one mindanao - february 11, 2016

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone 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]

SOCCSKSARGEN RegionBautista 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)J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSMARY MAY ABELLON, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERSSEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information AgencyEXECUTIVE EDITOR EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

Butuan City inks deed of donation for DA Caraga

Cover Story

By: Rhea C. Abao

today’s news

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Manufacturing sector continues to grow in December 2015

PSHS ZamPen campus to hire permanent staffBy: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

DepEd to establish new schools for indigenous peoples in Mindanao

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Social involvement group seeks more volunteers, campaigns for clean, fair elections

600 fisherfolks avail rice from LdN LGU

Tagum calls on charter day babies for 18th Araw celebrationBy: RG Alama 30 PWDs in NorthCot

receive assistive devices

By: Greg Tataro Jr

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

By: Irene Joy B. Dayo

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DAR SurSur firms-up 2016 targets

RCBB, partners to hold golden jubilee tree planting in AgSur

SOUTHERN

SOCCSKSARGEN

CARAGA

INFOCUS NATIONAL WESTERN

NORTHERN

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10City gov’t. to hold mass wedding on Valentines DayBy: Claro A. Lanipa

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By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

4 February 11, 2016One Mindanao

Cover Story

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After four decades, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga finally gets all out support from the city government here with the donation of the lot in Brgy. Taguibo where DA laboratories existed.

5February 11, 2016 One Mindanao

By: Rhea C. Abao

Butuan City inks deed of donation for DA Caraga

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After four decades, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga finally gets all out support from the city government here with the donation of the lot in Brgy. Taguibo where DA laboratories existed.


City mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. officially signed the deed of donation of the 37,487 sq. meter lot situated at Brgy. Taguibo, this city last January 29 to formally transfer the ownership of the said area to DA 13.

“My warmest gratitude to the city government of Butuan for their support and dedication for the improvement of the farmers and fisherfolk by supporting the activities of DA. This will help the 339,680 farmers and fisherfolk of Caraga, and also the nearby regions of Visayas. This genuine support strongly

manifested the greatness of their heart, generosity and benevolence, for entrusting us (DA 13) the valuable property of the city,” said DA Caraga regional director Edna M. Mabeza.

For almost four decades, DA-13 had been utilizing the area to render its laboratory services for the farmers in Caraga. The regional office also extended its services to the nearby regions of Visayas.

Brgy. Taguibo is now the haven of four laboratories of the department namely, the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL), Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL),

Regional Feed Chemical Analysis Laboratory (RFCAL) and the National Seed Quality Control Services managed by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI-NSQCS). The first three facilities are under the supervision of the Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD) and is backed with 30 personnel equipped with technical expertise.

RADDL is tasked to perform the diagnosis of animal diseases through examination of animal tissues, blood sample, and fecal sample, sick or unhealthy and dead animals for

7February 11, 2016 One Mindanao 7

specific treatment / prevention and control of disease.

While the RSL provides technical assistance on soil related problems and fertility preservation. It is established primarily to support agricultural production through proper soil fertility evaluation and to provide technical assistance on proper fertilizer usage based on soil analysis, thus, ultimately helping the individual farmer increase crop production towards a higher income.

On the other hand, RFCAL renders laboratory tests to individuals or group who intends to formulate their own feeds, and assists students or researches on matters in relation to the nutrient contents of feeds.

Aside from these laboratories, the Bureau of Plant Industry – National Seed Quality Control Services (BPI-NSQCS) is also situated in the area. BPI-NSQCS is mandated to safeguard quality assurance and control services for seed and planting material production, processing, storage and distribution, seed research and seed training in seed quality control towards sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

Moreover, NSQCS is also tasked to implement plans and programs on seed quality assurance and control services to assure availability of high quality seeds and improved planting materials in the country.

“It is high time to give what is necessary for the development of agriculture sector in Butuan and for Caraga region. We never hesitated to give what is due for the people knowing that this will help our farmers and fisherfolk,” said Mayor Amante.

He reminded everyone that the programs and services of the government are aligned for the benefit of the people. Mayor Amante also pressed a challenge for everyone to help themselves to have faith and courage and work together for the country’s development.

The department is now geared to a modernized agriculture. An innovation to help, protect and safeguard the farmers and fisherfolk productivity. The transfer of ownership will pave the way for more responsive DA facility catering not only limited to Butuanons but for the Caraganons as well.

DA Caraga is now ready to showcase laboratory services for the continuous delivery of better and improved services to all its clients and stakeholders.

One Mindanao8 February 11, 2016

PH, UNISDR vow continued engagement in DRR efforts

Special Representative to Secretary-General for Disaster

Risk Reduction, Dr. Robert Glasser paid a courtesy call on

PASAY CITY -- The Philippines and the United Nations for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) expressed their commitment to continue their engagement in keeping the momentum in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.


Ambassador and Permanent Representative Cecilia B. Rebong of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva. The newly appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction thanked the Ambassador for the Philippines’ leadership in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and lauded it for its active engagement in DRR internationally.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Cecilia B. Rebong congratulated Dr. Glasser on his appointment and expressed the Philippines’ continued support

for the UNISDR and its programs and activities.

United Nations Secretay-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of Dr. Glasser as Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) on November 27, 2015. Dr. Glasser succeeded Margareta Wahlström of Sweden. He has over 20 years of experience in disaster response and worked with CARE International, where he had been Secretary General since 2007. (DFA)


MANILA-- The manufacturing sector continued to grow in December 2015 as construction activity picks up and oil prices still drop, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Manufacturing sector continues to grow in December 2015

In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for December 2015, the Volume of

Production Index (VoPI) grew by 4.9 percent, a steady push from its growth of 4.4 percent in the previous month, while the Value


of Production (VaPI) decreased by 2.6 percent.

“We must continue to help the manufacturing sector realize its potential by creating and strengthening linkages across all production sectors. This will enhance its capacity to absorb labor,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra.

For consumer goods, beverages leaped from its negative performance in the previous month to a 12.0 percent growth in volume of production and 15.2 percent growth in value of production, tripling its performance from November 2015.

On the other hand, the drop in the food subsector slowed down in both production volume and value, registering a contraction of 1.3 and 2.7 percent, respectively. This is due to the persistent dry

spell brought about by El Niño in the second semester of 2015.

“It is important to broaden the scope of supply and marketing linkages to dampen the impact of the El Niño which is reported to last until the second quarter of 2016,” Esguerra said. “This includes encouraging more processing and better storage, packaging, and marketing of agricultural products to expand product range and reach a wider market.”

He added that the government must continue to improve infrastructure to support business activity and encourage businesses to reap the benefits of free trade agreements through aggressive information-sharing schemes and simplified bureaucratic processes. “Smooth flow of goods can be achieved through adequate and resilient road networks,


seaports and airports, and reliable telecommunication services. These improvements will enhance the capacity of local players to participate in global value chains,” Esguerra said.

For intermediate goods, non-metallic mineral products led a double-digit boom by 18.8 and 18.2 percent in volume and value of production, while paper and paper products came in second posting 18.6 and 18.8 percent growth in volume and production.

However, petroleum continued to decline, posting a drop of 33.8 and 40.6 percent in volume and value of production due to the weak global demand and oversupply in the world market.

For capital goods, machinery, except electrical machinery, posted a double-digit growth of 17.8 and 22.2 percent in volume and value of production. The

transport sector also grew at a rapid pace of 13.0 and 9.9 percent in volume and value of production following the attractive financing schemes for automotive sales.

Meanwhile, the average capacity utilization of firms maintained its growth at 83.5 percent, with basic metals posting the highest utilization rate of 88.5 percent.

Esguerra said that despite the unfavorable economic global climate, the sector remains optimistic in 2016.

“With low and stable inflation and good employment opportunities, consumers have increased spending power which strengthens domestic demand. The continued drop in petroleum prices will also keep operating costs minimal, and this is expected to boost the volume of production,” Esguerra said. (NEDA)


DepEd to establish new schools for indigenous peoples in Mindanao

Pursuing its commitment to provide culture-based education and help ensure lasting peace in Mindanao, the Department of Education (DepEd) will establish 5 new schools for Higaonon communities in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental. The new schools will be established in Barangays Kalipay,

Hindangon, Bantaawan, and Bal-ason, and will be ready to accept its

14 One Mindanao February 11, 2016

first batch of learners this coming school year (SY) 2016-2017. Meanwhile in other parts of Mindanao, DepEd will establish 246 more schools for the indigenous communities in Regions IX, X, XI, XII, and XIII. The Agency will establish a total of 251 schools in time for SY 2016-2017. Among the said schools, there will be a total of 605 classrooms that will be constructed in partnership with the Kalahi-CIDSS National Community-Driven Development Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. In addition, DepEd will hire 583 teachers who will be deployed to the new schools, which are expected to initially serve some 19, 622 learners coming from 22 indigenous cultural communities. Last year, DepEd adopted the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Curriculum Framework (DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2015), which was formulated in consultation with community elders, leaders, and implementers of community-based IPEd initiatives. The framework provides guidance in contextualizing the K to 12 Curriculum based on the indigenous community’s respective educational and social background. As a major milestone in the implementation of DepEd’s IPEd

Program, the IPEd Curriculum Framework will benefit more than 1.19-million IP learners enrolled in public schools, as well as learners enrolled in community and civil society organization-run schools. To celebrate such gains of IPEd, DepEd and representatives of indigenous communities nationwide have come together last year in a symbolic affirmation of commitment to DepEd’s IPEd Program. Through the inauguration of a pakedlan—an indigenous space for coming together of the Kankanaey peoples of Benguet—and a ritual performed at the Baguio Teachers Camp with the participation of representatives of indigenous communities from different parts of the country, the gathering likewise strengthened the partnership towards the full recognition of indigenous knowledge and learning systems within the national education system. “Mahalaga na naka-angkla ang ating kurikulum sa ating kulturang Pilipino … Kapag wala ang katutubong kaalaman na nakapasok sa ating kurikulum, mawawalan tayo ng kaluluwa,” Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said during the gathering which was held on November 12, 2015.


Among other initiatives, DepEd has also forged a partnership with Lubos na Alyansa ng mga Katutubong Ayta ng Sambales (LAKAS) for the implementation of an IPEd Program at Lakas High School, which is the first formal culture-based public secondary school specifically serving the Ayta community in Bihawo, Botolan, Zambales. Esel Cabalic, a grade 8 student of the Lakas HS said, “Kami ay nagpapasalamat sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon sa pagkilala ng aming karapatan na magkaroon ng Katutubong Edukasyon o IPEd. Isang Katutubong Edukasyon kung saan ito ay aangkop at gagabay sa pagkatuto naming mga katutubo.” The establishment of new schools in Gingoog is part of the government’s commitment to the sustainable development and aspirations of indigenous communities by working with them in the delivery of culture-based basic education services for the learners in the area. “Serbisyo Caravan” Bringing the government closer to the

people, the Serbisyo Caravan is a multi-agency effort that carries out government services and dialogues in communities where indigenous peoples and conflict-affected residents live. The 5th Serbisyo Caravan has been conducted in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental from February 3 to 4, 2016. Among others, the Caravan has provided medical services, distributed food packs; educational supplies, micronutrient compact food, hygiene kits, and information materials.


DIPOLOG CITY– “We are celebrating civil registration month in the whole month of February to remind Filipinos to register vital statistics, vital events such as birth, marriages and death including a decree, legal instruments and/or judicial order affecting their civil status.”

PSA reminds Filipinos to register, be documented By Mary May A. Abellon


This was the message of Dr. Mewchun WS. Pamaran, officer in-charge of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-9 during the opening program commencing the civil registration month celebration at the Commercial Complex, Dipolog City Boulevard this city . According to Pamaran, accuracy in the registration helps facilitate the smooth processing [of documents] to avail of certain services and to transact with government agencies and private institutions. “Please be serious when you fill up forms because once you filled it up, registered and submitted it to the PSA - though we can still make amendments - we still have to go through a process,” she emphasized. She said that her office is implementing zero percent

backlog to make it “responsive to the needs of the people.” Meanwhile, this year’s theme “Makiisa…Makisali sa Dekadang CRVS” is in line with the global campaign to register all citizens by 2024 including the 7.5 million Filipinos who are not yet legally registered to include the 135 million unregistered Asia-Pacific children. “Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) is a larger context, which is not only about birth, marriage or death certificates but also on person’s legal identity, civil status and right to be recognized as citizen of a state,” Pamaran maintained. The said activity was organized by the Region Nine Association of Civil Registrars’, Inc. (RNACRI) in partnership with PSA-9.


By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Jobseekers, this might just be the opportunity you have been waiting for!

PSHS ZamPen campus to hire permanent staff

The Philippine Science High School – Zamboanga Peninsula Region Campus (PSHS-ZRC) situated in Barangay Cogon, Dipolog City is now accepting applicants for its vacant plantilla positions. The plantilla positions to be filled up are Administrative Officer V with one plantilla position; Administrative Officer III with two plantilla positions; Administrative Officer II with one plantilla position; Accountant II with one plantilla position; Special Science Teacher I with seven plantilla positions; Special Science Teacher II with two plantilla positions; Guidance Services Associate I with one plantilla position; and Administrative Aide I with one plantilla position. Applicants must be Filipino citizens and must meet or may exceed the minimum requirements of the vacant position.

Qualified applicants should submit their application letter, comprehensive resume using the PSHSS-OED form (CSC Form 212, Revised 2005), copy of Official Transcript of Records, Authenticated Certificate of Eligibility or Board Results, Certificate of Trainings and Previous Employment. The resume can be downloaded at http://www.pshs.edu.ph/downloads/PDS-2005_BLANK_FORM.xls and should be answered properly and completely, such that “inclusive dates (mm/dd/year to mm/dd/year)”, among others. Moreover, there must be no blank spaces left unfilled in the form, instead, put N.A. (not applicable) or NONE, as appropriate. Applications must be submitted not later than March 31, 2016, either personally, through email or postal service address


By Claro A. LanipaPAGADIAN CITY - In support of the Civil Registration Month celebration, the city government here will conduct a mass wedding dubbed “Kasalan ng Bayan” on Feb. 14 at the Function Hall, City Commercial Center (C3), this city.

City gov’t. to hold mass wedding on Valentines Day

to: Dr. Larry L. Cabatic, Executive Director, Philippine Science High School System, Agham Road, Diliman Quezon City; with Telefax Number: (+632) 924 0639; 926-

3137; and email: [email protected]. For more details you may visit their website at www.pshs.edu.ph


This year’s theme is “Makiisa. . . Makisali sa Dekadang CRVS” (Civil Registration on Vital Statistics.” Ms. Paulita S. Sergas, registration officer IV of the Civil Registrar’s O f f i c e d i s c l o s ed that a total of 88 c o u p l e s have already r eg i s t e r ed and complied with the n e c e s s a r y requirements for the Kasalan ng Bayan on Valentines Day. Sergas said 44 of the 88 couples who will join the mass wedding, are with “live-in” partners for less than five years and the other half are “new copuples.” “The wedding is free-of-charge and each couple will only pay P100 for the marriage license, which is an accountable form, and P220 for the CENOMAR,” Sergas said. Mr. Bernardo C. Martinez, acting provincial statistics officer of the Philippine Statistics Authority-Zamboanga del Sur

will give his message during the occasion and Mayor Romeo Pulmones will serve as the solemnizing officer. Other local government

units (LGUs) also hold free mass wedding in F e b r u a r y as the love m o n t h , and as one of the highlights during the

observance of civil registration month. It could be recalled that former President Corazon C. Aquino had issued Presidential Proclamation No. 682 declaring every February of each year as civil registration month to remind the citizenry of their duty to register acts and events concerning status of persons and enhance nationwide awareness and appreciation of the legal, administrative and statistical values of the civil registry documents.


During the recent Kapihan sa Dipolog, outgoing Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Ellis Miguel said that campaign period for national candidates starts on February 9, 2016 and March 25, 2016 for the local positions. However, Miguel clarified that campaign period for local positions will only start on March 26 since March 25 falls on a Good Friday, which is a holiday. He said that as of now, no advisory has been received yet from its central office on any amendment of the sizes of campaign materials. He also warned the candidates to post campaign materials only in areas designated by the Comelec. Incoming Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Jossil Macute cautioned candidates not to post campaign materials on trees or electric posts as they are not considered poster areas. To strictly monitor the expenditures of any candidate, Atty. Macute said Comelec has created the Campaign Finance Office, purposely to check on the veracity of the candidates’ Statement of Contribution and Expenses (SOCE). Failure to file SOCE for two times, according to Atty. Miguel, is already a ground for perpetual

disqualification to hold public office in the future. “If one fails to file SOCE, he will be fined. If he will not pay the fine, he will be charged administratively and barred to hold public office,” Miguel said. On the other hand, Comelec 9 Regional Director Atty. Wilred Jay Balisado said that public school teachers will serve this coming national and local elections as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), unless otherwise they are disqualified for various reasons. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police is currently conducting regular checkpoints in different areas along the national highway of the province since the implementation of Comelec gun ban last January 10.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Students in Northern Mindanao got the chance to avail frontline services of 19 government agencies during the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Caravan organized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaram

ARTA caravan brings gov’t frontline services closer to students


The caravan held today at the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) gymnasium aims to engage the students in improving public service delivery by increasing their awareness on the anti-red tape campaign, as well as, on their rights and responsibilities as clients of government services. CSC chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala said the holding of the ARTA caravan does not only brings government services close to the hearts of the people but it will also make the public aware of the improvements in public service delivery and what government agencies have done so far after the enactment of the ARTA Law. She said the ARTA was enacted to eliminate bureaucratic red tape because many find government transactions frustrating due to red tape. The ARTA mandates public servants to deliver service with compassion and aims for customer delight, she added. The CSC chairperson also told students of the milestones of the anti-red tape campaign during the opening ceremonies of the ARTA caravan. She said the results of the 2015 Executive Outlook Survey of the Makati Business Club conducted in mid-July of 2015 revealed that 38 government agencies got positive net satisfaction ratings while 31 government agencies improved their rankings from 2014. Moreover, the CSC was ranked among

the top 10 agencies. In addition, the 2015 Report Card Survey (RCS) conducted by the CSC showed that out of 246 service offices in Mindanao surveyed, only one agency got a failed rating. Chairperson Bala said the RCS is a tool used to gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery. Under the RCS, the agencies are rated in terms of compliance with the requirements of ARTA which include citizen’s charter, anti-fixer campaign, materials and helpdesk, and implementation of no noon break. Government offices who joined the ARTA caravan are Civil Service Commission (CSC); Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Pag-IBIG Fund; Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP); Land Transportation Office (LTO); Philippine Statistics Authority; Social Security System (SSS); Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth); National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); and the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), among others.


Social involvement group seeks more volunteers, campaigns for clean, fair electionsCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In the lead of Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, LIHUK 2016 or Lambigit Igsuon alang sa Hiniusang Pag-uswag para sa atong Katilingban is looking for more volunteers in its desire to reach more Kagay-anons in advocating clean and fair 2016 elections.

By: Irene Joy B. Dayo

LIHUK 2016 is a loose network composing of academe, church and youth sectors in Cagayan de Oro City coming together in an aim of educating voters and making them realize their crucial part of a greater society. It further targets to ensure that 2016 elections results reflect the desires of the people. So, to further reach more people, XU-KKP announced in the Lambo Dyes radio program of Philippine Informatio Agency – 10 that they are accepting some more volunteers. The city is too big and reaching and educating more people means that there is a need to train more trainers, said Sharon Mae T. Casiño, social advocacy program officer of the group. Trainer-volunteers will engage their audiences in four different electoral involvements, which are voters’ education campaign, candidates’ criteria building through poll survey, agenda building and candidates’ forum, election monitoring

and ‘bantay pangako.’ LIHUK 2016 believes that through education, Filipinos can re-claim their right to decide the future of this nation. Student volunteer and chairperson Gimar A. Reyes said that LIHUK 2016 is realized through series of trainings on different modules that discuss on the mentioned electoral involvements. Their group have visited several schools, for one of their targets are youth, not to mention that this bracket consists a lot of first time voters. Reyes said that through this education campaign, the voice of vulnerable sectors would be heard as well. Further, he mentioned that the discussions will open a lot of realizations. For example is about Philippine politics which most people stereotyped as dirty and corrupt. Gimar explained that politics could be a good venue for development in the country. What makes politics bad are politicians who are not true and sincere in their responsibilities.


600 fisherfolks avail rice from LdN LGU TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – In the lead of Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, LIHUK 2016 or Lambigit Igsuon alang sa Hiniusang Pag-uswag para sa atong Katilingban is looking for more volunteers in its desire to reach more Kagay-anons in advocating clean and fair 2016 elections.

Each recipient-family received four sacks of rice totaling to 200 kilos. This food assistance is expected to support the identified families for four months in their daily food consumption. “These families are receiving assistance from government because they complied with the requirements set by the Department of Agriculture and the local government unit (LGU). One of these is the voluntary dismantling of their illegal fishing structures particularly sanggab,” said PSWDO personnel Aiman Mamintal.

Among the coastal barangays that already received the rice assistance were barangays Tabigue, Simbuco and Mukas of Kolambugan, barangay Raw-an Point in Baroy, and Barangay Tanguigueron in Tubod town. “ M a p a s a l a m a t o n mi kay Gobernor Khalid (Dimaporo) para sa bugas nga among nadawat. Dako ni nga tabang labina kay nangita pami ug lain nga

panginabuhian para makasuporta sa among pamilya (We thank Gov Khalid for the rice allowance that we received, this will augment our subsistence while looking for alternate livelihood for our family),” said mother-of-seven Esterlita Caballero of barangay Tabigue, Kolambugan town. The distribution of rice in other coastal barangays of the province will continue to be implemented until all affected communities are given their food assistance. (LAR/PIO-LDN/)


New trucks for DC’s garbageDAVAO CITY- The first batch of about eight compactor trucks have already been delivered. “However they are still waiting for papers and registrations.” Says City Environment and Natural Re-sources Office head Engineer Eliza Madrazo during the today’s (Feb. 11) I-Speak Media Forum at the Davao City Hall. Madrazo said 22 compactor trucks have been ordered of which 12 are brand new and 10 are re-conditioned trucks. She said these compactors will augment the present garbage collection trucks which are rented dump trucks. The city rents about 100 dump trucks for garbage col-lection. The compactors will not be de-ployed the whole day as a means of preventive maintenance. Madrazo is eyeing these compactors be de-ployed during the night time when trucks start collecting garbage ac-cumulated during daytime. The compactors are bigger than the rented dump trucks. The compactors have a capacity of 14-16 cubic feet as compared to the dump trucks with a capacity of 12 to 14 cubic feet. Based in 2015 figures the city collects about 460, 286 cubic meters of garbage daily.

Madrazo said the compactors will lessen the dump truck rental costs of the city. The city averages about P10-million to P13-million in rentals for the trucks. The rentals cover gasoline expenses, the sala-ries of the driver and maintenance costs. Meanwhile a batch 4,000 new garbage bins have arrived. The City has ordered 13,000 garbage bins which is bigger than the previous garbage bins distributed across the city. The new bins have a capac-ity of 600 liters as compared to the 350 liters of the old garbage bins. The CENRO head expects the bins to be fully delivered by the end of February. The will be reorienting the City’s barangays in handling the new garbage bins. (PIA/RG Ala-ma)


Tagum calls on charter day babies for 18th Araw celebrationDAVAO DEL NORTE - The Tagum City Government invited Tagu-menyos, who were born on the same day as the city’s charter day, March 7, 1998, to join the celebration at the New City Hall Arena.

Xyllee Labastida, chairper-son of the Araw ng Tagum City celebration, stressed during the recent Tagum Biz Talk at Big 8 Corporate Hotel that as the city celebrates its debut, the local government unit will give impor-tance to the girls and boys, who are also turning 18 on the same day. “These girls and boys will be icons for the celebration of the 18th Araw ng Tagum City,” she added. Labastida bared that through the records of the City Civil Reg-istrar’s Office, they were already notified at least 10 celebrants. She also urged other cele-brants, who are Tagumenyos, to see her at the City Mayor’s Office before March 7. The 18th Araw celebration is part of the five in one celebration of Tagum City. Other events are Musikahan sa Tagum (February 13 - March 7), Tagumenyo Bis-ag Asa, State of the City Address (March 7) and Inaugural Blessing

and Transfer to the New City Hall Site (March 7). Labastida also underscored that for the 18th araw celebra-tion, they are expecting around 18,000 people to participate in the Civic and Military Parade, which will start in the streets sur-rounding the old City Hall going to the New City Hall. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


COMELEC sees no problem with teachers’ poll service being voluntary By: Danilo E.Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 11 — There won’t be shortage in teachers who will serve as Board of Election Inspec-tors in the May 9 elections, an official of the Commission of Elections here assured.


This despite making the election services by public school teachers voluntary and non-mandatory, said Atty, Jay Gerada, election supervisor of South Cotabato.

Atty Gerada said, Depart-ment of Education officials have assured Comelec that there will be enough teachers who will serve during the elec-tions.

Each election precinct is manned by a Board of Election Inspectors who will conduct voting in polling precincts, ad-minister the counting of vot-ers, print the returns and sub-mit electronically the election results.

A BEI is comprised of a chairman and two members.

In October, 2015, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 5412 or Election Service Reform Act, that would grant public school teachers the choice of whether or not to take part of the election ser-vice. The Senate approved its version, Senate Bill 2178, last month.

“If the President will sign this into law, we will not have a problem.We have talked with school superintendents and they have guaranteed that there

are more than enough teachers who are willing to volunteer,” Gerada said.

“DepEd has also assured us that there are also enough sub-stitute teachers in case there will be teachers who will be disqualified because of relation-ship with candidates or any member of the same board.”

Every member of the BEI will receive Php 2,000 training honorarium and additional Php 4,500 for their service during the election day.

Gerada also disclosed that the training of BEIs will begin in the third week of March.

South Cotabato, including General Santos City has 5,152 established precincts. Based on this figure, Comelec-South Cotabato will need over 15,000 volunteers will serve as boards of election inspectors.

Combined, South Cotaba-to and Gensan have about 724,325 registered voters. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with re-port from MARemulta-Dev-Com Intern)


By:Shahana Joy E. Duerme

PWDs in NorthCot receive assistive devices

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Feb. 11--- In a bid to help persons with disability (PWDs) and senior citizens cope with daily challenges in life, the provincial government here through the Pro-vincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) recently distributed wheelchairs along with crutches and canes.

Marchita Capilitan, PSWDO fo-cal person informed that a total of 100 PWDs from the three dis-tricts of North Cotabato received wheelchairs, 21 PWDs received crutches while 16 others were able to obtain canes.

She noted that the distribu-tion started last year and is still ongoing.

“This is the initiative of Gov-ernor Emmylou Mendoza in helping PWDs live a more com-fortable life by providing them devices they need,” Capilitan said.

Aside from the distribution of assistive devices, the provincial government continues to pro-vide support to the Provincial Federation of Persons with Dis-abilities (PFPWD).

Meanwhile, Teresita Poria,

Focal Person of the PFPWD ex-pressed her gratitude to the provincial government for look-ing into the welfare of the PWDs. (SJDuerme-PIA12 wirth report from JSta.Cruz&RPatches- NorthCot Media Center)


Caraga RTWPB starts minimum wage adjustment consultationsBy: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY– The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Caraga is set to conduct public consultations on minimum wage adjustment for private sector and domestic work-ers in the city and Surigao del Norte this month as part of a re-gion-wide series of consultations to discuss increase in wages.

filephoto from RTWPB FB account

According to Earl Dela Victoria, Board Secretary VI of RTWPB Caraga, it is their office’

own initiative (motu propio) to conduct said activity. “The public consultation will determine


DAR SurSur firms-up 2016 targetsBy: Greg Tataro Jr

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office of Surigao del Sur conducted its 2016 target setting cum planning session early this month held at Goat2geder Hotel in Butuan City. In a press statement released, major activities to be prioritized this year are: the conduct of mandatory trainings for assisted cooperatives and agrarian reform beneficiaries; updating of development plan of the different agrarian reform communities with climate proof resilient; completion of on-going projects under Village Level Processing Center Enhancement Project (VLPCEP); turnover of Tagbina Communal Irrigation Project (CIP) under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support

Project Phase III (ARISP III) and the newly launched project on Convergence on Value-Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE) by the Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD). Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Hernani Apacible has emphasized that the completion of targets must be in accordance with the identified timelines. Apacible is hopeful that by the end of third quarter this year, all major final outputs will be achieved.

whether or not issuance of new wage order in Caraga region is deemed necessary at this present time,” he remarked. In Butuan City, Dela Victoria said they will conduct a public hearing on the subject matter on February 11, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort. While on February 26, 2016, same public consultation will be held at Gateway Hotel in Surigao

City that will start at 1:00 p.m. “The issue at hand involves public interest as the resolution of the same will affect not only the economic direction of our region, the growth of our investor, but also the welfare of our workers in the private sector,” he emphasized. For more information about said activities, the RTWPB Caraga can be reached at telephone number (085) 342-9987.


The two-day activity was also participated by some regional staff under the Support Services Division, it was learned. (NGBT/

with a report from Myra Yu-DAR-SDS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

RCBB, partners to hold golden jubilee tree planting in AgSur By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The Roman Catholic Bishop of Butuan (RCBB), together with partner government agencies and non-government organizations will be holding this year’s Golden Jubilee Tree Planting activity for the province of Agusan del Sur on February 13, 2016. The tree planting will start at 6:00 a.m. at Barangay Calaitan, Bayugan City of said province. According to Rev. Fr. Stephen Brongcano, the event which is part of the Golden Jubilee celebration intends to contribute to environmental welfare and at the same time concretize the teachings of the Lord as embodied

in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si. Brongcano added that the tree planting activity will start with a liturgy of the word and blessing of seedlings. He will also orient the participants on the significance of the celebration and the tree planting as the highlight.

filephoto of mb.com.ph

one mindanao - february 11, 2016

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