one mindanao - january 21, 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

Pres. Aquino lauds mining industry’s best practices

13

34 PSHS picks Dipolog for ZamPen campusBy: Franklin P. Gumapon

Dev’t potential in Bangsamoro envisioned through BBL passage

16

36 NHA reports 35.97% completion rate of houses under the Z3RBy: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

40 State university announces opening of competition for 2016-2017 graduate scholarship grants

19 Davao school launches its election advocacy programBy: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

23 NorthCot LGU gets child- friendly local governance sealBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

By: Herzon F. Gallego

By: Michelle Love R. Hilario

27

28

Two SurSur towns named recipients of Community Fish Landing Center among 271 others

DENR 13 key officers get new assignment

NATIONAL INFOCUS

WESTERN

NORTHERN

SOUTHERN

SOCCSKSARGEN CARAGA

10 16 1821

25 3239

41 English reading program steps up school children performance

4 January 21, 2016One Mindanao

The Province of Lanao del Norte widely known as the “Land of Beauty and Bounty” bested 15 other contingents, and was declared First

Place winner in the Sinulog Festival of Cebu City on 17 January 2016.

Sinulog 2016 Free Interpretation champLanao del Norte:

By: Lorry V. Gabule, Vincent Labial

5January 21, 2016 One Mindanao

Sinulog 2016 Free Interpretation champLanao del Norte:


This is the eight straight appearance of Team Lanao del Norte in the ‘Free Interpretation’ category, regarded by many as the most competitive category of the Festival. “The concept of Lanao del Norte is very unique and timely. The dancers had beautifully interpreted it on the main stage. This was the main reason why the board of judges gave them the win,” said Sinulog Foundation Head Ricky Ballesteros. The Lanao del Norte contingent showcased its ‘Sagayan Festival’ dance. Sagayan is a Maranao war dance performed a modernized version of the Darangen, a Maranao

epic story, depicting two warring groups that were eventually reconciled and united by Bai-A-Labi who succeeded in bringing lasting peace.

“The presentation was the brainchild of Governor Khalid Q. Dimaporo, this province, who wanted to show everyone the importance of unity in achieving lasting peace. He wanted to show that peace is still attainable despite differences in culture, ethnic background and religion. All we need is love and respect,” said Provincial Information Head Lyndon G. Calica. Dancers of the contingent composed of around 400 public school students from Bansarvil


National High School in the coastal town of Kapatagan. Chief choreographer is Mark Eric Debalucos while reigning Ms. Lanao del Norte Diana Therese Mejorada led the dance performers. Aside from the victory in the Sinulog Grand Showdown, the ‘Land of Beauty and Bounty’ also received the coveted ‘Best in Costume’ Award. Also, the province was awarded ‘Best in Ritual Showdown.’ Another major award given to Lanao del Norte is ‘Best in Musicality.’ The unique beat and music of Lanao del Norte which featured a Maranao music segment was performed by the Brothers Circle.

This is a big bonus for our contingent and also for me since this is my last year as governor of the province. I am truly thankful to the Sinulog organizers, to the Lanao del Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), parents of the performers/dancers, organizing committee, dedicated dancers who really gave in their all-grandstage and to everyone who supported the Lanao del Norte contingent for the past eight years,” said Gov. Dimaporo. Gov. Dimaporo, together with Provincial Tourism Head Minda Regis accepted the awards and prizes during the repeat performance and awarding of festival winners at the Abellana National High School grandstage


on 18 January 2016. The province received a check amounting P1 million, plus a trophy, as Grand Prize Winner in the Free Interpretation, and two other checks plus trophies for other awards received.

Along with the governor who accompanied Team Lanao del Norte were Vice-Governor Ma. Cristina Atay with some SP members, Vice-Mayor Perlito Gonzaga of the municipality of Kapatagan with some of its


Sangguniang Bayan, in the 7.2 kilometers route for the Street Dancing competition, onwards the Abellana grandstage for the showdown performance. Other winners in the Free

Interpretation category include TribuCatbalogan (2nd Place), Buyogan Festival (3rd Place), TribuHimag-ulaw (4th Place), and LumadBasakanon (5th Place).

One Mindanao10 January 21, 2016

MANILA -- The Philippines must continuously invest in improving the country’s energy capacity to attain energy security that will allow the country to sustain its rapid growth and make it more inclusive, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Energy security needed to sustain high growth—NEDA

“As we continue to strengthen and improve the nation’s institutions, develop the country’s infrastructure, promote technological innovation, and

pursue regulatory and structural reforms, we also have to carry out policies and programs that will improve the competitiveness and productivity of our industries,”


Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said at the 2016 Energy Policy and Development Program (EPDP) Conference.

“This cannot be attained without an efficient, secure and sustainable energy sector,” he added.

He underscored that energy remains a crucial element in economic growth and development, stating the potential of the Philippines of reaching high income status by 2040 provided the economy grows consistently by 7.0 percent annually.

“While there have been improvements in infrastructure, we still lag behind our neighbors. In particular, investments in energy capacity need to be sustained, where the desired outcome is energy security,” Balisacan said. “This means ensuring the availability, quality,

and affordability of electricity.”

Balisacan cited the World Economic Forum report, which showed that the Philippines scored only 4.2 out of seven in terms of sufficiency and reliability of power supply. Also, almost 20 percent of households in the Philippines do not have electricity, and those who do—households, commercial establishments and industries—have to pay a high price for electricity, which is almost twice the average price in Southeast Asia.

“This means that we are losing out in competitiveness, thereby limiting our export orientation. Additionally, our energy and electricity consumption per capita is the lowest among eight countries. If we equate convenience as having access to more automated gadgets, then this means that we are the most deprived in terms of convenience,” the Cabinet official said.


The EPDP currently assists the Philippine government in research, capacity-building, and in developing policies and strategies that will make cost-effective use of resources, promote sustainable energy development, and make electricity accessible and affordable to Filipinos. It was launched by the UPEcon Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development in 2014. Balisacan

currently chairs the EPDP Steering Committee.

The two-day EPDP Conference 2016 convened policymakers, practitioners, experts and academics to discuss policy and research issues in energy such as forecasting energy demand, optimal fuel mix, market testing of power supply agreements, and power plant approvals. (NEDA)


MANILA -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday hailed the mining industry’s best practices during the presentation of the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) to last year’s winners.

Pres. Aquino lauds mining industry’s best practices

President Aquino, together with Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, handed out the award to Silangan Mindanao Mining Corporation, Inc. (Mineral Exploration Category); Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (Mineral Processing Category); and Rio

Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation, OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. and SR Metals, Inc. (Surface Mining Operation Category). “These companies have performed well in protecting the environment, keeping their operations safe and helping


the communities in which they operate,” Aquino said before industry leaders. “Your companies are embodiments of our belief that inclusive growth is the most potent philosophy—both in business and governance. Fostering good will in the areas that support your success is not only the right thing to do, it also ensures the sustainability of your operations, and secures the

future of your firms.” With the government’s continued support, the President said he is optimistic that the companies which finished as runners-up would get the major awards.

Aquino cited Executive Order No. 79 and said the government will constantly be working with


the industry leaders to “give rise to industries that are truly sustainable, inclusive, and profitable.” E.O. 79 mandates a more equitable revenue sharing scheme, and helps ensure transparency and accountability in mining.

“In 2014, we completed the go and no-go zone maps that indicate areas where mining is prohibited, such as prime agricultural lands and tourism development areas,” he said.

Aquino then thanked the mining companies for their cooperation and participation in government programs to minimize the impact of industry on the environment, particularly the forests.

The PMIEA, which was established in 1997 through Executive Order No. 399, recognizes the outstanding

commitment of mining companies for exemplar practices in mineral exploration, quarrying operation, surface mining operation, and mineral processing.

Runners-up were Mt. Labo Exploration and Development Corporation/Galeo Equipment Corporation, Holcim Philippines, Inc. - La Union Plant; Holcim Philippines, Inc. - Davao Plant, La Farge Republic Aggregates, Inc., La Farge Republic, Inc. - Bulacan Plant, Eagle Cement Corporation, Minimax Mineral Exploration Corporation/ Agata Mining Ventures, Inc., Cadiano Mining Corporation, and Apo Cement Corporation. Recipients of the Best Mining Forest Award were Aglubang Mining Corporation and Alagag Mining Corporation, Holcim Philippines, Taganito Mining Manufacturing Corporation and Coral Bay Nickel Corporation. (PCOO/PND)

16 One Mindanao January 21, 2016

Dev’t potential in Bangsamoro envisioned through BBL passage

MANILA -- The passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would contribute in stabilizing the Philippine economy as it assures local and foreign investors of a safer business environment in Mindanao, a peace panel member of the Philippine government (GPH) said. In a statement, GPH peace panel member and former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani underscored that the BBL passage would bring good effects

not only to the Mindanao region but would also bring inclusive growth to the country. Bacani reasoned out that

photo: www.mindanews.com


an economic growth in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) from increased businesses would help generate more jobs and help alleviate poverty in that part of the country. However, security and safety issues failed to attract businesses from undertaking new ventures in that region, Bacani noted. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) forecast that the country’s economy would benefit immensely if the proposed BBL would be enacted. NEDA has projected a 12.8 percent annual growth in the proposed Bangsamoro region as increased business activity would boost the economy and reduce the rate of poverty. ”The plan is expected to push the regional economy to achieve double-digit growth rates in the first five years of the creation of the Bangsamoro, with gross regional domestic product per capita rising to Php38,000 to Php40,00, from the current Php29,608,” said NEDA Regional Office 11 Director Maria Lourdes Lim in a DevPlus publication

released by the NEDA in June 2015.

”This will further narrow the regional disparities between the Bangsamoro and the rest of Mindanao regions. This kind of growth rate will reduce the poverty incidence rate in the Bangsamoro to anywhere from 50 to 52 percent by 2016,” Lim added.

According to the former Agriculture secretary, both the agriculture and fishing sectors would benefit greatly since the ARMM is considered the largest producer of cassava and seaweeds in the country, fourth in corn, and sixth in coconut.

Additionally, Mindanao is the center for palm oil production in the Philippines.

”Promises were made by different sectors of the society and it is time to make those promises a reality,” Bacani said.

”The BBL promotes inclusive economic progress and stability to which every Filipino would benefit from as a product of peace and security in Mindanao,” he added. (PNA)


Davao experiences way below normal rain-fall on JanuaryDAVAO CITY - With 10 days left in January, Davao City will experi-ence below 40% of the 103mm average monthly rainfall due to the ongoing El Nino phenomenon.

Engr. Gerry Pedrico, chief meteorological officer of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), disclosed in a radio interview that Davao City has recorded only a total of 6mm rainfall as of today (January 21). Pedrico added that Davao City will have rains in the remaining days of January but the total monthly rain-fall will still fall under the agency’s category of way below normal rainfall or below 40% of the average rainfall. DOST-PAGASA categorizes monthly rainfall as way below normal with below 40% of the average rain-fall, below normal with 41%-80%,

near normal with 81% - 120% and above normal with 120%. According to the agency’s re-cords, same volume of rainfall will be experienced in Davao City on March, while below normal rainfall will be expected on February and April and near normal on May and June. Pedrico emphasized that the El Nino has reached its peak last No-vember and December 2015 and is expected to end on June 2016. He said that up to June, only two to six cyclones may develop or enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) from January to June 2016. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)


Davao school launches its election advoca-cy program

DAVAO CITY- The University of Immaculate Conception in coopera-tion with the Davao Association of Catholic Schools formally launched its Election- Credible, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful and Peaceful (E-CHAMP) towards good governance and political transformation, an information-education campaign Monday, anchored on the Catholic church’s call for every Christian to participate in social transformation.

The activity was launched si-multaneously in the UIC campuses along Father Selga and Padre Gomez Streets, respectively. Professor Anatorio Viado, re-ligious studies instructor at the UIC cited that the election is an essential political exercise of choosing leaders in a democratic society and the UIC as an educational institution of the Catholic Church in a democratic set up must participate in choosing the leaders in government.

He stressed that as Christians, everyone has a duty to make the elections credible, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful.Viado recalled that in the past, elec-tions had been marred by fraud and violence. He said that everyone must be wary of the exercise as a way to re-alize the aspirations of people for a quality of life where there is peace and justice. “It is the teaching of the church


that our political exercise should lead towards the common good of the peo-ple,” Viado said. He said the forthcoming elec-tions need volunteers to encourage and educate people to vote with the common good in mind, and to see that the votes are counted and transmit-ted accurately, to report fraud and vi-olent incidents and to form a network of individuals who will ensure that the elections will be credible, honest, ac-curate, meaningful and peaceful. Philosophy Professor Bienveni-do Infante said that the right to vote is enjoyed only by registered voters while non-registered citizens cannot enjoy this right. “Being 18 years old is not the sole qualification for voting, since you must register first with the poll body before you can enjoy the right to vote,” he pointed out. Infante said voters also have qualifications as provided by law like

they must be 18 years old and above, Filipino citizens who have resided in the country for one year and at least six months in the place where he is registered to vote. He said the right to vote is also privilege and obligation enjoyed sole-ly by citizens of the country.Infante stressed it is our obligation to vote for the leaders of our country. “We have to be responsible for the course and future of our country by the kind of leaders we choose,” he said. Infante said that voters may be disqualified by law when they are convicted with a sentence of one year or more imprisonment, or insanity. Representatives of various cam-pus club organizations, departments, students and faculty members signed the commitment tarp in support to the launching of the E-Champ. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

facts and figures

P2.5-billion amount of bomb disposal gear trans-ffered to the Davao City Police Office Explosive and Ordinance Division from donated equipment coming from the United States Government.


South Cotabato opens Upper Valley Community Hospital

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 21 -- “We are really grateful that the government has built a hospital close to our residence. Today, for instance, I don’t have to travel to Koronadal City for the check up of my baby,” said Geline Pancho, 36, a res-ident of Surallah town.

By: Danilo E.Doguiles

Having a public hospital close to home, she pointed out is more convenient and cheap-

er than going to the provin-cial hospital, which is about a 30-minute ride on a bus.


Mrs. Pancho was referring to the Upper Valley Community Hospital (UVCH) at Baran-gay Dajay, Surallah, officially opened on Monday (January 18).

Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes and 2nd District Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez led the blessing and opening ceremony of the South Cotabato newest medi-cal facility.

It has been almost 4 years since its groundbreaking on Au-gust 15, 2012.

Said ceremony, according to Chief of Hospital Dr. Ana Marie Tuburan, was a merely a formal-ity since its medical staff have been serving patients since Christmas Eve.

“Since we opened last De-cember 24 we have already served 368 patients. We even had our first child birth on January 2,” Dr. Tuburan said.

While, awaiting license to operate (LTO) from the Depart-ment of Health, the UVCH could only serve as an out-pa-tient facility.

Also , with an LTO, the UVCH will first operate as an infirmary.

“This means that the UVCH will be allowed to admit pa-tients but cannot conduct sur-gical operations, explained Dr.

Rogelio Aturdido Jr., provincial health officer.

He added that the provincial government is continually push-ing for the upgrading of the hospital into a Level 1 hospi-tal and eventually to a regional level facility.

UVCH has a 40-bed capacity and is open 24/7. It was con-ceptualized with the purpose of decongesting the 200-bed ca-pacity South Cotabato Provin-cial Hospital in Koronadal City hence its strategic location to serve residents in the prov-ince’s upper valley area mu-nicipalities, namely: Lake Sebu, Tboli, Sto. Nino, Surallah, Nora-la and Banga as well as parts of Sultan Kudarat province.

Health authorities here esti-mated that 27 to 35 percent of the patients at the provincial hospital are from the Upper Valley.

In her message, Gov. Fuen-tes emphasized that the pro-vincial government will strictly implement referral policy.

“This means that only pa-tients that require tertiary facil-ity should be referred to the provincial hospital,” Gov. Fuen-tes said.

At present, the UVCH is be-ing manned by 30 personnel


By:Shahana Joy E. Duerme

NorthCot LGU gets child- friendly local governance seal

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Jan. 21--- North Cotabato is now a recipient of the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance for 2015 after successfully passing the child friendly local governance audit (CFLGA)last year.

who were transferred from the Lake Sebu Municipal Hos-pital. It has six doctors, one of whom is currently on study leave at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

The provincial government is also hiring 40 more personnel to augment the hospital’s man-power.

For 2016, the Department of Health has allocated Php50 million for UVCH. Of the said amount, Php15 million is allot-ted for hospital equipment and Php 35 million for additional building, Rep. Hernandez an-nounced.

About Php48 million worth of DOH-funded infrastructures are also being constructed at the

UVCH. UVCH sits on a 4.8 hectare

lot donated by the local gov-ernment unit of Surallah. Con-struction began in August, 2012 with Php25-million grant from the San Miguel Corporation and Php 28-million funding from the DOH. However, sever-al concerns on the construction prevented the provincial gov-ernment from actually open-ing the facility.

In an interview after the inau-guration on Monday, Gov. Fuen-tes disclosed that the provincial government has already spent over Php 50 million in repairs.

UVCH is being proposed to be converted as a regional-level facility. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Under the CFLGA, all cities and municipalities are assessed to gauge their level of performance

in implementing child-friendly programs and establishing mea-sures that promote children’s


welfare.“The conferment of the Seal of

Child-Friendly Local Governance to deserving local government units proves that they have de-livered services that promote the welfare of children which can be seen in the child-sensitive poli-cies or actions made by them,” said Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG 12) Regional Director Reynaldo Bun-gubung.

Meanwhile, Ali Abdullah, DILG Provincial Director, stated that the provincial government has successfully attained the level of performance in implementing child-friendly programs and in-stituted measures that promote children’s welfare through the Child and Youth Welfare Devel-opment Code and Gender and Development Code (GAD) of the province.

Abdullah added that the proj-ects of Governor Emmylou Men-doza for children’s welfare which include scholarship programs for the youth, leadership and liveli-hood programs for in-school and out-of-school youth, feeding pro-gram for day care centers and the rest have created a positive impact towards the development of children.

The Summer Kids Peace Kids Camp (SKPC) which is now on

its sixth year is an initiative to engage children particularly fifth graders of public schools in the quest for long-lasting peace in the province.

For her part, Governor Men-doza said that the conferment of the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance to North Cotabato proves that the province has gone a long way in promoting the security and protection of the children.

With this, she urged the LGUs to continue partnering with the provincial government in uphold-ing the welfare of the children and further institute changes or reforms that will uplift the living conditions of children especially the poor and marginalized.

“We must go on with our ef-forts in addressing the basic needs of our children and uphold their rights to survive, develop, protection and participation in the community,” the governor stated.

Aside from North Cotabato, there are three other LGUs which obtained a 100% rating during the CFLGA. These are the cities of General Santos and Co-tabato and the province of South Cotabato. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz- North Cotabato Media Center)


AgNor province to implement iGovPhil project

BUTUAN CITY – The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is set to implement the Integrated Government Philippines (iGovPhil) Project after Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba was recently authorized by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Office.

By: Aimee B. Sienes


The approval of the said authority was made through the efforts of Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasinas, Jr. as chairman of the Committee on Energy, Transportation, Information and Communication, which studied the merit of the said project. The MOA to be signed by the Provincial Governor covers the installation of fiber optic cables (FOC) by the ICT Office under its Integrated Government Philippines (iGovPhil) Project that will provide high-speed connection in the offices of the provincial government for enhanced communication and coordination, which aims to address the basic needs in government offices for transparency, efficiency and effective governance through ICT. Under the agreement, among the duties and responsibilities of the provincial government is to provide a secured space, an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) and a generator system preferably with an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) while the cable to be installed and labor shall be shouldered by the ICT Office and upon the signing of the MOA,

an active equipment like VLAN switch and media converter shall be installed for the internet connection. The ICT Office is a government entity placed under the policy, technical and administrative supervision of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mandated to ensure the provision of efficient and effective information communication technology infrastructure, and information systems and resources and in line with that mandate is currently implementing the iGovPhil Project. The project is said to enhance the information system and resources of the province.


In an invitation letter dated January 15, 2016, Nerio Casil, regional director, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga, informed Governor Johnny Pimentel of this development, citing both Lingig and Lianga towns of Surigao del Sur. The BFAR chief pointed out that CFLC awarding rites would highlight the “first ever ‘National Fisheries Industry Summit’” to be held at Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City on February 3-5, 2016. “The event also coincides with the presentation of the

medium term Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan (CNFIDP) for 2016-2020, celebration of the 1st Bangus Congress and Exhibition, and the launching of major development programs that would enable artisanal fisherfolk’s alternative livelihoods on low inputs seafood farming (shellfish and crab) and ensure availability of brood stocks for major farmed commodities,” Casil added. “His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III” was invited to grace the occasion, the BFAR Caraga chief likewise said.

Two SurSur towns named recipients of Community Fish Landing Center among 271 others By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY -- Two towns of this province are among the 271 coastal municipalities that will be awarded each with Commu-nity Fish Landing Center (CFLC).


DENR 13 key officers get new assignment

BUTUAN CITY -- In a continuing effort to deliver better services to the people, Department of Environement and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo has announced the designation of certain key personnel in the field offices.

The following key personnel who have been given new assignments are the following. Forester Maritess M. Ocampo has been assigned as OIC, PENR Officer of Agusan del Sur; Forester Nilda Ebron has been designated OIC, Chief of the Conservation and Development Division including the operation of the Protected Area and Biodiversity Conservation, Production Forest Management and Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management sections. PENRO Rosendo Asunto has been assigned to PENRO Surigao del Norte fron Surigao del Sur;

CENRO Raul Rosales takes over as OIC, PENRO of Surigao del Sur. Forester Ranulfo Climaco has been designated as OIC, CENRO of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur while Forester Luis Gonzaga was designated OIC, Chief for Technical Services of PENRO Surigao del Norte. The movement of key personnel followed the vacuum in the field management caused by the sudden death of PENRO Iniego Collantes from cardiac arrest or heart failure on January 1, 2016.

By: Herzon F. Gallego


ZAMBOANGA CITY – There is no need to be alarmed over the presence of armored vehicles that are currently patrolling the city, as this is one of the strategies by local authorities to help ensure that peace and order is maintained, amidst rumors regarding terror threats here.

Threat or no threat, armored vehicles here to stay - WesMinCom By Dominic I. Sanchez


“We do not want to alarm people,” said Mayor Beng Climaco during a regular press briefing held Monday (January 18) in City Hall, citing that it was the decision of Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz to deploy troops and armored vehicles in the city and the communities for regular patrol. Accordingly, Gen. Dela Cruz ordered his men to patrol the city “whether there is a threat or not” to ensure that peace and order is maintained. Last week, residents have been receiving text messages regarding an alleged rally planned by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members in the city. As it turned out, MNLF members were in the city en route to Jolo, Sulu for a scheduled meeting with their leaders. Military officials during a peace and order council meeting Monday confirmed that there was indeed an MNLF plan to stage a so-called “peace rally.” However, as stressed by Climaco, she will not allow the MNLF to conduct any public rallies in the city, since she, as mayor is given this

discretion in the interest of the city. While MNLF officials said that they will abide by the city’s “no permit, no rally” rule, authorities here are nonetheless extra cautious. Military and police have been continuously monitoring the situation in the different barangays. The Philippine Army’s Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) for one is conducting 24-hour roving patrols, checkpoints, as well as water and foot patrols. Areas of concern such as the seaport, airport, bus terminal, power plants, gas depots and other vital installations are secured. Meanwhile, OIC-City Police Director Supt. Luisito Magnaye said that authorities do not discount possibilities of atrocities here, particularly since aside from the MNLF, there are reported presence of the Abu Sayyaf and other lawless elements in the city. “Bombings and terror actions could not be discounted,” Magnaye stressed. “The threat remains.” As this develops, Magnaye urges residents to be doubly


PSHS picks Dipolog for ZamPen campusDIPOLOG CITY - A regional campus of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) system has finally come to Zamboanga Peninsula region and it is located here in this city.

By Franklin P. Gumapon

The PSHS-Zamboanga Peninsula campus will formally open its classes for the school year 2016-2017 in June to be held at the Dipolog City Sports Complex in Barangay Olingan, which serves as its temporary classroom pending completion of the construction of its school buildings at its permanent site in Barangay Cogon this city. Grade six pupils who have successfully passed the National Competitive Examinations (NCE) given by

the PSHS in October 2015 and opted to study at the Dipolog campus are as follows: Abaya, Perl Arevalo of Notre Dame of Greater Manila; Abubakar, Zahra Amilano of Isabela City Pilot Central School, Isabela City, Basilan; Alterado, Richard Tan-awon of Andres Bonifacio College, Dipolog City; Asiri, Sakeena Muin of Notre Dame of Jolo for Girls, Jolo, Sulu; Cadavedo, Deam Mark Jr. Cardino, Dave Daniel Vidallo of Dipolog SPED Center; Castro,

vigilant. “There are still factions that could commit atrocities, and we must be alert and vigilant at all times,” he said, all the while

reminding the public to report suspicious men, women and even children to police hotline 117.


Caballero of Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School, Dipolog City; Cainta, Derf Iluminado Nicklaus Saldariega of Dipolog SPED Center, Dipolog City; Calaycay, Matthew Cedric Desamparado of Dipolog SPED Center; Capa, Jewel Café of Manukan West Central School, Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte; Cardino, Dave Daniel Vidallo of Dipolog SPED Center; Castro, Marianne Chantelle Jimenez of Ozamis Montessori Center, Ozamis City. Dael, Philippe Andrei Sanoria of Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School; Dalumpines, Alyssa Adelle Eguia of Dapitan City Central SPED, Dapitan City; Empeynado, Chris Emmanuel Austero of Estaka

Central School, Estaka, Dipolog City; Farrales, Rizza Andrea Espiritusanto of Pagadian City Montessori Center, Pagadian City; Illustrado, Vien Trina Aquino of Isabela City East Central Elementary School, Isabela City, Basilan; Jacinto, Pocholo Macaraeg of Dapitan City Central SPED; Lagapa, Ali Khan Miguel Ruelan of Saint Michael’s College, Iligan City; Macamay, Joan Phiscira Paco of Ozamis City Central School, Ozamis City. Nacaytuna, John Alek Baring of Estaka Central School; Navarro, Krishna Gail Majorenos of Mahayag Central Elementary School, Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur; Odantabao, Paul II Maybituin


of Dipolog SPED Center; Omamalin, Trevor Santos of Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School; Racho, Nicolien Rian Masecampo of Pagadian City Pilot Central Elementary School, Pagadian City; Ramon, Princess May Esguerra of Integrated Mntessori Center, Taguig City; Sagario, Gershon Rei Josol of DMC College Foundation, Dipolog City; Solijon, Andrey Frits Lood of Pagadian City Pilot Elementary School; Suarez, John Nuelmar Sajiin of Tetuan Central Elementary School, Zamboanga City; Sumalpong, Swiss Misley Benitez of Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School; Teleron, Jollianne Claire Razonable of Balangasan Central Elementary School, Zamboanga City; Turbela, Hans Valdez of Pagadian City Pilot Central Elementary School;

Vanguardia, Jorel Flores of Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School; and Zamora, KZ Vale Alaiza Saldua of Pagadian City Pilot Elementary School. PSHS-ZP campus is the last regional campus being established in Mindanao. The first PSHS campus in the island was the Southern Mindanao Campus in Mintal, Davao City, which was opened in 1988, followed by the Central Mindanao Campus in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte in 1998, SOCCSKSARGEN campus in Koronadal City in 2013 and Caraga campus in Butuan City in 2014. The PSHS, which prepares its students to become world-class scientists, provides its scholars with free tuition, uniform allowance and monthly stipend.

NHA reports 35.97% completion rate of houses under the Z3R ZAMBOANGA CITY – The National Housing Authority (NHA) has reported a 35.97 percent completion rate in the construction of houses under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) as of December 31, 2015.

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy


The figure is equivalent to 2,338 houses constructed, both on land and on stilts, out of the total 6,500 units targeted for construction under the Z3R project which comprises 19 housing packages. Around 869 units of these completed houses have already been awarded to beneficiaries, while the construction of the remaining 2,971 units are still ongoing. Based on NHA record, there are 1,653 one-storey housing units targeted for construction in Martha Drive Homeowners Association (HOA), Inc., Paniran, Tulungatung, St. Peter, Christian-Muslim, Islamic Village (Duplex loftable), Lustre HOA, Ayer 1, Rio Hondo (duplex loftable) and Ayer II. To date, some 892 units have already been completed. Some 176 units of two-storey houses are also completed out of the 360 houses targeted

for construction in Aplaya and Evangelista-Vista Homes. Furthermore, about 1,270 houses on stilts are completed, out of the 4,487 units targeted for construction in seven areas. On the other hand, all of the 1,661 families subject for the Home Material Assistance Program (HOMA) have already been given assistance as of December 2015, with the total amount of P49.83 million. HOMA is the grant of P30 thousand worth of housing materials to families whose houses were slightly damaged by the Zamboanga siege. In a press release issued by the Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) chaired by Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, it stated that they are looking for ways and means to address delays in the implementation of the housing projects at the local level.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Samples of the alleged “fake” rice accordingly being sold in Cagayan de Oro have been sent by the management of National Food Authority (NFA) Misamis Oriental to their Central Office for laboratory analysis last Friday, 15 January 2016.

By: Jonathan M. Macas

NFA: Fake rice issue in CDO under investigation


State university announces opening of competition for 2016-2017 graduate scholarship grants

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, 19 January 2016 (PIA) – Bukidnon State University (BSU) announced the opening of competitions for the 2016-2017 Department of Education-BSU Graduate Scholarship Grants for school administrators and classroom teachers in Mindanao.

By: Michelle Love R. Hilario

The duration of the scholarship grant is 12 months which begins in April 2016 and ends in March 2017. The said scholarship is open for the degree Master of Arts in Education, major in: Educational Administration, English Language

Teaching, Mathematics Teaching/ Education, and General Science. Forms and assistance will be given to each grantee, namely: free tuition, P600.00 book allowance per term (two semesters and one summer), P1,500.00 monthly stipend

This is response to the complaint aired over radio by Marisol Ligutan, a resident of Patag, Cagayan de Oro City claiming that the rice she bought last month, labeled “Flying Dragon” (in yellow sack) appears to be blended with plastic materials since the cooked rice did not get spoiled from December 18 up to December 28 or 10 days after it was cooked. NFA Misamis Oriental Manager Gil G. Tabor said samples were immediately subjected to physical,

palatability, and sensory test at their laboratory. “Our technical personnel test-tasted some samples and said the rice tasted bland and tough. However, the Laboratory results were not yet conclusive as to say it contained some plastic materials. The NFA food technicians in NFA Quezon City and the Food Development Center (FDC) in Taguig, Metro Manila will do further analysis of the rice samples,” Tabor said.


and reimbursement of one round trip ticket for the whole duration of scholarship (by bus or by boat) from grantee’s residence to sthe Graduate School of BSU in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Application is open to applicants who have a good moral character, good scholastic records, sincere drive for completing the program, and who does not have any pending application for other scholarships, trainings, among others. Application form and supporting documents may be submitted to: The Dean, Graduate School Bukidnon State University, City of Malaybalay, Province of Bukidnon on or before 5 February. The BSU Graduate Scholarship Screening Committee will conduct a personal interview and give a written test to all applicants whose application

papers have been duly approved by the Schools Division Superintendent and the Regional Director and received by the BSU on the said application period. The interview will take place on 19 and 20 February, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the BSU main campus, Malaybalay City. Only an applicant who passed the test and interview may be admitted as a scholar. However, the interview and test form is only part of the screening process and must not be misinterpret by an applicant as having been finally selected. BSU will make the final screening and selection of the potential grantee in each field of specialization and will inform each chosen candidate of the selection.

English reading program steps up school children performanceVILLANUEVA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, January 20 – Grade schoolers in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental province now stand to gain competitive edge in their academic performance after going through a comprehensive three-year English Reading Proficiency Program sponsored by energy-firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI).


In a report submitted to SPI, program implementer Synergeia Foundation cited a significant drop in the rate of non-English readers among grade schoolers from 93% to 53%. Former Finance Undersecretary and Synergeia Foundation President/CEO Dr. Milwida Guevarra said sizeable improvement have been realized especially in the performance of children in the National Achievement Test or NAT. “On the average, grade six children are now able to answer eight of 10 questions correctly in English, Math and Science, and the reading skills of grade one children have dramatically improved,” Guevarra said. Moreover, the ratio of grade one students with advanced reading skills increased more than 10 folds from a measly two percent to 21 percent while the number of pupils who have reading competencies appropriate to grade one increased from three to ten

percent. “Its success is anchored on the active involvement of the whole community. Through Steag’s support, the community responded to several interventions such as reinvention of the local school board, training of Grade One to Three teachers, training of parent leaders, and provision of children’s workbooks and teachers’ manuals,” said Guevarra. The program is a joint undertaking between SPI, Synergeia Foundation, Department of Education (DepEd) and local government unit of Tagoloan designed to help improve the children’s learning performance and reduce drop-out rate. It is a a component of SPI’s Social Empowerment through Education (SEEd) Program, which is one of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives designed to help improve quality of life of the people in its host communities in Misamis Oriental. (SPI)

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one mindanao - january 21, 2016

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