one mindanao - january 16, 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

Former OFW gets 2012 GawadSaka Award for coconut category

Edgar dela CruzCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, January 16, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 104

page 4

Palace says resignations of officials from NDRRMC, DTI and PhilHealth coincidental 7

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Signing of support highlights the SAFE campaign in Ozamiz 19Camiguin, CRMP seal pact for Interpretative Center project20Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

Ten Moves! Run for 10 kicks off in Dipolog

Ateneo’s gensets help restore power, water supply in DavOr, ComVal Southern Mindanao

Police expects peaceful, orderly election in South CotabatoDani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Mary May A. Abellon, Western Mindanao

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Agro-Trade Fair opens in Midsayap, N. Cotabato Oliver Ross V. Rivera, Central Mindanao28

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Army conducts security awareness cam-paign to Gigaquit studentsCMO 30IB, Caraga Region30

31Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

Educators, mngt consultants to host Phl-Singaporean Math int’l seminar

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Wednesday, January 16, 20134


A former Overseas Filipino Worker

(OFW), who ventured for nine years as a mechanical engineer and a foreman in steel fabrication in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was chosen the 2012 GawadSaka Awardee.

CoVer StoRy

by Edgar dela Cruz

After years of working abroad, in 1990, Mr. Roberto Garcia Panghulan, 52 years old,went back home to the Philippines and had his eye struck on the grown-up coconut trees at his wife’s family farm in Sultan Kudarat province. The Batangas-born returning OFW married to Lourdes Limson of Barangay Sagasa, Esperanza, SultanKudarat and blessed with three siblings, then started to try planting hybrid coconut alternately with the ones that are old enough. “I have a vision that these coconutscould be a great help to augment my family needs,as a source of our living as well as supportthe studies of my children,” he said. Armed with strong determination, diligence and perseverance and an open

mind, I made this five-hectare coconut farm productive as I introduce more innovations to the farm, the farmer awardee said. At first I did not succeed, but my diligence and perseverance to know the needed method and technology to manage coconut farm eventually paid-off.During the awarding ceremony last November 5, 2012 at the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rice Research Institute at Munoz City, Cavite, Panghulanwas specifically mentioned by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, in his speech delivered by DA secretary Proceso Alcala, “Ilangtaon din po siyang na ngibangbansa bilang inhinyero, subalit ng makita niya ang opportunidad para sa integrated coconut tree farming, nag balik siya sa atin. Pwede naman naituloy niya

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 5

ang pagiging OFW. Pwede na mannagaya hinanglumang prosesong pagtanim nga niyog, pero mulat siya at sa pag-ambag sa paglaki ng kanyang sekta.” “Kaya naman kumilos siya para hindi lang mapalaki ang kanyang sariling kita kundi makatulong sa ibasa pag-asenso ng kanyang sarli ng komunidad.Aktibo siya sa pag-organisang farmers forum and seedling distribution, fingerlings atiba pang mga gamit sa pagsasaka, yan po ang kanyang kabayanihan. Yan po ang bagong ehemplo naating dapat tularan.”. At present his farm is producing 10,000 to 13,000 pieces of coconut every 3 to 4 months. This is equivalent to P4,000 to P7,000 per harvest. He also ventured on producing coconut sugar, which he sells at P250.0 per kilo. The farmer-awardee maintained also a nursery for coconut and other fruit trees seedlings and practiced diversified farming (intercropping) to increase

productivity and earn more income. His coconut farm were intercrop with coffee, cacao, rambutan, mangosteen, durian, kalamansi, banana and others fruit trees. Sultan Kudarat provincial manager DaniloCorpuzof Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said that he is proud that 2012 GawadSaka Awardee was from this province. Mr. Roberto Panghulan, is also the president of the Sagasa Coconut farmer Cooperative and

recipient of KasaganaansaNiyugan ay Kaunlaranng Bayan (KAANIB) one of the major projects of the PCA that aims to address widespread poverty in coconut farming communities. The GawadSaka is conducted every year to recognize the exemplary contribution of farmers and fisherfolk in agriculture and fisheries in the attainment of the government’s food security program. National winners are awarded with cash, trophy and a chance to visit outstanding agricultural projects in the country.


6 Wednesday, January 16, 2013

ACROSS THE NATIONMalacañang announces appointment of Lt. Gen Emmanuel Bautista as new AFP Chief of Staff

Malacañang announced on Tuesday the appointment of Lieutenant General Emmanuel T. Bautista as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines replacing outgoing AFP Chief of Staff Gen.

Jessie Dellosa who is set to retire.Deputy Presidential Spokesperson

Abigail Valte made the announcement in a statement released by Malacanang.

She said Bautista, who is currently the Commanding General of the Philippine Army and who is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Dimalupig” Class of

1981, will assume his new position on January 20, 2013.

Valte thanked Dellosa “for having served the country and our uniformed personnel with exemplary dedication and commitment.”


The complete text of Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte follows:

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lieutenant General Emmanuel T. Bautista as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines effective January 20, 2013. He will be replacing General Jessie D. Dellosa who is set to retire.

Lt. Gen. Bautista is currently the Commanding General of the Philippine Army and prior to his appointment had served as Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy’s

‘Dimalupig’ Class of 1981, he completed his Masters in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

We thank outgoing AFP Chief of Staff Dellosa for having served the country and our uniformed personnel with exemplary dedication and commitment. We look forward to the stint of the incoming AFP Chief of Staff in continuing the reforms set in motion by the President and implemented by his predecessors in advancing the interests of our soldiers and the enhancement of the defense capabilities of our country.” PND (rck)

Palace says resignations of officials from NDRRMC, DTI and PhilHealth coincidental

Malacanang said on Tuesday that the resignations of

officials from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) one after the other is just coincidental.

8 Wednesday, January 16, 2013

In a briefing in Malacanang, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the resignations of NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos, DTI Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio and Philhealth chief executive officer Eduardo Banzon were borne out of their personal choices to move on and change career paths.

“There are times that people need to move on and need to change into different career paths,” Valte said noting that Ramos, who submitted his third resignation letter to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin last week, “has signified his intent to leave the service in order to attend to his wife (who is suffering from complications arising from diabetes).”

Panlilio, who had already tendered his resignation last month to return to private life, had agreed to stay on only until January 16, 2013; while Banzon,

who had already submitted his resignation letter to the Philhealth board, is leaving public service for “personal reasons.”

“I think nagkakataon lang ito (na nagkasabay-sabay ang resignations from government service),” Valte said.

She pointed out that since there is an ongoing ban in appointing new officials or staff to vacant government positions due to the upcoming elections in May, temporary officers-in-charge from within the concerned agency may be considered.

“There is also an election ban and appointment ban in effect so Health Secretary Enrique Ona will be acting temporarily as the OIC of Philhealth,” Valte said.

She added that she would “double check” who would head the positions vacated by Panlilio and Ramos.PND (rck)


Foreign donors laud Mindanao IDP program

The international donor community on Wednesday praised the Early Recovery and Rehabilitation for Central

Mindanao(ERRCM)Program for at least 65,000 internally-displaced people(IDP)in Central Mindanao.

The foreign donor countries also hailed the program as a model for future relief and rehabilitation initiatives in the country.

Toshihiro Tanaka, United

Nations Development Program (UNDP)Country Director for the Philippines, described the program as “exemplary,” citing the full commitment of its project


organizers.Tanaka met with the officials

of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

“The converged efforts of the program’s stakeholders resulted in the success of the ERRCM Programme, which facilitated the transition of the IDPs from early recovery to full rehabilitation,” says Tanaka at a meeting held in Davao.

The European Union(EU) also lauded the effective methodology of the program which utilized the convergence approach in achieving its key results.

In a statement, MinDA explained that the convergence approach employs inter-agency efforts during the implementation phase of the project. Different agencies strategically match socio-economic initiatives to achieve targets and anticipated results.

Caroline Maningo, EU Philippines program officer, said EU is currently working with the Departments of Agriculture, of Social Welfare and Development, and of Environment and Natural Resources in expanding its ongoing project to ERRCM sites.

“This will ensure sustainability

of the ERRCM livelihood projects,” Maningo added.

Acting Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said the regional government is also planning to adopt the same strategy in implementing various programs and projects in the region.

“Our approach now is convergence, and we will try to adopt the learning experience of the ERRCM Program,” Hataman said.

The ERRCM Program formed part of government efforts to facilitate the resettlement and early recovery of populations displaced by armed conflict in 2008.

Implemented by the MinDA and the ARMM regional government with funding support from EU and UNDP,the ERRCM Program constructed 1,793 homes and equipped IDP resettlement areas with more than 120 water systems and sanitation facilities.

Access to basic social services in the resettlement areas was enhanced through the construction of 28 barangay health stations, 30 “Botika ng


Barangay’ or village pharmacies and 30 classroom buildings.

ERRCM also helped build the capacities of host local governments in disaster risk reduction and management and in conflict resolution - key factors in ensuring coordinated response during disasters and recovery period.

Kadiguia Zambaga, 37, a mother of four, was visibly glad with the program for family who now has a decent home after living with five other families at an evacuation site for the past three years in Barangay Pamalian, Pikit, North Cotabato.

“Life is better now. We could sleep well and soundly and feel secured,” Zambaga said in the vernacular.

“MinDA shall continue its efforts in making the government felt by the people especially in conflict-affected areas,” Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, MinDA chairperson and ERRCM Programme National Director.

She said MinDA in partnership with the ARMM regional government has been in the forefront of facilitating programs and projects designed for the

early recovery and rehabilitation of conflict-affected communities in Mindanao since 2003.

“The ERRCM Programme experience and similar other successful programs that pushed for sustainable peace in the island-region are manifestations that peace efforts in Mindanao are moving forward being reinforced by the signing of the Framework of Agreement on Bangsamoro,” Antonino said.

This February 1, a Mindanao Development Forum aimed to provide platforms for dialogue and public discourse on priority issues and policy agenda on Mindanao will be held in Davao City.

The event will also tackle the emerging and evolving issues in Mindanao and will enhance further the existing consultative processes designed to facilitate substantive policy dialogue among stakeholders of island-region’s development and peace-building agenda.

Expected to attend are political leaders, stakeholders, and representatives from non government organizations who care for and dream of a better Mindanao. (PNA)


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PAGADIAN CITY - Some 2,000 job seekers turned up at the city commercial center here today for the job fair spearheaded by the city government in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Pagadian holds job fairBy Franklin P. Gumapon


City Assessor and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Joseph Isaias M. Quipot VI told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the city government has been tapping local business establishments to help provide job opportunities to the locals. “We are strengthening local employment so that our workers would no longer go abroad,” said Quipot. Quipot also disclosed that more than 10 local establishments and

around five recruitment agencies for overseas employment have joined the job fair. Today’s job fair has been one of the activities lined up in connection with the “Pasalamat” (thanksgiving) festival in honor of this city’s patron saint, the Holy Child whose festivity will be celebrated here on Sunday. According to Quipot, two more job fairs may take place in March and in June during the observance of the city’s charter day and foundation day, respectively.


Ten Moves! Run for 10 kicks off in DipologBy Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - The Ten Moves! Run for 10 project with the aim of raising funds to build 10,000 classrooms in public schools nationwide was successfully held last January 13 at Dipolog City Boulevard Commercial Complex as starting point going to P’gsalabuk Circle and back to the boulevard.

Pursuant to DepEd Memorandum No. 217, s. 2012, the Ten Moves! Run for 10 project was inspired with the theme “The More You Run, The More Classrooms You Build.” The said run for a cause was launched in October 2011 as a project of the Bayanihang Pampaaralan, developed by the 57-75 Education Reform Movement in response to DepEd’s appeal to the private sector to help address the classroom backlog which is estimated at 66, 800.


It has 2.5 km, 5 km and 10 km categories joined by hundreds of individuals coming from the different offices of the local government, DepEd, PNP and from private sectors. It was held simultaneously with the cities of Makati, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dumaguete, Legaspi, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zamboanga and Zamboanga Sibugay in partnership with the Ayala Foundation Inc., Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, Globe and other organizations. The project enjoins the combined support of corporations,

organizations and individuals toward the attainment of a common goal for the benefit of thousands of Filipino pupils and students. It calls for at least two million Filipinos to donate ten pesos a day for ten months. (a total of P3, 000.00 per individual) Because of this great cause, Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy was very thankful for all the participants in the recently concluded fun run. She reasoned out that this will be a big contribution to the programs of the government for the construction of additional buildings in all parts of the country.


University holds relief mission for ‘Pablo’ survivorsby Vanessa M. Gorra

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Xavier University held various missions during the school Christmas break to help survivors of typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, and Agusan del Sur.


Six faculty members and two students facilitated stress debriefing and medical mission in barangays Cateel, Bana-ao and Yapsay, Davao Oriental, some of the badly hit areas of Pablo. Houses in the coastal areas were washed out due to storm surges which reached as high as five feet and covered the main road. People crawled their way out of their houses to safer ground because the wind was strong enough to rip apart a heavy cemented house. Michael Acenas, Monalisa Pangan, and Suzette Valmores of the Campus Ministries Office, Engr Crel Valdehueza of the College of Engineering, Dr Vincent Laguardia and Francis Dale Acenas of the School of Medicine, Laurine Alexis Yonson, a Sociology student, and Victoria Melissa Pulido of Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana–Social Involvement Office together with Balay Mindanao Foundation, Inc served approximately 600 families who were also given free medical check-ups and basic medicines. Meanwhile, a team of seven counselors went to New Bataan, Compostela Valley and Sta Josefa, Agusan del Sur to conduct psychosocial debriefing for affected children. The Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO), represented in by Dr Joey Marie Jegonia, Carol Landa, Sean Sasing, Sr Trang Tan, Bro Noel Cantago, Carmelita Judith Guarin and Charito Vocal, partnered with the Ateneo de Davao University’s Center for Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS) during

the mission. “There were some kids who still couldn’t speak because of the shock,” recalled Dr Joey Marie Jegonia who led the team from XU. To help the children, as young as less than a year to 13 years old, tell their stories, Jegonia’s team facilitated role-playing games where the children expressed themselves through movements. They were also given toys with which to associate the positive experience of the intervention. Overall, the GCO helped over a hundred children in New Bataan and over 400 children in Sta Josefa. In addition to the toys, which were donated by a group of medical doctors, Jegonia and her team also handed out school supplies. To fund their mission, the GCO raised funds and diverted their Christmas party budget to the mission. They also got support from the university president’s Office. “Our direction now is toward putting up more funds not just for clothing and books, but to fund a psychosocial team,” shared Jegonia. The team plans to visit the children again in May for a follow-up session. Despite the tragedy experienced, the communities remain hopeful that a brighter tomorrow awaits them. “Because we were able to survive, we should continue living,” said Edmer, 12, from Brgy Ban-ao, and added, “God still has big plans for us.”


Signing of support highlights the SAFE campaign in Ozamizby Rutchie C. Aguhob

About 1,000 individuals walked with lighted candles from the Osmeňa-Roxas (Os-Rox) towards Fuerte dela Concepcion y del Triunfo, Cotta Area, this city, where the signing took place, last Jan. 12. Streamers bearing the words ”Pagpakabana Para Sa Kalinaw: Duyog ang Katawhang Ozamiznon, Alang sa Tinuod, Hapsay ug Patas nga Election 2013″ (Get Involved For Peace: Join the Ozamiznons For a True, Orderly and Fair 2013 Elections) were among those carried by the rally participants. Most of the participants were students taking up B.S. Criminology courses from La Salle University (LSU) and Misamis University (MU) and from Sharing Computer Access Locally and Abroad (SCALA) and members of Ozamiz City Youth Information Communication Technology Training Center (YICTTC) and the PAG-ASA Youth Home. Also with them were members of the different non-government, civil society and people’s organizations (NGO/CSO/PO), such as, Gitib Inc., the Junior Community Investigative Support (CIS), Karancho and mothers

who brought along their kids. Meanwhile, P/Sr. Supt. David Umbao, Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) of PNP-10, who was present during the occasion has called on the Ozamiznons to show their love for the city by taking care of its image and sustaining its peace and order, starting at their very own homes and families. Among those who attended the rally were P/Sr. Supt. Dennis Lingat Basngi, Provincial Director of PNP-Misamis Occidental, P/Sr. Insp. Danilo Balmes of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the province and the Joint Task Force Panguil. Initiated by by P/Supt. Jonas T. Amparo, Chief of the Ozamiz City Police Station, the signing of support was done after a short program that started with an ecumenical prayer by some of the religious leaders in the city, namely: Alimatar Ali, Islam Community, Rev. James Cagaanan, Assembly of God and Giovan Pelayo, Eternal Life Church Ministries of the Phil., David Cabugon, Happy Church and Lito Ocate, Freedom in Christ Fellowship.

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - A symbolic signing of support highlighted the Unity Walk and Prayer Rally for the Secure and Fair Election (SAFE) campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP), here.


The Interpretative Center was established with the technical and funding support from the New Zealand Aid Programme through the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project (CRMP), while the provincial and municipal local governments are tasked to oversee the operation and management of the center, as well as, monitor and document its use. It showcases the island’s natural heritage and monuments, coastal habitats, and coastal resource management initiatives. The center serves as the primary

source of information on historical accounts founded on stories of the people in the island which unfolded from generation to generation. Moreover, the local government will also provide a counterpart fund to cover its operational cost. A committee will likewise be formed to foresee its operations and ensure the formulation of the Interpretative Center Plan which will spell out

tasks from all parties involved in order to achieve specific goal. Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo for his part also expressed optimism for the project. “With this, the more we will be identified - how beautiful our island province is,” the governor said. Mambajao Mayor Maria Luisa De La Fuente Romualdo likewise urged townsfolk to help in promoting the interpretative center which can be found at the Tourism Pavilion in Poblacion Mambajao.

Camiguin, CRMP seal pact for Interpretative Center projectby Jorie C. ValcorzaMAMBAJAO, Camiguin - The Camiguin Interpretative Center was formally launched last week with the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) and turn-over of the marker to the province and to the local government unit of Mambajao.


Camiguin, CRMP seal pact for Interpretative Center project

DAVAO CITY-The Davao City field office of the Department of Trade and Industry will no longer extend the issuance of free Import Com-modity Clearance stickers for the helmets of motorists who failed to beat the deadline on December 28, 2012.

Roberto Barlis, consumer welfare officer and spokesperson of the DTI-Davao City said the public has been given ample time to avail of the ICC stickers since the mandatory certification was passed into law in 2009, and with the implementation of the Helmet Law supposedly on August 1. The Department of Transportation and Communications ordered the Land Transportation Office to hold the enforcement of the Helmet Law until January, 2013

to give the DTI enough time to check if the existing helmets and those imported into the country had ICC stickers issued by the Bureau of Product Standards. He said that with the extension, consequently,

DTI: No more extension on ICC helmet sticker issuance


motorcycle owners were given ample time to have their helmets inspected and validated by the DTI, to ensure its integrity as a protective gear for its users. “The issue here is the driver’s safety. We want to make sure that the helmet can really protect and prevent head injuries in case of accident,” Barlis pointed out. He disclosed that for Davao City alone, the DTI inspected 20,000 helmets and were issued corresponding ICC stickers. Barlis also said that based on the records from the Land Transportation Office XI, Davao City had a more than 60,000 registered motorcycles based on the 2011 data. He said given that there is no longer an extension, motorists who failed to get the ICC stickers for their helmet may purchase a new one from the duly-certified sellers of rider’s helmet. Barlis said the Bureau of Product Standards provided their

agency the list of corresponding stickers that were released to the market as reference in case any tampering of ICC would happen. He also pointed out that the ICC sticker stands alone during the inspection conducted by the Land Transportation Office. “You do not need to bring the ICC certificate issued by the BPS for the corresponding ICC sticker on your helmet. The ICC sticker can stand alone for inspection,” Barlis said. Republic Act No. 10054 which mandate all motorcycle riders to wear standard protective helmets while driving imposes fines for violators at Php1,500 for the first offense; Php3,000 for the second offense, Php5,000 for the thirds offense and Php10,000 plus confiscation of driver’s license for the fourth and succeeding offenses. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Facts and Figures

20,000 number of helmets inspected by the Davao City Field Office of the Department of Trade and Industry


Ateneo’s gensets help restore power, water supply in DavOr, ComValTAGUM CITY-The generator sets loaned by the Ateneo de Davao University to the communities in Davao Oriental and in Compos-tela Valley have alleviated the typhoon-affected communities’ need for power and water after the tragedy brought by Typhoon Pablo. “We initially wanted to help restore the electricity of the affected communities but realized that the generators were also helpful in charging up the water pump stations,’ Atty Romeo Cabarde, chairperson of the Ateneo’s University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council Center for Renewable Energy and Alternative Technologies (UCEAC) said. Cabarde said Ateneo has provided six generator sets to the communities, benefitting an estimated 1,786 families and 8,930 individuals in the said provinces. Three generators have been deployed to Compostela Valley specifically in Cogonoon, Magsaysay and Katipunan, while three generator sets have also been deployed in Davao Oriental. “These generator sets have dual benefits, because do not

only provide power but also water supply to the people,” he said. The generators are considered a good investment by the university considering that at an estimated value of P40,000 each, they will be to to good use, he said. He said the University’s Engineering Department took charge of the installing and monitoring of the generator sets in the areas where they have been deployed. However, they have identified a caretaker within the barangay or community where the generators sets have been deployed. Cabarde said the agreement between the University and the communities involved not only the deployment of the generator sets but also the provision of the fuel needed to initially operate them. The succeeding fuel requirements, he added, will already be the community’s counterpart. He said the generator sets are only temporarily deployed until the said communities are back on their feet and the power restored by their respective electric cooperatives.(lovely a. carillo)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Maguindanao province has recently completed rehabilitation of the 240-meter main canal of the Kakal Communal Irrigation System (KCIS).

Kakal Communal Irrigation System undergoes rehabBy Edgar V. dela Cruz


The KCIS that con-nects to the dam lo-cated at Datu Abdullah Sangki municipality was constructed in 1978.

The irrigation sys-tem serves about 700 hectares of rice fields in its areas cover-ing Esperanza town in Sultan Kudarat and in the municipality of Datu Abdullah Sangki in Maguindanao prov-ince.

Jose Eterno, village chairman of Banaba, Datu Abdullah Sangki explained that siltation has been the problem of the irrigators when-ever there is a heavy rainpour and floodwa-ters coming from the main source of water at the upper valley of Esperanza, Sultan Ku-darat. These hinder the free flow of water in the main canal.

Shortage of water in the irrigation canal was also reportedly causing burden to the farmers whenever they need water for their farms.

The newly rehabili-tated 240-meter long, 1.4 meters by 1.4 me-

ters main canal is ex-pected to irrigate some 500 to 700 hectares of land in the said area.

With the rehabilita-tion of the main canal, farmers are also ex-pecting to boost their palay production this year, Eterno added.

The construction of new main canal of KCIS was supervised by NIA with a funding amounting to P1.3 mil-lion and with the labor equity from the said ir-rigation system.

The rehabilitation of the irrigation system is an answer to the com-plaints of farmers of lack of water in their rice field.

The project is also

part of the food and security program of the administration of Pres-ident Benigno Simeon Aquino III.

Eterno, who is also the president of Kakal Irrigators Association, said the rehab of the main canal has long been the request of the association to NIA Maguindanao because of its too old and dilapi-dated structures which he said, cannot already serve its purpose.

He also thanked the NIA for heeding their request as they expect that harvest of farmers will increase because of the support of the government to them.


Edwin Buenaflor, a farmer, also said that with the abundance of water in the irrigation canal “we can increase

our palay production, unlike in the past that we are always strug-gling to get water to for our palay.” With the in-

crease of water in the canal it is not impossible to increase our produc-tion, he said. (EBdela-Cruz/ACAgad PIA12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- South Cotabato’s police provincial di-rector expressed confidence for a peaceful and orderly election in his area of responsibility.

Police expects peaceful, orderly election in South CotabatoBy Dani Doguiles

“I do not foresee any incident of violence dur-ing the election period,” said PSSupt Randolf

Delfin, director of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office.

Based on his obser-

vation, he added, poli-ticians here have dem-onstrated a level of professionalism that


Police expects peaceful, orderly election in South Cotabato

would most likely re-sult in respect among the candidates.

To kick-off the elec-tion period on Sunday police personnel and Commission on Elec-tions (Comelec) offi-cials, religious groups, cause-oriented groups and civil society gath-ered here for a unity march and prayer rally for secure and fair elec-tions (SAFE).

At least 500 individ-uals joined the march and prayer rally to push for a clean and honest elections.

From different loca-tions three groups, each lead by a team police officers, con-verged at the city’s Rizal Park for the ecu-menical prayer.

White balloons sym-bolizing peace were released followed by the signing of Unity Pledge of Commitment for SAFE 2013.

Also on Sunday, South Cotabato PNP in coordination with the Comelec also began

establishing check-points in strategic ar-eas across the prov-ince.

Delfin appealed to the public not to be con-cerned with increased number of checkpoints in the exit and entry points in their AOR

as these are required for the implementation of the comprehensive security plan for the upcoming national and local elections.

These are also in ac-cordance with the imple-mentation of Comelec Resolution 9561-A,


which details the rules and regulations of the election firearms ban.

Per Comelec order, each checkpoint should have appropriate sig-nage which indicates “ Comelec Check Point.”

Each sign board should also contain the name of the police officer in charge and the election officer in the area.

In an interview with

the local media after a joint command confer-ence for the May 2013 elections on Thurs-day, Delfin disclosed that three areas in South Cotabato have been considered areas of concern.

These are the min-ing towns of Tampak-an and T’boli as well as Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu town.

Incidents in the

2010 elections and presence of New Peo-ple’s Army were iden-tified as reasons for this consideration, he explained.

He also told them that the 27th Infantry Battalion has commit-ted extra army per-sonnel to be deployed in said areas. (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- An agro-trade fair opened Friday in Midsayap, Cotabato as part of the celebration of the Halad Festival.

Agro-Trade Fair opens in Midsayap, N. CotabatoBy Oliver Ross V. Rivera

This is an initiative of the Sto. Niño Parish spearheaded by the Parish Pastoral Council.

Midsayap Vice Mayor Vivencio Deomampo said that this is a yearly event to give residents the chance to showcase their agricultural and industrial products.

Traders and

exhibitors from Midsayap and nearby towns in North Cotabato are among the participants in the fair.

This features various products such as plant ornaments, home furnishings, clothing, and local delicacies.

Deomampo also encouraged his

fellow townmates to patronize the products made by their own people to boost up its economy.

This year is the 25th celebration of the Halad Festival.

Celebrated every third Sunday of January, it is their way to give tribute to their patron Sr. Sto. Niño. (ORVR-PIA12)


52 Siargao Island residents complete Tesda tech-voc coursesby Mary Jul E. Escalante

BUTUAN CITY -- A total of 52 trainees from the different municipalities in Siargao Island completed a training course of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in Surigao del Norte.

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


Twenty trainees finished the course on Heavy Equipment Operator-on road highway dump truck (NC-II) and 32 trainees took up Tour Guiding Services (336 hours).

The activity aimed to support and enhance the skills of qualified individuals for possible overseas jobs placement under the skills enhancement program of Tesda and the HEALS agenda of the

provincial government of Surigao del Norte.

The activity was graced by the provincial government officials led by Gov. Sol Matugas and Tesda Caraga officials headed by Regional Director Florencio Sunico, assisted by Tesda Surigao del Norte Provincial Director Rodrigo De Villa and Tesda OIC-Provincial Director Liza Budtan and the Local Government Unit of Dapa.

Army conducts security awareness campaign to Gigaquit studentsby CMO 30IB

BUTUAN CITY -- The Speaker’s Bureau Team of the 30th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army has conducted a security awareness campaign for the students of Gigaquit National High School (GNHS) in Gigaquit, this province.


The activity was aimed to enhance the security awareness of the students and the teachers in connection with the present insurgency problem in the country and encouraged them to support and be an active partner in every peace and development activities in their respective communities.

It also aimed to inform them about their significant roles in the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines called “Bayanihan.”

The security awareness campaign of the 30IB, PA

through the conduct of school symposium in different public and private high schools in the province is part of the IPSP and peace development activities of the unit within its area of responsibility.

The peace development activities of the unit carry out the IPSP Bayanihan program of the AFP which advocates the collaboration of efforts of all the stakeholders in the society to include the teachers and the students in order to achieve a peaceful environment that is conducive for a sustainable development.

Educators, mngt consultants to host Phl-Singaporean Math int’l seminarby Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY- The Philippine Educators Management Consultants, Inc. (PEMCI) will host this year’s “International Seminar-Workshop on Philippine and Singaporean Mathematics” slated on January 28-30 at Baguio City.


In a press statement posted on the website of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-Caraga, Dr. Eugenio Dauz, PEMCI president invites public and private universities and colleges to attend the three-day seminar.

With the theme “Promoting Critical and Creative Thinking: Philippine and Singaporean Mathematics,” the overall objective of the event is to identify key factors related to the effective use of learning environment in teaching mathematics.

The event also aims to discover innovative approaches currently employed in enhancing key teacher competencies for the effective use of teaching and learning materials in mathematics.

Likewise, Dr. Dauz said the seminar-workshop aims to design local and global cooperative framework and action plan for the enhancement of educators’ competencies in support of improving critical and creative thinking skills through mathematics.

Target participants to this activity are elementary and secondary education heads, administrators, and teachers from both public and private schools.

However, the official emphasized that other interested

individuals from all sectors are also welcome.

To defray expenses, P10,500 for pre-registration will be collected from January 16-23 from participants. Early participants will have to pay P6,500 only for pre-registration on January 18. This covers expenses for snacks, meals, kits and materials, compact discs, certificates, and other incidental expenses.

Dauz pointed out that seminar fee is non-refundable but could be transferred. “In case the fee may be applied and credited as participant’s registration fee in the next or succeeding PEMCI seminars,” he said.

The official further said pre-registration is required, for which pre-registration forms and bank deposit slip details may be faxed through (02)355-2231 or sent to the following email addresses: [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]. Registration is on January 18, 2013.

For inquiries, interested participants may contact Ms. Ingrid Bonafe, Business Development Officer through 0916-4479120 or (02)579-4011 and (02)330-8320. They can also visit the website at www.pemci.com.ph.


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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