one mindanao - january 12, 2012

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 Blitz

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ 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)

2/F 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

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESIN MINDANAO

Cover Story

Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe:

Ambassadors of Goodwill of

Tangub City

Executive 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 Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors …... Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

An Electronic News Magazineof the Phliippine Information Agency

Mindanao Clusters

EDITORIAL BOARD

Judith B. TablanNorthern Mindanao

page 4

Today’s issue...Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 151

David M. Suyao, Caraga Region Illegal settlers inside government complex perimeter area to be removed

Eric Herzon F. Gallego, Caraga Region DENR inks greening agreement with ARMM

RG Alama, Southern MindanaoCity has relocation sites for dislocated settlers

Breastfeeding corners in buses in Region-12 eyed

Across the Nation:

Regional News:

27

1617

23

28

34

Aquino urges Filipinos to help promote use of renewable energy, cites importance of addressing massive problem of climate change10

Mga magsasaka naging bahagi ng 12th Hinugyaw Festival ng Koronadal CityAc Agad, Central Mindanao

14

35

Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western MindanaoZambo Youth leaders qualify for U.S-funded exchange program21

Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western MindanaoMuch needed weather monitoring facility to rise in Zambo City22

Northern Mindanao2 soldiers, 14 civilians receive combat award26

CT Apelacio, Central Mindanao

NEDA to pursue 2012 economic growth target13

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, Northern MindanaoMindanao power congress takes up good governance25

19

32

Jeanevive Abangan, Southern MindanaoUy creates body to look into Pantukan landslide 29

8

4 Thursday, January 12, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe: Ambassadors of Goodwill of Tangub City

Cover Story

Here’s one for the cultural history books of Northern Mindanao: The Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, since its establishment in 1992, has helped shape the values, character

and minds of the youth of Tangub City, through their songs, dances and performances.

by Judith B. Tablan

5 Thursday, January 12, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

By winning awards in festivals and competitions all over the country, these young, talented and dedicated artists, together with their equally dedicated trainors and advisers, have placed Tangub City in the map. They are now the proud ambas-sadors of goodwill, not just in Tangub City, but also in Misamis Occidental and in the whole of Region 10, as well. Such was the vision of then for-mer City Mayor Jennifer Wee-Tan and now First Lady when she pulled to-gether the scanty resources that were available and launched a youth devel-opment oriented program aimed to advance the cultural life of Tangub City. Synonymous with the name of Tangub City, itself, the Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe has four (4) compo-nents: The Sinanduloy All Star Band, the Sinanduloy Instrumentalists, the Sinanduloy Singers and the Sinandu-loy Dancers. The Sinanduloy Instrumental-ists was the Best In Musicality in the Sinulog 2005 & 2011 in Cebu City while the Sinanduloy All Star Band is recently the official representative of Region 10 for the Department of Tourism’s WOW Philippines held at Intramuros, Manila and are about to release their first Debut Album. The Sinanduloy Singers is the Regional Winner of the National Music

Competitions for Young Artists (NM-CYA) and the First Honorable Mention in the National Level and the Grand Champion of the Philippine Travel Mart Choral Competition held at SM Mega-Trade Hall, Mandaluyong Manila. A resident choral performer of the Philippine Travel Mart of the De-partment of Tourism, Region 10, the Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe was in-vited by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) to per-form during the Kalahi Cultural Care-giving on Millennium Development Goals at the Rajah Suliman Theater in Intramuros, Manila. They were also one of the rep-resentatives of the Philippines to the First International Dance Exchange – Workshop and Festival participated in by the different dance troupes around the world like: The Hunan Normal University Dance Troupe of China, the Xiamen


Xiao Pai Lu of China, the Big Dance Company of Eng-land, Dance Mode Studio of Hongkong, Senju Dance Company of Japan and Aswara Dancers of Kuala Lum-pur, Malaysia. The Dance Academy Kuching of Kuching Malaysia the Badan University Malaysia Sarawak of Sarawak Ma-laysia, the Persadaku Seni Dancers of Singapore and the Sri Lankan Dance Troupe of Sri Lanka. Among the Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe’s other feats are: They were the Grand Champion of the First Pas’ungko s’g Misamis Occidental Festival 2010. The Sinanduloy Dancers with Instrumentalists is the Grand Champion of the Famous Sinulog Sa Sugbo in the year 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.


Xiao Pai Lu of China, the Big Dance Company of Eng-land, Dance Mode Studio of Hongkong, Senju Dance Company of Japan and Aswara Dancers of Kuala Lum-pur, Malaysia. The Dance Academy Kuching of Kuching Malaysia the Badan University Malaysia Sarawak of Sarawak Ma-laysia, the Persadaku Seni Dancers of Singapore and the Sri Lankan Dance Troupe of Sri Lanka. Among the Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe’s other feats are: They were the Grand Champion of the First Pas’ungko s’g Misamis Occidental Festival 2010. The Sinanduloy Dancers with Instrumentalists is the Grand Champion of the Famous Sinulog Sa Sugbo in the year 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Best in Costume Sinulog sa Sugbo in the year 2002 & 2003, Best In Street Dancing in 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe was one of the nominees (top 6) for the Aliw Awards Best Cultural Group in the Philippines for two (2) consecutive years 2008 & 2009. Thus, we take pride that all members of the troupe are scholars of both colleges in Tangub City, the Northwestern Mindanao State College (NMSC) with its former President and now City Mayor Atty. Philip T. Tan and the Governor Alfonso D. Tan College (GADTC) with its former College President and now a First Lady Jen-nifer W. Tan.


Aquino says no need to lobby against US bill targeting BPO operations

President Benigno S. Aquino III said there is no need for the Philippines to lobby against an anti-outsourcing proposal in the US that may affect Philippine jobs considering it’s an election year in America.


“I am made to under-stand that this was an issue that was brought up during the last elections in Amer-ica. And from that time, which is four years ago, up to now, the situation hasn’t changed. Perhaps, there isn’t that much of a need yet,” the President said in response to a question about the US bill. Palace reporters in-terviewed the President in Pasay City following the in-auguration of an expanded site of a New York-based outsourcing company op-eration in the Philippines. The President said he’s considering the elec-tion season in the US and it is not surprising that Ameri-

can politicians would resur-rect such proposals to gain public support. “We have to take into account that this is an elec-tion year, perhaps those are election-related statements. At the end of the day, like any other country, America would want to make their companies more effective, competitive . . . and if out-sourcing is one of the keys towards that, then I would

presume it will continue. Well, hopefully it will not change because it is one of our sunrise industries,” he said. Under US House Bill 3596 otherwise known as the Call Center and Con-sumers Protection bill, call center operators will be required to identify their location, giving US callers the option of choosing a US-based operator.

The bill also seeks to punish companies that will employ call center agents located in other countries by making them ineligible for grants and guaranteed loans from the federal gov-ernment. US call centers that would fail to report its re-location to an offshore lo-cation to the Labor Depart-ment within 60 days will be penalized. (AS)

10 Thursday, January 12, 2012

Aquino urges Filipinos to help promote use of renewable energy, cites importance of addressing massive problem of climate change

President Benigno S. Aquino III encouraged the major stakeholders in the energy sector to work hand in hand with the government in efforts to promote and implement the use of renewable energy as he stressed the importance of addressing the massive problem of climate change

that is hounding not only the Philippines but also the rest of the world.


In his speech during the “1st Philippine BioEner-gy Conference at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park in Manila, Thursday, President Aqui-no said that the success of saving Mother Earth lies in the unity of the people from all sectors of society to ensure a better environ-ment for the next genera-tions to enjoy. “Working together, we can make the year brighter for many Filipinos, and for many people around the

world. With your help, we can have more houses ca-pable of switching on lights to welcome each New Year. With more emphasis on Re-newable Energy resources, we can even make our own small contribution to ad-dressing the massive prob-lem that is climate change,” the President said. “And if all of us—from different sectors and coun-tries—can pull together and succeed, then we will indeed have brightened more than houses; we will

have lit a beacon of hope, that humanity may thrive in communion with the Earth for many more generations to come,” he added. The Chief Executive also noted that renewable energy has always been a key consideration towards achieving the vision of a greener and more vibrant Philippines. He expressed ela-tion in seeing the sector’s stakeholders gathered and united in discussions to for-mulate more options that

12 Thursday, January 12, 2012

may lead to using renew-able energy resources, like bioenergy that is beneficial to the environment and the people. At present, the Presi-dent said, nearly 39 per-cent of the country’s en-ergy requirements are being sourced out through renewable sources such as hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind, and biomass. The government projects that the biomass sector’s contribution will in-crease from 39 megawatts of energy in 2010 to more than 300 megawatts by 2015. The President said that this increase will also provide 89 thousand more jobs for the people apart from the stimulation of lo-cal economies that would

create even more economic opportunities. “Our projections also indicate that, in achieving this goal (biomass sector’s increase), around 89,000 more jobs will be gener-ated for Filipinos. These of course have a multiplier ef-fect, because citizens with sources of income become empowered consumers, who can stimulate local economies and create even more jobs,” President Aqui-no said. “The effects of ad-vancing the biomass sec-tor will also reach close to 577,000 farm families who can benefit, for example, by gaining additional income through the sale of agri-waste or forest residues that can be used in the de-velopment of biomass re-

sources,” he added. Also present during the event apart from the major energy players were other government officials led by Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and Agriculture Secretary Pro-ceso Alcala. With the theme, “Green Investments, Pro-viding Solutions towards Energy Sustainability”, the event envisions a vibrant and profitable agribusiness sector in the country, pro-moting more green indus-tries such as agribusiness, biofuel feedstock produc-tion and processing as well as the production of high value commercial planta-tion crops. The two-day inter-national convention aims to introduce the current status of the bioenergy in-dustry and its latest devel-opments, projects, and re-search initiatives currently undertaken, as well as its relevance to climate change and ecological balance as well as to the investment opportunities in the bioen-ergy sector to contribute in the economic growth of the country. (JCL)


The Euro zone crisis may have hampered the country’s economic growth in 2011 but the

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) remains optimistic about its growth targets for this year.

NEDA to pursue 2012 economicgrowth target

NEDA Director-General Cayetano Paderanga, Jr. said that the country’s gross do-mestic product (GDP) is pro-jected to expand between 5.0 to 6.0 percent in 2012. Growth target for 2011 was pegged at 4.5 to 5.5 per-cent. This growth will be led by accelerated fiscal spend-ing that the government will pursue this year, after it has put in place processes consistent with principles of good governance and trans-parency in project imple-mentation. Paderanga said the government has already laid out the system for the fund-ing of various infrastructure

projects especially those un-der the Public-Private Part-nership program. The government will also stimulate domestic de-mand by boosting domestic consumption, securing in-vestments, and safeguard-ing price stability. The government is keen on aggressive job creation and financing small and medium enterprise to further boost consumer spending. Further, the govern-ment will also strengthen its economic relations with ASEAN economies and Chi-na. Paderanga said that the government recognizes the importance of strengthen-ing our relationship with our

neighboring ASEAN coutries especially with China - now an economic superpower - and the possible investment opportunities that we can es-tablish with these countries. The country’s domes-tic and external trade will also be diversified to foster close integration with the fast-growing ASEAN econo-mies. Paderanga was guest during the Communication and News Exchange forum on Wednesday. CNEX forum is a joint project of the Phil-ippine Information Agency, Philippine Communication and Operations Office, Peo-ple’s Television 4 and Radyo ng Bayan.

by Phres A. Evardone

NEDA Director-General Cayetano Paderanga, Jr.


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Sen. Pimentel backs Malacañang’s move to run after those responsible over ComVal tragedyby Robert E. Roperos

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III supports the move of President Benigno S. Aquino III to run after those people, officials and agencies that are responsible for the landslide in Sitio Diat, Pantukan, Compostela Valley

on the dawn of Jan. 5, 2012.


Sen. Pimentel, who was here in the city re-cently for an engagement in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte, said that he is not blaming the local government unit for the incident but those who are responsible must an-swer what was accorded in the law. With this, Pimen-tel said it is not only the local government who must undergo investiga-tion on the matter. He added that concerned government agencies like the Philippine At-mospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Ser-vices Administration (PA-

GASA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) will also be invited for the said in-vestigation. “Dili lang ang imb-estigayson nga ipatawag nato maglangkob sa mga local officials, i-apil nato ang PAGASA, ang DENR, MGB. (We will not only invite the local offi-cials for investigation, we will also include PAGASA, DENR and MGB.)” Pimen-tel said. The senator also said PAGASA should ex-plain why the effects of signal number two is

devastating like what happened in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cit-ies. “Ang Sendong, sig-nal number two pero 1,200 ang namatay. Dili kani normal kay ang signal number system nato, signal number 5 ang pinakakusog. Can

you imagine that? Kina-hanglan i-explain kana sa PAG-ASA. (Sendong is signal number two but around 1,200 died. This is not normal since in our signal number sys-tem, signal number 5 is the strongest. Can you imagine that? That’s why PAGASA should explain this.)” Pimentel said. Pimentel said local officials and the DENR should also explain be-cause based on initial in-vestigation, the incident was caused by rampant illegal logging and min-ing activities in the area.


Illegal settlers inside government complex perimeter area to be removedby David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR – The Committee on Provincial Government Complex Illegal Settlers (PGCIS) Task Force convened the other day to discuss the strategies on the removal of illegal settlers who have constructed their shanties inside the provincial capitol area, while engaging in small businesses like carinderia, snack counter and other businesses.

The purpose of the re-moval is to give way for any improvements that the pro-vincial government are set to implement for the gov-ernment infrastructure and other development projects soonest. Josefina Bajade, chair-person of PGCIZ called on a meeting with the committee members on the commit-tee’s plan and strategy on how to remove the settlers from the area harmoniously and peacefully. The meeting was at-tended by the representa-tives ofDPWH 1st District

Office, the Provincial Engi-neering Office, the Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Informa-tio Office, Provincial Assess-ment Office, the Provincial Social Welfare and Develop-ment Office, the PNP and the 52nd Engineering Brigade. As the first move, the committee agreed that they send “notice to vacate” to those who will be affected and inform them that they are only given one month to prepare in order to leave the area. Among the areas that will affected are found in

the gate of the Provincial Health Office, shanties and houses in front of dxDA ra-dio station, those having their shanties occupying the area within the 52nd Engi-neering Brigade and those living around the area of the Provincial Jail, estimated to reached up to 64 illegal set-tlers. The provincial gov-ernment of Agusan del Sur will extend financial as-sistance to those affected families who are just relying their daily income by having small businesses inside the government center area.


DENR inks greening agreement with ARMM

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have joined hands in the reforestation of some 2,500 hectares of denuded and open forest lands in the region under the National Greening Program of President Benigno S. Aquino.

by Eric Herzon F. Gallego

“This collaboration sets a critical milestone in ecological governance for the region and bodes well for addressing the social and economic chal-lenges which the region undoubtedly faces,” Paje

said following the sign-ing of an agreement with ARMM Gov. Mujiv S. Hata-man in a simple ceremony held at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City on Monday. “The NGP collabora-

tion between ARMM and the DENR was in com-pliance with President Aquino’s instruction to assist in the management of the region’s natural wealth, particularly its forest-based resources


which he “considered as its foremost natural asset as yet,” Paje said. Secretary Paje com-mitted some P49.6 million in financial assistance to enable the ARMM govern-ment to carry out a mas-sive tree planting program within its five provinces, to include Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-tawi. Aside from finan-cial assistance, the DENR shall also provide ARMM with technical assistance and ensure the timely provision of funds based on the approved work and financial program of ARMM. “The fuel that pow-ers ARMM’s economic en-gine is resource-based and we in the national government will assist

our brothers and sisters in ARMM in the resource management of the re-gion,” Paje said, adding that he plans to send his key senior officials there “for us to gain a front seat view of how resource management is undertak-en there and how we can contribute in improving it.” For his part, ARMM Gov. Hataman said the MOA signing marks his first collaborative under-taking with the national government. “Typhoon Sendong struck exactly two days after I assumed office,” Hataman said, noting that NGP is now a major tool he can use in addressing illegal logging in ARMM since the program offers alternative livelihood to

forest-based communi-ties that are usually en-ticed to engage in illegal logging activities due to lack of livelihood oppor-tunities in the uplands. Hataman said pri-ority will be given to up-stream areas inside ARMM where the NGP activities will be implemented with guidance from the DENR-national government. “Pipilitin naming maipatupad ang lahat ng expectations ni President Aquino for ARMM (We will implement all the expec-tations of President Aqui-no for ARMM),” Hataman stressed, noting that he already received “verbal commitments” from reb-el groups involved in the peace negotiation to help in stopping illegal logging in ARMM and in the NGP implementation. Under the agree-ment, ARMM will imple-ment the NGP according to the guidelines set by the DENR central office. It shall also allow DENR personnel that will be des-ignated to monitor and evaluate ARMM’s imple-mentation, including its fi-nancial management and utilization. (DENR-13)


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ZamboSur has more than enough supply of rice – rice coordinator

Zamboanga del Sur rice production coordinator Jose Agad, Jr. of the office of the Provincial Agriculturist this week revealed , the province has produced more

than enough supply of rice.

by Claro A. Lanipa


Agad said, last year local farmers harvest-ed some 288,724 met-ric tons of rice involving more than 68,426 hect-ares of riceland in the en-tire province. If only our people in the province will consume this boun-tiful harvest, it would be more than enough even if each person will eat at least 6 times in a day, Agad quipped. In the Zamboanga Peninsula region, Zam-boanga del Sur has the widest land area of rice-land covering some 34,514 hectares includ-ing rain-fed farmlands. With the full support of the provincial govern-ment headed by Gover-nor Antonio Cer i l les farmers are encouraged to adopt the new tech-nology using the organic

agriculture which is now being spread out in the province also known as the organic farming, Agad said. Through this tech-nology, farmers are also persuaded not to use anymore chemicals or in-organic fertilizers in their farm. He pointed out, that one of these is the so-called rice-duck farming system, which is successfully implemented and is being called “May Bigas Na, May Ulam Pa.” This method also contrib-utes much to solving our problem on global warm-ing, Agad added. Agad disclosed fur-ther that, majority of the farmers are now en-gaged in rice-duck farm-ing because through this technology our produce

will be chemical free

and safe to eat and it also helps bring back the nat-ural fertility of the soil. This year, he said, the Department of Agri-culture is set to provide the province with 558 bags of registered seeds to be distributed and planted by the members of the irrigators association and farmers association, so as they themselves will produce their own seeds for the succeeding plant-ing seasons. Agad said, these seeds will be given to farmers and for those who are interested to avail these registered seeds they may visit the near-est Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) in their lo-cality and inquire about the program. (JPA/RLG/PGO/CAL/PIA9)


Zambo Youth leaders qualify for US-funded exchange programZAMBOANGA CITY - Five youth leaders from this city will travel to the United States for a 5 week exchange program set on April 14 to May 17 2012 at the Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, USA.

The 5 young-sters are among the 27 youth and adult leaders from the Au-tonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and surrounding provinc-es in the country who qualified for the Phil-ippine Youth Leader-ship Program (PYLP). PYLP is a 5 week U.S .-based exchange program on responsi-ble citizenship, com-munity service, lead-ership and action plan development spon-sored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the U.S. Department of State.

The PYLP aims to teach participants conflict resolution skills; realization on the importance of vol-unteerism in civil so-ciety; and introduce participants to the American institutions that promote toler-ance and religious di-versity. The program hopes to instill to the participants a sense of civic responsibility and commitment to community develop-ment among youth in Mindanao. The training also hopes to develop a cadre of communi-

ty activists who will share their knowledge and skills with their peers through posi-tive action; to foster relationships among youth from different ethnic, religious and national groups and to promote mutual un-derstanding between the United States and the people of other countries. At the end of the 5week program, par-ticipants are expected to cooperatively im-plement community service projects fo-cusing on peace and leadership when they get back home.

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez


Much needed weather monitoring facility to rise in Zambo CityZAMBOANGA CITY – A much needed weather monitoring facility that will help warn people of Western Mindanao during rainy season will soon be installed here, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Zamboanga City Meteorological Officer Maribel Enriquez said.

Enriquez said a Doppler Radar will be in-stalled anytime this year in Hill 900, Barangay La Paz, west of the city. This project is an off-shoot of the signing of a Memorandum of Agree-ment between PAGASA and the city government in October, last year. Enriquez explained that the radar can track

typhoons and determine the volume of rainfall it carries. The facility will help PAGASA give more accurate data and fore-cast to the public and help local government units in the region pre-pare in case of a coming typhoon or weather dis-turbance. President Benigno Aquino last year, or-

dered the modernization of weather monitoring/forecasting equipments in the country to avoid loss of lives during rainy season. Around 20 t y -phoons enter the coun-try’s area of responsibil-ity every year, with 6 to 9 of these, making land-fall. (JPA/MVC/PIA9- ZBST)

by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

4warnwxteam.com


TESDA trains 5,328 constituents in Lanao del Surby Apipa Bagumbaran

The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) here had extended skills trainings to some 5,328 individuals all over the province in 2011.

The skills trainings were made available to the recipients through our four training modalities namely center-based, school-based, community-based and enterprise-based, said Tarhata S. Mapandi, provincial director of TESDA-Lanao del Sur. She said most of the recipients were served under Community-Based Training (CBT) with 3,393 individuals

while the Community-Based Training and Enterprise Development (CBTED) has served 124 individuals. The Center-Based Training (CB) has also benefited 967 individuals while some 844 individuals have availed of our School-Based Training (SB), she further said. As to the number of beneficiaries per district, Mapandi said that 2,779


of the trained individuals came from the 1st District of the province while 2,549 were from the 2nd District. The 1st District covers 17 towns and the city of Marawi while the 2nd District covers 22 towns. The provincial director also said that 1,846 of the beneficiaries were out-of-school youth (OSY), 754 were in-school youth (ISY), 2,367 were unemployed, and five was employed. The trainings extended during the year included Commercial Cooking, Baking Dressmaking, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Massage Therapy, Bamboo Furniture Making, Organic Fertilizer Making (foliar), Carpentry, Small Engine Servicing ( m o t o r c y c l e r e p a i r ) , R e f r i g e r a t i o n Repair, Cellphone Repair, and T-shirt Printing ( s i l k s c r e e n ) , among others.


Mindanao power congress takes up good governanceby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Public discussions on good governance, knowledge product and finance and investment will set the tone for the Mindanao Congress of the Advocates for Renewable Energy, Rural Electrification and Development (MinCARED).

To be held at Grand Caprice Restaurant, Cagayan de Oro City on Jan. 25-27, the three-day congress sponsored by the Association of the Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) will be attended by some 300 stakeholders. Topics on “Transparency of Distribution Utilities” will be tackled on the first day by Zenaida G. Ducut, Chairperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission while “The Politics in the Electric Cooperatives” will be discussed by Congressman Lorenzo Tañada III, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives. Under knowledge products, “Research and Study Grants for the Mindanao Power Sector” will be tackled by USAID and “The Upcoming 84 Days A Year Brown Out” by Prof. Rowaldo del Mundo of the University of the Philippines National Engineering Center. “The Mindanao Power Institute: A Model Outfit for the Mindanao Power Sector” will be discussed by Dr. Ricardo E. Rotoras, President of the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) while “Climate Change and Power” will be discussed by Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, President of the Ateneo de Manila University. Likewise, under finance and

investment, the topic on “Resources on Renewable Energy” will be discussed by Dr. Ambrosio Cultura of MUST, “Aggregation: A Business Model for the Mindanao Electric Cooperatives” by Edgardo R. Masongsong, “Solar Generation Plants in the Distribution Units” by Engr. Dave Tauli and “Power Saving Innovation” by the Department of Energy. Discussion on the Role of the Civil Organizations will be handled by Archbishop Antonio Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro while the guest speaker will include Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Lualhati P. Antonio, Chairperson, Mindanao Development Authority and Congressman Arnulfo Go, Chairman, House Committee on Mindanao Affairs.


2 soldiers, 14 civilians receive combat awardCAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - Two soldiers and 14 civilians of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), received combat awards: the two military personnel received the “Gold Cross Medal” while the 14 were awarded the Military Merit Medal, January 10

The group gallantly repelled the attack of some 60 fully armed New People’s Army (NPA) rebels under the group of aka Marsing (true name unknown), Manuel Anob aka Salem/Masayod, and Adonis Maglasang aka Do/Dali of Guerilla Front 21, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. The incident took place at around 4:30 a.m. of January 3 when communist insurgents tried to overrun the San Antonio Patrol Base, Brgy. San Antonio, Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte. The fire fight lasted for almost five hours. After five hours of gun battle, the troops successfully defended the patrol base which resulted in the recovery of two enemy killed in action, one recovered by their comrades, one M203 grenade launcher, one M16 rifle, 29 magazines loaded with live ammunition for AK-47, one magazine plate for K3, one M16 magazine, one rifle grenade, two gallons of landmine with 500 meters detonating cord used for explosives devices, and assorted ammunition. The insurgents were forced

to withdraw and fled in disarray towards unknown direction, dragging with them their wounded or killed comrades. it believe that more casualties as revealed by the residents in the area. On the government side, one militiaman was killed identified as Christopher Rara. Two others were wounded namely,Corporal Murphy Haiber, Assistant Detachment Commander; and Dionisio Calbo, barangay official. Major General Victor A. Felix, army’s 4th Infantry Division Commander, pinned the third highest military award in combat the “Gold Cross Medals” to Sgt. Sixto Duyan, Cpl. Murphy Haiber, and the Military Merit Medals to the 14 CAA members of San Antonio Patrol Base for successfully defended and repulsed the enemy attack. While the 4ID troops were preoccupied with relief management for the victims of tropical storm Sendong communist guerilla are keep on espousing violence by attacking civilians and detachments. (4CMO)


Davao City exceeds tax goals in 2011by Mai Gevera Macapagat

The city government of Davao exceeded its tax collection tar-

get of more than P200 million for the year 2011. In yesterday’s Club 888 at Marco Polo Hotel, City Treasurer Rodrigo Riola bared that since he was seated as Treasurer, this is the first time for the city to collect this much from the different collection departments in Davao. The actual tax collection reached P4.5 billion as it maintains

to have the bulk of the col-lection coming from busi-ness taxes. Business taxes collected for 2011 reached P766 mil-lion, a target accomplish-ment rate of 111 percent. “We hope to surpass or even duplicate this amount for 2012 because the city needs money to implement some projects.” he said. Meanwhile, Business Bu-reau head Atty. Tristan

Dwight Domingo reported that the office has accommodated 16,553 applicants for business permit re-newals as of yesterday. In the previous years, the said office received up to 22,000 applica-tions in the given period. However, with the number of applicants that have renewed more than a week before the January 20 deadline, the official projects more than appli-cants this year that could even


reach up to 25,000. “We are still halfway before the deadline, but we have already been receiving this plenty.”, he said.The Business Bureau continues to urge business owners to renew their permits as early as possible so as to avoid penalties and con-gestion of applicants in designated paying station. Applicants for business renew-als may proceed to the Sangguni-ang Panlungsod Office from 8 to 5 pm and up to 12 midnight on the

last day of renewal. The office has also opened a one-stop-shop for this particular transaction at the NCCC Mall, Maa. Riola on the other hand, ex-pressed desire to have the renewal process in the district level. “ This way, we could decongest traffic and also beneficial to busi-ness owners who need not travel far just to reach the Business Bu-reau office and pay the necessary renewal fee.

City has relocation sites for dislocated settlersDAVAO CITY- The city government of Davao has a sizable number of relocation sites intended for the resettlement of informal settlers living in danger zones and quali-fied informal settlers whose hous-es are set for demolition by the property owners. According to Roy Ryan Rigor of the Housing and Homesite Development Of-fice, the city has about eight relocation sites situated in the city’s second and third districts where settlers will be given a chance to resettle. The biggest relocation area is in Los Amigos in Calinan with an area of 22 hectares. The current developed area is about 13 hectares which has

about 700 lots about 400 lots are now being occupied. According to Rigor, these re-settlement sites has roads, drainage, utility connections and community fa-cilities like multi-purpose halls, day care centers, parks, playgrounds and basketball courts.Rigor said that if the 700 lots would


be filled up, then they would start de-veloping the other portion of the Los Amigos resettlement area. The Los Amigos relocation area will be the resettlement area of infor-mal settlers hit by the Matina Pangi flashflood tragedy which claimed the lives of more than 30 people last June 28. Vice-President Jejomar Binay through the National Housing Au-thority has inked a Memorandum of Agreement for the construction of 200 houses intended for the relocation of the Matina Pangi resettlers. Rigor said that the program will be a by-phased development. The ini-tial batch would be 50 houses and the

city government is just waiting for the release of P5-million to jumpstart the project. Other relocation areas include Tigatto, Mintal, Marapangi, Pana-can, Tibungco, Lasang and Bunawan. Rigor said that the size of these areas ranges from 3 hectares to about 20 hectares. The city government is regularly updating the inventory of the lots says Rigor as some of the resettlers have left the sites. For abandoned lots, the city would initiate due process mech-anisms before they can take the lot back from the beneficiaries who aban-doned the sites. (RG Alama)

Uy creates body to look into Pantukan landslide by Jeanevive Abangan

COMPOSTELA VALLEY - Compos-tela Valley Gov. Arturo T. Uy yes-terday announced the creation of an investigative body to look into the underlying reasons why the recent Pantukan landslide cost so many lives despite the imple-mentation of an ordinance on “No Habitation” in small scale mining areas. His initiative took off from statements of Interior and Local Government Secretay Jesse Robre-do who said in interviews with the media that someone had to answer the incident for apparent “negli-gence.”


Uy wanted the body to act in-dependently “because i don’t want it to become bias.” The investigating body is chaired by the Compostela Valley Provincial Director of the Depart-ment of Interior and Local Govern-ment (DILG). Among its members are the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 11, Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) 11, Diocese of Tagum clergy to be appointed by Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz, Department of Education (DepEd) Compostela Valley Division, Nabunturan Integrated Mining Co-operative, Provincial Board mem-ber Atty. Peter Ruwell Gonzaga and Boad Member Moran B. Takasan. Uy assured the body will ob-serve high level of objectivity in their

investigation, and that it would not be finding faults on anyone. “But the purpose is to know why despite the No Habitation pol-icy marami pa ring pamilya doon,” he told the media. Uy pushed for the creation of an ordinance prohibiting residences in high risk small scale mining ar-eas after the landslide incident in Sitio Panganason, Brgy. Kingking of Pantukan, Compostela Valley in April last year. Authored by Provincial Board Member Takasan, Provincial Ord-iance 09-2011 promulgating the “No Habitation Policy” was approved by the Sanggunian Panlalawigan of Compostela Valley on June 22, 2011.

The ordinance also incorporat-ed “the mining safety guide-lines in geologically hazardous mining areas within the terri-torial jurisdiction of the prov-ince of Compostela Valley.” In its exploratory notes, the ordinance has noted the “adamant” disregard of small-scale miners to the orders of higher authorities, bringing into tragic landslide incidents their families for establish-ing residential houses in mine sites. It also noted that small business structures in high risk mine sites “tend to add the carrying capacity of the sites.” “Thus, there is a strong probability that imminent dan-ger is really inevitable in terms of landslide, erosion, cave-ins


and the like,” it stated. Citing the No Habitation ordi-nance, Uy believed that the recent landslide in Diat Uno, Brgy. Napna-pan in Pantukan “could have been prevented if the ordinance was im-plemented. He told the media that the SP sent copies of the ordinance to all towns in the province and that a copy of which was received by the Sangguniang Bayan of Pantukan on August 8, 2011. In a phone interview over the phone with Pantukan Municipal Di-saster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) action officer Dr. Arnulfo Lantaya said the municipal government initiated a series of dia-logues with small scale miners after the Panganason incident and even enforced a “forced evacuation” in Diat areas “but people went back to the place.” Meanwhile, Uy made it clear that investigating body will not be coming up with a recommendation as to who will be made to answer the recent landslide incident. “It is up for the secretary to look at all the angles and for him

to decide of any sanction,” he said referring to Secretary Robredo of DILG. Uy admitted that the provincial government somehow fell short in following up the implementation of the No Habitation ordinance at the ground level. Citing this, he expected to know from the investigating body the shortcomings of the provincial government “We might also learn some lessons that we might be able to strengthen the No Habitation poli-cy,” he said. However, Uy bared the in-clusion of reported involvement of some local government officials among the concerns that the inves-tigating body will be looking into. He admitted of having received a number of text messages inform-ing him of such case, and that some barangay officials (in Napnapan) were reportedly receiving tips so undocumented mining operations in the area could go on. “There are reports like that but we can’t confirm it,” he said.

soundbytes“because I don’t want it to become bias.”-Compostela Valley Governor Arturo T. Uy explaining the need for an independent body to look into cause of the high fatalities in the Pantukan landslide


Robredo asks LGUs’ help in implementing national programs, projectsby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY -- Interior and local government Secretary Jesse Robredo on Tuesday asked for support from local government units in the implementation of the national government programs and projects.

Although he was not able to come as guest of honor during the cul-mination program of the 72nd Foundation Anni-versary and 12th Hinug-yaw Festival of Koronadal City, Robredo asked As-sistant Secretary for Mindanao Affairs and Special Concerns Nari-man Ambolodto to read his message to thou-sands of residents gath-ered at the South Cota-bato Sports Complex for the affair.

“We all hope for genu-ine peace and develop-ment…but the national

government cannot do all these alone. As we always say, we need all the support from our counterpart in the

grassroots,” he said in his message.

He said provincial, municipal and even the smallest barangays,


which described as “the real instruments of change” play major role in carrying out meaning-ful projects that benefit their respective commu-nities.

With this as guiding principal , he said, the department has made it a goal to strengthen the capabilities of local gov-ernments and “would like to give them more freedom and power” be-cause LGUs “know and feel the needs of their constituents.

“It is the local gov-ernments that know what programs and projects would benefit their communities,” he continued.

Sec. Robredo also called on LGUs to adhere to the department’s full disclosure policy be-

cause alongenormous powers

provided to them comes transparency and ac-countability, which he said is the reason they have directed all gov-ernment units to post all budget, procurements, bidding processes, and other information that the public would like to access.

He reminded local of-ficials that local govern-ments that comply with the full disclosure policy are rewarded with Seal of Good Housekeeping which is a basis for pro-viding the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) that LGUs can use in roll out local programs and projects.

LGUs may also use the PCF for the prepara-tions against disasters

and calamities such as earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and others.

“PCF radically chang-es the decade-old prac-tice that LGUs that man-ifest gaps in the delivery of basic services should be given priority assis-tance,” he said.

Recently, Koronadal LGU received P25 mil-lion PCF, which Mayor Peter B. Miguel said will be allocated for the re-habilitation of farm-to-market roads.

Robredo also urged lo-cal governments to cre-ate inter-LGU partner-ship “where rich LGUs may extend helping hands to poor LGUs.”

“At the same time, neighboring LGUs can also support one anoth-er to address common problems.”

He also asked them to encourage participa-tion of the private sec-tor and civic society organizations in local governance not only to review where govern-ment funds are allocat-ed but also to increase legitimacy of the local government through dialogs and consensus building.


“May you continue to support our government and strengthen our uni-

ty and teamwork as we journey in the matuwid na daan that will bring

us to progress and sta-ble Philippines,” he con-cluded.

Breastfeeding corners in buses in Region-12 eyedby CT Apelacio

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Buses all over the region will soon have their own designated “breastfeeding corner” in recognition of the law that upholds the right of a mother and her child to provide and be fed any-time even in transit.

This is in line with Re-public Act 10028 other-wise known as the “Ex-panded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009” which enjoins all private institutions, govern-ment agencies, includ-ing government-owned and controlled corpora-tions to put up lactation stations.

The law also provides tax incentives to all pri-vate establishments and even government agen-cies that provide lacta-tion corners for working mothers.

According to Depart-ment of Health (DOH), RA 10028 also mandates all health and non-health facilities, establishments or institutions to desig-nate lactation stations

along with appropriate facilities such as lava-tory for hand washing, refrigeration for stor-ing breast milk, elec-trical outlets for breast pumps, a small table; and comfortable seats for working mothers.

In support of the law, the Regional Develop-

ment Council (RDC) 12 has passed a resolution last year “requesting the Land Transportation Franchising and Regula-tory Board (LTFRB) 12 to issue a directive requir-ing all bus operators in Region 12 to designate a breastfeeding seat/corner inside buses.”


The RDC-12 Social Development Commit-tee has recommended that bus operators re-serve the “third seat by the window” of the bus as breastfeeding sta-tion.

Recently, the LTFRB XII, in response to the resolution, issued a di-rective to bus operators in the region enjoining

their compliance.The directive orders

bus operators to put a “signage” on designat-ed seats as provided by the management so that they will be exclusively “occupied by the lactat-ing mothers.”

The RDC-12 believes the move will create a “mother-baby friendly ride,” that is favorable for

both as it provides “pri-vacy” for breastfeeding mothers to nurture their babies properly.

RA 10028 also appor-tions 40 minutes for ev-ery 8-hour working peri-od for nursing employees to “express milk” in addi-tion to the regular meal time-off.

Mga magsasaka naging bahagi ng 12th Hinugyaw Festival ng Koronadal CityKORONADAL CITY–- Sa pagtatapos kahapon ng ika-12th Hinugyaw Festival ng Lungsod ng Koronadal, ipinagmalaki ng mga magsasaka ng lungsod na sila ay pinahalagahan ng lokal na pamahalaan.

Sa isinagawang Farmer’s Festival, ipi-namalas ng mga mag-sasaka ang iba pa nil-ang galing maliban sa pagtatanim at pag-al-aga ng kanilang mga sakahan.

Nagpakitang-gilas ang mga magsasaka sa pag-indak ng mga katutubong sayaw gaya ng Tinikling, Pista sa Nayon at iba pa.

Nagkaroon din sila ng iba’t ibang palaro na may kinalaman sa kanilang pagsasaka.

Nagkaroon din sila ng pagkakataong maipagbili ang kanil-ang produktong gu-lay, prutas at iba pa sa mga residente at mga bisita ng lungsod sa Hinugyaw Festival.

Naipaabot rin ng mga magsasaka sa pama-halaang lokal ang ka-nilang suliranin hinggil sa malawakang land conversion sa lungsod na anila’y naging dahi-lan ng pagbaba ng irri-gable land at pagkawa-la ng lupang sakahan ng iilan.

Ang ilang magsasaka umano ay ipinagbibili ang kanilang mga lu-pang sakahan para sa mataas na demand sa mga lupang gagamitin bilang commercial at industrial land at dahil na rin umano sa nag-tataasang presyo ng mga gamit pansaka-han.

Nangako naman ang pamahalaang pan-glungsod na kanilang titingnan ang prob-lema ng mga magsa-saka. (Ac Agad)

one mindanao - january 12, 2012

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