one mindanao - january 25, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARD Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Executive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

International Tunog-tugan Festival: Dipolog’s Centennial showpiece

Mary May A. AbellonWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Friday, January 25, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 111

page 4

Hepatology Society of the Philippines helps government in addressing various concerns related to liver diseases, Aquino says 9

Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

GSIS assures faster loan processing thru improved database of state pension fund 20

OPAPP conducts capacity-building seminar for info officers

4ID soldiers scores anew against NPA rebels8IB/4ID/PA, Northern Mindanao

BIR-RR16 collects P7.51B,exceeds 2011 collectionAimee D. Valencia, Northern Mindanao

Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

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Time to plant trees-DavNor PAGROlovely a.carillo, Southern Mindanao 29

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North Cotabato prepares to host CRAA meet Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao32

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4Ps beneficiaries in N. Cotabato to receive capital fundsOliver Ross V. Rivera, Central Mindanao

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Friday, January 25, 20134

Newest nature tripping destination is in Sugbongcogon

Who would have thought that there is a place in

Misamis Oriental where people can enjoy sightseeing of the natural wonders as well as witness different kinds of animal species? Anyone would be happy to learn

CoVer StoRy

Although the name suggests of a traditional belief of a dark Filipino folklore, the place is completely the opposite. Tourists will be astonished by the collection of more than 500 types of birds varying local to foreign from parrots, pigeons, lovebirds, seagulls, peacocks and many others. Varieties of other animals are present as well such as the crocodile, monkeys, snakes, reptiles and the newest edition the four Bengal tigers. This park was officially opened to public in 2007, inviting everyone fromlocal residents, to students and educational institutions to visit the park. The word of this new park was slowly but surely getting the attention of residents in the area, neighboring municipalities and other tourists and nature lovers. Children and even adults are enthralled by the countless collection of bird species and

other animals in the area. It is perfect forschoolfieldtripsandevenfamilyorgroup adventures. In the beginning, the local government LGU of Sugbongcogon and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) partnered in the project Adopt a Tree. This was massively participated by the Sugbongcogon National High School and its Central

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

Friday, January 25, 2013 5

Newest nature tripping destination is in Sugbongcogon

School where every student was mandated to plant a tree as requirement before graduation. These students tend their planted trees until they get out of school. Thus, such program paved the way of creating the Mantianak Park. In 1998, then Mayor Benedict Lagbas partnered with Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO-LOGOFIND) in a project to implement the sanitation facilities and perimeter lighting and fencing of the park. Governor Oscar Moreno also assisted by funding the equity of the project. Consequently, the Philippine Tourism Authority granted funds to put up structures and cages for the birds and animals. Now, Mayor Jerome Lagbas continues to maintain this park. AsanEco-Tourismsite,theplaceispurenature-friendly.Enclosedbyhugewood panels and surrounded by big trees, heat from the sun is hardly ever felt. Organized for public viewing, animals in the park are lined up and visitors are ledtospecificwalkwaystowitnessand scrutinize each creature. They are also labeled with names, typically their scientific name and correspondingcommon name. And of course, anyone can take out their cameras to take photos orvideosofthemagnificentlocationandunique animals. According to the park manager Samson J. Sabuero, the park has alreadygainedPhp1.2MasincomefromJanuary to October this year, a sign that touristsindeedflockintheplace.Now,even international tourists are curious and are spending time with family in the

park too. Aside from the leisure it provides, tourists don’t have to worry about where to stay. The park has amenities and can accommodate anyone who wishes to stay longer. They have travelers’ inn, zipline and botanical garden for everyone to take advantage. Snacks are also available for purchase anytime while in the vicinity. Parking spaces are also spacious if you intend to bring your personal vehicle. It is open all week long from 8am to 5pm. At present, the entrance fee is Php100 for adults and Php50 for kids. If you love nature and want to relax and see different kinds of animals, then this is the perfect place for you. Located just along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion, it is accessible by any vehicle. A visible sign of the park can be seen just on the side of the road. If you come from Cagayan de Oro, you just allot one and a half hour to get here. You can also make this as a side trip if you wish to go to Camiguin or Duka Bay in Medina. The park is worth the travel.Sugbongcogon is a 5th class municipality of Misamis Oriental, Region 10. As of May 2010,ithasatotalof8,164inhabitantsas reported by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

6 Friday, January 25, 2013

ACROSS THE NATIONMalacanang urges mall operators to review security measures to ensure safety of patrons

Malacanang urges mall operators to review security measures to ensure safety of patrons

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the appeal in light of the recent robbing of a jewelry store atthegroundflooroftheSMMegamallDepartment store in Mandaluyong City last Saturday.

Speaking to reporters during his regular press conference in Malacanang, Lacierda said mall operators should

conduct this strict review in close coordination with the Philippine National Police to “reassure the public that patronizing their malls is a safe weekend venture to go to.”

“In that regard, we would like to appeal to the mall operators to study their security measures and make sure that the security equipment that they


have installed in their premises does in fact detect the presence of firearms,”Lacierda said.

“What they have to study (is) their security features again and try to see (if) there was a failure of security measures undertaken by the mall operators, in the hope that they can reassure the public that patronizing their malls is a safe weekend venture to go to,” he added.

Lacierda said it was important to

maintain the safety within malls and other centers of recreation as “there’s an emphasis on gathering in malls in spite of the fact that these are... These malls have assumed a quasi-publiccharacter where, despite being owned privately, people do patronize malls and spend their weekends in malls whether they’re buying (something) or not..” PND (rck)

Malacanang assures government working towards bringing Amalilio back to the Philippines to face charges

Malacanang said on Monday that the

failed attempt by National Bureau of Investigation agents to repatriate Aman Futures, Inc. owner Manuel Amalilio back to the Philippines was just a “temporary setback” that the government is working on in order to facilitate his immediate return.

8 Friday, January 25, 2013

In a press conference, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda expressed confidence that Amalilio, who is facing charges for duping thousands of residents of Pagadian and other cities in Mindanao and the Visayas to invest their money in his firm, with a promise that it would earn huge profits within a short period of time, would eventually be brought back to the Philippines to face charges.

“Yes, we can (assure them). Ito pong pagkabinbin lang sa pagpapabalik kay Ginoong Amalilio ay, sinasabi nga ni Secretary Leila de Lima, temporary lang. We are confident that, with the coordination of our Malaysian counterparts, we will be able to bring back Mr. Amalilio,” Lacierda said.

“What happened last Friday was a mere temporary setback. We are in the process of bringing Mr. Amalilio back into the Philippines. So rest assured

that we are taking all efforts to ensure the repatriation of Mr. Amalilio to the Philippines,” he added.

Escorted by NBI agents, Amalilio was about to board a flight from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for the Philippines last Friday when Malaysian officials prevented his leaving due to issues regarding his citizenship. PND (rck)


Mindanao reaping the dividends of peace

The latest bit of international largesse comes in the formof65villages in21conflict-affected towns of Mindanaohaving access to funds for livelihood and small-scaleinfrastructuretohelpspeedup reconstruction and create small businesses and jobs in these former war-torncommunities.

This is assistance made possible with therecentapprovalofa$5.251millionadditional grant for the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) that is designed to help improve social and economic recovery in Southern Philippines.

Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles of the

OfficeofthePresidentialAdviseronthePeace Process (OPAPP) stated that the additionalfinancingfortheMTFwillhelpthe country’s efforts to heal, rehabilitate and develop conflict-affected areas. Itwill also strengthen the constituency for peace and citizen’s participation on the ground, she said.

“We welcome the additional support that adds to the government’s efforts to empower conflict-vulnerablecommunities in their quest for a peaceful and progressive life. We hope that this mechanism will continue to bridge goodwill and trust not just between the

With a peace treaty in place in Mindanao the dividends of peace by way of millions of pesos in development aid are beginning to pour into the southern provinces.


parties on the peace table, but also with the communities on the ground that we serve,” added Secretary Deles.

The World Bank and other international development partners established the MTFin2006asamechanismforpoolingfunds and coordinating support for conflict-affectedareasinMindanao.So far, the MTF has completed 240

reconstruction and development projects, including classrooms, health stations, access roads, water supply systems, core shelters and community centers in 154conflict-affectedcommunitiesin75municipalities across Mindanao.

Under the program, residents of these communities choose and implement their own projects that enable them to recoverfromthetravailsofconflictandimprove their living conditions.Besides funding projects identified

by communities, part of the grant will be channeled through the International Labour Organization to support livelihood activities. It will also provide skills training to help people secure steady employment.

World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishinotedthattheadditionalfinancingcomes at a critical juncture in the country’s history. The recently signed Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro, he pointed out underscores the importance of intensifying socio-economic assistanceto communities that have suffered from decades-oldconflict.

“This additional funding means that while the Government and the MILF fleshout thedetails of theFramework

Agreement on the negotiating table, the program will continue to deliver much needed services to conflict-affectedcommunities,”, Konishi said.

The World Bank is joined by several development partners which support the MTF, including the European Union, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the United States Agency for International Development, the Australian Agency for International Development, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Canadian International Development Agency.

The program works through the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), the development arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), whose mandate is to determine, lead and manage relief, rehabilitation and developmentprojectsinconflict-affectedareas in Mindanao.

“The MTF serves an important confidence-building role in bringingthe government and the MILF together on development issues affecting the Bangsamoro,” said Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan, Chairman, Bangsamoro Development Agency. “The additional financing willboost our efforts to build the capacity of the BDA so that the MILF will have a core of technical experts in development on whom to draw following a peace agreement with the government.”

The BDA is supported by Community and Family Services International, the Mindanao Land Foundation and the International Labor Organization.


XCCA holds CINEMAGIS 5th Digital Short Film Festby Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Xavier University Center for Culture and the Arts in partnership with Xavier Science Foundation, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and XU (National Service Training Program (NSTP) holds the CINEMAGIS 5th Digital Short Film Festival

in Northern Mindanao at the XU Little Theater and SM Cinema 2 on January 24 to 26, 2013.

Hobart P. Savior, Director of XCCA and CINEMAGIS, said the event celebrates the film making potentials of Northern Mindanao and to pick the best representatives to CINEMA REHIYON-Films form the Region. This is a national film festival organized by the National Committee on Cinema. Among the activities conducted by the organization was the presentation of nominees, press presentation and featured film showing, Qiyamah by Teng Mangansakan at XU Little Theatre. On its fifth year, CINEMAGIS has been able to sustain participation both from the students and professionals. XCCA is also aiming to cover a wider reach of audience through partnerships with other universities and institutions


Iodine deficiency may cause pregnancy complications - NNCby Jorie C. Valcorza

Region 10 program coordinator Zenaida T. Tondares explained that the body cannot function fully when it

fails to meet the necessary iodine requirement which may also lead to goiter, over hypothyroidism, physical defects, and mental retardation. Tondares further noted that children born to mothers with IDD have low birth weights, decreased survival rate, or may acquire cretinism - a decreased thyroid hormone production in a newborn. As such, she reminded the public, especially mothers, to opt for iodine rich food like salt-water fish, crabs, shrimps, squid,

and seaweeds. This week, we are also celebrating the 7th Goiter Awareness

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Women with iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) will likely face some issues on fertility, pregnancy complications. and repeated miscarriage.

the community. The regular film screening will be held at SM Cinema 2, Cagayan de Oro City on January 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests and viewers only need to bring P15-20 worth of goods such

as toothpaste, napkin and bath soap to be able to watch the screening. Goods will be donated to survivors of Typhoon Pablo last December 2012. CINEMAGIS 5th Digital Short Film Festival Award Night will be held at SM Atrium on January 26, 4 p.m.


Camiguin pilots on dairy farmingby Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN - Camiguin is set to receive some 25 heads of dairy herds from the National Dairy Administration (NDA), this March.

Week (GAW), with the theme “Goiter Sugpuin, Isip Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt Gamitin,” to enhance awareness on goiter and iodine deficiency disorders among Filipinos.

As member of the Philippine Thyroid Council (PTC), NNC has likewise ensured the participation and support of its network in drumming up the campaign.

Provincial Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo said this will provide for the establishment of the Camiguin Pilot Dairy Production Farm. The dispersal of the dairy cow to the province is under the animal distribution program of NDA dubbed Dairy Multiplier Farm (DMF), a standard payment-in kind scheme where NDA lends imported mature, female dairy animals payable within an eight-year period. Through this, the government targets to meet both livelihood and nutritional needs of the people. The farm will serve as the area for propagation of dairy animals thru crossbreeding and upgrading, as well as, promotes dairy animal trading among stakeholders of the local dairy industry. Romualdo said that elementary students are the first beneficiaries of dairy farm produce which will be utilized for the school feeding program. For now the provincial government is undertaking the

necessary preparations for the access road, farm infrastructure, land/pasture development and fencing. Meanwhile, the province has long been operating its own artificial breeding center for livestock animals in Mahinog town. Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) report shows more than 600 farmers served under its artificial insemination program and the provision of livestock animals to some 115 farmer-beneficiaries through the dispersal and re-dispersal scheme, wherein recipients are required to give the first offspring for re-dispersal.


DAVAO CITY – Singers Leah Na-varro and Danny Javier will lead other national artists in staging a concert caravan set first week of February in Typhoon Pablo-dev-astated areas in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Ori-ental. Priscilla Razon, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development

(DSWD-XI), bared that the concert caravan will be held on February 4, 5 and 6 in the municipalities of New Bataan, Compostela and Monkayo in Compostela Valley, and in Boston and Cateel, Davao Ori ental. She said the free concert aims to lift-up the spirits of the survivors of the recent typhoon that claimed the life of more than a thousand residents and severely brought damage to the livelihood and properties in the badly-hit provinces including Davao del Norte. “The concert is also part of the psychosocial process wherein the typhoon victims are entertained and could savor the joy of music, and forget for the time being what they have gone through (during the disaster),” Razon told the media during DSWD Partners’ Forum held on January 23-24 in Davao City. In the forum attended by the media and the information officers

National artists to stage concert caravan for Typhoon Pablo survivors


Women-friendly space to be replicated in other typhoon-hit areasDAVAO CITY – The women survi-vors of Typhoon Pablo in Monkayo, Compostela Valley province will be served more of their particular needs as a Women Friendly Space will soon be put up in the town’s evacuation centers. Department of Social Welfare and Development regional director Priscilla Razon said the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will replicate the WFS program not only to Monkayo but also to other typhoon-hit areas in the region. The WFS was piloted by UNFPA in New Bataan, Compostela Valley right after the onslaught of typhoon Pablo in December last year, aiming to cater to the special needs of

the internally displaced women especially the pregnant mothers, nursing mothers, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Razon said the WFS is set up in the evacuation center where a big tent is installed to accommodate the women who are provided with lectures such as on nutrition, good grooming, migration and trafficking in persons, among others. This space for women also tenders a comfort zone for mothers to breastfeed their babies, the DSWD-XI official told the media during a two-day DSWD Partners’ Forum held last week at Apo View Hotel in Davao City. Health kits to include

of the local government units, DSWD-XI said the psychosocial interventions are continuously provided for the internally-displaced persons in the typhoon-stricken areas in the region. DSWD-XI Policy and Plans Division chief Raquel Nuñez said volunteers from the academe, religious groups and civil society organizations who are social workers and guidance counselors trained to conduct psychosocial support, have been a big help to the agency. Nuñez urged for more volunteers especially debriefers and

social workers who are accredited to administer psychosocial interventions.She said DSWD social workers have been deployed to communities to reach out to typhoon survivors who are not able to go to the camp sites. Nuñez said Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund) is set to provide refresher course for the social workers as part of strengthening the psychosocial support. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)


such as bath and laundry soaps, and sanitary napkins are given out to the women as part of the services in the WFS, she added. The space is also providing the women basins, blankets and malong, a tube skirt garment which Razon said could give protection to women in various personal activities such in breastfeeding and in dressing up. The WFS in Cabinuangan Central Elementary School in New Bataan also serves as a venue for

the psycho-social activities for the IDP women. UNFPA takes DSWD, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the local government units as partners in operating the WFS. According to DSWD, the UNFPA has introduced the idea of opening the women-friendly space to the DSWD during the ‘Sendong’ devastation in Cagayan de Oro City. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)

regional gallery


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The local government here handed over to the City Police Station two motor bikes worth over P500,000 in a bid to boost police mobility for prompt response to call of duty.

Koronadal police gets motorbikes from city LGUBy Danilo E. Doguiles


Mayor Peter Miguel turned over the two brand new Kawasaki Ninja EX250J motorcycles to PNP Koronadal’s supply and finance officer SPO1 Bernie M. Geroche at the City Hall Grounds on Monday.

The red bikes are 4-stroke motorcycles, complete with standard accessories as well as blinker, a helmet with bluetooth, and a leatherette jacket.

Each motorcycle costs P279,634.

In his message, the local chief executive expressed hopes that the bikes strengthen PNP

Koronadal’s campaign for peace and order, provide mobilization for PNP operatives.

Meanwhile, police inspector Joseph Carlos Madrid, chief investigator and public information of PNP – Koronadal said the bikes would definitely give boost to police capability, particularly in responding to criminal activities.

These may also be used for other official purposes such as lead vehicle to control traffic in public parades and motorcades.

Acting city general services officer Benito

Quirao told local reporters that the units were specifically requested by the city police station from the city government.

In as much as these remain as property of the city LGU, Quirao appealed to the PNP Koronadal management to take care of the motorbikes.

In 2011, the city government also donated a 4×2 Isuzu D-Max pickup truck to the local police force. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/ CMariano -Koronadal City Information Office)

MGB completes detailed geo-hazard mapping of 17 LGUs in Soccksargen

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Detailed mapping of 17 locations con-sidered as critical areas in Soccksargen Region have already been complet-ed, according to an official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) -12.

By Danilo E. Doguiles

MGB 12 regional director Constancio Paye Jr., said these new geo-hazard maps were prepared at scale of 1:10,000, much larger

than the initial maps of the entire Soccsksargen Region that the agency has completed two years ago.

Completed detailed

geo-hazard maps were that of the cities of General Santos and Koronadal as well as the municipalities of Tampakan, Banga,


T’boli, Tupi, and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato; Malungon, Alabel, Maasim, Maitum Kiamba, Glan, and Malapatan in Sarangani province; and, Bagumbayan, Columbio, and Sen. Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat province

Director Paye explained the project, which started in 2011 is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to boost disaster preparedness especially among local government units down to village level as well as in the implementation of various mitigation measures against disasters and calamities that may occur in their area.

DENR earlier allocated P354 million for assessment and densification of geo-hazard maps, particularly in disaster-prone areas.

Besides the detailed features of specific locations, the project would also identify permanent and safe relocation sites for families living in most critical areas.

Detailed geo-hazard maps of all critical areas to flooding and landslides in the entire country

should be completed by 2014.

Each year, Paye explained further, MGB 12 targets at least eight locations for detailed geohazard mapping.

Detailed mapping of Surallah town in South Cotabato and President Roxas in North Cotabato have been scheduled early this year, he told reporters in a press conference last week.

In an earlier interview, the official disclosed that MGB 12 has only one geologist to do the job but added that he is confident they would be able to completed detailed geohazard mapping of identified critical areas.

“To fast track the generation of geohazard maps in the region, we have requested the assistance of mining firms in the region for their geologists to generate 1:10,000 maps in their exploration area,” he said.

“In this way, our geologist can concentrate in other critical areas outside of the areas covered by mining firms.”

Director Paye,

however, emphasized that even without the 1:10,000 geo-hazard map, barangays in Soccsksargen Region have been provided with 1:50,000 maps that identify flood-prone and landslide-prone areas that local disaster risk reduction and management councils could use in the preparation of their disaster plans.

In August last year, MGB 12 completed sending via registered mail geo-hazard maps to the 1,194 barangays in the region.

Lately, however, few of the maps, particularly those from remote barangays of Surallah and President Roxas towns were returned to sender.

“Our technical people who will conduct mapping in these areas will bring the maps and hand them over to the intended recipients village chairs,” he assured.

These 1:10,000 geo-hazard maps may also be accessed online through the websites of the DENR, MGB and Philippine Information Agency. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cotabato Chapter brought home three awards during the 14th National Lawyers Convention and 40th Founding Anniversary of IBP.

IBP-Cotabato Chapter bags 3 awards at 14th National Lawyers ConventionBy Oliver Ross V. Rivera

IBP Cotabato was awarded as Most Outstanding Legal Aid Committee (Category B) for its exemplary and inspiring performance in rendering legal aid through its dedicated members and handling both traditional and developmental legal aid cases, projects, and activities of national impact.

A special citation was also given to IBP-Cotabato for its Karapatan Alamin e-Paabot Mo: A Cyber Free Legal Assistance Program which was hailed as the Outstanding Legal Aid Project.

The innovative project is the first ever social media-based free legal aid service in the country launched last year.

The cyber program renders free legal

service via its Facebook account by way of private messaging so as to safeguard, on the other hand, the rule on confidentiality in its highest degree.

IBP-Cotabato Chapter President Atty. Noel A. Ben was given recognition as the Most Outstanding Legal Aid Lawyer 2011-2013.

Atty. Ben was chosen among members of the IBP because of his tireless effort and unwavering dedication in rendering legal aid service to the less fortunate sectors of the community.

Guided with their 2011-2013 principle, “Those who are learned will be as radiant as the sky in all its beauty; those who instruct the people in goodness will shine like the star for all eternity”, the

IBP Cotabato Chapter was inspired to make themselves readily available to those who have less in life that they be given more in law.

IBP-Cotabato Chapter President Atty. Noel A. Ben said the awards that they received are humble manifestations of their intelligent awareness of the needs of others.

“It is truly an honor that we have allowed ourselves to become instruments of great service to the people in the field of legal relations; hence, our prayers that we remain as such.” Atty. Ben added.

The activity was attended by thousands of lawyers all over the country and held at the SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City last January 16-18. (ORVR-PIA12)


In a report, Basilan police chief PSSupt Mario M. Dapilloza said that the convention had tackled the project proposal offered and funded by the International Monitoring Team with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The proposals discussed include the construction of school buildings in the municipality that would address its primordial need of educating its children and youth to build a better Al-Barka in the near future. The police chief said that the convention held last Dec. 5 with the MILF commanders, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

and the IMT was a manifestation of government’s sincerity to complete the peace process and the on-going talks with the MILF in implementing the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). Dapilloza said that the Aquino administration is committed to the completion of the FAB, with the military and the police providing the needed support on the ground. The efforts, he added, include the

AFP, PNP, MILF, IMT hold joint convention to help Al-Barka, BasilanISABELA CITY, Basilan – A joint convention of the military, police, the Moro Islamic liberation Front (MILF), and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) was conducted recently at the “conflict-prone” town of Al-Barka in Basilan to help rebuild itself.

By Rene V. Carbayas

IBP-Cotabato Chapter bags 3 awards at 14th National Lawyers Convention


from local and international institutions to advocate for the full realization of the peace framework of the government with the MILF. “Everything is towards the common goal of peace and development of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” he stressed. He said the police is working closely with the military and other agencies as part of its advocacy to promote collaborative efforts in attaining peace and development for the Bangsamoro. With the election period at hand, the Basilan Provincial Police Office (BPPO) also

introduced at the convention its Safe and Secure Elections (SAFE) 2013 program and some issue and concerns related to the elections. The police hope that the MILF could help in maintaining peace and order during the forthcoming national and local elections. The police chief and the military’s 104th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito V. Galvez have conveyed their appeal to the convention participants of the need to work together, especially on the significant role that each individual could contribute to attain a safe, free, and peaceful elections.


In a press release, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) reported that the center was part of the local, regional, and national government’s continuing joint efforts to reach out to marginalized and conflict-affected communities in the south. The report said that OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles graced the inauguration of the Sulu Provincial Women and Children’s

Center as a special guest of honor last Jan. 20, in a ceremony led by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, Jolo Mayor Hussein Amin, and Sulu Provincial Women’s Council (SPWC) chairperson Nurunisah Tan. In her message, Deles said that the National Action Plan (NAP) covers the Philippine government’s implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) 1325 and 1820.

Peace center opens in Sulu to localize nat’l action plan for women, children

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – A peace center recently opened in Sulu in line with the government’s program on Localizing the National Action (LNAP) on Women, Peace and Security in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

By Rene V. Carbayas


“UNSCR 1325, in particular, is a landmark resolution that acknowledges women’s capacity to make decisions on women, peace and security issues,” she said. “This Center is a way to help improve your lives here so that you’ll have the strength and capacity to take part in the peace process, especially in relation to good governance and development,” Deles said during the program, addressing an audience consisting mostly of women, including women leaders in the province. Deles also challenged the women not to be left behind when it comes to the peace process, saying that women shouldn’t always be the victims. “It is in your power to shape the minds of the future generation, and teach them to lead a life of honor and peace,” she stressed. OPAPP and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) both co-chair the National Steering Committee on Women, Peace and Security that is mandated to oversee the implementation of the NAP. The NAP aims to protect women’s rights and prevent violations to it; empower women for their active and meaningful participation; promote and mainstream gender perspective in all aspects; and institutionalize a system to monitor, evaluate and report on its implementation. As part of localizing the NAP, OPAPP, PCW and the ARMM Regional Steering Committee chaired by Vice Governor Hadja Bainon Karon, conducted last year a series of training

workshops in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao to help representatives of provincial planning units, military and policy in planning gender-sensitive projects in their respective areas. Sulu Provincial Women’s Council (SPWC) chairperson Nurunisah Tan spoke of the experiences of women in Sulu. She shared that the many wars and clashes which swept the province left scars upon the lives of many and created a generation of widows and orphans giving roots to social problems. “This center will serve as a half-way house for those who felt transgressed, traumatized and violated, and will provide counseling and advice on the options open to them,” she said. Haja Nurunihar Muhammad, commissioner for the Sulu sector of the Regional Council for Bangsamoro Women (RCBW), said the Center is a big statement for the women in Sulu. “This shows how women will be empowered here, and how the government will support our rights and freedom.” The Sulu Provincial Women and Children’s Center consists of a big, air-conditioned hall where women of Sulu can hold their meetings, and an office for a fiscal officer to attend to the needs and issues of women. One room is allotted for counselors and social workers and another for livelihood trainings. The construction of the Center and its grounds was funded by the Sulu Provincial Government, and counterpart funding and other


support services will be provided by the other government agencies, such as OPAPP, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the ARMM to cover other aspects of the Center’s provision of services to women and children in Sulu. During her visit in Sulu, Deles also led the inauguration of various projects in Peace and Development Communities (PDCs) under PAMANA or Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities), including the multipurpose covered court in the municipality of Maimbung, and a multipurpose community peace center in Indanan. She also visited the newly-rehabilitated classroom building in Patikul Elementary School in Kawmpang, Bangkal, where she interacted with grade-school

students who welcomed her visit. “Coming here in Sulu and personally seeing the progress we are making in this region is indeed a good way to start the year in the peace process,” Deles said. Other completed projects in Sulu PDCs for 2012 included a public market in Bangas; day care centers in Tubig Sallang and Pisak-pisak; farm to market roads in Minapan, Timbangan, and Kamaunggi; and a coconut dryer in Alu Layag to sustain livelihood projects, among others. “The peace process should not be done solely on the negotiating table, it should be felt by people on the ground,” said Deles. “It’s time for people to feel the peace dividends so that they will further support and push for peace.”


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P4.4M water system, P2.2-M health center constructed in Bo. PatalonZAMBOANGA CITY - “When it rains, it pours,” this saying holds true to barangay Patalon as blessings came in bundle with the joint inauguration of the barangay’s P4.4million water system and the P2.2million newly constructed health center.

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez


The water system paves the way to potable water for Patalon population who were overjoyed with this new development in their barangay. Vic Larato, City Information Office, in a press statement said, “The Patalon water system, which is tapped from the spring at Campo Uno in Labuan, is another joint venture of the city government and

the Zamboanga City Water District ZCWD.” The city also inaugurated Patalon’s newly constructed health center emphasizing that health is one of its top concerns. The inauguration was lead by Mayor Celso Lobregat and ZCWD officials headed by Board Chairwoman Nelida Atilano.


DA leads National Year of Rice celebrationBy Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – With the primary goal of attaining rice-self-sufficiency this year, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 494 declaring the year 2013 as the National Year of Rice and mandated the Department of Agriculture (DA) to lead the celebration. In a recent press conference held at Hotel Guillermo this city, DA-9 Regional Information Officer Melba Wee said part of the strategies to attain rice-self-sufficiency is the conduct of intensified information campaign and social marketing to enjoin producers, consumers and policy makers to help achieve the said goal. Through these strategies, Wee said, by the end of 2013 fifty percent of the rice


consuming public by the end of 2013 will commit to become responsible rice consumers by eating just right amount of rice, not wasting rice, and eating other sources of carbohydrates. “As to rice producers, 50 percent of them shall adopt a more efficient and new production technologies, and for policy makers to come up with policy statements or ordinances in support of the NYR goal,” Wee added. “Filipinos are eating too much rice. We are eating more rice than other food groups, when rice and other grains should only be one fourth of our meal plate,” Wee stressed. ”On the other hand, every

Filipino wastes about two tablespoons of cooked rice or nine grams of uncooked rice daily,” Wee recounted. DA report stated that in 2010, wasted rice was equivalent to 13% of the total rice imports of the year, which was also equivalent to P6.2 billion or the consumption of nearly 2.6 million Filipinos a year. With this, Wee encouraged the rice-consuming public to eat just the right amount of rice, try to take alternative food staples (such as banana, potato, cassava, corn and gabi), and eat brown rice for better health and avoid food wastage.


NSO-Surigao Sur urges public to participate in the CAF 2012by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- Provincial Statistics Officer Ruel Dres of the National Statistics Office (NSO) in Surigao del Sur urged the public to participate in the upcoming nationwide 2012 Census in Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) soon to implement on

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

Said launching was participated by the Community Development Information Officers (CDIO) from the local government units and local

media practitioners from first district of this province composed of 13 municipalities and city of Tandag.


Caraga Peace & Order Council forms Internally Displaced Persons committeeby Jennifer P. Gaitano

In his presentation, Dres said that the 2012 CAF is the sixth in the series of decennial census and aims to: determine the structural characteristics of agriculture and fishery sectors; provide sampling frame for the conduct of census supplementary modules on irrigation and cropping pattern, livestock and poultry, aquaculture and Fisheries , and other statistical undertakings; provide basic data for the use in national as well as sub-national development planning; and provide

data on agriculture, aquacultural, and fishery facilities and services in the barangay.

Dres explained that the data gathered from the census can be utilize as essential for the government planning in national as well as in sub-national levels to cater the needs in Agriculture and Fisheries. Dres also said the NSO is mandated under Commonwealth Act No. 591 and Executive Order (EO) No. 121 to conduct a census every 10 years.

BUTUAN CITY -- The Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council has formed a committee on Internally Displaced Persons (IDP).

The IDP committee will 1) oversee displacement matters in Caraga region; 2) maintain database on IDP incidents in the region; 3) monitor the

implementation on IDP Management Manual in the regional, provincial, municipal and barangay level; and 4) take all necessary measures to


Caraga Peace & Order Council forms Internally Displaced Persons committee

monitor and mitigate human rights violations and ensure protection and welfare of the IDPs.

The IDP will be composed of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Commission on Human Rights, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Education, Department of Health, National Economic and Development Authority, local non-government organization (NGO) and NGOs for women.

Also discussed during the meeting were 1) Preparations for the 2013 National and Local Elections; 2) Strengthening RPOC Program for Caraga; 3) Selection of RPOC Representative to the Regional Appellate Board; and 4) RPOC Committee Report on Drugs Problem.

NCIP-Caraga Regional Director Dominador Gomez also presented the joint Resolution of the Higaonon, Banwaon, Manobo, Mandaya and Mamanwa Tribal Coalition of Caraga region concerning the Peace and Order Situation in the region and in the adjacent provinces.

Also, the RPOC members commended former DSWD-Caraga Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat for the immediate response and her efforts during the relief operations when recent typhoon Pablo hit the province of Agusan del Sur.

Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr, relayed that in acceptance to the Regional Development Council Resolution No. 17 series 2012, the RPOC shall take the lead in the Oversight Committee on Drug Problems in Caraga region.

Amante added that the committee’s first meeting was held on January 16 in Butuan City. The committee is also set to conduct a One-day Workshop on Anti-Drug Abuse Program in February with implementers and strategic partners such as the Department of Labor and Employment, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Philippine Information Agency.

Meanwhile, PNP-Caraga stressed that in addition of election duties to their regular functions, the PNP will stretch its personnel and resources to the limits and will respond accordingly to ensure safe elections on May 13, 2013.

Based on PNP-Caraga report, they are continuously conducting combat operations to negate movements of communist insurgents who might collect permit-to-campaign fees from the candidates; intensified ‘Oplan Kapkap’ and ‘Oplan Bakal’; and conduct of combined checkpoint and “chokepoint” system which provides the security containment ring against criminality; insurgency and violations of election laws and regulations particularly the total gun ban.

Friday, January 25, 201334This is a free ad


For the list of Philippine holidays in 2013 through Proc. No. 459, just visit the PIA-Caraga Blogspot at www.piacaraga.blogspot.com for the copy of the said proclamation...

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