCAC X Technical Working Group (TWG) chairperson and commanding officer of the 4th Infantry Division, said the capability, competence, and commitment of these groups in humanitarian aid, grassroots initiatives, local spaces for peacebuilding dialogues, and conflict
resolutions and reconciliation programs are vital in attaining just and lasting peace and sustainable development in Northern Mindanao. Forum for Sustainable Peace and Inclusive Development The RTF-ELCAC X on Monday, December 2, organized a forum for sustainable peace and inclusive development with more than one hundred participants coming from the different POs, NGOs, and COs in Northern Mindanao. The forum was conducted in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. (BMFI).
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The forum aimed to provide a venue to discuss and identify areas of convergence and complementation between the RTF-ELCAC TWG and POs, NGOs and COs in the region in implementing the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) program in identified priority and focus areas. In his welcome remarks, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno said the bottom line of the whole-of-nation approach is Bayanihan. He also emphasized the importance of solidarity in attaining lasting peace. “Mindanao has lived divided and polarized for far too long already. It’s about time that we leave the bias and prejudice behind, we leave the conflict and division of Mindanao behind, and learn to live in peace and harmony in spite of our diversity. Let us be united not only for Northern Mindanao but for the entire Mindanao,” he said. “As we pursue this agenda, we can attain peace and order that will lead us to growth and development. Hopefully, we can sustain it and see Mindanao becoming the land of fulfillment, a land of sustainable growth and development,” he added.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno emphasizes during the PO/NGO/CO Forum for Sustainable Peace and Inclusive Development that unity and solidarity are important for Mindanao to develop sustainably. He said when working together, Mindanaoans can attain the peace that will lead to growth and sustainable development.
Dialogue Towards Harmony Archbishop Antonio Ledesma underscored the need for understanding the root causes of inequality and the lack of basic services to remote communities. “If we can continue with local peace conversations, where we can bring together representatives of remote communities and representatives of the government agencies, there can be an acceleration of development projects in the right place,” he said. He further said that the government and non-government organizations have different services to offer, and if these can be harmonized through convergence and dialogue, they can build a society that is peaceful and developing for all. “We hope that with this gathering, the church and other church leaders can continue our roles as facilitators and mediators of development. It is important for government agencies to have this linkage so that we can bring to their attention what are the needs of the communities that see themselves as being deprived and being left out in
Most Rev. Antonio Ledesma, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro City, underscores during the PO/NGO/CO Forum for Sustainable Peace and Inclusive Development that the challenge for all of the regional stakeholders is to open their understanding of the root causes of inequality and lack of basic services to many remote communities
the development process,” he added.
Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Ariel Hernandez, the co-chair of the Joint Normalization Committee, said one of the keys to attaining just and lasting peace is reconciliation and social healing. “While we talk about social conditions and 17
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unification efforts. According to him, OPAPRU will also continue to pursue partnership and constituency building with NGOs and POs and church organizations.
BRIDGE to Communities
Ariel Hernandez, the co-chair of the Joint Normalization Committee, says reconciliation and social healing are also important to attaining just and lasting peace.
In the PO/NGO/CO Forum for Sustainable Peace and Inclusive Development, MGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal calls on members of the civil sector to help RTF-ELCAC X in the drive against insurgency. MGen. Gacal, who chairs the RTF-ELCAC X Technical Working Group, told them that their capability, competence, and commitment in humanitarian aid, grassroots initiatives, local spaces for peacebuilding dialogues, resolutions and reconciliation programs are vital in attaining just and lasting peace and sustainable development in Northern Mindanao.
how to end the root causes of insurgency, one of the most difficult parts of ending any conflict is how to close it. How do we bring the discussion of peace reconciliation and unity? How do we fix the emotions and relationships? The armed conflict may end but many will remain unhealed,” he cited. He said the POs, NGOs, and COs can come on board to help in local dialogues. The more that we are on the ground, the more we can be of help in pursuing localized peace and
Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, NEDA-X Regional Director, said the PO, NGOs, and COs can help in communicating that “the government will try its best to bring services to where it is needed.” She considered the PO, NGOs, and COs as the BRIDGE of the government to communities and the people. Addressing the PO, NGOs, and COs representatives during the forum, Cariño said, “We need you to Bring government closer to the people and people closer to the government, Relay to government what the people needs because government cannot be everywhere, Inform the people about their rights and what the government can do for them, Develop programs and projects for the communities and bring them to the attention of government agencies for funding, Guide the people correctly and, Empower them so that they can determine the kind of development they want to attain. Meanwhile, Gacal said the support of the civil sector will be the last component that would interlink the three major sectors in the society – the government, private sector, and civil sector - to go full on steam towards ending local communist armed conflict. In October, a similar forum was conducted by RTF-ELCAC X to elicit the support of the private sector and channel their corporate social responsibility programs into the conflict-affected areas. “To effectively address the challenges brought upon by the root causes of insurgency, it is evident that the approach to peace and nationbuilding should go beyond what the military is doing. We cannot move forward without everyone’s help and support,” Gacal added. In response, the participating POs, NGOs, and COs committed to support RTF-ELCAC in community mobilization and social preparation as well as in the provision of basic services to identified development-ready barangays.
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CDO suppliers hold 1st Christmas celeb for DOJ PPA 10 clients
Hope Marquez (leftmost) of HM Events and other wedding suppliers of Cagayan de Oro City shares how their group came up with the Christmas celebration for the clients of the Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA)-10, December 5 at Grand Caprice, Cagayan de Oro City which amount to P1 million worth of decors, goods and services.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DOJPPA)-10 along with some wedding suppliers in the city held a Christmas celebration for the former’s clients with the theme, “A Gift of Hope: Giving Change a Chance,” December 5, here. About 650 clients of DOJ-PPA10 benefitted from the first-ever event sponsored by private wedding organizers, which according to Hope Marquez of HM Events would amount to about P1 million worth of decors, 18
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goods, and services. For his part, City Mayor Oscar Moreno said the event is organized “tungod sa tinguha sa gobyerno, sa balaod nga matagaan ug bag-o nga tsansa, matagaan ug igo nga okasyon, panahon ug leksyon para kita makaplano unsa’y atong buhaton sa mga umalabot.” (because of the government and law’s goal to give a new chance, a right occasion, time and lesson so we can plan out what we can do in the future) Sponsoring this year’s Christmas event for DOJ-PPA-10 clients include Hope Marquez and Blues Marquez of HM Events, Azel OAcudan, Cleofe Tan of Accents CDO, RB Banaag for DJ services, Dennis Secoya for lights and sounds, Allan Christopher Michael Alejandrino, Clyde Harvey Yecyec of MVP Photography, and John del Bando.
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Story and Photo by Earvin W. Bitoy
The “bakwits” help LGU personnel in loading the sacks of rice and boxes of assorted canned goods from the provincial government as they return to their homes at Dumasilag, Sta. Filomena, Quezon, Bukidnon.
Manobo ‘bakwits’ return home KITAOTAO, Bukidnon --Manobo evacuees or “bakwits” returned to their homes in the hinterland part of Barangay Sta. Felomina, Quezon, Bukidnon, December 9. Two weeks after they left homes and stayed in makeshift tents inside the church compound of Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) in nearby Kitaotao town, the natives went home at 2:20 p.m last Monday right after Bukidnon Governor Jose Maria R. Zubiri spoke to them and gave them 150 sacks of rice and 300 boxes of assorted canned goods. In an interview, Kitaotao vice-mayor Edwin P. Abucayan said these bakwits are indigenous peoples (IPs) comprising 20 families of 109 individuals and 35 children. Abucayan said that before the governor’s dialogue with the evacuees, Kitaotao mayor Lorenzo Gawilan has ordered a team
Story and Photo by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
composed of Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives, Barangay Captain, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO), Rural Health Unit (RHU), and other concerned agencies to facilitate the return of said families to their respective homes at Sitio Dumasilag in barangay Sta. Felomina. “Unfortunately, the tasked team’s efforts to negotiate were wasted because their presence was ignored and all that they’ve said fell on deaf ears. Our intervention is to ensure the protection and welfare of the evacuees, especially the children. Although the bakwits are from our neighbor town, they are still on our watch because they sought refuge here in Kitaotao,” Abucayan said. 20
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Heal the sick children After a few attempts, the RHU doctors and social workers were allowed by the bakwits’ spokesperson to check the health status of the kids. The doctors reported that five of the 35 children were diagnosed with a severe fever, chest pains, and dehydration. The LGU team explained to the parents and informed them about the consequences of defying to bring their ailing kids to the hospital, but the bakwits’ insisted that their children were all fine. Another report suggested that the parents should allow their children to be rushed to the hospital. Violation of children’s rights Brig. General Edgardo De Leon, the commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Bukidnon said the bakwits’ defiance to bring sick children to the hospital is a clear violation of children’s rights. “This case involves children that the state has a special responsibility to protect. Republic Act 7610 makes it clear that children must not be put at risk. This is what the law says. So we must act according to our mandate. Otherwise, the parents will be charged with a criminal case in violation of R.A 7610,” he said. Guided by Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Act, a team from local government units of Kitaotao and Quezon along with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine National Police (PNP) exerted efforts on December 7 to rescue the said kids. Due to the bakwits’ resistance, the rescue team failed to get the five sick children. Some rescue team members, however, suggested pursuing the operation but considering hundreds of people and children in the neighborhood who will be affected in case of chaos, especially that it is already past 10:00 at night, PNP Provincial Director Roel L. Lamiing suggested deferring the operation. Hence,
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cooler heads prevailed. Unconfirmed media reports later said that the bakwits’ spokesperson has warned that some armed Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) or “Sparrow (NPA’s hit squad)” are with the bakwits inside their lair at the IFI compound. Hopes for a better and peaceful life Prior to the negotiation with the governor, bakwits’ leader Datu Wilboy Lay-um went live on air over DXMV radio saying they will only emerge in the presence of Gov. Zubiri. Asked why they left homes, Datu Wilboy said they were scared to stay because a report has reached him that the military will bomb Sitio Dumasilag anytime soon. But military reports showed that the area in Quezon where the bakwits left was not affected in the operation. Online views, thus, implied that the incident bolsters public suggestions that these bakwits must have been deceived by the alleged NPA organizers who carried out this exodus just to further the NPA’s cause. In an interview, Quezon town mayor Pablo M. Lorenzo III said the local government distributed relief goods on several occasions since the bakwits started arriving at IFI in Kitaotao. “We gave them food packs and other relief goods, especially medicines because these things were most needed as our RHU reported that there were sick children inside the campsite,” the mayor said. After weeks of staying away from their village, the natives rode home towards Barangay Sta. Felomina aboard dump trucks, accompanied by Quezon and Kitaotao MDRRMO personnel and local officials with the Army’s 88th Infantry Battalion. “I’m grateful to those who helped us in this crisis and in seeking a peaceful way to end this conflict. I hope that these bakwits from Sitio Dumasilag in Sta. Felomina—now that they’re home—would cross their fingers that the possibility of leaving home without apparent reason would never happen again,” mayor Lorenzo said.
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Camiguin still insurgency free; to uphold RCSP
The Provincial Government of Camiguin holds the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), Provincial Task Force on ELCAC, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Fourth Quarter Joint Full Council Meeting to discuss the updates on the Special Action Committee for anti-insurgency and preventing/ countering violent extremism, anti-criminality and anti-illegal drugs, public safety, community focused intervention, citizenship-building and empowerment, and environmental concerns, December 12 at Camiguin Convention Center, Mambajao, Camiguin.
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin — Even with its ability to remain free of insurgency, Camiguin still steps up its campaign on upholding peace and order through implementing the Retool Community Support Program (RCSP). Ranking first in the anti-illegal drugs performance evaluation in the region and recording only 27 index crimes, 80 non-index crimes, and 36 public safety index crimes, Camiguin is still named a secured and peaceful area, where criminality is manageable based on the assessment of the 58th Infantry
Battalion presented during the Fourth Quarter Joint Full Council Meeting, December 12, here. To further maintain peace and order in the province, Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo said once funds are available, all residents of Camiguin will be issued with an identification card making sure that the populace is well accounted for and terror group infiltration will not take place in the island. As to managing sea vessels, Romualdo said all pump boats would be color and number coded based on the municipality where operators have 22
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registered their units. Such will aid the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) or even mere residents to determine sudden entry of vessels with questionable identities or purpose. Noting how the province enforces peace and order in keeping its people safe, Capt. Ryan Layug of the 403rd Infantry Brigade said the RCSP, designed to know the conditions of the communities where government workers themselves listen and take action to lessen problems, will help Camiguin sustain peace and attain development. For their part, the 58th Infantry Battalion recommends the local government units to impose their authority to ensure that their constituents will not be exploited as the former continue their active deterrence and preemptive troop projection, intelligence monitoring and timely report closure, and partnership with groups and communities.
Story and Photo by Recthie T. Paculba
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Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo says during the Fourth Quarter Joint Full Council Meeting, December 12, once funds are available, all residents of the island will be given identification cards to prevent infiltration of terror groups and ensure all the people are well accounted for.
Noting how the province enforces peace and order in keeping its people safe, Capt. Ryan Layug of the 403rd Infantry Brigade said the Retool Community Support Program (RCSP), designed to know the conditions of the communities where government workers themselves listen and take action to lessen problems, will help Camiguin sustain peace and attain development.
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Camiguin turns 1914 historical mark orange to end VAW
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin -- The Department of Tourism (DOT)-10, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Camiguin and Mambajao Municipal Government, dressed the historical 1914 Plaza landmark with orange lights in support of the “Orange Your Icon,” one of the highlights of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). Regional Director Marie Elain Unchuan said such is the province’s way to break the culture of silence and VAW in tourism areas. Orange symbolizes hope and it embodies the government’s bright and optimistic approach to heighten awareness on VAW. Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo said VAW exists probably because of the culture that Filipino have, where women find it hard to fight back to their partners. However, he stressed that it is important to reiterate or remind people that women should not be abused. “Dapat sinasamba ang babae,” he said. The governor added that no matter how angry or strong women are, their strength does not come equal to men. Thus, men whatever their gender preference may be, must not use force on women. For his part, Mambajao Mayor Yñigo Romualdo said, “Violence against women is unjust. This should be addressed and prevented. Protection should be provided in all forms and at all levels. Women should feel safe and secured even inside their homes.” He said VAW is happening and could still be a problem years from now. The least thing a person could do is to increase awareness, support women rights movement, and recognize the importance of having events like the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW. Formerly named Plaza Unidad, the 1914 Plaza is an important cultural property built to commemorate the unity of the townsfolk of Mambajao, once the commercial center of the Province of Misamis.
Story and Photo by Recthie T. Paculba https://pia.gov.ph/news/regions/northern-mindanao
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26 LGUs in Lanao del Sur declare CPP-NPA persona non-grata Written By Apipa P. Bagumbaran Photos By Vincent Bautista
Provincial Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. (center) presides over the Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti Drug Abuse Council 4th Quarter Meeting where the efforts of the local governments in maintaining peace and security in the province including its anti-illegal drugs operations were tackled.
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur -- The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) are not welcome in 26 municipalities of Lanao del Sur, according to the 103rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army. Brigade Commander Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II said 26 out of the 32 municipalities under the area of operations of the 103rd Brigade have declared the CPP-NPA persona non-grata. During the Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti Drug Abuse Council 4th Quarter Meeting, Cuerpo encouraged the local chief executives of the remaining municipalities to do the same and join the other LGUs in supporting the efforts of the national government to rid the country of these communist-terrorist group. Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Office 24
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reported that the peace and order situation in the province is generally peaceful and “has been positively progressing.” It also announced the resumption of mobile lake patrol operation which was put on hold during the holy month of Ramadhan. One of the highlights of the meeting was the discussion on the extension of Martial Law in Lanao del Sur. Both the police and the army in the province recommended for the extension to sustain the peace and order in the province. Expressing support to the extension was the League of Municipalities of the Philippines LDS Chapter. The city government of Marawi, on the other hand, bared that its 96 barangays have manifested their support to the extension with the appeal that the curfew be adjusted
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The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Impasugong turns over to the 8th Infantry Battalion five members of “Militia ng Bayan” who voluntarily surrendered to the LGU on December 9. They claimed to have served the Sub-regional Committee (SRC) 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NMRC) that was terrorizing the communities in Bukidnon.
LGU turns over ex-rebels to Army in Bukidnon IMPASUG-ONG, Bukidnon -- Five members of “Militia ng Bayan” (MB) were turned over by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Impasugong to the 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army on December 10, 2019. The former MBs identified with their aliases voluntarily surrendered to the Impasugong LGU on December 9. They claimed to have served the Sub-regional Committee (SRC) 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NMRC) that was terrorizing the communities in Bukidnon. “Militia ng Bayan” is the arm of the NPA who focuses on the operation inside the community. They were tasked to monitor the movement of government forces within the community and inform the New People’s Army (NPA) regular members about it. They can also disrupt the soldiers if the situation permits. Their main task is to arrange the food, medical and other supplies coming from the sympathizers and going inside the NPA without being detected by the government. Mayor Anthony Uy of Impasugong expressed his gratitude for the trust of the former rebels to the local government and committed to help them. He also explained why they will be turned over to the Army. “We swear to help and we need to turnover
you to the Army for your interview and processing of ECLIP,” he said. If proven by the Philippine Army and the committee on Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) that these personalities are members of the Militia ng Bayan through interviews, they will be qualified to be enrolled in the ECLIP and be entitled to benefits under the said program. Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, the commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion appreciated the participation of the local officials in ending the local communist armed conflict in Impasugong. He also reiterated his call to the remaining NPA members in the area to surrender. “We are again calling on the remaining members of the SRC2, NCMRC to go and seek for your trusted local officials and yield, they are willing to accept and help you live together with your family.” Moreover, he reminded them that the unit’s continuous military operation and Community Support Program immersion will continue despite the lifting of the Martial law by year-end. Story and Photo by 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army
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DOLE Project Angel Tree benefits 170 child laborers in Valencia
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Dec. 12 -- The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Valencia under its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) organized a giftgiving activity to the profiled and identified child laborers in the city. In coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-X) Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (Buk PFO), 170 children were served and assisted on 6 December 2019 at the Valencia City Covered Court, this province. DOLE-X Buk PFO Chief Raul L. Valmores said the gift-giving program of the Department through the Project Angel Tree
had been regularly implemented in the LGU since 2010. The beneficiaries, aged 9 to 12 years old, were profiled by DOLE-X from the different barangays of Valencia City. Through the Angel Tree program, they received gifts or “aguinaldos” from their sponsors or “manitas and manitos” from the benefactors in the private sector and the LGU. Fiona, an identified and profiled child laborer of Barangay Kahaponan said, “Karong Pasko, gusto ko makadawat ug mga sinina, mga dulaan ug bag-ong sapatos. I wish naa pud mi kuryente ug tubig sa among balay. Gusto pud unta ko makadawat ug mga 27
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pagkaon pareha sa bugas, noodles ug mga tinapa.” (This Christmas, I want dresses, toys, and new shoes. I also wish we can have electricity and water connection in our house. I also wanted to receive food such as rice, noodles and canned goods.) At an early age, Fiona helped her parents in planting corn, resulting in missing classes during the planting season. She is also the eldest of five siblings to parents who are both farmers in their barangay. “Karon, nagapasalamat ako kaayo sa naghatag sa ako ug mga regalo. Nalipay pud akong mga ginikanan kay naa pud mi nadawatan na bugas ug de lata nga sud an. Lami pud kaayo ang Jollibee na gipakaon sa amoa karon,” Fiona said upon receiving her gifts. (Today, I am so thankful for the gifts I received, most especially to the rice and canned goods which my parents are also very grateful.) The children were asked to list down their wishes for this Christmas. Most of them wanted toys, educational supplies, clothing, and especially food for their families. Valencia City PESO Manager Elna B. Guzman said, “Christmas is one of the biggest and most awaited festivity in the Philippines. Filipinos love to give and receive presents, especially during Christmas time. It is indeed a merrier Christmas to our children, thanks to our LGU in coordination with DOLE-X.” Guzman said the gift-giving project aims to prevent and eliminate child labor in all areas of the city. At an early age, they have already experienced assisting their parents in providing food for the family. Thus, the PESO of Valencia City continues to commit and support Mayor Huervas’ desire to put smiles on the faces of these kids in this yuletide season with the help of our supportive partners from the private and government sectors. Likewise, Valmores said DOLE-X envisions to uplift the lives of these children and remand them back to school for their
170 Project Angel Tree children-beneficiaries receive Christmas presents for the Project Angel Tree, December 6 at the LGU Valencia Covered Court, Valencia City, Bukidnon.
education through livelihood and employment undertakings with their parents. Project Angel Tree, a component of the DOLE Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program, provides an array of assistance and services that may include food, clothing, educational school supplies, and even work and training opportunities made available by sponsors or benefactors (‘angels’) to child laborers and their families. It aims to improve the economic and social conditions of child laborers and their families and increase the number of allies and advocates of child labor prevention and elimination. It also supports Republic Act No. 9231 which defines child labor to be any work or economic activity performed by children under 18 years of age that subject them to any form of exploitation or is harmful to their health and safety or physical, mental or psychological development. Story and Photo by Department of Labor and Employment -X
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Oroquieta City lights a tree for Christmas By Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon
City of Oroquieta officially kicks off its Yuletide festivities with “Light a tree for Christmas,” a spectacular holiday lights and sounds show at a unique lighting ceremony of its Christmas tree that greets guests at the city plaza
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental-- The city government of Oroquieta, led by Mayor Lemuel Acosta, switched on the lights of the town’s Christmas tree at the city Plaza. The Oroquieta city plaza Christmas tree, which stood for the last 27 Christmases in the heart of the city, symbolizes the prayer of Oroquietanon for a better year. In his opening message, Vice Mayor George Almonte shared the improvements of the city. “We are blessed for being a city of good life,” he said. Speaking before thousands of spectators, Acosta said, “For 27 years, our city has been celebrating light a tree for Christmas that symbolizes our unity, our dreams and aspirations The lighting of the Christmas Tree and Belen was followed by a spectacular fireworks display and a Christmas carol from the Misamis Occidental National High School (MONHS). Aside from the Christmas tree, food stalls and Christmas bazaar around the city Plaza will also be open to the 29
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Camiguin’s Balay Silangan now houses 81 reformists
Mayor Lemuel Acosta encourages the Oroquietanon to celebrate Christmas merrily and to visit the Oroquieta Christmas Tree, to be reminded of hope for a better 2020.
public for the duration of the Christmas Season. Edgar Lamparas, 47, a spectator of the Christmas tree lighting said that he has been watching the lighting ceremony since it began in 2000. He said the city plaza was a place their family would visit yearly, especially since his two children loved the bright lights. “Kada tuig kalingawan gyod ni namo ang Christmas tree sa city plaza mao na mobisita gyod mi (Every year, my family enjoy watching the Christmas tree in city plaza that is why we always come here to visit and watch the lights of the Christmas tree).” A total of 52 trees lighted with white and blue lanterns while a giant Christmas tree and belen highlights the event.
CAMIGUIN—Designed to provide intervention, counselling and livelihood to illegal drug surrenderees, Balay Silangan here now has 81 enrollees from the five towns of the province. Housing 34 reformists from Mambajao, 9 from Mahinog, 9 from Guinsiliban, 7 from Sagay, and 22 from Catarman, the Balay Silangan aims to help the surrenderees become more productive and law abiding citizens once they are reintegrated to the society. Such shall serve as an instrument for the reformation of drug personalities who avail of plea bargaining as well as an alternative intervention for drug personalities who are not eligible to be admitted in treatment and rehabilitation facilities supervised by the Department of Health (DOH). Reformists eligible to avail the program include those who voluntarily surrendered and belonged to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) watch list; those who availed the plea bargaining agreement and/or convicted under Section 15 of the Act; and those who served jail terms for violation of the Act. Assessment and evaluation tools that determine whether or not the reformists are attentive, responsive and cooperative in all the activities of the facility will be used. Also, house rules was crafted to ensure smooth implementation of the program which shall be signed by every reformist. Story by Recthie T. Paculba
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122 ex NPA rebels, dependents now TESDA graduates
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--Some 122 former rebels and their dependents can now live normal and productive lives with the skills they learned from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). They proudly marched in toga and received their certificates in a ceremony at the 58th Infantry Battalion headquarters, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on December 21. TESDA also distributed their training allowance ranging from P1,000 to P2,400. Miraluna N Baje-Lopez, provincial director of TESDA-Misamis Oriental,
said the free training was conducted under the Special Skills Training Program of TESDA to equip former rebels with the necessary skills to start anew. “The benefits of the program include free training and assessment, entrepreneurship training, allowance of P100 per day for the duration of the training, and toolkits,� she further said. The training was facilitated by the 58th IB in partnership with St. Gregory the Great Technical School Incorporated, MANA Millennium Technical School Incorporated, GPY Consultancy & Training Center Incorporated, Goodwill Technical Skills and Computer College 31
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Incorporated. Julio Kumpas Jr., 42, said he is very grateful to the government for giving him opportunity to enhance his carpentry skills. “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa TESDA nga gitabangan ko, labaw na si Sir Ruel nga maayong nagtudlo sa amo sa paghimo’g balay ug paghimo’g haligi. Ika-duha nako nga pasalamatan ang 58th IB, sa Charlie company, nga dako kaayo sila natabang sa akoa,” he said. (I am very grateful to TESDA for helping me, especially to Sir Ruel who was a good teacher and taught us how to construct a house and pillars. I would also like to thank the 58th IB, particularly the Charlie company, which has been very helpful to me.) “Ang ginaingon didto sa amo nga dili mi magsurender kay patyon mi, dili na tinuod. Kami karon nga nagsurender, nakita nako nga dili man. Ang uban nag sundalo na, ang uban naa pa sa CAFGU, ug ang uban nag eskwela sa TESDA aron naa pud sila’y mahimong panginabuhian,” he added. (We were told that if we surrender, we will be killed. But it’s not true. I saw that those who surrendered, some are already soldiers, some are in CAFGU, and others were enrolled in TESDA training so they can earn a living.) Kumpas said he plans to open up his own carpentry business with the skills he learned and the free toolkits he will received
42-year old Julio Kumpas Jr. expresses appreciation to the government for giving him opportunity to enhance his carpentry skills. With the skills he learned, he plans to open up his own carpentry business
Miraluna N Baje-Lopez, provincial director of TESDAMisamis Oriental, commits that TESDA MisOr will provide the skills training needs of former rebels endorsed by the Philippine Army.
Story and Photo by Apipa P. Bagumbaran
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