one mindanao - january 19, 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 ARTISTSEMMANUEL TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. 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

Triumphs spell Camiguin’s 48th founding anniversary

Cover Story

By Jorie C. Valcorza

today’s news

First Philippine microsatellite ‘Diwata’ set to launch

13

39 CONVERGE earmarks P642.6-M for rubber production in Zambo NorteBy: Mary May A. Abellon

Draft BBL tightens measures against extremism threats

17

43 2016 budgets of two brgys up for OK

44 DA urges implementing units to install grievance redress mechanism

25 Home for elderly receives Php1.2 M from PhilHealth 12By: Danilo E.Doguiles

30 Population rise affects development says PopCom Caraga chiefBy POPCOM-Caraga

SOCCSKSARGEN CARAGA

INFOCUS

WESTERN

NORTHERN

1117 20

2737

NATIONAL

23

22 Panabo cops best city PESO in Davao region

SOUTHERN

By: Michael Uy

By: Rosie R. E. Paasa

32 SurSur chief PNP pays New Year’s call on guvBy Greg Tataro, Jr.

40 De Lima graces Pagadian City’s street dancing competition; impressed by the performances

42

4 January 19, 2016One Mindanao

5January 19, 2016 One Mindanao

Triumphs spell Camiguin’s 48th founding anniversaryBy Jorie C. Valcorza

5

6 January19, 2016One Mindanao

Being an island “Born of Fire” made it a stand out, becoming one of country’s top 25 tourist destination and number 7 best diving spot in the world. Camiguin’s uniqueness, as the Department of Tourism (DOT) puts it, lies in its varied terrain, pristine natural environment and rustic setting.

Along with its impressive recognitions, the province also prides of various successes in governance. The booming tourism market has always been backed with good infrastructure projects, environmental programs, and economic support, among others. The annual celebration of Camiguin’s founding anniversary is but a fitting occasion to

7January 19, 2016 One Mindanao 7

report to the constituents the successes reaped last year. Economy

Last 2015, the province bagged the spot as among the Top 10 Most Competitive Province in the country, with the local government unit of Mambajao as the forefront national winner.

The province likewise reported an annual average growth rate of 12.69 percent for local revenues generated for the general fund which escalated from P13 million in 2007 to P33 million in 2015. Good Governance To commend the province journey towards good local governance, upholding the


standards of transparency, integrity and service delivery, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded Camiguin the seven million Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLC), last year. The cash award will be used to fund welfare homes for children in conflict with the law/neglected/abandoned or abused. Social Services The province likewise garnered notable awards in the area of social services, just recently, it was named outstanding

province in nutrition, receiving the regional green banner award from the National Nutrition Council 10 (NNC 10) for its exemplary implementation of the 2014 Provincial Nutrition Action Plan. It noted a drop on its malnutrition rate from 7.15 percent in 2012 to only 4.7 percent at present. Camiguin likewise succeeded in sustaining the Rabies Free Status for eight years with strong collaboration between the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).


To aid this, the Camiguin General Hospital is now an accredited animal bite treatment center by PhilHealth. It also sustained for more than 25 years a Malaria Free, Filariasis-Free, and Schistosomiasis Free status. School children here likewise continue to receive hygiene kits through the Essential Health Care Package (EHCP), a project introduce by Fit for School Foundation and sustained by the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) in bid to familiarize the children with health-promoting values and habits, thereby increasing their academic

performance. Camiguin is the only province at present that has sustained and expanded its implementation from schoolchildren down to daycare centers. Disaster Management In terms of disaster prevention efforts, the Camiguin General Hospital (CGH) was also declared by the National/Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) as the best local government hospital for three consecutive years, putting them at the Gawad Kalasag Hall of Fame, a search for excellence in DRRM


and humanitarian assistance. To further attest their competency, skillfulness and capability, last July 2015 CGH-Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) won the 2015 Benchmarking on Basic Life support and Standard First Aid- Hospital Category. Meanwhile, as every triumph calls for celebration, the PLGU propped up 4-day festivity to commemorate the 48th foundation day anniversary highlighted by the State of the Province Address (SOPA). Traditionally, the festivity opens with a parade that leads the

people directly to the steaming display of lechon (roasted pig) which aptly provides the “pista sa nayon” feel for all guests, backed as well by various activities like sports tournament, ground demonstrations, palarong pinoy (traditional Filipino games), rave parties, and the search of Mr. & Ms. Teen Camiguin 2016. To date, the province priorities are set towards the expansion of the airport runway, investment promotion, improvement of telecommunications, additional transport routes, education support facilities and sustained peace and order and disaster risk reduction management.


MANILA -- Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma on Sunday said lawmakers should consider the stability of the Social Security System (SSS) fund that will benefit its 31 million members.

Lawmakers should consider stability of SSS fund - Palace

Coloma was reacting to reports that some lawmakers are thinking of overriding the presidential veto on the proposed bill increasing the pension of retired SSS members.

President Benigno S. Aquino on January 12 vetoed House Bill No. 5842, which provides a P2,000 hike that would benefit 2.1 million pensioners and their dependents.


One Mindanao12 January 19, 2016

The President said that increasing the pension would shorten the life of the SSS, which at present has 31 million members.

“Mainam na isaalang-alang ng ating mga mambabatas ang kahalagahan na patatagin ang pondo ng SSS at tiyakin ang kasiguruhan ng pagbabayad ng benepisyo sa lahat ng mahigit 30 milyong miyembro nito,” said Coloma in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan.

The Palace official said the pensioners could get additional support from other government agencies.

“Sa kanyang pahayag noong Biyernes sa Malolos, sinabi ni Pangulong Aquino na siya ay nagpasya bilang ama ng bayan at pinuno ng responsableng pamahalaan na hindi magpapasa ng malaking suliranin sa susunod na administrasyon. Mahalagang isaalang-alang din ng mga kasalukuyang nanunungkulan

ang epekto ng kanilang mga desisyon ngayon sa kinabukasan at kapakanan ng higit na nakararaming mamamayan,” explained Coloma.

Reports said Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares, who is running for senator in the coming elections, is calling on his fellow members in the Congress to stand by the bill they passed and override the presidential veto.

A veto override requires a two-thirds vote of both the Senate and the House of Representative.

Colmenares, who is planning to file the motion to override during the plenary session at the House of Representatives, claimed that the SSS will not go bankrupt if the P2,000 pension increase was approved. (PCOO)


QUEZON CITY-- The potential uses of Diwata, the first all-Filipino assembled microsatellite, include: improved weather detection and forecasts, disaster risk management, detecting agricultural growth patterns, and the monitoring of forest cover, mining, protection of cultural and historical sites, and the territorial borders of the Philippines.

First Philippine microsatellite ‘Diwata’ set to launch

Diwata was turned over to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to prepare for its launch into space in April. With Diwata, comes the Filipino dream to have its own Philippine Space

Agency. Officials of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), UP Diliman, Tohoku University (TU), and Hokkaido University


(HU) handed-over the project following the completion of the assembly and testing of the 50-kg Philippine Earth Observation Microsatellite. It is set to be released into space from the International Space Station (ISS) later this April.

Recognizing the advantages of using satellite-based remote sensing, the government invested in the construction and launching of the Philippine scientific earth observation microsatellite, under

the PHL-MICROSAT or Diwata program, with the budget of P800 million for three years.

Diwata is the country’s first microsatellite designed, developed, and assembled by Filipino researchers and engineers under the guidance of Japanese experts from Hokkaido University and Tohoku University. The satellite is designed to provide real-time images for disaster risk management and other applications.


Seven engineering students from the University of the Philippines and two science researchers from DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) were sent to Tohoku University and Hokkaido University in Japan to work on the microsatellite bus system and payload design while pursuing advanced degrees, as part of the PHL-MICROSAT program.

The bus development team worked on the design, the implementation, and the testing of various structural, mechanical, and electrical aspects of the microsatellite bus.

The payload and mission design team on the other hand contributed to the science mission analysis and objectives that lead to the specifications of the payload sensors and instruments. The team studied the technical specifications of the payload instruments towards

proper testing and calibration of its outputs.

Part of the three-year program is the development of a second microsatellite (Diwata 2) to be launched in 2017.

The PHL-MICROSAT team also intends to develop course and training materials on small satellite technology design and testing, which are proposed to be incorporated into science and engineering undergraduate and postgraduate elective courses, as well as local industry short seminars. A microsatellite simulator and testbed, antenna design and testing facility and amateur radio satellite station are also currently being set up as part of the establishment of the local microsatellite research and instructional facility within UP Diliman.

The rest of the PHL-MICROSAT team at UP Diliman are focused on developing a ground receiving station (GRS) that will allow space


borne images to be transmitted to earth. It will also be used to transmit commands from the ground to the microsatellite to carry out is mission effectively.

Diwata-1 is a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite set to fly 400km above the earth. It serves as a training platform and will pave the way for the Filipino team to further develop their skills in space technology.

More than this, the potential uses of Diwata’s images include improved weather detection and forecasts, disaster risk management, detecting agricultural growth patterns, and the monitoring of forest cover, mining, protection of cultural and historical sites, and the territorial borders of the Philippines. Diwata will be sending vital images and data back to Philippine Earth Data Resources and Observation (PEDRO) Center which was set up to receive data from the satellite.

DIWATA 1 is equipped with a high precision telescope (HPT) that can determine the extent of damages from disasters, like typhoons and volcanic eruptions. It can also monitor changes in cultural and natural heritage sites, like the Mount Apo or Mayon Volcano.

Its spaceborne multispectral imager (SMI) with LCTF will be able to monitor changes in vegetation and monitor oceans’ productivity.

It also carries a wide field camera that will help scientists and weather forecasters better observe cloud patterns and more accurately predict weather disturbances.

Its middle field camera assists in determining the locations of images captured using the HPT and SMI. (PAGASA)



Draft BBL tightens measures against extremism threats

MANILA-- As Congress resumes session, Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on Monday appealed once more to legislators to act on the draft Bangsamoro law, saying that the recent terrorist attack in Indonesia last week shows the urgency of countering the influence of extremist groups among the local population. “The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the draft Bangsamoro law are social justice measures,

but from the global security perspective, these are also a containment measure against jihadist extremism,” Ferrer said.

18 One Mindanao January 19, 2016

“I reiterate our appeal to our legislators in the joint peace panels’ open letter to them which we issued last November 26 after the attack on Paris, in view of the recent violence in Indonesia, which is so much closer to home.”

Ferrer said the creation of the Bangsamoro autonomous region will strengthen current efforts by different stakeholders in Mindanao to stop the armed conflict in the south and stem the tide of extremism that has sprouted in Africa and the Middle East in the recent years. Among the stakeholders is the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government

in March 2014. The open letter signed by both Ferrer and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal cited the statement made by National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia before Congress during the committee hearings on the draft law.

According to Garcia, “Passing the BBL can help in curbing the spread of extremism in Mindanao. In particular, the Bangsamoro government would be able to help moderate Islamic leaders to counter the ideology of radicalism being promoted by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and steer the Muslim community


away from ISIS influence.”

Terrorist acts abroad

Recently, ISIS claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jakarta, Indonesia last January 14 which claimed the lives of seven people, including five of the assailants, and leaving 23 people wounded. This event raised concerns from the international community to the Philippines due to the continuing delay in the Mindanao peace talks.

In a news report, Asia Foundation Country Representative Steven Rood said the presence of foreign fighters in the Philippines hints at transnational links between Southeast Asian militant groups. “It’s definitely time to start taking

the threat [of Islamic State] more seriously.”

During the Regional Consultative Meeting for Heads of Posts in Europe, organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) held in Manila last January 11, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles said the outcome of the Bangsamoro peace process would send a message to the leaders of the religious extremist groups.

“The completion of the peace negotiations can show the global ummah that even Muslim minorities can thrive and contribute to development through the mutually-beneficial interaction of distinct cultures,” Deles added. (OPAPP)


DA chief lauds DavOr for levelled up rice sufficiency

DAVAO ORIEN-TAL--- Department of Agriculture Sec-retary Proceso Al-cala this morning lauded Davao Ori-ental for surpass-ing the national level of growth in rice sufficiency.

He told media practitioners in a press conference that DA only hit 16 percent rice sufficien-cy level increment from 81 per-cent during the start of President Aquino’s administration to 97 percent last year. But Davao Oriental posted 26 percent growth in rice suffi-ciency performance from 42 per-cent during the first term of Gov. Corazon Malanyaon to 68 percent

last year. “Kayo ay humigit pa sa per-formance ng Department of Ag-riculture sa buong Pilipinas,” he said.He lauded Malanyaon for push-ing the rice production level of the province and for her resolve to complete the Cateel Irrigation Project which was stalled due to wrath of Typhoon Pablo. Completed with funding sup-


port from the Philippine Rural De-velopment Program (PRDP), the Cateel Irrigation is expected to water more than 2,000 hectares of rice fields develop in the plains of east-coast town, Cateel. “We would like to congratu-late your province; isa kayo sa mga tinitingnan sa PRDP. Kayo ang may hawak ng pinakamal-aking “trophy” ng irrigasyon sa Mindanao,” he said. In his breakfast meeting with Malanyaon and the munici-pal mayors, Alcala encouraged them to expand the rice produc-tion areas in the province. In in interview, he revealed DA’s willingness to grant LGUs lower equity on rice production projects, and to provide farm equipment and hybrid rice seeds. Alcala visited Davao Oriental to turn over P47.5 million worth of implemented agriculture proj-ects and services under the Agri-Pinoy Program dubbed as the “overall strategic framework of DA in rolling out its programs and services from 2011 to 2016 and beyond.” He also distributed and raf-fled off about P1 million worth of farm implements, livestock sup-plies and hybrid rice seeds. Meanwhile, Governor Malan-yaon praised Alcala for all the agriculture assistance that his

department had poured to Davao Oriental especially during the pe-riod of reconstructing and build-ing back the Typhoon Pablo and LPA (low pressure area) Agaton-devastated areas. “Siya ay naging gabay; ha-wak kamay umaalalay; tulong para sa atin ay naging abot ka-may,” she said while expressing profound gratitude for the De-partment of Agriculture through Alcala. Malanyaon also recognized the attention given by President Aquino whose administration brought forth assistance that substantially helped the provin-cial government manoeuvered through layers of difficulties after Typhoon Pablo and LPA Agaton. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


Panabo cops best city PESO in Davao re-gionTAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte- Panabo City Public Employment Services Office (PESO) hailed recently as the best in its field among five component cities in Region XI. Awarded during the Year End Performance Assessment of the Department of Labor and Employment Region XI at Big 8 Corporate Hotel on January 12, Panabo City PESO hauled five major awards including the best PESO component city category. Panabo PESO also grabbed awards for being the top per-former in the implementation of Special Program for the Employ-ment of Students (SPES), Pre Employment Seminar for Local Applicants (PESLA), Special Re-cruitment Activities (SRA), and National Skills Registry Program (NSRP). Cherelle Espinosa, Panabo PESO Manager, stressed that the awards were not expected as their office was just doing their jobs. Espinosa emphasized that the awards were attributed to the diligence of her staff and the

support of the local government unit. She pointed out that among the many advantages the city have was the public and private sectors’ participation in the SPES, in which nine companies includ-ing the local government unit. Espinosa added that among the component cities, Panabo PESO has a regular was the only one who conducts PESLA twice a week. Panabo PESO will be the re-gion’s representative for National Best Component City PESO com-petition this year. (PIA 11, Mi-chael Uy)


Gensan to open sanitary landfill soon

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 19 – After an overdue of six years, the sanitary landfill of Gensan will soon open.

This was finally forged with a Memorandum of Agreement

(MOA) between City Mayor Ron-nel Rivera and representatives


of Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Envi-ronmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), R-II Builders Inc., and Phil. Ecology Systems Con-sortium Inc., on Wednesday (January 13).

The MOA-signing was held at the site of the landfill in Baran-gay Sinawal.

Since 2010, the DENR-EMB had demanded from the city government the construction of a sanitary landfill pursuant to RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. But it was not pursued by the previous city administration.

When Mayor Rivera became the local chief executive of Gen-san, he requested the Sanggu-niang Panlungsod (SP) to priori-tize the formulation of ordinance for the construction of the land-fill.

During the proceedings, some irregularities were corrected, in-cluding the questionable cost.

From the original construc-tion cost of Php 325 million set by the former administration, it was now reduced to Php219 mil-lion.

Mayor Rivera said that his ad-ministration went a thorough process before this was fully implemented.

“This project (landfill) is not a jinx. We just amended some of the terms for the construction of this sanitary landfill that is why it took me almost three years before I was able to push it,” the mayor said.

“We want this to be transpar-ent to our people. There should be no anomalies on this or any projects by the government,” Mayor Rivera said.

Chito Nombres, head of the R-II Builders—the contractor of the sanitary landfill—affirmed this statement of the city mayor.

“This project was not possible without the initiative of Gensan City Mayor Ronnel Rivera,” said Nombres.

The construction of the landfill already started last July 2015 and expected to open on April 30, 2016.

By now, the sanitary landfill is at 56% accomplished.

A two-hectare garbage ac-ceptance system or “cell” is now being constructed in the site.

The total land size dedicated for the sanitary landfill in Sinaw-al is 63 hectares. Possible ex-pansion is now being eyed al-ready.

According the contractor, this landfill can pose as an additional source of income for the local


Home for elderly receives Php1.2 M from PhilHealth 12

government, as the city may accept garbage from other ar-eas.

When this opens, the dump-site at Barangay Tambler will

then be closed as it environ-ment standards and is privately owned. (IJLagare-Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

By: Danilo E.Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 19 — Year 2016 has began brighter for the residents of the Cotabato Bahay Maria Foundation Inc., in Cotabato City.

Bahay Maria, a home for abandoned and sick elderly at Anacleto Bador Sr. Street of the said city, recently received Php1.237 million worth of aid from the PhilHealth Regional Office 12.

Said amount was part of the proceeds of the PhilHealth Run 2015: PhilHealth …Ready…TSeKaP…Go! on February 15, 2015.

PhilHealth 12 Regional Vice President Dr. Miriam Grace Pamonag said the donation in-cluded an isolation building, re-pairs of the residents’ quarters and vehicle.

Construction of the isolation building has been completed,

said Dr. Pamonag. “The vehicle has yet to the

procured. We are also going to renovate the resident’s building to improve their living condi-tions” Pamonag said. The ve-hicle is primarily intended for emergencies such as sending patients to hospital.

Apart from the Php1.237 mil-lion donations, PhilHealth will also give out groceries for the elderly.

“This has been our dream be-cause every now and then we have residents with weak lungs and even the hospitals don’t accept them. So we just treat it here, place them in our clinic and isolate them. After treat


ment, we let them go back to the ward,” said Jovita Isnani, Bahay Maria administrator.

“We have been praying so hard for this isolation room. This proves the promise of the Lord that He is our Divine Provider,” she added.

Meanwhile, Bahay Maria Founder and Auxiliary Bishop of Cotabato Rev. Jose Colin Baga-foro thanked PhilHealth for choosing the home for elderly as one of the beneficiaries of the PhilHealth Run.

“Thank you very much. I am sure by that gesture of yours of partnering with us we will be able to serve better our less fortunate brothers and sisters in Bahay Maria,” Rev. Bagaforo said.

DD, Chairperson of the Board of Directors Rev. Fr. Benjamin Ariel P. Torreto, DCC and Ad-ministrator Jovita C. Isnani, MA received from PRO XII a steel sheet Certificate of Donation.

Most Rev. Bagaforo thanked PhilHealth for choosing Bahay Maria as one of the two benefi-ciaries of PhilHealth Run 2015.

The other beneficiary is the Home for the Girls of the De-partment Social Welfare and De-velopment in Koronadal City.

On her part, Dr. Pamonag as-sured Bahay Maria that “the partnership will not end here. I hope that your doors will be opened for us always.” (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12 with report from GALSequito-PhilHealth 12)


DA-PRDP supports the boost of rubber industryBy Fretcher Magatao

The establishment of improved rubber enterprises in Butuan City would lead to its optimum potential for profit among rubber farm-ers and manufacturers throughout Caraga. The Regional Project Coordination Office–13 (RPCO-

13) in coordination with the Mindanao Project Support


Office I-REAP Team evaluated the business plan and project proposal worth 39 million for the city’s rubber industry proposed by Km. 7 Farmers Producers Cooperative at Barangay Tungao. “The city government of Butuan is aware of the potentials in developing the local rubber industry as strategy of developing its idle land resources and at the same time providing better livelihood opportunities to the farmers,” said City Agriculturist Alberto Buca who leads the Butuan City team in facilitating the approval of the proposal.Buca elaborated the huge domestic demand of natural rubber as raw materials for slippers, mattresses, tires and laboratory supplies which the country imports 82 percent from Thailand and Indonesia for its demand for production. Km. 7 Farmers Producers Cooperative is an established farmers’ organization engaged in diversified farming activities; but rubber seedling production and selling cup lumps have been the organization’s leading lucrative source of income. Butuan has growing number of hectares planted with rubber. “We have already covered more

than a thousand hectares of rubber trees and have helped around 250 farmers in Butuan alone,” said General Manager Nilo Calipayan with the desire of influencing other farmers throughout Caraga to duplicate the organization’s farming practices. To take part of the great challenge among the rubber industry associations and manufacturers in the Philippines, the LGU and proponent cooperative seek funding assistance from the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) towards the promotion and development of the local rubber industry along the value chain development approach. In its commitment to support the farmers for increase in production and income, the DA through PRDP I-REAP provides intervention for active farmers’ associations. “All interventions that are to be provided should address the weaknesses observed in the local rubber industry,” said DA Caraga regional director Edna Mabeza. The assessment and deliberation of the proposal brought a clear picture of the industry’s benefits if the project


be implemented. “As seen in the plan, the proposal for the improvement of the local rubber industry would meet the gaps and constraints from production through maintenance which depicts the sustainability of the project,” PSO I-REAP Component Head Basila Siago said. The realization of the intervention would quickly achieve the full attainment of the rubber industry’s productivity which would create a significant increase on the farmers’

income. The enterprise will also provide additional livelihood and generate job opportunities for women tappers and across sectors including the indigenous people in the community and the surrounding barangays. The project would create components such as budded rubber seedlings production; provision of production inputs and tools through Plant Now Pay Later scheme; and consolidation of rubber cup lump, quality production and marketing.


Population rise affects development says PopCom Caraga chiefBy POPCOM-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY-- Caraga Region has an estimated population of 2.7 million in 2015. This is just a proportion of the country’s population that it is expected to rise to 104 million this year. Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano

disclosed that if the figure continues to increase, people in the region will compete for limited

FILEPHOTO: newsaffaircenter.blogspot.com


resources; the local government must meet the demands and needs of its ballooning populace. “The effects of this population increase will become more evident for there will be lack of decent jobs, shortage of food and water supplies, overcrowded community, abused environment, increased number of urban migrants. These results affect the development of the locality,” Makinano emphasized. The PopCom official also cited that failure to attain the desired family size (instead of two to three, it becomes four or more children), increasing number of unwanted pregnancy and teenage childbearing, and low contraceptive use are among the factors that contribute to the fast-growing population of Caraga. Population experts explained that even if levels of childbearing declined to replacement fertility or two children per couple, still the populace would continue to grow, as population momentum represents natural increase of population. Makinano elaborated that in the city for instance, as the administrative seat of the region - with its development; urban

congestion has become apparent nowadays due to the increasing number of people living in the city. “Consequently, public schools and health facilities are overloaded; number of unemployed increased; more farm lands converted into commercial and residential; and experienced poor quality of water supply,” he added. Makinano also said that population is intimately connected with development. “Population affects development and development affects population,” he said. In response to this trend, PopCom intensifies its implementation of the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP) through its three main program components, namely: Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RP-FP); Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD); and the Population and Development (PopDev). PPMP is the government’s prime strategic program to address emerging and perennial population, reproductive health, and other related issues. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur chief PNP pays New Year’s call on guv By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – P/SSupt. Romaldo Bayting, chief PNP, this province, paid a “New Year’s call” on Governor Johnny Pimentel at the latter’s office on Thursday morning, January 14. During the occasion, the provincial police chief took advantage of the moment by briefing the governor on the current peace and order situation, highlighting practically all fronts of police activities including the status of evacuees at the Surigao del Sur Sports Center where 468

families or 2,437 individuals have remained taking shelter since the infamous “Lumad killings” took place on September 1. Likewise, P/SSupt. Bayting made clear about the actions being undertaken by his office since the start of the election period on January 10.


Included in the information given was the directive coming from the higher-ups to carry out a re-shuffle of jobs affecting four chiefs of police (COPs) respectively assigned in Tandag City and in the towns of Cantilan, Bayabas, and Marihatag. So far, Bayting said there had been no election-related violence that transpired anywhere in the province, even that of the shooting incident that happened in Barangay Anahao-Daan on January 13 where one village councilor, identified as Silverio Pontevedra, 68 years old of Barangay Anahao-Daan, Tago, died of gunshot wound along

with a civilian driving the motorcycle named Jerick Laurente, 30 years old. In a follow-up interview, the provincial PNP chief clarified that further investigation revealed personal grudge on the driver as the possible motive of the riding-in-tandem assailants who have yet to be unmasked. Another civilian, Angelito Laurente, 75 years old, father of the motorcycle driver, also sustained a minor gunshot injury during the

incident while the three of them were all on board a motorcycle passing through the barangay road of Purok Kalipayan, Sitio Cabalawan, Anahao-Daan, Tago town. Bayting , who got the nod from the governor for a regular contact to keep the latter abreast of situation, said Governor Pimentel was satisfied of his report. P/SSupt. Bayting had taken all of his key police officials in tow during his visit.


MYDev offers promising 2016 for Isabela City OSY

By: Rene V. Carbayas


At OSYDA’s first regular meeting for the year, MYDev City Coordinator Alex M. Molas cited the initiatives of Isabela OSYDA who continue to be the model and frontrunner of OSYDA’s in the country. He said that MYDev chief-of-party Kevin Corvin praised the Isabela City OSYDA for its role in OSY development and whose initiatives have brought international attention. “This attention will surely translate to more program support in the coming years,” he said, adding that Isabela City is already implementing some of MYDev’s proposals that are being discussed in its meetings. “Pinag-uusapan pa lang namin, ini-implement na ng Isabela (We are still talking about it, Isabela already implements),” he said. He reported that skills training are still ongoing in certain barangays like Tabiawan, Cabunbata, and La Paz (Sunrise). Some were already completed and assessments for National Certifications (NCs) are ongoing and results show good passing rates.

Molas also lauded the initiatives of some member-agencies of OSYDA for their efforts to hold various activities and capability-building sessions benefiting the OSYs, like the City Agriculture Office, City Population Office, the DepEd Alternative Learning System (ALS), Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) and DOLE, among others. Meanwhile, OSYDA presiding officer and City Administrator Ramon T. Nuñal asked member-agencies to increase their respective programs for OSYs this 2016. He also looked forward to having youth representatives attending the OSYDA meetings. Molas said that by February and March, a youth summit will be conducted to surface OSY agenda that will be presented to candidates for 2016 elections. In this summit, official youth representatives for OSYDA will also be selected. Moreover, Elma Uckung of DepEd ALS reported that some 1,556 OSYs in the city were reached out by its Abot-Alam program for this year.

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The USAID Mindanao Youth Development (MYDev) project envisions a better outlook for out-of-school youth development in Isabela City as more skills training are in store ahead with the support of the Out-of-School Youth Development Alliance (OSYDA).


CONVERGE earmarks P642.6-M for rubber production in Zambo Norte By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (CONVERGE) has allocated the amount of P642.6 million for rubber production in Zamboanga del Norte through the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Recipients of this project include the municipalities of Godod, Tampilisan, Leon Postigo, and Salug which will benefit 4,200 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province. The project aims to reduce rural poverty by enabling smallholder farmers to engage in value chains so that they can increase the profitability of their household farm enterprises based on commodities such as rubber, rice, abaca, sugar cane, cassava, coconut, and coffee. Moreover, it is intended to promote sustainable agriculture, preserve the land resource base,

improve the investment climate for agribusinesses and initiate climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. It is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with an amount of P2.2 billion for regions 9, 10 and CARAGA in Mindanao, wherein P1.02 billion of which will be implemented in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay. Meanwhile, the municipalities of Kabasalan, Naga, Ipil, R.T. Lim, Tungawan, and Titay in Zamboanga Sibugay will receive


P247.2 million worth of rubber projects. On the other hand, P136.6 million will be implemented in the towns of Aurora, Dumingag, Josefina, Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay and Tambulig in Zamboanga del Sur.

The amount could be used in the construction of post-harvest facilities, improvement of rural infrastructures, production and marketing of products, capability building, and procurement of farm equipment.

De Lima graces Pagadian City’s street dancing competition; impressed by the performancesPAGADIAN CITY – Former DOJ Secretary Leila M. de Lima on Sunday thanked the city government for inviting her to witness the colorful street dancing competition— Pagadian City’s own version of Sinulog Festival.

De Lima, the event’s keynote speaker was impressed with the artistry, creativity and level of performance of the eight contingents from public secondary schools in the city during the ritual showdown held at Plaza Luz on January 17.

The contingents wowed thousands of spectators with their colorful costumes and electrifying dance performances during the six-hour street dance competition that capped the annual “Pasalamat Festival.” De Lima in her message said


on the same day, she witnessed the same event in Cebu City – the Sinulog Festival upon the invitation of Cebu Governor Hilario Davide as one of the guests but she skipped the event saying that it will be a whole day activity. “Galing lang po ako sa Cebu kaninang umaga at pinanood ko rin po ang Sinulog Festival na experience ko for the first time. Iniimbita po ako ng governor ng Cebu pero hindi pa natapos ang okasyon umalis na ako at lumipad papunta rito sa Pagadian dahil hindi ko gusto ma-miss ang affair na ito.” De Lima explained. De Lima said she was happy that after several years, she was able to visit Pagadian. “Today is my second time to visit your place and I have noticed infrastructure

developments. No wonder, Pagadian earned the monicker “Little Hongkong of the South,” she added. De Lima said Pagadian is the center of different religions and culture in Mindanao because of its geographical location. “Indeed, your city recognizes the importance of unity and harmony of all Filipinos,” she added.

“In the feast of your patron saint, Señor Sto. Nino it will help you remember that the Holy Child played an important role in our lives. He serves as a symbol of love and peace,” De Lima said adding that despite the different cultures and beliefs, there is a peaceful co-existence and unity of the residents. “As you celebrate the fiesta, I wish that peace, love and unity will continue to dwell in your hearts,” she concluded.

42 January19, 2016One Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY– The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Philippine Army (PA) through its meeting with key stakeholders in Northern Mindanao on 14 January 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City showed that working together to achieve peace is possible such as the success in Lantad, Balingasag Misamis Oriental.

By: Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

4ID features ‘Lantad’ experience as peace through ‘Bayanihan’

Major General (MGen) Oscar T. Lactao, 4ID commander PA said that the Internal Peace Security Plan (IPSP) of the army is a collaboration with various stakeholders to work together to attain peace. He said, there can be no development without security and to attain security and development,

we must adhere to human rights and rule of law. In a presentation from the 4ID, it was showed that in the 70s, the place of Lantad in Balingasag Misamis Oriental was the regional headquarters of the


New People’s Army (NPA). However, through government intervention such as delivery of basic services, people were able to get livelihood opportunities, earn their income and even children were able to go to school and pass the National Achievement Test. Patterned to Bayanihan, 4ID’s mission is to conduct support operations in collaboration with the Civil Authorities to assist the stakeholders create and environment conducive to sustainable development and a just and lasting peace. Bayanihan activities in 2015 included second peace caravan with a theme, “Nagkahiusang Nasud alang sa Kalinaw” (One Nation for Peace), in Lianga and Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Energization project in Lantad, Balingasag Misamis Oriental dubbed Light for Peace which signalled the entry of electricity in the area which can enhance the productivity, information and education infrastructure for its residents. Meanwhile, 4ID also supported the Customary Judicial Procedure by Tribal Leaders and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. Further

they also supported the peace walk and gathering in the observance of International Day of Peace in Cagayan de Oro City. LTC Romualdo Raymundo B. Landingin GSC (INF) PA said that the IPSP Bayanihan is a community level effort wherein the activities are focused to facilitate local government units (LGUs) to win peace, know community concerns and serve as ambassadors. This would also foster understanding and generate ideas and sustain convergence of stakeholders. In terms of Lumad killings, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) should make the call, said Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno and chair of RPOC. Government civilian should be in the front line since the Lumads or Indigenous Peoples are the easiest candidate for recruitment. He encouraged the various stakeholders to win the hearts of the people in far flung areas. He said agencies of the national government must combine in the delivery of services to these areas. Finally, he said we need to reach out, military will follow.

2016 budgets of two brgys up for OKCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY– Barangays 16 and 29 will soon be able to implement projects and programs under their respective annual budgets for 2016.


DA urges implementing units to install grievance redress mechanismCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY– The project monitoring and implementing unit of the provinces (PPMIUs), municipalities (MPMIUs) and cities (CPMIUs) in Region 10 are urged to install Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) in the implementation of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in their respective areas.

By: Rosie R. E. Paasa

GRM is an integral project management element that intends to seek feedback from beneficiaries and resolve of complaints on project activities and performance. During the coordination meeting with Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) and the PPMIUs held in Cagayan de Oro City last December, Gay Nanette Aleria, R-10 focal person of the Social Environmental Safeguard, emphasized the immediate need to install the GRM point person (GPP) at the LGU level especially those with ongoing projects like farm-to-market roads (FMRs), bridges, irrigation

systems, etc. “For those who have not installed yet their GRM, I hope you can do it soon especially those with ongoing projects,” Aleria said. Aleria mentioned that some municipal and barangay LGUs particularly those implementing year one sub-projects, were trained already on GRM in a seminar-workshop held last year in Cagayan de Oro City and they are now following through their GRM plan of action like briefing their local chief executives/barangay chairmen, and designation of GRM point persons.

The City Council of Cagayan de Oro during its next regular session slated to act on the barangay ordinances covering the annual budgets of the two barangays noting that these are in order and may be given force and effect. Barangay 16 has a budget of

P1.8 million for 2016 while Barangay 29, P2.1 million. The barangay ordinances were reviewed and favorably endorsed by the committees on barangay affairs and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors Yan Lam Lim and Ramon Tabor, respectively. (CdeOSP)

45January 19, 2016 One Mindanao 45

one mindanao - january 19, 2016

Documents