one mindanao - january 20, 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 ARTISTSGIDEON C. CORGUE, 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

Christmas Symbols Festival: Behind the Scene

Cover Story

By: Judith B. Tablan

today’s news

Deadline extended for anti-red tape contest14

32 Pag-IBIG to hold free mass civil wedding on Feb. 12By: Felipo David G. Malcampo

Military: No ISIS in Northern Mindanao16

34 Php1-billion released for housing, other loans in Zambo City – Pag-IBIGBy: Dominic I. Sanchez

37 IIT bags Regional Winner in 2015 Sustainable and Eco-friendly School

18 Business permit application deadline set until midnight before January 21By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

21 New bridge changes lives of villagers in Sultan KudaratBy: Aida C. Agad

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

By: Millard P. Tawakal

By: Bainorah L. Amate

25

27

AFP to add another army battalion in SurSur

AFP declares Dinagat Islands as insurgency-free province

NATIONAL INFOCUS

WESTERN

NORTHERN

SOUTHERN

SOCCSKSARGEN CARAGA

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4 January 20, 2016One Mindanao

F ireworks exploded in the cloudless Tangub night sky on January 8, 2016. For thirty-nine days lights blazed in all corners of the city.The twenty-third year of Christmas Symbols Festival ended with a bang!

Christmas Symbols Festival: Behind the SceneBy: Judith B. Tablan

5January 20, 2016 One Mindanao

F ireworks exploded in the cloudless Tangub night sky on January 8, 2016. For thirty-nine days lights blazed in all corners of the city.The twenty-third year of Christmas Symbols Festival ended with a bang!

Christmas Symbols Festival: Behind the Scene


Systems and Policies

A widely participated program would have been very difficult to sustain for more than two decades.

But because the people already owned the program, participation in the yearly celebration became a part of the people’s culture.

Policies are in place since the city government has institutionalized the program.

After the planning meeting, all systems go which operate

like clockwork. The management however, keeps a close tab of all the details through the coordinators tasked to monitor all the committees. The spirit of volunteerism is very much alive in the city.

Besides the finances, the employees and barangay folks contribute ideas, time, and labor to the completion of the symbol, arches or parol. Technical works like architecture, design, light installation, and structural soundness are left to the experts.

Each one understands that to make the group work


successful, presentable, and above all competitive, they have to put in more time in the construction, decoration, sourcing out materials and the overall finishing touches.

Labor of Love

Most of the materials that make up the symbols, arches and parols are indigenously sourced out.

Coconut husks look like

bricks from afar. Corn kernel, so tiny and meticulously assembled is the main material for a giant parol. Used mineral water bottles are cut and painted to look like petals of flowers. Bleached and polished capiz shells is a class all its own. It is very versatile and elegant either as the main material or highlight of any symbol, arch or parol. Soft drink bottles even used compact discs, corn husks, corn cobs, what-nots and everything are all possible materials.


It takes artistry, patience, even grit to finish an output. Putting these all together harmoniously and artistically is always a challenge.

Through the years, patience taught the people to master and handle each material’s unique trait and character, so that they were able to come up with a neat and artistic combination of lights and materials. It has to be a labor of love, otherwise who can deliver with the rather steep criteria: creativity and

best interpretation, quality of workmanship, artistic combination of lights, and overall appeal including cleanliness, orderliness and neatness.

Durable materials are kept and recycled for the next year’s symbol, arches or parol for a different theme or landmark.

The employees also man the entrance to the city hall complex where the Christmas symbols are located. Committees are organized to oversee the traffic;


others manage the judging of the seven categories for the three judging periods. That means to look for a set of five judges (in categories A, B, and C). Further, that these judges, besides their qualification, do not have relatives or friends in the categories being judged.

Symbols have officers-of-the-night to entertain spectators or answer their questions. An “immigration officer” is on hand to stamp the “passport” of the tourists.

Other activities for fun inside the complex include train ride, calesa


ride and boat ride.

These are all managed by the employees. The live band that provides entertainment at the activity center is composed of employees. Night sweepers are on hand to keep the premises free of litters. Drivers are on duty to bring the judges back to where they came from, or to ferry employees on duty to their residences.

The activities last up to midnight but those on duty are already used to the late nights on December. And they still report

to office the following day, some on flexi time, but still others have to report for important matters.

Psychic Reward

If December is the most stressful month of the year, this is also the most gratifying.

Seeing the symbols, arches and parols being enjoyed by both Tangubanons and out of town visitors is reward enough.

The people take pride in their handiwork and warmly welcome tourists into their symbols.


The selfless efforts of the people enabled the program to stand the test of time because managing a festival is a herculean task. The people’s effort sustained a program that is now part of the city’s tradition.

For years, the beginning and

closing of the festival is marked by fireworks. The burst of lights in myriad colors and designs always bring pride and joy that this great festival has started and ended fueled by the people’s bayanihan (communal unity and cooperation) spirit.

One Mindanao12 January 20, 2016

QUEZON CITY -- Bonus of state-run Social Security System (SSS) officials is based on the performance of the specific government owned or controlled corporation (GOCC), according to SSS President and CEO Emilio S. de Quiros Jr. Monday.

Bonus of SSS officials is performance based

“Alam niyo po yung bonus depende po yan sa performance ng institusyon, at ‘yan ay sinusunod namin ang rules and deadlines ng GCG (Governance Commission for GOCCs),” De Quiros said. “’Yan po ay hindi lang para sa SSS; ‘yan po ay para rin sa lahat ng GOCCs.”

De Quiros said a GOCC is evaluated through a score card and the GCG requires a 90 percent grade in performance for an institution to be allowed to receive a bonus.

“Ibig sabihin, pag hindi po

kami nabigyan ng 90 percent, walang bonus ‘yong aming mga empleyado,” De Quiros said. “Kaya ngayon po, by the end of this year, kino-compute ‘yon at may imbestigasyon pa yan; titignan yan ng GCG kung tama ba ang figures.”

The performance evaluation of SSS in 2015 has yet to be completed.

The SSS had a total income of P24,213.47 million for the January to October 2015 period. Below is the agency’s investment portfolio:


According to its website, the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or-Controlled Corporations is created under Republic Act No. 10149 and serves as a central advisory, monitoring, and oversight body with authority to formulate, implement and coordinate policies to govern GOCCs.

The GCG conducts the

Performance Evaluation System which refers to the process of appraising the accomplishments of GOCCs in a given fiscal year based on set performance criteria, targets and weights, through performance scorecards.

Performance scorecards consist of a set of measures and targets that facilitate the achievements and performance of a GOCC. (PRC-PIA)

One Mindanao14 January 20, 2016

QUEZON CITY -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) extended the deadline of submission of entries for the #KontraRedTape contest until Feb. 12.

Deadline extended for anti-red tape contest

College students enrolled in any higher education institution in the country are eligible to participate in the logo-making, poster-making, and audio-visual production (AVP) contests of the 2016 ARTA Caravan with the theme “#KontraRedTape: Kabataan, Kaakibat sa Mahusay na Pamamahala.”

Republic Act No. 9485, also known as the Anti-Red

Tape of 2007, or simply, ARTA, is a landmark law on anti-corruption. The CSC spearheads its implementation. The various ARTA programs by the Commission aim to “cut the red tape” or eradicate corruption at the government frontlines.

The CSC believes that the youth must play an active role in eradicating corruption in the bureaucracy. #KontraRedTape


is an avenue for students to get involved in cutting the red tape.

Entry forms and mechanics are available for download at the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph.

One winner will be selected for each contest from each island group—Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Winners of the logo-making and poster-making contests will each receive PHP7,000 cash prize, while the winners of the AVP contest will receive P10,000 in cash.

In addition to the cash prizes, winners will also receive plaques and tokens for participation.

The CSC shall announce the winners on Feb. 25.

#KontraRedTape is held in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, Bantay.ph,

University of the Philippines Diliman, Leyte Normal University, and Mindanao University of Science and Technology.

For more information, please contact the CSC Public Assistance and Information Office at telephone numbers (02) 931-7993 and (02) 931-4180. (CSC)

16 One Mindanao January 20, 2016

Military: No ISIS in Northern MindanaoCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The military on Wednesday belied the presence of members of the terror group Iraq-Syria Islamic State (ISIS) in Northern Mindanao, Capt. Patrick Martinez said.

Martinez, the spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division here, issued the statement to dispel suspicions that the ISIS has already taken root in the region.

“Our intelligence community has not reported the presence of ISIS in the region, although the military and police are not taking chances,” Martinez said.

He said that the military and police have stepped up intelligence gathering in the region to check on terror groups, particularly ISIS members.

Martinez, however, said that the military is also appealing to the civilian populace to be on guard against suspicious groups or activities in their areas.

The military would immediately respond to any form of threat that might evolve with the presence of suspected terror groups in any part of Northern Mindanao, he said.

The military’s 4ID covers the 10 provinces and about 12 cities, including the port capital city of Cagayan De Oro in Northern Mindanao. (PNA)


DepEd opens 12 IP schools in Kapalong, TalaingodDAVAO CITY -- To address the lack of schools in the area, the Department of Education – Davao del Norte Division opened 12 new public schools in the indigenous people’s (IP) communities in Kapalong and Talaingod.

Davao del Norte Schools Division Superintendent Josephine Fadul disclosed in an interview that the 12 schools were placed in IP communities to give access to public education. Superintendent Fadul also emphasized that the division hired 22 new teachers for said schools.“At first, they were paid through the local school board fund from the provincial government and the municipal government but now, they are already national paid teachers,” she said. Fadul stressed that the teachers were trained with

IP education and multi-grade systems to suit the need of the community. “The tribal leaders, themselves, trained the teachers on their culture because even though they are in the same municipalities, each tribe has its unique customs and traditions,” she said. Fadul also revealed that the schools started with make-shift classrooms set up with the help of the tribal chieftain, barangay captains and the mayors. “But right now, buildings were being constructed to some areas,” she said. (Michael Uy)


Business permit application deadline set until midnight before January 21

DAVAO CITY -- The City Business Bureau warned that business people have until today January 20 to facilitate and process their business permits before corresponding penalties are imposed. Atty. Dominic Lawrence Batinding, Business Bureau Chief said clients have until 12:00 am midnight to facilitate their business permit application. He said a partial total of six thousand business permits have been issued from January 3-17. Batinding also bared that there were more than 29,000 clients who renewed their business permits while more than 300 were new business permit applicants.

“New business applicants range from manufacturing to retailing to restaurant operation,” he said. Batinding noted that as early as 2014, new investments came to the city like the steel manufacturing firm in Bunawan which brought in millions of investments. He also cited the entry of new malls and condominiums to the city. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


Sarangani Energy Corp. promises to deliver cheap, reliable electricity

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 20— Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) promises a cheaper, reliable power source for Gensan this year.


SEC, a 105-megawatt (MW) power plant operating in Maas-im, Sarangani Province, will now deliver power supply to Gensan and other service areas of South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II).

This was indicated during a public forum on power synchro-nization called by SEC and SO-COTECO II on Tuesday (January 12) at Phela Grande Hotel.

Ferdinand Corrales, SEC proj-ect manager, said the cost of electricity will reduce the mo-ment SEC’s franchise with SO-COTECO II will start.

Last July 2015, the average electricity cost of SOCOTEO II went up to Php 8.35 per kilowatt hour (kWh), which includes the transmission, distribution, and other components.

By the time SEC will start its operations as an independent power producer (IPP) of SO-COTECO II, this price will be cur-tailed to around P5 per kWh.

The final cost will be deter-mined by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Crisanto Sotelo, SOCOTECO II general manager, explained why the current electricity cost of Gensan is relatively higher.

“Most of power producers op-erate using diesel. Diesel are much more expensive compared

to coal. That’s to explain the cost,” Sotelo said.

Therma Marine Inc. (TMI) and SoEnergy are current IPPs contracted by the power coop-erative. Both of them provide electricity using diesel. Their contract with SOCOTECO II will end this year.

Sotelo said SOCOTECO II will not have new contracts with the said IPPs as SEC will deliv-er 70MW of power supply. This is enough to meet the 130MW peak demand of General Santos City. More than that, this will se-cure power stability to the city.

“Even if there’s El Niño, we won’t experience brownout,” So-telo said.

Power taken from Mapalad Power Plant will also be reduced because of this.

Electricity coming from SEC will not pass through the power lines of the National Grid Corpo-ration of the Philippines (NGCP).

This adds to the cheap trans-mission cost of SEC.

SEC and SOCOTECO II syn-chronization phase will take place this January to test the flow of electricity to different transmission lines and feeders in Gensan.

It will cause rotational brown-outs in the city, spanning from 30 minutes to 1 hour.


By: Aida C. Agad

New bridge changes lives of villagers in Sultan Kudarat

Sotelo appealed to the pub-lic to bear with the little incon-venience as this will do greater good to the city.

Gensan had experienced 6 to 12 hours rotational brownout starting 2012 up to mid-2013 because of the 30MW power de-ficiency that time.

By the time he sat as the local chief executive of Gensan, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera coordinated with SOCOTECO II to address the power crisis.

One of the solutions was to contract different IPPs to fill in

the power deficiency.The entry of SEC is among the

outputs of the said initiative.“It is one of my top priori-

ties to ensure that Gensan has a stable power supply so that businesses can operate smoothly here. We cannot attract inves-tors here if we can’t assure them that we can support their estab-lishments, and that is the rea-son why we work together with SOCOTECO II,” Mayor Rivera stated. (IJLagare-Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato Jan 20 – Residents of Barangay Tibuhol and neighboring barangays in Palimbang town in Sultan Kudarat province are now feeling the comfort of having a 44-linear meter bridge that connected Tibuhol to Badiangon.

Jerry Butac, a resident of Ba-rangay Tibuhol said that life now is much better with the comple-tion of the bridge as compared to before.

“Dati hindi kami makatawid pag bumabaha. Mga anak ko hindi makapag-aral, ang mga produkto naming hindi namin

maitawid,” (Before, we cannot cross the river when floodwater is high. Our children can’t go to school, we cannot haul our prod-ucts) recounted the 38-year old father of two.

He explained that they need to cross the river for them to get to the town center for their daily


needs such as food and other transactions.

“Okay lang kung hindi umuulan kasi hanggang tuhod lang ang tubig. Pero pag tumaas na ang tubig, apektado lahat kami dito sa loob na mga barangays,”(It’s okey when there’s no rain, ‘cause water is at knee-level only. But when river- waters get high, we, in the barangay, are all affected) Butac said.

“Minsan, nung malapit nang manganak ang asawa ko, nahi-rapan talaga kaming itawid siya. Ilang tao kaming nagtutulun-gan para lang maitawid siya kasi unti-unti nang tumataas ang tu-big dala ng ulan nung panahon na yun,” (Once, when my wife is about to deliver our baby, we encounter difficulty in bringing her to the clinic outside our ba-rangay, many of our neighbors helped because we have to cross her immediately, as the water-level is getting higher, it is rain-ing that time) he recalled.

“Kung meron lang sanang tu-lay noon natulad nito, mas ma-dali sana ang buhay namin,” (If there’s a bridge before, just like what we have now, our lives then would have been better) Butac expressed his sentiment.

“Malaking pasalamat ko dito sa tulay kasi sa tagal-tagal na panahon naming nagtiis, ngayon

makakadama na kami ng gin-hawa sa pagtawid mula dito sa amin papuntang kabilang baran-gay sa kahit anong oras at sa anong klase man ng panahon,” (I am grateful for this bridge be-cause for a long time that we endured, now we are relieved in crossing the river in going to neighboring barangays anytime and in whatever weather) Butac exclaimed.

“Bumaba na rin ang gastos namin sa pagdala ng mga aning palay at ibang produkto palabas dito sa amin at papuntang pobla-cion,” (The transport cost for our harvests going to the market has also lessened) said the 38-year old farmer.

Robilyn Telebangco, another resident of Barangay Tibuhol also shared her story. She recalled that during a flood, they have to wait for the water to subside for about five to six hours.

“Minsan dahil sa tagal kaming stranded at di-makauwi sa aming bahay, yung mga binili naming pagkain minsan nabulok o nasira na pagdating sa bahay,” (Before, we were stranded, we cannot go home so foodstuff that we bought got spoiled at the time we arrived home) she said.

“Ito ang normal naming nabu-hay noon. Ganito na ang kinalaki-han ko. Pero ngayon, meron pa


pala itong i-kagiginhawa dahil sa isang tulay na tulad nito,” (This has been our normal life for so long. But now, we feel the com-fort because of this bridge) she added.

Randy Mahamud, also a resi-dent of the same barangay, shared almost the same story. He said that transporting their products was difficult and very costly. “P30.00 ang bayad kada sako para lang maitawid ang mga produkto namin at P20.00 naman para sa tao. (We are pay-ing P30.00 per sack for our prod-ucts to reach the market and P20.00 per person) Pero iba na ngayon kasi mula poblacion pa-pasok or mula sa amin palabas, di na gagastos ng malaki para lang maitawid ang mga produk-to,” (But it’s different now be-cause we spend less in transport-ing our products) the 44-year old farmer said.

Mahamud said they tried to construct a bridge made of bam-boo but every time the flood came, it will wash away the wooden bridge.

“Minsan hindi aabutan ng tat-long buwan at masisira na ang tulay. Napagod na kami sa pag-gawa ng tulay na gawa sa kahoy o kawayan kasi paulit-ulit lang din nasisira,” (Sometimes, it took only three months and our wood-

en or bamboo bridge got dam-aged. We got exhausted with this) he said.

The Badiangon-Tibuhol bridge has a 44-linear meter length or equivalent to a 3-barrel box cul-vert including approach with a 5-meter wide that can accommo-date one vehicle at a time such as a 4-6 wheeler truck with gross tonnage up to 8 tons.

The project was imple-mented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) un-der the Bottom’s Up Budget-ing (BUB). It has a total cost of P4,950,000.00.

Palimbang Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Luis Juliano said that DAR has satisfactorily completed the proj-ect.

“I hope that the residents as well as the local government units of Badiangon and Tibuhol will take care of the bridge and maintain it well so that it will last for a long time,” he said.

He added that DAR-SK has yet to set a schedule the formal turnover of the said project to the LGU of Palimbang.

To date, other DAR-SK infra-structure projects under BUB are still underway in Lebak and Lu-tayan towns to worth a total of P7,523,294.00. (JJBDael- DAR-SK/ACAgadd-PIA 12)


DENR earmarks P12.4 billion for climate change programs

BUTUAN CITY – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional director for Caraga Region Nonito M. Tamayo said that a total of P12.4 billion has been earmarked by the DENR for 19 specific climate change programs to strengthen the country’s resiliency against natural calamities.

By: Herzon F. Gallego

This amount is 57 percent of the DENR’s total budget of P21.8 billion in 2016 after the Congress realigned some budget for other

priority programs of the DENR. Director Tamayo said the National Greening Program (NGP) got a big slice in the budget pie

photo: www.philstar.com


AFP to add another army battalion in SurSur

TANDAG CITY -- Just barely over two months after the arrival of 2nd Special Forces Battalion here early in November 2015, another battalion—the 16th Infantry Battalion is coming to the province this month, according to Col. Isidro Purisima, commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA).

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

with a total of P8 billion. Last year’s budget for NGP was P7.2 billion. The other priority programs of the DENR which also shared in the P12.4 billion climate change programs are the protected area management - P1.063 billion; forest protection - P473.6 million; reforestation of major river basins under the Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management Project - P451.4 million; air

quality improvement - P443.7 million; unified mapping project - P398 million; National Geo-Hazard assessment - P397 million; clean water program - P194 million; ecological solid-waste management regulation - P88.2 million; Manila Bay Rehabilitation - P80 million; wildlife protection and conservation - P72.2 million; and hazardous waste management - P41.7 million.

“We are planning to deploy the 16th Infantry Battalion coming from Luzon and this is

based on our discussion with the governor and the higher officials that we need additional forces in


the area,” he stressed. “And this will be eventually the situation here—one battalion in Carcanmadcarlan, one battalion in, basically, the Andap Valley Complex, we have one battalion in San Miguel and its vicinity, and another battalion in the southernmost portion. Aside from the other augmentations that are already in place… like we have additional forces from 10th Infantry Division that are now operating here in Surigao del Sur,” the brigade commander pointed out. “Higher headquarters is serious to address the peace and order and security situation here in Surigao del Sur and they know the situation very well and hopefully we’ll be able to attain a more peaceful province by the end of this year,” Purisima said. In response, Governor Johnny Pimentel commented “I would also like to thank the deployment of additional battalion in the province of Surigao del Sur.” “Actually, this was one of our recommendations during our workshop with the brigade as part of our action plan. . . ,” he further explained. Later, in reaction to the demands of the evacuees,

particular on the pull out of 75th Infantry Battalion from Caraga region, as raised by Engr. Charlyn Binghoy, provincial officer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Governor Pimentel stood his ground in defense of the current move being carried out to address the insurgency problem, “We cannot also compromise the efforts of the local government units and the Philippine Army and the police in the improvement of peace and order situation. . .” He added that “In fact we are requesting gani kun pwede napulo (10) kabatalyon ang ibutang nganhi. . . tanggalan naman hinuon nato!” And to further emphasize his response being the chairman of the PPOC, he said “We are in the right direction to pursue the clearing of insurgency in the province of Surigao del Sur. . . and this will not be altered as far as I’m concerned!” With that bold statement, Pimentel received a loud applause from the PPOC body during the first quarter meeting held at the 36th Infantry Battalion Headquarters at Dayoan, Tago town, this province, on January 15, 2016.


AFP declares Dinagat Islands as insurgency-free provinceSAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands -- The province of Dinagat Islands was recently declared as insurgency-free province by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The announcement was sealed by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) declaring the province of Dinagat Islands as Insurgency-Free Province. As a premise, the province has never been influenced by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CNN) as its politico-military structure does not exist and the insurgency group has ceased or never existed or no records of terroristic or NPA-initiated violent incidents for the past five years. Likewise, lawless criminal activities have come to a very

manageable level which the Philippine National Police (PNP) can ably address. With this declaration, the provincial government will build confidence among the capitalists or investors to create an environment that is conducive to socio-economic, political and cultural development – free of CNN influence. Along with the celebration is the conferment of Plaque of Leadership Award to governor Glenda Ecleo for having exemplarily led the province in peace and order efforts being the chairperson of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC).

By: Millard P. Tawakal


By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Science and Technology will deploy additional 25 units of early warning systems in Zamboanga Peninsula region to capacitate local government units (LGUs) towards an efficient and effective disaster risk reduction and management.

Flood-prone communities in ZamPen to receive 25 additional EWS from DOST

In a press release, DOST IX Assistant Regional Director Mr. Martin A. Wee said that the additional monitoring equipment

will complement the existing 70 units that were already deployed in strategic locations in the region since 2013.


ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – Pag-IBIG Fund announces the conduct of a mass civil wedding to be held February 12 at the Palacio del Sur in Marcian Garden Hotel, and invites their members to avail of this opportunity by registering with the local Pag-IBIG branch on or before Friday, January 22.

Pag-IBIG to hold free mass civil wedding on Feb. 12 By Felipo David G. Malcampo

According to Wee, DOST-PAGASA Central Office had already approved and conducted site survey and hydrographic survey of the identified flood prone areas and river basins. The hydrographic survey is crucial to define shoreline and underwater features needed to establish critical data and information. This year’s deployment of automated rain gauges (ARG) and water level monitoring system (WLMS) will cover Imelda and Bayog in Zamboanga Sibugay; Labason, Gutalac, Kalawit, Siocon, Baliguian, Siayan, Sindangan, Labangan, Rizal, La Libertad, Piñan, Dapitan City and Dipolog City; and Isabela City in Basilan which covers Calvario, Aguada, Kapatagan Grande, Kapayawan and Makiri. The weather sensors collect data without human interface and

transmit the data automatically every 10 to 15 minutes from remote sites directly to DOST weather data server in Manila for further study and analysis of PAGASA. The devices are solar-powered, making them more resilient to power disruptions during typhoons. The data transmitted by the ARGs, for instance, will enable DOST’s other equipment and personnel to monitor rainfall volume and duration and estimate its impact on the river levels downstream, eventually helping in flood prediction and in the LGU’s management of early warning information. Accurate and updated science-based weather information would be very helpful for LGUs to institute proper and on-time disaster response, thus saving lives, properties and livelihood.


“We are advising Pag-IBIG members to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Area head Generoso Balacuit. Pag-IBIG fund will be giving away free wedding rings, bouquets as well as other giveaways and souvenirs. Joy Reyes, head of member

services for Pag-IBIG Fund here said that lucky couples will have the chance to win a house and lot and Kabuhayan packages. The “I Do. I Do. Araw ng Pag-IBIG” is a yearly undertaking done for the benefit of Pag-IBIG members.


Php1-billion released for housing, other loans in Zambo City – Pag-IBIG

Ms. Mary Joanne I. Reyes, member services head, said Php608-million was approved and granted for both multi-purpose and calamity loans, while Php383-million was released to finance members’ loans covering about 477 housing units. Reyes added that business is good, since member collections have exceeded way beyond their 100% target. “Many members are now very happy with their new homes,” Reyes said, adding that they received a total of 1,286 housing loan requests for 2015 in Zamboanga City alone. As the city was declared under a state of calamity on January 12 due to the dry spell, Pag-IBIG Fund will also be granting calamity loans to its members here. “Once we are furnished with a copy of the City Council resolution declaring Zamboanga under a state of calamity, we will be able to send the same to our head office for funding,” Reyes shared. Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund warns employers who do not remit

their employees’ contributions. “We have gone after erring employers, and they had no choice but to pay back the arrears in thousands of pesos,” said Reyes. Under Republic Act 9679, fund coverage is mandatory for all employers and employees covered by SSS, GSIS, uniformed personnel, OFWs, household service workers or “kasambahays”, members of transport groups, professionals, vendors and other informal income earners. Pag-IBIG Fund, as a government-owned and controlled corporation is very financially sound, as to date, it boasts of Php379.25-billion in total assets, with 15.76 million remitting members to include 4.31 million OFWs. The Fund now has 117 branches nationwide with an additional 22 posts in key cities worldwide, and is continuously expanding, according to Reyes. For more information on member services, one may log-in to www.pagibigfund.gov.ph.

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Close to P1 billion in housing and other loans were granted to members of Pag-IBIG Fund here for the past year, as collection targets have been surpassed, reports the Pag-IBIG Fund Branch.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, 18 January (PIA)– The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) called for the cooperation of everybody in the implementation of ‘Gun Ban,’ which started on 10 January 2016, in time for the election period.

By: Michelle Love Hilario

COMELEC, PNP urge public cooperation in ‘Gun Ban’

Cagayan de Oro City Election Officer Atty. Palmer Palamine and PNP Regional Police Information Officer PSupt. Gervacio Balmaceda

Jr. discussed important points in the implementation of ‘Gun Ban’ and other related activities during their radio guesting in “Lambo Dyes” program


at DXIM Radyo ng Bayan on January 15. Atty. Palamine reiterated COMELEC resolutions that ban the carrying or transport of firearms or deadly weapons outside of residence, place of business and in all public places, unless authorized by COMELEC. To be exempted, an applicant must write an application for Certificate of Authority or Certificate for Exemption to COMELEC. However, under the law, exempt persons who are member of agencies that implement the law for our security such as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PNP, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other agencies are allowed to carry a firearm in accordance to their job. Atty. Palamine cleared that exempt people have to file application for issuance of Certificate of Authority before they can carry their firearms. A private individual may apply for Security Detail if there is a threat in his life. Atty. Palamine added that anyone caught carrying firearms during the election period without the Certificate of Authority will be charged of violation of election offense which is punishable of not less than one year but not more than six years and illegal possession of firearms. Firearms, under proper procedure, will then be confiscated. For more information regarding the application of Certificate of Authority, Atty. Palamine urged everyone to visit their site in www.

comelec.gov.ph Further, PSupt. Balmaceda Jr. urged the public’s cooperation in conduct of check points in relation to the implementation of ‘Gun Ban’ 150 days before and 30 days after the Election Day. Motorists are encouraged to dim their headlights and turn their lights as they approach to the check point so that they can be seen inside since only through visual search are allowed in dealing with motorists. Police are not allowed to make the passengers go out from the vehicle to conduct physical search unless the vehicle used is similar to what is described in a flash alarm. In the implementation of check point and gun ban, Palamine also added that some laws are not suspended. Anyone with no driver’s license, no helmet, and unregistered vehicle will be charged for violating other laws. PSupt. Balmaceda also encouraged the community members to know their local police hotline to give information regarding political rivalry and others that might be a threat. Lastly, Balmaceda encouraged the PNP to urge every political candidate to join the covenant signing which is one way to assure secure and fair 2016 elections.


IIT bags Regional Winner in 2015 Sustainable and Eco-friendly School

ILIGAN CITY – In their search for the most environmentally active schools in the country, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has awarded the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) as the regional winner in the 2015 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.

By: Bainorah L. Amate

This recognition makes IIT Region 10’s national finalist. The Institute was also awarded the “Energy Leadership Award” by the Meralco Foundation. Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Dr. Feliciano B. Alagao received the plaque in November 2015 at the awarding ceremony in Cagayan de Oro City. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development (OVCPD) was up to the challenge in collating all the documents required. Documents from Board of Regents (BOR) Resolutions, Memoranda, to Special Orders were all bound into one volume of policies and programs that were instigated, implemented, and promoted in the Institute. These initiatives prove to be collaborative efforts within offices to operate efficiently without neglecting environmental concerns. Such programs include the declaration of “No Plastic Day” every day; the Dropbox system that

minimized paper wastage; and, the gradual replacement of compact fluorescent lamps into LED lights. As an academic institution, IIT also integrates an environment-related curriculum in its 103 undergraduate and 54 graduate degree programs. Engineering students have also contributed to this environmental movement in their design and concept of two prototype vehicles –“Layalang” (Gasolline) and “Tarintik II” (Battery Electric)—to achieve the highest energy efficiency. These were the students’ entry in the regular Shell Eco-Marathon Competition sponsored by Shell Eco-Marathon Asia (SEMA) that challenges young engineering students to push the boundaries of fuel efficiency. Graduate programs pertaining to environment and development are also offered in the Institute. These are Master of Science in Environmental Science, Master in Development Studies, Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Development