Download - One Mindanao - January 14, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Adviser :

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Cover Story

Gensan blogger wins “Google Map Your Town Competition”

PGFruylanCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, January 14, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 101

page 4

Aquino keynotes 20th anniversary of Movement for Res-toration of Peace and Orde 8

Oliver Ross Rivera, Central Mindanao

FAB consultation series result in PPALMA area, to be reported in Congress 16Butuan City beefs up campaign against dengue 18 Maria Luisa Dianah Z. Generalao, Caraga Region

Cotabato City conducts security planning and consultative meeting

NSO undertakes the 2012 Census of Agricul-ture & Fisheries Villa Bayotas, Caraga Region

PSALM allows electric coops to increase years of contract, but to reduce power supply level this yearGideon C. Corgue, Western Mindanao

Shahana Joy Duerme, Central Mindanao

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City Govt. extends 20% discount to real prop-erty owners Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

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DepEd-10 holds 2013 School Health and Nutrition Congress Jasper Marie Oblina-Ruca, Northern Mindanao

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PIO-Opol, Northern Mindanao

Communities participate in dev’t planning

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34Southern Mindanao

Indonesia sends more aid to typhoon Pablo victims

Monday, January 14, 20134

Reynard Navarro, a member of the Soccsksargen bloggers or “sox bloggers” triumphantly finished the five-month online competition from April to August last year by mapping Surallah, South Cotabato and the City of General Santos with more than 1,200 edits. “Edit is a term used in putting identifiable marks to a map like name of streets, roads, establishments, tourist destinations and other landmarks using the Google Map Maker application,” Navarro said. Google Southeast Asia’s head of outreach, Aileen Apollo-de Jesus once explained that “Google Map Maker is a product that enables people to add to and update the map for locations around the world.” She said Google and the Department

o f Tourism (DOT) have been working

on the improvement of the accuracy of Google Maps in 80 provinces around the Philippines by encouraging map makers to do local map ups or “mapping party.” City Media Affairs Officer, Avelmar Manansala underscored the importance of map ups not only to increase awareness in tourism-related spots in the country, but most especially in locating disaster-prone areas in the locality to prepare for calamities. “This will help planning, engineering, and tourism officers in the locality to determine strategic locations in the area where establishments should be put up,” he explained. Manansala is the lead convenor of sox bloggers and also one of the four

Gensan blogger wins “Google Map Your Town Competition”

Another pride of the Tuna Capital

emerged victorious by bagging the top post in the recently concluded nationwide “Google Map Your Town Competition.”

CoVer StoRy

by PGFruylan

Monday, January 14, 2013 5

members of Team Philippines in the 2012 Google

Map Maker Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Hyderabad, India. In April last year, General Santos City hosted the first Google Map Maker Summit Mindanao participated by representatives from the religious sector, academe, local government unit’s (LGU) tourism and planning officers, bloggers, policemen and other stakeholders. Manansala said Google chose Gensan to be the venue of the Mindanao Summit because it

has “the most active community of mappers” in the area. “The latest, triumph of Navarro is a manifestation that our advocacy to propagate the use of map maker has been quite a success among volunteers in the region,” he explained. This, he said, is also in support of the DOT’s campaign: “It’s more fun in the Philippines” as nobody will be

lost while visiting places in the country. Meanwhile, Navarro received a netbook as a price and Php100, 000 to a public school of his choice which will be donated by Google in the first quarter of this year. Navarro chose Lake Sebu Central School as the beneficiary of his winning. Pupils of said school are T’boli children. Lake Sebu is South Cotabato’s tourism hub and home of the T’bolis who are known for their

rich culture that has been preserved and practiced until today.

6 Monday, January 14, 2013

ACROSS THE NATIONAquino says Chinese-Filipino community inputs helpful in government’s anti-crime fight

President Benigno S. Aquino III invited the Chinese-Filipino community to share its inputs on how the government could effectively fight criminality happening the in the country.

“We are looking for solutions that are strategic, rational, and effective.

In the national discussion that is taking place today, your perspectives are more than welcome,” the President said in his keynote message during the 20th anniversary of the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO) held at the Kaisa-Angelo

King Heritage Center in Intramuros, Manila on Saturday.

“After all, your movement was founded on the basic premise that law enforcement officials and the citizenry must empower each other; that both the private and public spheres must take active roles in keeping our communities safe and


Aquino says Chinese-Filipino community inputs helpful in government’s anti-crime fight

peaceful,” he added.The President also acknowledged

the gargantuan task that the government has been facing in deterring criminals and making communities safe.

For instance, he said that despite the decrease in overall crime incidence, crime volume in Metro Manila has increased from 2011 to 2012.

The government should work even harder to keeping cities and barangays free from crimes particularly those that are gun-related.

The country has also seen the revival of gun control debates following recent attacks related to the use of guns, he said.

“This public clamor only deepens the necessity of discernment to determine if this will be the solution to the issue. Is the problem about licensed gun owners, or lawless elements? Will a total gun ban really deter kidnappers, murderers, and robbers, and terrorists from committing their crimes? Is it a question of passing new legislation, or

more strict implementation of existing laws?” he asked.

The President said in previous interviews that he’s not in favor of imposing total gun ban in the country. Instead he suggested that the state must go after criminals and private armed groups to prevent gun violence.

Imposing a total gun ban won’t reduce gun-related violence because outlaws will not yield their weapons and this will only make law abiding citizens defenseless, the President argued.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has stepped up its campaign against loose firearm to fight criminality, he said. This will not only make this year’s midterm election safer and peaceful but will also ensure greater peace and order in the country.

The police is also conducting stringent operations against private armed groups as part of the government’s anti-crime effort, the chief executive said. PND (as)

8 Monday, January 14, 2013

Aquino keynotes 20th anniversary of Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order

President Benigno S. Aquino III keynoted Saturday the 20th

anniversary of the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO) in Intramuros, Manila, thanking the organization for its continuing support to the government’s efforts to fight criminality.

“Today’s gathering is marked by our determination to transform the circumstances that caused our tragedies into opportunities to empower and help our countrymen,” the President said in his keynote address.

Also in his message, the President reported recent developments in the government’s fight against crime.

For instance, the President reported that there has been a 10 percent decrease in crime volume for the entire country from 2011 to 2012. For kidnapping-for-ransom cases, he said it declined from 25 cases in 2011 to 11 cases in 2012.

There has been an even greater decline over the years, he continued. In 2009, cases perpetrated by organized crime groups stood at 35, dropping to 21 cases in 2010, 11 in 2011, and six cases in 2012.

There is also a decline in kidnapping-for-ransom cases perpetrated by terrorist groups, with only five recorded cases in 2012, down from 25 in 2009. In Mindanao, kidnapping-for- ransom cases have declined to only five incidents in 2012, compared to ten incidents in 2011, due to proactive efforts to promote community awareness and cooperation, the President reported.


Aquino keynotes 20th anniversary of Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order The Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG)

of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested 29 individuals involved in kidnapping in 2012, and now being tried in courts.

The AKG also continues to solve kidnapping cases, through a three-pronged strategy: intelligence gathering and community awareness campaigns, tactical and strategic management of incidents, and the enhancement of investigation capabilities.

The PNP also mobilized more police personnel throughout the country and intensified its campaign against loose firearms and private armed groups to fight crime, the President said.

MRPO, which was supposed to be an ad hoc group, was organized on January 13, 1993 following the abduction and murder of 15-year-old Charlene Sy.

The convention, which marked the anniversary of MRPO, addresses the concerns of kidnapping victims, their families and the entire community. Kidnapping, particularly of the members of the Chinese-Filipino community, has been a continuing

problem until today.In the past 20 years, MPRO

has served as a support group to kidnapping victims and their families, assisted the police and the justice department in investigating and filing cases in court.

The most notable cases pursued by MRPO include those of Charlene Sy and Coca-Cola executive Betti Chua, who were kidnapped 10 years apart.

MRPO also helped in the prosecution and conviction of the Jacky Rowena Tui kidnappers after a nine-year court battle.

To date, 57 cases were successfully tried with about 160 suspects meted life sentences after the death penalty was abrogated. Currently, 20 kidnapping-for-ransom cases are being tried in courts, the MRPO reported.

Among those who joined the President during Saturday’s event were Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, PNP chief Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima, Teresita Ang See, and journalists Jiggy Manicad and Ces Orena-Drilon. PND (as)


Legarda Starts Distribution of Geohazard Maps in ComVal, Davao Oriental

Senator Loren Legarda today kicked-off the distribution of geohazard maps to municipalities in the country during her

visit to the Province of Compostela Valley.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, started the distribution of the maps with the formal turnover to the local officials of Compostela

Valley, led by Governor Arturo Uy. She will also distribute geohazard maps to local government officials of Davao Oriental, led by Governor Cora Malanyaon, on


Legarda Starts Distribution of Geohazard Maps in ComVal, Davao Oriental

January 8.“Our local officials need to

have the valuable, life-saving information regarding risks present in their communities, all of which can be found in the geohazard maps. Many of the disasters that occurred in the country could have been avoided if our LGUs and all our citizens had knowledge of the risks they face. These maps show where it is safe and unsafe to reside or to build infrastructure,” she explained.

Legarda said that she will also distribute geohazard maps in other provinces in the country, but stressed that local officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) should thoroughly brief local government officials to ensure that the maps are understood and used properly.

“Our leaders and our citizens have the right to know if they are living in landslide or flood-prone areas, even before any typhoon signals are raised. With the knowledge of the risks present in our communities and with early warning signals at least seven days before any typhoon arrives, we should be able to radically

minimize the casualties and damages when a natural hazard strikes,” she stressed.

“No local official—governor, mayor, or barangay captain, will put their constituents at risk by relocating them to danger zones. Disasters should not happen before we begin to take action. We should arm our local government officials with the right tools to ensure that our nation is always prepared for disasters,” Legarda concluded.


Last week, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., announced he is bankrolling the registration of 200 provincial LGU employees who would

like to join the fun run in Koronadal City.

Pingoy said he allotted P50,000 for the fun run because of the benefits from PhilHealth Run 2013: Nationwide

Run for Mother and Child Protection

Pingoy was among the runners of the maiden Philhealth fun run last year.

Philhealth Run began

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato- Philhealth Run 2013 on February 17 gets support from the provincial government of South Cotabato.

South Cotabato backs Philhealth Run 2013By Dani Doguiles


last year with the simultaneous staging of fun run events in the cities of Koronadal, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Butuan, and Marawi.

This year, the event has been expanded into a nationwide simultaneous event with 12 more locations added to the aforementioned pioneer cities.

New venues include Manila, Baguio, Dagupan, Tuguegarao, Clark, Malolos, Laguna, Batangas, and Legazpi in Luzon as well as Iloilo, Cebu, and Tacloban in Visayas.

Ramon Aristoza, Philhealth’s vice president for Mindanao earlier disclosed that they expect at least 5,000 runners this year.

Proceeds will be donated to the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Diliman, Quezon City as national beneficiary.

PCMC is a tertiary capacity government hospital mandated to provide pediatric care, give additional training

programs for medical and allied healthcare providers, and specialize in clinical research.

Each fun run venue has also identified local beneficiary.

Aristoza announced part of the proceeds in Koronadal City’s fun run will be donated to the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in St. Gabriel, this city.

RSCC is a 24-hour residential facility run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12. Its services include social work intervention for abandoned, abused, and exploited children.

Assistance to the facility, he explained, would help the facility transport to it’s a permanent location and provide them with the initial fixtures and equipment.

Philhealth – Mindanao Run 2012 donated a total of P3.5 million to the Children’s Cancer Center and Blood Diseases Unit of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC)

in Davao City. Philhealth 12 also

bestowed P405,518 worth of office furniture and fixtures, kitchen utensils, as well as sports and musical instruments to its local beneficiary, the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY)- 12 another facility of DSWD 12, which provides shelter to youths in conflict with the law.

Barely a month to the event date, Philhealth continues to encourage fun run enthusiasts to register for the February 27, 2013 Philhealth Fun Run.

Interested parties in Soccsksargen Region may visit the Philhealth offices in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; General Santos City; Cotabato City and Koronadal City as well as at their service desk in Malungon, Sarangani province.

They may also visit the official website at www. run2013.philhealth.gov.ph for more information. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


Cotabato City conducts security planning and consultative meetingBy Shahana Joy DuermeKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The city government of Cotabato con-ducted recently a security planning and consultative meeting which was par-ticipated by peace advocates, law enforcers, and local officials of the said city.

The activity was pushed after the city experienced a series of crimes these past days.

The meeting gathered the opinions of participants with regards to the security status of Cotabato City nowadays.

Cotabato City Vice Mayor Muslimin Sema explained that the gathering was part of the Peace and Order Summit held last November 2012 wherein the city council gathered 15 suggestions from the participants

and submitted as resolutions.

According to him, the activity was aimed at crafting ways on how to combat crime in the area.

Sema also added the public’s participation in the meeting was very important since


FAB consultation series result in PPALMA area, to be reported in CongressBy Oliver Ross RiveraKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- After the intensive information drive regarding the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), one of the issues that the farmers would like to clarify is the assurance that the pro-posed new political entity will not affect the lands they are toiling.

The group of farmers also want to have more consultations on what would be the content of Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Farmers and barangay officials from the towns of Pikit, Pigcawayan, Aleosan, Midsayap, at Alamada or PPALMA area participated in the series of consultations.

P e a c e , Reconciliation and Unity Committee

Chairperson and North Cotabato Congressman Jesus Sacdalan will be updating Congress and the President.

Sacdalan said that among his main concern is to report the results of the consultations and forums made last December 2012 to January 7, 2013.

Sacdalan also assured farmers that his office will continue the

information campaign on the framework agreement to other farmer associations in his district.

Over 39 villages in North Cotabato are included in the proposed Bangsamoro area.

These are villages that voted “yes” to the plebiscite for inclusion in the ARMM in 2001. (ORVR-PIA12/ RRBautista-N. Cot. 1st Congressional District Office)

they play a vital role in intensifying the security in the city.

Meanwhile, police officials clarified the rumors regarding their slow response in times of crimes

particularly with regards to illegal drugs.

Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) Deputy Director for Administration Supt. Noel Kinaso, said that CCPO is doubling its

effort to arrest those behind the illegal drugs business.

With this, the official is calling on the cooperation of the people to work with them in achieving a peaceful


DILG Caraga joins unity walk for secure, fair electionsby Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Caraga Region joined the Unity Walk and Prayer Rally for a Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) 2013.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .


The unity walk and prayer rally is a kick-off activity, which marks the start of the election period. The early walk yesterday started from Guingona’s Park to Agusan del Norte covered court, this city, to the drum beat of the PNP Band.

In his message, newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Getulio P. Napeñas of this region said the 2013 Elections is a political exercise which must be safe, secure and fair enough. He assured the voters that the PNP together with other agencies involved for the elections will work in unity to achieve a peaceful conduct of the elections.

A lighting of Unity Candles during

the prayers offered by various religious leaders in the region was also conducted, participated by DILG, Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Department of Education (DepEd), City Government of Butuan and religious groups.

Atty. April Joy Balano, Provincial Election Supervisor of Agusan del Norte led the signing of the Unity Pledge on behalf of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Regional Director Francisco G. Pobe to manifest the firm intent of the voters to uphold the integrity of the election process and to elevate the level of maturity of the Filipino electorates by holding candidates to a law-abiding campaign.


Butuan City beefs up campaign against dengueby Maria Luisa Dianah Z. Generalao

BUTUAN CITY -- The city government advised the public to be more alert against dengue fever, as 398 dengue cases were recorded in the city as of December 2012.

The City Health Office (CHO) report showed that Brgy. Libertad is the most affected area last year with 30 dengue cases. Brgy. San Vicente followed closely with 28 dengue cases reported.

Records also showed that 65 of all the cases reported occurred in November 2012 alone.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes severe flu-like illness, and may be fatal if not immediately given proper medical attention. Symptoms include chills, headache, and pain that affects legs, joints, and the lumbar region of the spine.

A person infected with the dengue virus will also experience high fever that goes on for 2 days to a week. Other symptoms include nose-bleeding, stomachache and vomiting.

In an emergency meeting with city hall staff, Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. instructed the CHO to exert all possible efforts to lessen if not cease the spread of the infection.

To avoid the dengue-carrying mosquito Aedes Aegypti from inhabiting our homes, the CHO recommended these precautionary measures for a


NSO undertakes the 2012 Census of Agriculture & Fisheriesby Villa Bayotas

BUTUAN CITY,-- The National Statistics Office will be conducting the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (2012 CAF) on February 25 to April 13.

safer 2013: (a) Water drums and pails are the ideal aedes aegypti breeding grounds. If you have these at home, be sure to cover them to prevent dengue-carrying mosquitoes from breeding inside; (b) Stocked-water accumulated from refrigerators and dish organizers should be poured out on a regular basis. Water inside flower vases should be replaced at least once a week; (c) Search

and destroy possible breeding places of dengue-causing mosquitoes like discarded plastic bags, bottles, old tires, cans, earthen jars, and other containers that might hold clean stagnant water; and (d) Practice self-protection measures like wearing long-sleeved clothes and pants. Apply mosquito repellant on the skin to deter mosquito bites.


The 2013 activity will have January 2012 to December 2012 as reference period. This nationwide count involves several activities in the field.

Several census enumerators will be responsible in the listing of households and enumeration of agricultural, aqua cultural and fishing operators for the 2012 CAF. A team supervisor will supervise two to three enumerators (ENs). Eligible respondents/members of the households, LGUs, and the citizenry are encouraged to fully cooperate during the field operation.

The 2012 CAF is geared towards the collection and compilation of basic

information on agriculture and fisheries sectors of the country.

For Caraga Region, further information can be obtained thru the NSO regional office at Lopez Jaena E x t e n s i o n , Butuan City, and thru its four provincial offices with the following

addresses: 1. Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, Lopez Jaena Ext., Butuan City; 2. Agusan del Sur Provincial Office, Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur: 3. Surigao del Norte Provincial Office, Navarro Street, Surigao City; 4. Surigao del Sur Provincial Office, Pimentel Bldg., Telaje Street, Tandag City.


For the list of Philippine holidays in 2013 through Proc. No. 459, just visit the PIA-Caraga Blogspot at www.piacaraga.blogspot.com for the copy of the said proclamation...


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ZAMBOANGA CITY - Aside from its regular programs and short term courses in information communication technology (ICT), which government agency do you know that provides free computer services, trainings and training facilities in a daily basis to the general public?

A Community e-Center like no other operates in Zamboanga City By Felipo David G. Malcampo


This agency has a Community e-Center or CEC. It is an outlet for providing the general public with affordable access to a variety of services using information communication technologies (ICT). These include: telephone, internet access, email, fax, computer training, distance learning, online services and other kinds of services and information relevant to the community. It is for this reason that the agency is engaged the whole year round with walk-in clientele and participants attending various computer-related trainings. We are referring here to the National Computer Center, one of the several agencies under the umbrella of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST),

with their Mindanao Field Office here in Zamboanga City. In an interview, Rodrigo A. Macansantos, said that some of these ICT trainings run for a week or for the whole semester , depending on the required number of hours per course. For free or for a minimal fee, these trainings are either conducted in collaboration with other government agencies or with private entities. The NCC provide both the trainers and facilities and, in some instances, the venue and facilities alone. Macansantos is the in-house Training Specialist. What caught our attention is the short 8-hour in-house training that the CeC offers. It’s a course on basic computer application: computer fundamentals, MS Word and internet


access. The course is offered for free and it’s open to any sector or group of 15 participants per session. What further interests us is the frequency that this course is being conducted at the CeC. Macansantos said that last year, those who availed of this free 8-hour course include several women groups, public school teachers, students, out-of-school youths (though the assistance of DepEd teachers in the Alternative Learning System), and inmates of the city jail. Averaging 8 sessions (or batches) per month, some 1,440 individuals availed of the course in 2012, Macansantos added. For the jail inmates training on basic computer application “ we conducted the separate training for male and female detainees right in the premises of the city jail, bringing along with us the laptops and power point projector!” Macansantos

clarified. The in-house trainer clarified that there are no pre-conditions or pre-qualifications needed for those who want to take the course. He said that the window of opportunity is open to both the young and the old – for as long as they are interested to learn. Macansantos said the NCC-CeC has opened the windows of opportunities for those who have availed their services – the impact of which cannot be fully measured. He cited how for example, a lady detainee was able to link with her relatives at the end of the day of training. “The relatives do not know of her whereabouts. She saw “the window of opportunity” through facebook. Got the basic instructions on how to surf in the internet. And so, they were linked,” he said.


This was recently revealed by Zamboanga del Sur Electeric Cooperative I (ZAMSURECO I) General Manager (GM) Raul Sanie. Saniel, who was then board of director of Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) now GM, said PSALM

proposed to approve AMRECO’s request of increasing the number of years of their contract from one (1) year to four (4) years saying that 1 year is too short for them to avail their services and brought anxiety to the electric coops. “Electric coop managers will

PAGADIAN CITY - The National Power Corporation (NPC) through Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation will increase the number of years of contract in all electric cooperatives in Mindanao but will reduce the supply level of demand of contracted energy for this year.

PSALM allows electric coops to increase years of contract, but to reduce power supply level this yearBy Gideon C. Corgue


always be anxious especially during the expiration date of their contract,” Saniel said adding that they are not certain if they could still renew contract with the PSALM. AMRECO members, Saniel said used to avail only a 1-year contract from PSALM, the state-run holding company which assumed control of NPC’s power plants and where all electric coops used to buy power supply’. During the recent AMRECO’s board of directors meeting in Cagayan De Oro City, Saniel said PSALM has announced that they will renew electric coops’ contract provided, however that they will reduce the power supply. The 18,960 kilowatts provided by PSALM to AMRECO in January 2012 will now become 14,094 kilowatts for this year. On February, from 21,000

kilowatts will be reduced to 12,000 kilowatts, and the worst will be on June, from 19,548 kilowatts it will be reduced to 9,552 kilowatts, Saniel sadly reported quoting PSALM. Saniel said PSALM’s report of power outlook in Mindanao in 2013 has shocked the AMRECO’s board of directors. Saniel said despite PSALM’s order to AMRECO to sign a contract with them, they protested the call. “We (AMRECO) did not sign a contract because if we will do so, this would tantamount to writing a death wish of all electric coops. Instead, the board issued a resolution requesting PSALM to give AMRECO six (6) months leeway to negotiate with them for the retention of power supply enjoyed by the AMRECO in 2012,” Saniel declared.

DIPOLOG CITY - The Dipolog City Government through its Treasurer’s Office is extending a twenty percent (20%) discount to all real property owners who will pay their real estate tax for the whole year on or before January 31, 2013.

City Govt. extends 20% discount to real property ownersBy Alfonso T. Ruda

Ms. Juanita Arquiza, the current head of the Land Tax Division of the City Treasurer’s Office said the extension of 20% discount to the real property owners who will pay

in advance their real estate tax for 2013 is in response to the letter-request of Mayor Evelyn Uy to Finance Committee of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.


According to Mayor Uy, through the discount, the taxpayers will only pay 80% of the amount of tax to be collected as mandated by law. The City Government will implement starting this year the amended version of the 1997 Revised Revenue Code of Dipolog City. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 233, 235 and 250 of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 and Ordinance No. 12-232, known as An Ordinance Amending Tax Ordinance no. 96-001, Series of 1996 , basic tax on the real properties at the rate of 2% per annum and an additional 1 % for the Special Education Fund for Calendar Year 2013 will accrue on the first day of January which will be collected simultaneously. Under RA 7160, Local Revenue Code will be amended every five years. The last time, that the Local Revenue of Dipolog City was in

1996 which was implemented in 1997. Since then, it is only now that the City’s Revenue Code has been amended. Said taxes maybe paid in four (4) equal installments without penalty under the following schedule. First installment-on or before March 31, 2013; 2nd installment, on or before June 30, 2013;third installment, on or before September 30, 2013; and the last installment will be on December 31, 2013. Failure to pay the real property taxes for both the Basic Tax and Special Education Fund on the said dates will constitute a 2% penalty for each month of delinquency. Along this line, Dipolog City Treasurer Sancen Caroro enjoined all real property owners or their administrators to pay their real property taxes at the Office of the City Treasurer, city Hall Bldg., Dipolog City.


DENR 10 holds value formation, environmental awareness seminarby Lina D. Calvez

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 10 (DENR 10) successfully conducted a one day Value Formation/Strengthening and Environmental Awareness Seminar on December 27 last year.

Selected members of the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council (CDORBMC) – Technical Working Group (TWG), people’s organizations (POs) from the province of Bukidnon and personnel

of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources participated in the seminar held in Cagayan de Oro City The activity was sponsored by DENR through the CDORBMC which is


This Congress is indeed necessary considering its aim to achieve the effective delivery of health and

nutrition service for the attainment of optimum health and high academic performance of our students, said Dr.

DepEd-10 holds 2013 School Health and Nutrition Congressby Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - With the theme, “Moving Forward to Healthy School Children in Region X: Our Commitment,” the Department of Education in Region 10 (DepEd-10)will hold a congress focusing on various strategies on health care delivery to improve health and nutritional status of students.

chaired by Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma and co-chaired by DENR 10 Regional Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan and Regional Director Rene Burdeos of the Department of Interior and Local Government. Forester Arnulfo Osio of DENR 10 gave a lecture about the Environment while Dr. Miguela Napierre gave a lecture on Values. The one- day activity was capped with a Mass which was celebrated by Father Jose Daniel Coronel. Gising Barangay Movement National Convenor and vice-chairman of the TWG – Community Development delivered a message during the opening program. The activity was organized by the CDORBMC Project Management Office headed by Forester Fidel Gamos, Jr. Representatives of the People’s Organizations from the municipalities of Talakag and Baungon, Bukidnon

participated in the activity. The POs live near Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park which is part of the Cagayan de Oro River Basin. The POs are also partners of the DENR in the National Greening Program (NGP).

Representatives from the POs from the municipality of Baungon, Bukidnon include the Kalangan San Vicente Farmers Association (KALASANFA), Langam Farmers Association (LAFA), Sta. Cruz Laculac Farmers Association (SALAFA) and Kalilangan United Forest Farmers Association (KUFFA). The POs from the municipality of Talakag include Sagaran Farmers Association (SAFA), Inc., Pagsabuwahan Pag-awit Hu Intunda, Inc. (PPHI), Lantud Kahibunan Igtulin Farmers Association (LAKIFA), Cosina Farmers Association, Inc. (COPA, Inc) and Liguron – Dagundalahon – Sagaran ISF (Integrated Social Forestry) Project.


Allan G. Farnazo, Schools Division Superintendent and OIC of the Office of the Regional Director. Set on January 22-23, the Congress will discuss present health and nutrition state in the region/division and recommend effective health and nutrition interventions; identify critical issues, gaps and concerns and formulate recommendations/solutions; present the division best practices on sustainable health and nutrition programs, recommend strategies for the effective delivery of health and nutrition services in school and develop an Action Plan for SY 2013-2014. Among the critical issues and recent concerns to be tackled in

the congress are from Dr. Evelyn B. Magsayo of the Department of Health (DOH) on sexual disease situationers, adolescent sexual and reproductive health and teenage pregnancy. Red Cross Chapter Administrator, Dr. Myra G. Yee will also discuss Enhancing School Health Care Delivery program through RCY and Project 143. School Violence and Bullying will be presented by Dr. Joey Marie Fabe-Jegonia, Human Resource Clinic and Consultancy. Meanwhile, Drug Addiction Situation in Region X will be disclosed by Police Chief Superintendent Gil Hitosis, regional director, Police Regional Office (PRO)-X.

Communities participate in dev’t planningby PIO-Opol

OPOL, Misamis Oriental - The local government unit of Opol is making an intensive revision of its Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) with the involvement of the various sectors of community through the conduct of consultative assemblies in the communities of 14 barangays of the municipality.

These consultations are in line with the conduct of participatory development planning where views, opinions, as well as situations common and peculiar in the barangays are taken from the people’s perspective and are incorporated in the planning process. Mayor Dexter B. Yasay sees the importance of people’s participation

in the development planning so that developmental undertakings of the municipality would be based on the felt-need of the people and the community, and for people to better understand government project and program implementation. The consultations started in November and are expected to be finished on February.


DAVAO CITY- A top officer of the Commission on Elections in Davao Region urged the public and the government line agencies to sup-port the effort in making the mid-term elections on May 20, 2013 safe and fair. Speaking before a large crowd of police, soldiers, barangay

w a t c h m e n and other g o v e r n m e n t e m p l o y e e s following the “Unity Walk and Ecumenical Prayer Rally for Safe and Fair Elections ( S A F E ) , ” Atty. Wilfredo B a l i s a d o , director of the C o m m i s s i o n on Elections XI unde r s c o r ed the need for

the participation of all sectors to make the elections peaceful, clean, honest and orderly. He said that the gun ban is one of the measures that will be strictly implemented nationwide.“The Comelec alone cannot effectively achieve the SAFE objective without the support of all

Comelec XI calls for unity for Safe and Fair elections by Joey Dalumpines


government functionaries and the public. There only a few of us, you must help us,” Balisado said.Balisado also said that checkpoints will be put in place in various areas in the region to impose strictly the gun control for the safety not only of political candidates and their supporters but for the wellbeing of residents. He also said that only President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is exempted from the gun ban. Balisado urged the public to take the matuwid na daan, an advocacy espoused by the president to make the forthcoming elections free from graft and corruption. The unity walk was joined also by the police headed by Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente, director of the Police Regional Office XI, Archbishop (Emeritus) Fernando Capalla of Davao, Atty. Danilo Cullo, election officer for Davao City, Islam and Lumad religious leaders. Earlier, Senior Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa, director of the Davao City Police Office said the police will use the plain view doctrine in implementing gun ban on checkpoints. He explained that under the plain view doctrine, objects falling in the “plain view” of an officer, who has a right to be in the position to have that view, are subject to seizure and may

be presented as evidence in filing a formal complaint in court. De la Rosa said the plain view doctrine has requisites like: (a) the law enforcement officer in search of the evidence has a prior justification for an intrusion or is in a position from which he can view a particular area; (b) the discovery of the evidence in plain view is unintentional; and (c) it is immediately apparent to the officer that the item he observes may be evidence of a crime, contraband, or otherwise subject to seizure. “The law enforcement officer must lawfully make an initial intrusion or properly be in a position from which he can particularly view the area. In the course of such lawful intrusion, he came inadvertently across a piece of evidence incriminating the accused. The object must be open to eye and hand, and its discovery unplanned,” he said. De la Rosa said that the plain view doctrine can be used as basis for warrantless search and seizure and still admissible in court in circumstances like search incident to a lawful arrest, search of a moving motor vehicle, search in violation of custom laws, seizure of evidence in plain view and when the accused himself waives his right against unreasonable searches and seizures. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)



DAVAO CITY- More humanitarian aid arrived from Indonesia Satur-day for the survivors of Typhoon Pablo in the hardest hit areas in Davao Region as relief and reha-bilitation effort continues to bring back normalcy on the affected communities. Captain Severino David, deputy commander and spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command formally received the goods brought in by Commodore Ari Soedewo of the Indonesian Armed Forces on board naval vessel Kri Makasaar 7:00 pm Saturday at the Sasa Wharf. The goods consisted of 2,000 tons of rice, blankets and tents.

It was the third sortie conducted by Indonesian government for the typhoon survivors in South-eastern Mindanao. The Indonesian National Defense Force handed relief goods and cash assistance to the government in December 10 at

the Davao International Airport. The delegation was welcomed by Lt. General Jorge Segovia, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command. On December 28, 2012, Agung Laksono, minister of Social Welfare of Indonesia handed more assistance of the Indonesian government to Undersceretary Vilma Cabrera of the Department of Social Welfare for the survivors of the storm. The additional Indonesian aid came in form of 2,000 tons of rice and 12 tons of tarpaulin, blankets and food. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Concreting of roads in Madamba and Bayang sections in Lanao del Sur province is expected to begin soon after acting governor Mujiv Hataman on Thursday a multimillion infra-structure project that targets these roads.

P23.2-M ARMM road project contract inked

The road project has an approved contract budget of P23, 317,970.27 which would build the roads connecting the towns of Ganassi to Tubod and Masiu to Ganassi.

The deal estimates to cover at least 1 kilometer of the national road in the said province.

“This is the fourth contract inked with prior deals for vehicle and equipment generated from savings through our Equipment Procurement Program, “ Engr. Emil K. Sadain, secretary of the region’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

For his part, Hataman

has lauded DPWH for instituting reforms in their rank which have earned them the trust even at the national level.

“Reforms in DPWH has resulted in savings from several significant project and from different agencies in the region,” Hataman said during the signing ceremony.

He further challenged the agency to carry on prudent fiscal management in precedence with the reform agenda instituted in the regional bureaucracy.

“President Aquino’s mandate is clear,”

he said. “Let us not compromise the “tuwid na daan” with politicking. If we are doing what is right, there is no need to surrender nor compromise.”

For the calendar year 2013, infrastructure projects in the autonomous region, is estimated at around 78 components with an allocation cost of Php 1.5 billion.

Consistent with enacted Public Works Act of 2012 for ARMM, the agency adheres to the “ right project, right cost, and right quality” of the region. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/Bogs Sayson - ARMM CommGroup)


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