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 Gov’t destroys 94 NPAsurrendered weapons in NorMin NPA exodus continues in Bukidnon NPA strength in Bukidnon diminishing as 14 more members surrender 1st IHL violation case vs NPA filed in Northern Mindanao NPA still recruits minors as combatants in NorthMin, Caraga Whole-of-nation approach in Bukidnon inspires more NPA members to surrender
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23 NorMin LGUs win SGLG award
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Sowing the seeds of peace the CSR way
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Reg’l summit vs gender-based violence opens campaign to end VAW 18-Day Campaign to End VAW kicks off in R10 PDL in region 10 decrease by more than 50% IPs in NorMin hold action planning workshop in support to EO 70
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PCOO Secretary Andanar recognized as Outstanding Atenean Bukidnon now ranks 19th from 4th on list of poorest—PSA survey 12 drug offenders complete ‘Balay Silangan’ community rehab anew Andanar urges private participation in addressing root causes of poverty, insurgency P100-M abaca fiber processing plant to be established in Lanao del Sur
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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.
Gov’t destroys 94 NPA-surrendered weapons in NorMin
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Some 94 firearms turned-in by former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and Militia ng Bayan in Bukidnon province were destroyed during a demilitarization ceremony held inside the 4th Infantry Division camp last week. The firearms were cut using circular saws to ensure that no parts of the firearms could be re-used or recycled. The demilitarized firearms consisted of 13 M16 rifles, 17 M14 rifles, two grenade launcher, one CZ 858 tactical, one 22mm long rifle, ten 12 gauge shotguns, 14 carbine cal.30 rifles, seven cal.45 pistols, one 9mm Uzi, eight cal.38 revolvers, one mini barret, one 5.56mm revolver, 16 improvised handguns, and two improvise rifles. 4
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Members of the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on ECLIP (RIATFE) in Northern Mindanao hand over check worth P5 million to the city government of Cagayan de Oro for the construction of a halfway house for former rebels.
National Defense Undersecretary and Task Force Balik Loob Chairperson Reynaldo Mapagu said the demilitarization of firearms is the government’s way of showing its commitment to ending the local communist armed conflict “By destroying the means by which the atrocities of the communist terrorist groups are perpetuated, we are showing that we are sincere in creating a more peaceful country for our children and our grandchildren to live in. Also, the demilitarization of firearms is a testament that we are not recycling firearms to pursue corrupt or other unlawful ends,” he said. The destruction of NPA-surrendered
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firearms in Cagayan de Oro City marked the second demilitarization rites conducted under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The first demilitarization was held in July, this year, in Tagum City and witnessed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The demilitarization activity dubbed “Kalinaw sa Amihanang Mindanaw” was conducted by the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on ECLIP (RIATFE) in support to the operationalization of Executive Order No. 70, known as the “wholeof-nation approach” in ending local communist armed conflict. During the activity, financial assistance packages totaling P2,862,000 were turned-over by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to 105 former rebels who embraced the path to peace. The financial packages consisted of immediate assistance (P1,560,000), livelihood assistance (P950,000), firearms remuneration (P142,000), and reintegration assistance (P210,000). The Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed cash assistance, sleeping kits, and family food packs while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority committed to provide skills training and livelihood programs to the former rebels and their families. Moreover, a check worth Php5 million was handed over to the city government of Cagayan de Oro for the construction of a halfway house. “The former rebels will now be our partners in championing the retooled community support program (RCSP) as they will be part of the core teams who will immerse in the barangays to mobilize communities into sectoral groups and
ushered them to participate in sectoral dialogues,” said DILG Assistant Secretary for Peace and Security Alexander Macario According to him, the RCSP aims to address identified issues of the communities by closing the governance and development gaps through the provision of government services, programs, and projects. As he welcomed the former rebels to a new peaceful life, he reminded them not to waste the opportunity given to them to start anew with their respective families. Macario also urged them to encourage their comrades to go down and return to the fold 6
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DILG-X Regional Director Arnel Agabe leads the ceremonial demiliarization of 94 firearms turnedin by former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and Militia ng Bayan in Bukidnon province.
of law to avail of E-CLIP packages. Meanwhile, Mapagu said the Armed Forces of the Philippines recorded a total of 11,969 surrenderees as of October 31, this year, of which 3,593 are either NPA regular fighters or Militia ng Bayan members. The rest are members of the Underground Mass Organization, Sangay ng Partidong Lokalidad, and mass supporters. Of the 3,593 former rebels, 2,991 have already been enrolled in the E-CLIP and have received financial assistance from the DILG. Written by Apipa P. Bagumbaran, ARD Photos by Vincent Philip Bautista
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NPA exodus continues in Bukidnon by 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army
IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- Members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) continue their exodus as another five surrendered on November 25 and yielded their firearms to the Community Support Program (CSP) Teams of the 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. On November 23, ten “Militia ng Bayan” and four regular NPA members also voluntarily yielded to the government bringing with them 12 different kinds of firearms and a hand grenade. The NPA surrenderees also belong to the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) doing threats in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. The promotion of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government by the CSP Teams and the continuous military operation played big roles in their surrender. They were informed of the benefits under the E-CLIP and that they will be enrolled after completing a series of interviews from the Army and the E-CLIP Committee. “I received information about the ECLIP - that it is a program of the government intended for us
Five members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) surrender and yield their firearms to the Community Support Program (CSP) Teams of the 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army on November 25, 2019. so I decided to yield as the others did,” said Alias Branch, 31, a former Squad Leader of SRC 2. He also shared that while he was with the NPA, they were always evading the army troopers operating in the area and getting information on the activities of the security forces was hard since the masses have withdrawn their support from the NPA. “I am expecting more NPA members to surrender as we intensify our combat operation and CSP immersion. We will not allow them to rest until they choose to surrender,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion. He also reiterated his call on the remaining members of the SRC2, NCMRC to surrender now to the CSP Teams in their community because the government is there ready to help then. In just one week, the 8th Infantry Battalion has recorded 19 NPA surrenders who are still in the process of completing their interviews before their enrolment to the ECLIP.
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NPA strength in Bukidnon diminishing as 14 more members surrender IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon --The membership of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon continues to decrease as 14 more members surrendered to the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, at 7:00 am of November 23. After the peace dialogue among the local government officials, tribal elders and leaders in the community, immersion of the Community Support Program teams, and continuous military operations of the Philippine Army, ten “Milisya ng Bayan” and four regular NPA members voluntarily yielded to the government bringing with them 12 different kinds of firearms and a hand grenade. They belong to the Sub-Regional Committee 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Command which continues to pose threats in Barangay Canangaan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. Mayor Reynante Inocando of Cabanglasan extended his gratitude to the surrenderers and promised to deliver more basic services needed in their community. He also underscored the importance of good governance in achieving peace adding that bringing government services closer to the people is much needed in today’s situation. “Fifty years is enough for the NPA to exploit issues. We will address these issues to stop their recruitment scheme. Let us work hand in hand to achieve this. Peace
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and development will follow,” he further said. The Local Government Unit of Cabanglasan has turned-over completed water systems and reservoir projects, multi-purpose drying pavements, multipurpose buildings, additional pipings, and seedlings, as well as distributed school supplies on October 1, 2019. These are proof that Cabanglasan is serious in addressing the issues exploited by the NPAs. Barangay Canangaan, on the other hand, has declared the members of CPPNPA as persona non grata on February 7 through Resolution No. 09 Series of 2019. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, lauded the 14 former NPA members for their decision. “They made the right decision. They are now feeling the presence of government services and they realized that armed struggle is not a solution to the problem. Good governance is the key and the local government will continue to bring it to the community,” he said. The surrenderers were informed of the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). They were also given assurance that the 8th Infantry Battalion will assist them in their enrolment to the program. Story by 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army
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1st IHL violation case vs NPA filed in Northern Mindanao by Apipa P. Bagumbaran
The Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade and the Office of the Regional State Prosecutor files before the Regional Trial Court Branch 25 in Cagayan de Oro City the IHL violation case of the New People’s Army under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Northern Mindanao has officially filed the first International Humanitarian Law (IHL) violation case against the New People’s Army (NPA). Through the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade and the Office of the Regional State Prosecutor, the case was filed Wednesday before the Regional Trial Court Branch 25, the court designated to hear IHL-related cases in the region. Bukidnon Provincial Prosecutor Rommel Alonto said the case was in connection with
the attack perpetrated by NPA members in Sitio Aurora, Barangay Santo Niño in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on May 28, 2019. Alonto said the accused are Omben alias Ronron, alias Jhon; Lino Namatidong alias Dahun; Mylen Colita alias Maymay; and Toto Taquin alias Jepoy who are all under the Sub Regional Command (SRC) 1 and 2 and Guerrilla Front 89 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC). According to him, the accused subjected to cruel and inhuman treatment the complainant who is a civilian and non-combatant. He identified the complainant as Ramiro Melgo Restuaro, a barangay tanod in Santo Niño. BrigGen. Edgardo de Leon, 403rd Infantry 10
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In a press conference, 403rd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen Edgardo de Leon bares that they are preparing more IHL violation cases versus the New People’s Army to stop their atrocities against civilians. With him are 1LtCol. Sergio Macarandan Jr, commanding officer of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, Fiscal Aldrich Uayan of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon Provincial Prosecutor Rommel Alonto, and Regional State Prosecutor Merlyn Uy.
Brigade commander, said the incident was admitted by NCMRC spokesperson Pia Paraiso. He said it was documented with the witnesses and the victim able to identify the perpetrators. “Hindi pinapayagan ng IHL na idamay ang mga sibilyan. Sa ilalim ng IHL, ang mga biktima ng karahasan ay entitled na magkaroon ng indemnification. Aside from that, yung mga gumawa ng karahasan ay dapat mabigyan ng sentensyang kriminal,” he further said. De Leon added that they are preparing more IHL-related violation cases against the NPA under NCMRC to stop their continuous violence against civilians. “The Army is also covered by the IHL. Our rules of engagement are in line with the IHL. We see to it that our operations conform with the provisions of the IHL. The NPA should be doing the same, all their actions should comply with the IHL,” he added. Meanwhile, Regional State Prosecutor Merlyn Uy said it is high time for the government to file an IHL case so that the NPA leadership and members who may be responsible may be held accountable under the law. “We, the prosecutors of the Department of Justice, are here to investigate all reports and complaints of possible criminal violations. By the time we take over a case for investigation, we are
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Bukidnon Provincial Prosecutor Rommel Alonto (center) names the NPA members accused of IHL violation during a press conference following the filing of the case at Branch 25 of the Regional Trial Court. With him are LtCol. Sergio Macarandan Jr, commanding officer of the 1st Special Forces Battalion based in Bukidnon, and Regional State Prosecutor Merlyn Uy.
impartial because we have to determine whether or not there is a probable cause to support a filing of a criminal case in court. Once we find probable cause and we file the information report, we take the side of the government and represent the government in prosecuting all these offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” she added.
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NPA still recruits minors as combatants in NorthMin, Caraga
A 19-year old NPA combatant known as “Kent” reveals that he was recruited by the CNTs when he was still 17 years old. Kent was wounded and rescued by 29th Infantry Battalion troopers in an encounter at the hinterlands of Brgy. San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte on November 2, 2019.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY --The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division of the Philippine Army condemns the CPPNPA Terrorist (CNTs) leadership for blatant violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for recruiting minors as combatants and Militia ng Bayan members in Northern Mindanao and Caraga. A 19-year old NPA combatant known as “Kent” revealed that he was recruited by the CNTs when he was still 17 years old. Kent was wounded and rescued by 29th Infantry Battalion troopers in an encounter at the hinterlands of Brgy. San Isidro,
Santiago, Agusan del Norte on November 2, 2019. Another former rebel confirmed that the recruitment of minors by the CNTs is rampant and he can attest to it. “I am only 12 years old when the NPA used me as a courier and I became a full-time NPA combatant at the age of 16,” said the 23year old alias Bradex. The revelation of the two former rebels was further confirmed by alias Karla, a 17-year old squad medic of NPA who surrendered last March 23, 2019 in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. “I was recruited and forced to join the NPA at the 12
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Alias Bradex, 23-year old, confirms that the recruitment of minors by the CNTs is rampant. According to him, he was only 12 years old when the NPA used him as a courier. He became a full-time NPA combatant at the age of 16.
age of 14 which made my life miserable,” she said. 4th ID Commander MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal said, “The presence of NPA child warriors is very alarming and everybody must take urgent action to stop the recruitment of our school children. It is a clear violation of Rule 136 of the IHL which prohibits the recruitment of minors by any armed groups involved in hostilities. I urge everyone, especially the
parents to take care of your children and together let us protect their future, our future generation.” “We can prevent this recruitment of minors and totally end the local communist armed conflict through our convergence of efforts. Let us give our full support to EO 70 r the Whole-of-Nation Approach to end insurgency problem in regions 10 and Caraga,” Gacal added. Story by 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army
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Whole-of-nation approach in Bukidnon inspires more NPA members to surrender
The local government of Impasugong conducts “Magbuliga Kuy” program at Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong on November 26 to bring government basic services closer to the people.
IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- The “Magbuliga Kuy” program of the local government unit of Impasugong encouraged at least seven Militia ng Bayan members to surrender and 68 supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF) to withdraw support to the terrorist group. They belong to and supporting the Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command. “Magbuliga Kuy” aims to bring
government basic services closer to the people. Almost 680 locals benefited in the program including the medical and dental services of the Philippine Army. Moreover, queries and concerns of individuals and barangay residents were also answered by local government office representatives during the conduct of the program at Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong on 14
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November 26. Before the Magbuliga Kuy came on the scene, the Community Support Program Team of the Philippine Army was immersed in the community to gather issues exploited by the NPA to recruit members and supporters. The issues gathered were conveyed to the local government for possible solutions. Addressing the NPA members and supporters who yielded, Mayor Anthony Uy said, “Thank you to all of you for realizing that you have been deceived, I swear to bring more services to our community and assure you that you will benefit from it.” He also reiterated his support to Executive Order 70 of the National Government which institutionalizes the Whole of Nation Approach and creates a Task Force to end the local communist armed conflict. He said the municipality of Impasugong will create its own Task Force to oversee and ensure that the basic services of the government will be delivered to the people. In four days, the 8th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based
in Impasugong has recorded 26 NPA members surrenderers and 68 supporters pulling out support to the CPP-NPANDF. Lt.Col. Ronald Illana, commander of 8th Infantry Battalion said, “This trend of many NPA surrenders signifies the disintegration of the CPP-NPA-NDF and the lack of NPA leadership in our area of responsibility in Bukidnon. We expect more surrenders in the coming weeks and it is a positive scenario whereby a great Yuletide celebration is coming for these former NPA combatants who opted to be reunited with their loved ones. He also emphasizedthat the wholeof-nation approach of the government is toppling the local communist terrorist group.” Meanwhile, the latest surrenders were oriented of their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government and are now undertaking a series of interviews before their enrolment to E-CLIP. Story by 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army
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23 NorMin LGUs win SGLG award CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- From 10 awarded local government units (LGUs) in the previous year, Northern Mindanao surges up its number of Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardees this year, reaching 23 LGU passers. For the Provincial Government category, the Province of Bukidnon made it to the list of awardees, along with El Salvador City and Valencia City under the City Government category. For the municipal government, the following snatched the seal this year: Impasugong, Kadingilan, Pangantucan, Quezon, and San Fernando from the Province of Bukidnon; Sagay from the Province of Camiguin; Bacolod, Balo-i, Baroy, Kapatagan, Kauswagan, Sapad, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Tangcal, and Tubod from the Province of Lanao del Norte, Plaridel from the Province of Misamis Occidental; and Lugait, Medina, Salay, and Villanueva from the Province of Misamis Oriental. “It is the honor of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10 that our local government units took the challenge of passing the seal this year. Despite the tougher criteria, more LGUs even won the SGLG award,” DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe said. He commended the efforts made by the LGUs saying “beyond the recognition and incentives that the LGUs could get, being awarded with SGLG manifests that ‘good governance’ exists in their jurisdictions and they are able to provide excellent services for their constituents.” This year, the SGLG carries on with the
“All-in” assessment criteria where the LGUs must pass all seven (7) governance areas of (a) Financial Administration, (b) Disaster Preparedness, (c) Social Protection, (d) Peace and Order, (e) Business Friendliness and Competitiveness, (f) Environmental Management and (g) Tourism, Culture and the Arts. For a province to qualify, ten percent (10%) of its component cities and municipalities must be passers, as per DILG MC 2019 – 44. “The SGLG assessment criteria continues to be upgraded and redefined to highlight the critical roles of our LGUs, to encourage continual improvement to the services they are providing,” Agabe explained. Moreover, he also lauded the efforts of DILG filed officers who contributed to this success. “We also salute our matitino, mahuhusay, at maaasahang DILG field officers who did the extra mile in preparing their LGUs for the assessment, through the support of their Provincial/City Directors,” Agabe further said. SGLG is a yearly award and incentive program that puts a premium on integrity and good performance as it seeks to institutionalize the continuity of local governance reforms and development. It is a progressive assessment system that gives LGUs a distinction for their remarkable performance across several areas. Story by Department of the Interior and Local Government - 10
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COVER STORY
The Rotary Club of Makati turns over P950,000 worth of livelihood grants in Bukidnon in support to the whole-of-nation approach of ending local armed conflct.
Sowing the seeds of peace the CSR way MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon — “Reaching the poor, even in the most challenging conditions is the key to ending extreme poverty. We need to focus on empowering the individual so that each one of us becomes an agent of peace,” said Vicente T. Mills Jr, president of the Rotary Club of Makati during the awarding of P950,000 livelihood grant to the Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups Through the Philippine Army, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department
of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the livelihood grant was turned over to five people’s organizations of Libona, Manolo Fortich, and Sumilao towns all in Bukidnon province. During the signing of Memorandum of Understanding at Alomah’s Place in Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Mills said this is not the end of the cooperation but just the beginning. “This is a long term process. Let’s work together to make this endeavor a milestone,” he said. The undertaking, known as the Rotary 17
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Peace Project, will cover around 700 IPs. It seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and mobilize the marginalized and the poor who are often left out from micro-credit schemes. Further, the project will help enhance a community-driven approach that will allow beneficiaries to collectively identify, prioritize, plan, and implement their development needs, which is in support of the government’s whole-ofnation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or ELCAC as specified in President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70). Beneficiaries include former rebels who are vulnerable and defenseless to any violence pulled off by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists. DOLE Bukidnon chief Raul Valmores said the five IP organizations, having been registered, are now entitled to all rights and privileges of legitimate workers such as mutual aid, sustainable livelihood grants, and protection of its members, among other privileges in accordance with its constitution and by-laws. These five IP group recipients are: I Love Bagalangit Manolo Fortich; I Love Licoan - Sumilao; I Love Lupiagan - Sumilao; I Love Ocasion - Sumilao; and I Love Capihan Libona. As part of the core group to sustain the project, Marcos Arbole, Vice President of Rotary Club of Northern Mindanao and Crispulo G. Vidad Jr., Past Assistant Governor of Rotary Club of Northern Mindanao District 3870, pledged to monitor the progress of the three approved ventures namely Beads making, Textile and Dressmaking (tribal attire), and Organic vegetable farming.
Lt.Col. Sergio Macarandan Jr., commander of the 1st Special Force Battalion, thank Vicente Mills Jr, President of Rotary Club of Makati, for supporting the government’s whole-ofnation approach of ending local armed conflict.
Corporate Participation in Peacebuilding “All of us, everyone, the whole nation is dutifully responsible for peace. We produce peace from our homes, we pursue it outside our homes, and we preserve it in the whole of the nation for all the time and for all,” said Communications Secretary Martin Andanar as he spoke before stakeholders of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in a forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in October at Cagayan de Oro City. He emphasized the important role that CSR plays in attaining mutual understanding and peace in conflictaffected areas. Secretary Andanar, who is the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Northern Mindanao (CORDS-X), urged the business sector to continue promoting the culture of peace through resolve and action. He also cited the private sectors’ contributions—through their respective CSRs—for doing their part in providing 18
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During a Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility Communications Secretary Martin Andanar emphasizes the important role that CSR plays in attaining mutual understanding and peace in conflict-affected areas.
relief packs for victims of calamities, construction of classrooms, creating homes for Filipino families, and for helping the government make our nation a better place to live. Chaired by President Duterte himself, the National Task Force-ELCAC’s mission is to ensure inter-agency convergence in project implementation to address causes of armed conflict at the local level. The task force works towards ensuring that social services, employment opportunities and improved quality of life should be spread out in areas experiencing clashes with communist rebels Working effectively with indigenous communities
approach in ending local communist armed conflict, the regional banner dubbed as Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) launched programs and projects epochal to the community. The 3K (Kaon, Kalipay, Kalinaw) Program of 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade and the Special Forces Combined Actions of Re-engineered Efforts and Services (SF CARES) had been the unit’s counterpart to the community development program. Gratified by the spirit of generosity, the unit’s commanding officer, Lt. Colonel Sergio P. Macarandan Jr, bowed his beret to the people behind the Rotary Peace Project. “My applause to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Makati. The launching of this phase created a great impact on the welfare and progress of the IPs. You have provided the avenue to generate income and taught them to value the skills they have acquired to support the financial needs of their families. Furthermore, the sustenance of this project lies not only to the people atop the flow chart but also to the people on the ground—the real maneuvers of the cycle. Sustenance comes from your efforts to hold it away from the cliff. Make it work and strive for sustainability,” Lt. Col. Macarandan said..
The 1st Special Forces Battalion helped in linking up people’s organizations, the national government agencies, and civil society organizations through its Community Support Program (CSP) in conflict-affected areas and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. With the implementation of EO 70 as an institutionalized whole-of-nation 18
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Story by 1st Special Force Battalion
Reg’l summit vs gender-based violence opens campaign to end VAW by Renee Mae Guhiting
As part of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW (Violence Against Women), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) held the Regional Summit Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), November 25 at Cagayan de Oro City. The GBV Summit also focuses on the vices and experiences of women in the marginalized sector as well as aims to collectively reflect on the gains and the continuing gaps in addressing GBV together with the members of the different inter-agency mechanisms against GBV
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- As part of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW (Violence Against Women), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) held the Regional Summit Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Recording 707 total VAW cases in the region with 575 Republic Act 9262 (Act Defining Violence Against Women and Their Children) violations and 68 rape cases based on the data on VAW generated from Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System as of November 5, 2018, CHR Regional Director Lawyer Jeanne Ivy Abrina said they now focus on halting rape and other forms of sexual violence against women and girls. The GBV Summit also focuses on the vices and experiences of women in the marginalized sector as well as it aims to collectively reflect on
the gains and the continuing gaps in addressing GBV together with the members of the different inter-agency mechanisms against GBV. During the summit, the term ‘gender-based violence’ highlighted the gender dimension of the relationship between females’ subordinate status in society and their increased vulnerability to violence. “It is also important to note that men and boys may also be victims of gender-based violence,” Lawyer Filipinas Palma of CHR said. To respond to the increasing number of VAW cases in the region, CHR recommends the hiring of psychologists, strengthening of educational drives, the establishment of mental health facilities, implementation of DSWD GBV programs, standardization of professional assistance, among others.
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18-Day Campaign to End VAW kicks off in R10 by Ma. Theresa A. Dacoron
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- With the theme, “VAW-Free Community Starts with Me,” the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW (Violence Against Women) kicked off in the region with a motorcade, parade and opening program spearheaded by the Regional InterAgency Committee Against Trafficking, Child Pornography, Violence Against Women and Their Children (RIACATCP-VAWC)-10, November 25, here. Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal said the celebration’s theme inspired every individual to make a personal commitment to end this kind of violence and play a part along with everyone else in the solution as a first step in achieving the country’s goal. “I believe, this annual nationwide observance of the campaign has emphasized the importance of understanding gender perspective in addressing key concerns in our society because as long as this type violence continues, we cannot truly claim to be making progress towards equality, development and most importantly peace,” Gacal said. For her part, Lawyer Rosa Lacanglacang of Parole and Probation Administration, Department of Justice Region (PPA-DOJ)-10 said the 18-Day Campaign to end VAW aims to promote awareness on the forms of violence girls and women experience and gave emphasis 20
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on violence as can be experienced by woman of any age, color, ethnicity, disability or economic status, and is rooted in gender inequality. To further strengthen the campaign in the region, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) held the Regional Summit Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) participated in by various stakeholders from different sectors in the city presenting the root causes of GBV. The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW supports the Philippine government’s goal of protecting the human rights of women and girls by upholding its commitment to address all forms of gender-based violence as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.
With the theme, “VAW-Free Community Starts with Me,” the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW (Violence Against Women) kicks off in the region with a motorcade, parade and opening program spearheaded by the Regional InterAgency Committee Against Trafficking, Child Pornography, Violence Against Women and Their Children (RIACAT-CPVAWC)-10, November 25, Cagayan de Oro City.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/regions/northern-mindanao
PDL in region 10 decrease by more than 50% by Jack Deniel V. Castillano
The BJMP is also looking into making sure these PDL will be reintegrated back to the society. Jail Senior Superintendent Ester G. Pepito, DSC says not all who are confined in the jails are guilty of their accused offenses
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY --The number of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) detained at jails in Northern Mindanao have declined by more than 50 percent, according to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) region 10. In Talakayan sa PIA held at SM CDO Downtown Premier, BJMP-10 regional director Jail Senior Superintendent Ester G. Pepito, DSC said there was a heightened congestion in 2016 during the program of war on drugs by President Rodrigo Duterte. But a sudden drop of PDL is recorded from 5,000 in 2016 to 7,000 in 2017 to 3,700 at present. Congestion rate was also down from 636%
to 186%. “We have decongested because of the newly built jail facilities region wide,” she said. Statistics would show that 80% of the cases of PDL are drug related. Jail Officer 3 Orlando V. Mercado of BJMP-10, said one of the factors that contributed to the decrease in jail population was the plea-bargaining agreement approved by Supreme Court. Another factor is the good conduct and time allowance. “If they show mabuting asal or good conduct and through paralegal efforts, PDL may have early release,” Lawyer Reymond Perez said. On human development, the bureau 22
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IPs in NorMin hold action planning workshop in support to EO 70
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) region 10 answers questions of the media during Talakayan sa PIA, media forum at SM CDO DOwntown Premier on November 18.
assured they provide various activities inside the jails. This include sport and religious activities, psychological intervention the safety and development. BJMP Regional Director Pepito said they are trying to professionalize their services to their clientele. The BJMP is also looking into making sure these PDL will be reintegrated back to the society. Pepito said not all who are confined in the jails are guilty of their accused offenses. In terms of transforming the lives of PDL, she said, “Hindi ibig sabihin nakulong ka ay hindi ka na pwede magbago. This is only probation for this people. We wanted to inform the people na may reformation. Dapat tanggapin natin. Dapat yung community tanggapin kung ano yung tao.– It doesn’t mean that if a person gets admitted in jail that they cannot change. This is only probation for this people. We wanted to inform the people that there is reformation. We have to accept them. The community should accept the person.” Feedback Mechanism was also launched. Any comments, suggestions for BJMP 10, you call or text them at 09392752428, 09392752427, or (088) 859-3908.
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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some 300 Indigenous People (IPs) in Northern Mindanao gathered here for a three-day Regional Action Planning Workshop in support to the 12 Lines of Efforts (LOEs) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC). Organized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-10, the workshop was aimed to provide a framework on the roles and participation of IP in the drive against communist insurgency and how to mainstream such participation in the implementation plans of the 12 LOEs under Executive Order No. 70. Datu Kailingan Cesar, one of the IP participants from Balingasag, said the workshop provided an opportunity to hear the concerns of the IPs in the region, to tackle their rights, and to come up with a solution that best suits their needs. He also emphasized that some of the government programs did not reach their communities because of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). Because of their presence in IP communities, he said government personnel who are designated to help the IP were not able to deliver the social services for the IP. Datu Cesar added that he was grateful for President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 as this will directly address the issue of the IP communities.
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Story by Earvin W. Bitoy
PCOO Secretary Andanar recognized as Outstanding Atenean
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar attended the convocation ceremony for Outstanding Alumni of the Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar was lauded as one of the Outstanding Alumni by the Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan on Friday, November 29, 2019. During the radio program, Cabinet Report sa Teleradyo, Secretary Andanar expressed his thanks to the Ateneo de Cagayan Alumni Association for giving him the recognition of Outstanding Alumnus Award for Professional Service in Communication. “I dedicate this prestigious award to my grandparents, parents, family, former teachers, classmates, and present colleagues. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!” he said.
“Just like the slogan of the Xavier University - being men for others - that reminded me and other awardees that what we are doing today, is not just for ourselves but also for the greater glory of God,” he added. Secretary Andanar revealed that the audio visual room where he received his award is where he first dealt with his stage fright. “It is the exact same room where I first faced my stage fright, when I delivered my first elocution speech twenty-nine years ago. Symbolic indeed, as it is what led me to become a broadcaster,” said Andanar who finished his grade school and high school education at Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. 24
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The academic institution’s Outstanding Alumni Awarding Ceremony is an annual event which recognizes individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the community and the society and have served as role models for others. The PCOO chief received the award on the sidelines of his official engagements with the local media and key movers in the city in line with his responsibilities and duties as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Northern Mindanao (CORDS-X). Secretary Andanar also bared plans to partner with non-government organizations and the private sector in addressing insurgency in the region, citing poverty as one of its root causes. “By having a united front to solve poverty, mas malaki po yung tsansa na magkaroon po talaga tayo ng isang lipunan na wala pong insurgency, na wala pong rebelde,” he further said. Secretary Andanar mentioned his meeting with the city’s Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, where he expressed interest in the church’s initiative in addressing malnutrition. He also invited non-profit groups to take part in crafting programs with the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC). The task force is set to meet with the city’s Archdiocese on December 13 during the RTFELCAC quarterly meeting. “This time around, kasama na yung mga members ng non-profit organizations or nongovernment organizations na member ng RTF para nga mas maganda yung ating approach sa pag-solve ng problema ng kahirapan dito sa Region X,” he said.
Bukidnon now ranks 19th from 4th on list of poorest—PSA survey The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the latest results of Poverty Incidence Survey lifted out the province of Bukidnon from the top ten on the list of poorest provinces. In a report during the 2nd Bukidnon AntiPoverty Summit (BAPS) 2019 led by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri in Valencia City on November 8, Supervising Statistical Specialist Brenda Lynn Castro of the Philippine Statistics Authority said Bukidnon ranked 19th in 2018—from No. 4 in 2015—on the list of poorest provinces in the whole country. She said that four of the five provinces in Northern Mindanao showed a decrease in poverty incidence. These provinces are Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental. “Of these provinces, Bukidnon posted the biggest drop of poverty incidence, bringing down to 32.1 percent in 2018 from its recorded poverty incidence of 54.1 percent in 2015. This showed a drop of 22.08 percentage points from the recorded poverty incidence three years ago,” Castro said. PSA’s food and poverty threshold in 2018 indicated that a family of five needed no less than P7,378—on average—to meet the family’s basic food needs for a month. This amount is the food threshold. On the other hand, no less than P10,481, on average, was needed to meet both the basic food and non-food needs of a family of five in a month. This amount is the poverty threshold. Food threshold is the minimum income required to meet the basic food needs, satisfying the nutritional requirements set by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) to ensure that one remains economically and socially productive. On the other hand, the poverty threshold is the minimum income required to meet the basic food and non-food needs such as clothing, fuel, light and water, housing, rental of occupied dwelling
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Senator Migz Zubiri gives the opening speech to hundreds of participants at the Bukidnon Anti-Poverty Summit 2019 in Bukidnon, November 8.
units, transportation and communication, health and education expenses, non-durable furnishing, household operations, and personal care and effects. Poverty incidence is the proportion of poor families to the population; those whose income falls below the poverty threshold or those who cannot afford to provide for their basic needs. BAPS brings a drastic drop in poverty rates Migz Zubiri disclosed that the province of Bukidnon made quite a jump in the Poverty Survey after the 1st Bukidnon Anti-Poverty Summit was convened in 2016, where convergence strategies were formulated and taking the province out from that embarrassing if not dishonorable list of top 10 provinces with high poverty incidence. “I believe that this [BAPS] exercise, humble it may be, is an effective tool in our efforts to bring down poverty incidence in Bukidnon. This is a venue where we can exchange ideas; set aside politics and find commonalities in our desire to
help the people of Bukidnon; forge partnerships among our local government units and national government agencies; work in close partnership with the private sector and civil societies and strengthening these linkages with various programs,” he said. He also reported that after the first summit, Gov. Jose Maria R. Zubiri, congressional representatives, mayors, and board members across the province signed a Pledge of Commitment, binding them to an oath to “fight poverty in Bukidnon and form a movement that will promote inclusive growth among the people towards sustainable development.” Education is the Key “We’ve always been told time and again that education is the key to success. This implies that it is education that opens doors to many opportunities in life to all people from all backgrounds—just as the key does. That is why we want to make education more accessible to our people, we want 26
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to bring the schools and skills training centers closer to them. To do this, my office partnered with Bukidnon State University (BukSU) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) because I believe that prioritizing education is one of the best ways to combat poverty in the region,” Migz Zubiri said. During the said 2nd BAPS, BukSU president Dr. Oscar Cabañelez reported that there are 12 satellite campuses now in the province enrolling more than 4,000 students. More campuses are also under construction in Lantapan and Dangcagan towns, he said. This BAPS initiative has seen the construction of classroom buildings and other facilities, provision of office equipment, funding of operating expenses, and hiring of teaching and non-teaching personnel of said satellite campuses. Likewise, TESDA Bukidnon chief Kotie Bax reported that Senator Migz laid the foundation for the installation of 17 skills training centers, with one special Tribal Training Center, that will give citizens easier access to technical education and skills development programs. “These TESDA training centers are LGU-run, and for this, TESDA recognized Bukidnon for having the first LGU-run training centers in the country,” Bax said. Anti-poverty flagship projects Migz Zubiri, in his speech, said the gains earned by the province of Bukidnon in bringing down its poverty incidence status is not a coincidence but the result of various poverty intervention programs. These projects are the construction of P700 million Northern Mindanao Wellness and Reintegration Center for former drug dependents; provision of P9.75 million top-of-the-line Dialysis and Ultrasound machines in Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center; construction of 12 BukSU satellite campuses in far-flung areas; and construction of the LGU-run TESDA Training Centers in 17 towns. Aside from these flagship projects, Migz Zubiri said his office facilitated the P592.6 million funding of different infrastructure projects as requested by cities and municipal leaders. These include the construction of classrooms,
multi-purpose buildings, covered courts, legislative buildings, halls of justice, ABC buildings, upgrading of plaza and parks, market buildings, bus terminals, municipal office buildings, gyms, hanging and footbridges, water systems, and farmto-market roads, among other infra projects in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program. More in the pipeline The provincial government also reported that in preparation for the completion of the Bukidnon Airport, the province has started drafting the Tourism Masterplan because Bukidnon could not be caught off-guard by the influx of tourists once the Bukidnon Airport starts operating. In addition, the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex will soon rise in barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City. In the same zone will also rise the Cultural Museum and Auditorium, the Grandstand, Aquatic Center, Gymnasium, and Dormitory. Challenges Anchored on the theme ‘Onward: Continuing Bukidnon’s Fight Against Poverty,’ Sen. Migz Zubiri is confident that holding the BAPS once every three years, with follow-up meetings in between, will help arrest the problem of poverty. Along with Migz Zubiri at the summit were Sec. Rolando Bautista of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Sec. Emmanuel Piñol of Mindanao Development Authority, Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri, Rep. Ma. Lourdes Acosta-Alba, Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, Rep. Manuel Zubiri, Rep. Rogelio Neil Roque, and LGU officials from across the province. Representatives from IP communities, the religious sector, the youths, and NGOs also participated in the said summit. “Though we have substantially reduced poverty incidence, we cannot rest on our laurels. There is so much more untapped potentials for our beloved Bukidnon to become an economic powerhouse among the provinces in the country. We, the leaders of Bukidnon owe it to the people,” Migz Zubiri said.
Story by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
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12 drug offenders complete ‘Balay Silangan’ community rehab anew by Kauswagan LGU
Kauswagan Mayor Rommel Arnado and Vice Mayor Evangeline Jubas lead the officials and employees of the LGU in receiving and congratulating 12 graduates of the three-month community rehabilitation program for surrendered drug offenders in PDEA’s Balay Silangan program. To date, 50 individuals have successfully completed the program and reintegrated back to the community.
KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte --A total of 12 drug offender surrenderees who successfully completed a three-month community rehabilitation program through the local government unit’s ‘Balay Silangan’ were showcased and presented to Municipal Mayor Rommel Arnado, local officials and employees during the flag raising ceremony, Novemner 18, in the municipality of Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte. The graduates comprise the third batch of successful participants of the local governmentrun program which opened October 2018. Since its inception, a total of 50 drug offenders have already completed the program who are now delisted from the drug offenders list maintained
by the Philippine National Police and the LGU. As part of the reintegration process, the LGU provides guaranteed work for the graduates who are locals of Kauswagan and continues to monitor their progress outside the program. While confined in Balay Silangan, participants undergo a structure and intensive community rehabilitation program with the goal of getting rid of their addiction to illegal drugs and other substances for a period of 90 days. ‘Balay Silangan,’ the national drug reformation program established by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in January 2018 and nationally implemented with the PNP and host LGUs, is a temporary refuge with the objective of reforming drug offenders 28
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into self-sufficient and law-abiding members of society. Prior to the Balay Silangan launch, Kauswagan was already running a youth reformatory center for drug offenders where confined beneficiaries undergo a boot camp for discipline and values formation since 2016. In October 2018, the LGU converted its reformatory center into a Balay Silangan facility to comply with the PDEA requirement for LGUs. It became the first operational LGU-run rehabilitation and recovery center in northern Mindanao. The Balay Silangan program in Kauswagan provides services to drug offenders who surrendered to authorities such as continuing education and health awareness, psychological, spiritual and physical activities, counseling, moral recovery, values formation, personal and life skills, among others. Likewise, national government agencies implement programs and services that seek to enhance education and livelihood skills of participants. A series of lectures on farming, agriculture, electrical skills, alternative learning system, among others, are regularly conducted in the confinement period. During such time, participants are not allowed to contact their families and the outside world and are required to adhere to discipline and values-based regulations, sanctions, and activities. Primarily, the rehabilitation process in Balay Silangan utilizes therapeutic community and narcotics anonymous following the 12Step Recovery Program involving acceptance, decision making, fearless moral inventory, readiness, making direct amendments, and spiritual awakening, among others. Benchmarking Between October and November 2019, at least five LGUs from different provinces in Mindanao have visited the municipality’s Balay Silangan facility to establish benchmarks and learn from its operational, administrative, management, and financial processes. While several LGUs are eager to install their
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own Balay Silangan facilities, a lot of them have faced challenges in terms of facility availability and funding requirements. A group of municipal officers and employees from the town of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte visited the program site, November 15 and acquired planning and execution knowledge on running the facility. Today, a group from LGU Baroy came for dialogue and sharing of best practices with Arnado. Earlier last week, another group from Camiguin Provincial Government also came. Due to the successful management of Kauswagan’s Balay Silangan Center, the PDEA and PNP have started informing other LGUs in the area and nearby provinces and regions to take a look and see the example set by Kauswagan in terms of successful and effective implementation of the program. “We are very thankful that we came to visit Kauswagan and we can see how the LGU and the mayor’s leadership have contributed to the successful execution of this program. We are inspired by Mayor Arnado’s political will and strategy and we hope to replicate these efforts in Nasipit,” said Lawyer Mary Christine Anthonette Salise-Punzalan, Municipal Local Government Operations officer of Nasipit town. For his part, Arnado relies on the commitment of national and local stakeholders in the successful implementation of Balay Silangan services. Likewise, he hopes that the beneficiaries who undergo the community rehabilitation program will successfully lead better lives after their incubation and confinement in the facility. “These drug offenders need to be incubated and for them to adapt to new values and a new life after the program. They are victims and they need to be fully supported by the government,” said Arnado. “The success of Balay Silangan in Kauswagan is an indication that the program may become effective and successful if the LGU takes the lead in the full execution of its services. For the drug problem in the Philippines to be resolved, such efforts and commitment in the community is really necessary,” he added.
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Andanar urges private participation to address root causes of poverty, insurgency
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar speaks before the members of the press during the turn over of brand new broadcast equipment to DXIM Radyo Pilipinas in Cagayan de Oro City, Friday.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar urged the private sector to participate in the inclusive approach of addressing poverty and insurgency in Northern Mindanao. Secretary Andanar, who is the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region 10-Northern Mindanao, emphasized this during a press briefing at the DXIM Radyo Pilipinas station on Friday.
Prior to his media engagement, the PCOO chief paid a courtesy call on the Archbishop of CDO, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, where they discussed possible programs to address growing cases of malnutrition among children and mothers, especially in conflict-affected areas. “Solving the problem of insurgency under the Executive Order No. 70 or the National Task Force to End Communist Armed Conflict requires a whole-of-nation approach, which means it’s not just on the military. It is also not just an initiative of the civilian government, private companies 30
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are also included in this,” he said. Secretary Andanar shared the successful feeding program implemented by the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro as one of the programs that the government can also undertake. “If you have a program that’s successful, that’s worth replicating, then it’s better to do that than looking for other programs that do not have proofs of success yet,” he said. The two parties will further discuss the partnership through preliminary meetings which will be spearheaded by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist and Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) of Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) on its upcoming conferences.
This, he noted, is an affirmation of the government’s commitment to provide a future for radio as an avenue to promote broadcasting and press freedom. “As long as there are passionate people who would want to further radio broadcasting and press freedom, there will also be passionate benefactors who are willing to help,” he said, committing that he will talk with ally countries that can help with the project.
Radio Rehab in CDO Secretary Andanar was also in the city to turn over new radio broadcast equipment for DXIM Radyo Pilipinas as part of the Radio Rehab project of PCOO in partnership with the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS). Cagayan de Oro City is the third recipient of the project. Launched in Butuan City, this aims to upgrade and refurbish all 27 state-owned radio stations in the country. Secretary Andanar mentioned the agency’s plan to extend the project to privately-owned radio stations that are in need of assistance while still giving priority to state-run stations. “It will not stop with the 26 or 27 PBS (Philippine Broadcasting Service) radio station. What we are planning is that we will extend this to all stations that are needing assistance, “he said.
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Story by PCOO
P100-M abaca fiber processing plant to be established in Lanao del Sur MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 21 -- A P100-million worth abaca fiber processing plant will be established in Brgy. Calilangan, municipality of Balabagan following the Bangsamoro Government Regional Board of Investment’s (RBOI) approval of the Hong Kong Feng Seng Heritage Philippines Inc. (HK FSH) registration. The plant, which will initially employ 107 workers, has a starting capacity of 12,000 metric tons of abaca fiber at 10 percent increase annually. All products will be exported to China for pulp making through Bloomfield (Xingtai) Specialty Paper Co. Ltd. Bloomfield supplies pulps to paper mills in China and the world. Manolito Hofer, HK FHS chief executive officer, said the project is part of his personal advocacy of helping end armed conflicts and push for development in his home province, Lanao del Sur. “I am optimistic that with the start of this facility, more opportunities will come to BARMM. HK FHS plans to establish additional 10,000 hectares of abaca plantations through contract growing all over the region including Zamboaga Peninsula to generate around 20,000 or more workers in the next few years,” Hofer said. HK FSH will also set up an abaca tissue culture laboratory and nursery to supply its plantation needs. Initially, the nursery targets 2,000 plantlets for 1,000 hectares in its first year of operations and increase it as the project expands in the years to come. Meanwhile, RBOI Chairman Atty. Ishak Mastura said, “as the year closes, BARMM has shown the benefits of peace in terms
of more willing investors in the region, especially since the Bangsamoro Organic Law just began its implementation this year thru the administration of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Interim Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim.” According to Minister Abuamri Taddik of the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT-BARMM), the region has developed an abaca industry roadmap focused on Lanao del Sur envisioned to maximize the potential of the area, empower the labor force through good agricultural practices and alleviate the lives of the people of the lake. The abaca is known worldwide as the “Manila Hemp”, with the Philippines as a top producer and exporter. The abaca fiber is considered the strongest of natural fibers. It is three times stronger than cotton. As per Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority’s (PhilFIDA ) 2018 data, ARMM is among the top five abaca producing regions in the Philippines contributing 10.07 percent of the country’s total abaca production. Lanao del Sur is second to Sulu in abaca production in ARMM and ranks eight in the country. The province has an approximate 5,621 hectares of abaca plantations with an average yield of 0.69 metric tons per hectare of abaca production. The registration of HK FSH will allow the company to avail of fiscal and nonfiscal incentives from the government such as income tax holidays (ITH), duty free importation on capital equipment and other applicable incentives upon start of the project’s commercial operation. Story by Bureau of Public Information BARMM
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