one mindanao - january 8, 2013

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

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

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

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Adviser :

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Story

Helping Cateel Southern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Tuesday, January 8, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 98

page 4

Palace sees 2013 a fruitful year 8

CSC-Caraga, Caraga Region

DSWD finishes 2012 with 99% Kalahi-CIDSS fund utilization16City Hall extends services on weekends for biz permits renewal20 Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

Assembly gathers businesswomen

DCDRRMC evacuates 230 families in Dipolog City 21 Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

Bukidnon, MisOr named regional ‘Green Banner Awardees’Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

24

Caraga Region 7

10

12

18

23

26

No movement in assignment of gov’t personnel effective Jan. 13 – ComelecRutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

25

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14

DavNor Solon cites excise tax, parenthood laws as major gainsLovely Carrillo, Southern Mindanao28

Cotabato City requires CCTV for business establishments

3033

Oliver Ross V. Rivera , ARMM

PPCRV-ARMM intensifies campaign for fair elections

Central Mindanao

Farmers in Libungan, N. Cotabato ask for farm tools 34 Oliver Ross Rivera, Central Mindanao

Tuesday, January 8, 20134

His blog Travel Teller has reaped awards from the blogosphere winning the 2011 Best Travel Blog in the Philippine Blog Awards for Mindanao. As much as he was writing about different places across the country and in some parts of the world where he has been, he never misses mentioning his hometown- Cateel in Davao Oriental of where he was born. In his blogs he mentions of going to its unspoilt beaches though made up of gray sand the blogger speaks of rustic memories “Despite this plainness, beaches in my hometown Cateel have certain allures that charm us, the locals, in living a beach life so carefree yet so memorable.” Olan says of his blogs. He also speaks of reliving local celebrations in the sun-kissed Pacific

t own where he gets to partake of its rich

cuisine, unique culture and its friendly people. But the unchanging tropical bliss turned into somewhat of tragic memory last December 4, when Typhoon Pablo slammed into Cateel wiping out what could have been a progressive but idyllic town. I met Olan during the photo exhibit of travel photographers Joji Alcantara and Rhonson Ng at the Marco Polo Hotel. The two had agreed to sell several of the photographs to help raise funds for the

Helping CateelI have known Olan Fernandez

Emboscado as one of Mindanao’s active travel bloggers who never fails to promote the beauty of the country’s majestic landscapes particularly in Mindanao where most of his travels are spent.

CoVer StoRy

Tuesday, January 8, 2013 5

Helping Cateelvictims of the typhoon in the towns of Cateel and New Bataan. “Hurot jud tanan, Dolph.” (All has been wiped out) Olan recalls the magnitude of the typhoon’s wrath which was unleashed to the town. From lush verdant forests to productive coconut plantations nobody escaped the power of the typhoon which smacked across the town. Houses were levelled, people were killed and hurt and livelihood instantly vanished after one of the most powerful catastrophes that struck the region in many decades.

Help Cateel Help Cateel was born when Cateelenos were mobilized to help form a group to raise awareness about the

situation in Cateel. Emboscado said

the relief drive began from the social networking site Facebook. He said the group was formed to helped spread awareness during the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, specifically to the impact of devastation in the Davao Oriental towns of Boston, Baganga and Cateel. It did not take long when migrant Cateelenos brought by the power of Facebook’s reach began pitching together to help their fallen town. He recalled they immediately created a logo where members would place it as their Facebook profile picture. From hours to days they were able to get much needed assistance from the members of the group. Several Cateelenos from Japan, Dubai, Canada, United States, Germany, United Kingdom have bonded into groups

to help the cause. Emboscado


cited a Cateeleno priest based in Hawaii who have initiated second collections from his church which will be donated for the relief efforts these among the many acts of extraordinary generosity in the time of need. Just 13 days after the typhoon the group managed to raise P233,000. In 12 days after the calamity they were able to send 10 trucks of relief goods reaching 13 out of the 16 barangays in Cateel. The relief drive is helped manned by youth volunteers and is currently based at the Destiny Christian Church in Davao City, Emboscado said that these volunteers are college students from Cateel who are currently studying in Davao City. He said that the young volunteers are in dire straits themselves as financial allowances from their typhoon-affected family and relatives have been abruptly stopped. Some of them even have no more money to spend for food in the city. Emboscado said he is worried about the continued education of these young volunteers as livelihood of the residents in the town has been entirely wiped out.Present needs The group is still working non-stop to help their townmates. Olan juggles his time working in a Davao Hotel and with his Help Cateel group. “Aside from food and basic necessities, our people there badly need MOSQUITO NETS to protect them against mosquitos, flies, and other insects. Some of our people

mostly children are now suffering diseases carried by these insects.” Emboscado said. He also relayed that the group has shifted into providing Dried Fish as alternative to noodles and canned goods they are also sending vegetables to their stricken townmates. For those wanting to pitch in and help Help Cateel group, they can be reached at their relief operation center at the Destiny’s Church in Venee’s Hotel (McArthur Highway, Davao City) hotline number 082-284-0921. Or for cash donations you can send them through UCPB Bank Account number 104100017655 Account Name Emboscado and Reyes Account Branch UCPB San Pedro.(most pressing immediate need is mosquito nets)


ACROSS THE NATIONAquino government welcomes drop in number of families who experience hunger in December 2012

The Aquino government welcomed reports that the number of families who experienced hunger in December 2012 dropped to 16.3% from 21% in August 2012, a Palace official said.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued the statement following the release of the Fourth Quarter 2012

Social Weather Survey on Hunger indicating the drop of the number of families who experienced hunger last year.

8 Tuesday, January 8, 2013

“This translates to one million fewer families who have experienced involuntary hunger in the fourth quarter of 2012,” Valte said.

The Aquino administration remains committed to addressing hunger as a result of poverty, Valte noted.

“Through social interventions such as the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program which puts a premium on

purchasing food for family beneficiaries and supplemental feeding programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, government continues to expand and enhance efforts to uplift living conditions for our countrymen,” Valte stressed.

Valte said the CCT program and other government initiatives mitigate and lay the foundations to help families rise above poverty and better their lives. PND (js)

Palace sees 2013 a fruitful year

Malacañang expects 2013 to be an exciting year considering the achievements the government posted in 2012, as it assured the public that President Benigno S. Aquino III will

remain focused on good governance.


Some political analysts and critics have been saying that the chief executive will set his sight on the 2013 midterm polls instead of steering the country.

In response, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday that 2013 is an exciting year for the administration.

“It’s the midterm elections but it does not take away the fact that the President is fully devoted to his job of governing the country. We have seen a tremendous increase in our performance in 2012 and we are not going to shortchange ourselves and the President is not going to do that,” Lacierda told reporters.

The President is devoted to governing, but since he’s the chairman of the Liberal Party he will do some campaigning for the senatoriables under the party, the Palace official said.

“That’s part of his work as the LP chairman. But hindi mawawala sa kanya ang trabaho. Focused pa rin ang Pangulong Aquino sa pag-govern sa ating bansa,” he added.

According to Lacierda, criticizing the President at this time is premature. While there’s a tendency for critics to pigeonhole the chief exectuive, President Aquino has actually defied

public expectations. The President has done things which people never thought that he’ll be doing, Lacierda said.

The year 2013 augurs well for the Philippines, Lacierda said, adding that the administration hopes that the country could have an investment upgrade this year and the economy to keep going strong.

The Palace has previously said that the President’s top priorities for 2013 will be land use, conditional cash transfer (CCT) and public-private partnership (PPP) program.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in one interview that the President has set new targets in the implementation of the CCT program as well as the PPP projects in the country next year.

The administration said that among its major achievements for 2012 include the fight against graft and corruption, judicial reform, the signing of the Framework Agreement for Mindanao peace, the continuing thrust in education, health care and poverty alleviation.

The Philippines also recorded high gross domestic product growth for the third quarter and posted the strong performance of the stock market. The peso also appreciated and analysts projected that it would gain more strength this year. PND (as)


Flashflood, landslides threaten Mindanao due to LPA

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Tuesday the low

pressure area (LPA) continues to affect Mindanao as it threatens flashfloods and landslides.

Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz said as of 4 a.m., the LPA, embedded along the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), was spotted some 340 km southeast of Davao City (5.0°N, 128.0°E).

Loiz said the LPA has a chance to

become a tropical depression since its staying in the sea. The agency continues to monitor.

If it strengthens into a tropical depression, Loiz said it will be named “Bising” – the second cyclone to hit the country this year.


Loiz said the LPA continues to bring moderate to heavy rains in Mindanao which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

He noted that the Visayas, especially its eastern section, will also have light to moderate rains because of the weather disturbance.

Loiz said parts of Southern Luzon will also experience occasional light to moderate rains due to the clouds of the LPA that extends to these areas.

Northern Luzon, on the other hand, will continue to have passing light rains due to the northeast monsoon or “hanging amihan.”

The rest of Luzon including Metro Manila will have partly cloudy skies with possible light rains mostly in the afternoon or evening due to localized convection.

In its advisory, PAGASA said that the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers or thunderstorms while Cagayan Valley and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon will be cloudy with light rains.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy with brief rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast to north will prevail throughout the archipelago and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

PAGASA also issued gale warning as strong to gale force wind associated with the surge of northeast monsoon.

It is expected to affect the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Luzon and Eastern Visayas..

“Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves,” PAGASA said. (PNA)


DOTC-Caraga intensifies monitoring compliance with Helmet Actby Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has intensified monitoring of motorcycle riders’ compliance with helmet standards required by Republic Act 10054, otherwise known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

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DOTC-Caraga intensifies monitoring compliance with Helmet Act

There has yet been no reported of violation in the entire region, Roman Jumawan, Caraga DOTC assistant director, said.

However, he said that the agency will consolidate reports in the region every week. “This way, we could be able to assess the number of violators, if any,” Jumawan said.

The official further said the Land Transportation and Traffic Management Office (LTTMO) will also run after those motorists who are not wearing helmets, and those who are not using standard helmets. “These helmets are those with import commodity clearance (ICC) stickers,” Dir. Jumawan added.

Furthermore, Dir. Jumawan said motorists need not bring the certificates issued by the store where they bought the helmets so long as the helmet has an ICC sticker.

The Motorcycle Helmet Act requires motorists to wear either a half-faced helmet with clear visor or a full-faced helmet with a clear visor to ensure riders’ protection.

With the mandatory use of motorcycle helmets, all motorcycle riders, including drivers and back riders, shall at all times wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving, whether long or short drives, in any type of road and highway.

Standard protective motorcycle helmets are appropriate types of helmets for motorcycle riders that comply with the specifications

issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

However, the law stipulated that drivers of tricycles shall be exempted from complying with the mandatory wearing of motorcycle helmets as provided in this Act.

A new motorcycle helmet which bears the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) and complies with the standards set by the BPS shall be made available by every seller and/or dealer every time a new motorcycle unit is purchased and which the purchaser may buy at bis option. Failure to comply with the requirements provided under this section shall constitute a violation of this Act.

The DTI, through the BPS, is mandated to utilize the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Protocols with regard to the standards that will be applicable to the approval or disapproval of motorcycle helmets that will be sold in the country.

Any person caught not wearing the standard protective motorcycle helmet in violation of this Act shall be punished with a fine of Php1,500.00 for the first offense; Php3,000.00 for the second offense; Php5,000.00 for the third offense; and Php10,000.00 plus confiscation of the driver’s license for the fourth and succeeding offenses.

Any seller and/or dealer who violates Section 5 of this Act shall


Assembly gathers businesswomen

BUTUAN CITY -- “Starting small is not a hindrance to improve the business if you are prepared to accept help from others.”

This was the statement made by Virgilia A. Bonghanoy, Most Outstanding Client of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Micro-finance (RAFI Micro-finance) Client Awards 2012, said in her inspirational speech during the 9th

General Assembly held recently at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex, this city.

Bonghanoy said that her family’s prayers is the most important thing that helped her through in growing her business.

be punished with a fine of not less than P10,000 but not more than P20,000.

Any person who uses, sells and distributes substandard motorcycle helmets or those which do not bear the PS mark or the ICC certificate shall be punished with a fine of not less than P3,000 for the first offense; and P5,000 for the second offense, without prejudice to other penalties imposed in Republic Act No. 7394 or the “Consumer Act of the Philippines”.

Tampering, alteration, forgery and imitation of the PS mark and the ICC certificates in the helmets shall be punished with a fine of not less than P10,000 but not more than P20,000, without prejudice to other penalties imposed in Republic Act No. 7394 or the “Consumer Act of the Philippines”.

With this, Jumawan reminded the motoring public to adhere this law to avoid penalties and other consequences provided for in the law.


She thanked RAFI Micro-finance for the financial opportunities and support for her to expand her business. She received Php 25,000 and a plaque.

The event, with the theme “RAFI Micro-finance: Kaabag sa Responsableng Patigayon alang sa Kalamboan”, gathered more than 2,000 women micro-entrepreneurs from various RAFI Micro-finance branches of Cebu.

During the assembly, client nanays were recognized for the Most Outstanding Chairwoman, Most Outstanding Group Secretary, Best Group, and Best Center Meeting Place awards. The winners of the first two awards mentioned were Espelita Sordilla and Rosario Bacaling, respectively. Solid Rock won the last two awards.

There were also special awards given such as Most Conscientious Saver, Most Improved Client, Most Improved Chairwoman, Most Improved Center Meeting Place, and an award to the client who has been dedicating herself i-n preserving a tradition. The winners, respectively, were Emma Atis, Guillerma Geronimo, Ma. Theresa Egos, Solid Rock, and Josefina Magallones.

Donato Busa, general manager of Busa Printers; Melanie Ng, vice president of Ng Khai Development Corp.; and Glenn Anthony Soco, president of GA Satellite Ventures, imparted

business experiences and insights to the participants.

“If you dream, dream big and work on it,” Soco urged.

There was also a trade fair in front of the gymnasium, where various products―from local delicacies, seafood, to garments―from all over Cebu Province were displayed.

A medical mission, in collaboration with the Eduardo Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC), was held in the afternoon, benefitting around 600 people. Medical services included free adult consultations and cervical screening. Vitamins and sample medications were also given.

The Mantawi Integrated Dance Company and Cebu Gays Diva, performed dance numbers and comical skits.

Micro-finance is a program under the Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship focus area of RAFI, providing financial resources and know-how to women micro-entrepreneurs to nurture financial independence and entrepreneurship. Other focus areas of RAFI are Integrated Development, Culture & Heritage, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.

For more information on RAFI Micro-finance, please contact 418-7234 loc. 707 and look for Val Gatchalian, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.


DSWD finishes 2012 with 99% Kalahi-CIDSS fund utilizationby Kent John O. Bolisay,

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Caraga closed the year 2012 with a near-perfect fund utilization for its anti-poverty project called Kalahi-CIDSS.

This was learned during the project’s year-end assessment and evaluation meeting last December.

A total of P135,771,894.53 was utilized by beneficiary communities from the P136,979,959.78 that was released and downloaded directly to community accounts.

“We were projecting a hundred percent fund disbursement at the start of 2012 but with the variety of sub-projects the communities are implementing, there are those that need facilitating payment of contract works,” Mita G. Lim said, DSWD Caraga assistant regional director for operation and project manager.

With this accomplishment, the

regional project management office of Kalahi-CIDSS is shifting to full gear as barangays are getting ready for the completion of their respective sub-projects or infrastructures for proper turn over in the first quarter of 2013.

The year 2012 saw three “phases” of Kalahi-CIDSS implemented in 139 barangays in 16 municipalities in the region.

Lim added that 139 sub-projects or infrastructures are almost ready to be inaugurated and be accessed by both volunteers and community residents once the remaining funds are fully utilized and closing of community accounts are facilitated.


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...


Courtesy of www.dpreview.com

PAGADIAN CITY - Over 2,850 tricycle operators and drivers (TOD) are expected to converged at Plaza Luz on Thursday, January 10 to celebrate the 5th TOD day.

Tricycle operators, drivers to celebrate TOD day on Jan. 10 By Gideon C. Corgue

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City councilor Arnold Gavenia, chairperson of motorized tricycle franchising and regulatory board (MTFRB) said the celebration is in accordance with city ordinance No. 2k8-267 dated January 8, 2007, “an ordinance declaring January 8 every year as tricycle operators and drivers day. Gavenia said this year’s celebration was moved to on January 10 since the committee is very busy doing preparations for the celebration. Gavenia said the city government has recognized the significant contributions of tricycle operators and drivers to the economy. “With this one day celebration, we will let them feel that they are important people in our society,” Gavenia said

“Our tricycle drivers are considered tourism front-liners. They helped promote our tourism industry by interacting with foreign and domestic guests once they have these visitors as their passengers,” Gavenia added. Gavenia said the city government has lined up several activities to mark this year’s celebration to include a motorcade, a short program at Plaza Luz stage; raffle draw, parlor and bingo games by SMART communications company; and in the evening, a live band from the local singers and a modeling presentation from the local beauties, and a fellowship party with their family. Tricycle is the old and unique mode of transportation in the city.


City Hall extends services on weekends for biz permits renewalZAMBOANGA CITY - Offices concerned in the renewal process of business permits are open even during Saturdays and Sundays, this as City Mayor Celso Lobregat instructed such offices to attend and accommodate the flock of clients and expedite renewal process. “City Hall has extended its office hours effective January 2 to better serve the public during the renewal period,” said City Information Officer, Sheila Covarrubias in a press statement. “Offices concerned in the renewal process are open Mondays through Fridays from 8am to 8pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 5pm effective January 2 to 21,” said Covarrubias. Covarrubias said Lobregat has called on business owners and managers to renew their permits soonest possible time and not to wait for the deadline to shun the hassle of cramming and avoid payment of

penalties and surcharges. Deadline of renewal of permit is on January 21. “The offices involved in the renewal process are the City Treasurer’s Office, City Licensing Division, the Tricycle Adjudication Board, the Computer Services Division, City Health Office and City Planning and Development Office among others,” Covarrubias enumerated. She said “businessmen have started flocking City Hall Wednesday, January 2 either to secure or renew business/license permits although applications for renewal for 2013 started as early as October 1st.”

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez


City Hall extends services on weekends for biz permits renewal

Tropical Storm Auring is the first typhoon to hit the country in 2013, particularly in Mindanao. Councilor Cyril Ruiz, Adviser of the DCDRRMC said the evacuation of the affected families was done as water level at Dipolog River and other water tributaries ascended due to heavy rain brought about by Typhoon Auring. Ruiz said the affected families are residents of the low-lying areas of Barangay San Jose, Punta and Punta- three barangays greatly affected by the rising water level caused by typhoon Auring. Felipe “Tata” Mangila, designated Officer-in-Charge of Dipolog City Risk Reduction and Management Council said, of the 230 evacuated families, 90 families were from San Jose; 100 families from Punta and 40 families from Turno. Affected families from Barangay Turno were evacuated to Turno Elementary School, evacuees from

Punta were brought to Punta Covered Court while affected families from San Jose were brought to an elevated areas in the said barangay. According to DCDRRMC no casualty was reported during the onslaught of typhoon while the City Agriculturist Office is still assessing Auring’s damage in agriculture. Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy lauded the CDRRMC for its immediate and timely action during the incident. “It only justified that we are worth the recognition given by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to the Dipolog City CDRRMC as the best disaster council throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula region.” As 2012 Regional Kalasag Awardee, the Dipolog City DRRMC received P300,000.00 cash and a Plaque of Recognition and the right to represent the region in the national competition.

DCDRRMC evacuates 230 families in Dipolog City

DIPOLOG CITY - The Dipolog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DCDRRMC) have saved 230 families during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Auring in this part of Mindanao.

By Alfonso T. Ruda


International body donate books, medical supplies to Misamis Occidental by Rutchie C. Aguhob

The medical equipment included wheel chairs, medicines and personal hygiene items were turned-over

by Gertrudes Gauiran, Program Coordinator of CIPI, who assured the Provincial Government of their

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental -- Assorted books and medical equipment loaded in some 35 units of the 20-footer container vans have been donated by the Children International Philippines, Inc. (CIPI) to the provincial government of Misamis Occidental.


Misamis Oriental bagged the provincial level ‘Green Banner Award’, Valencia City Bukidnon for the City Category and Maramag, Bukidnon for the municipal level green banner award. Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Zenaida T. Tondares explained that the green banner award is accorded to a province, city, or municipality to acknowledge its efficient and effective implementation of the annual nutrition action plan. “It is document-based evaluation reckoned from its plan and reports, validated by interviews with various stakeholders and actual visit to projects,” Tondares said.

The evaluation is conducted to randomly selected barangays using a checklist and coupled with an actual weighing of at least 10 percent of the preschool children, to validate improvement in the nutritional status. This is based on the protocol developed by NNC which have been adopted by the local government units nationwide. LGUs earning the highest rating whether province, city, or municipality and whose score/s is above cut off, is conferred the green banner award. Meanwhile, NNC also bestowed the first year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition

Bukidnon, MisOr named regional ‘Green Banner Awardees’by Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The National Nutrition Council (NNC) has cited local government units (LGUs) in Region 10 for outstanding performances in addressing malnutrition.

continued support. This is our way of thanking the Provincial Government who has also helped us in our advocacies, Gauiran said. She said CIPI has been donating books to the province since 2005, and will continue to do so in the following years. Meanwhile, she said the municipality Aloran has received the donations of two container vans of

books twice already. The books were donated to Aloran by Gauiran together with the employees of the Provincial Library headed by Luz Boaquina, the Provincial Librarian. It can be recalled that CIPI has also helped promote the advocacies of Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, one of which is the campaign for education for all Misamismons, Gauiran added.


No movement in assignment of gov’t personnel effective Jan. 13 – Comelec by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The transfer or movement of employees in the government will be prohibited during the election period, from Jan. 13, 2013, up to June 12, 2013.

This is among the prohibitions enumerated in Resolution No. 9385 of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in connection with the May 13, 2013 national and local elections, Atty. Cirilo E. Nala, Jr., Provincial Election Superviros of Misamis Occidental, said. During such period, the bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons and the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates unless authorized in writing by the Comelec. Likewise, the organization of maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or other similar forces and the suspension of elective officials is prohibited during the period, Nala said. Meanwhile, Comelec Reso. 9385 also prohibits the giving of donations or gifts in cash or in kind and the appointment or use of special

policemen, confidential agents or the like, from February 12, 2013 up to May 13, 2013. On the other hand, 45-day ban on the appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filling up of new positions, promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege will take place on March 29, 2013 to May 13, 2013. During the period, the construction of public works, delivery of construction materials for public works and issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds, as well as the release, disbursement and expenditure of public funds are also prohibited. In like manner, the illegal release of prisoners is prohibited from March 14, 2013 to June 12, 2013, Nala added.

(CROWN) maintenance award to Opol town in Misamis Oriental and second year CROWN Award to Ozamiz City. Some 12 barangays from Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Misamis

Occidental also received the regional barangay green banner award, an initiative of the regional nutrition committee 10 in recognition to best performing barangays.


NEW BATAAN, Compostela Valley -“We don’t stop being women because there is a di-saster, the DSWD and UNFPA want to make sure that wom-en’s needs are met,” empha-sized the United Nations Popu-lation Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Ugochi Dan-iels. Because of the dire need of protecting the vulnerable sector during disasters especially the women and children, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with the UNFPA launched the first ever women-friendly space in Davao Region. The UNFPA introduced the idea of opening the women-friendly space to the DSWD

DSWD opens first ever ‘Pablo’ women-friendly spaceby Lovely Carillo


during the ‘Sendong’ devastation in Cagayan de Oro City.Stationed in Cabinuangan Central Elementary School in New Bataan, Compostela Valley, the women-friendly space was launched recently and witnessed by Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy, New Bataan Mayor Lorenzo Balbin, Jr., UNFPA Country Representative Ugochi Daniels, World Health Organization (WHO) Consultant Dr. Ma. Asuncion Silvestre and DSWD Focal Person for Families and Women Merlinda A. Paragamac. “The women-friendly space will serve as a safe ‘space’ for women. It is open to all pregnant mothers, nursing mothers, senior citizens and persons with disability. The women-friendly space is a space where they are also provided with the much needed psycho-social support. It is operational as long as there are internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the evacuation centers,” explained Merlinda Paragamac. “Pero hindi naman iiwanan ang mga lalake, nire-recognize lang natin ang special needs ng mga babae (However, we do not leave out the men, we are just recognizing the special needs of women),” she added.

“Natumbahan og lubi ang amoang balay ug nabanlas pa gyud sa sapa. Dako gyud kaayo ang akoang pasalamat sa DSWD ug sa UNFPA sa kanunayon nilang pagtabang sa amoa (A coconut tree fell on our house. What remains of our house were also washed away by the floods. I am extremely grateful to the DSWD and the UNFPA to their relentless assistance to us),” cried Gaudiosa Cordodo, 71 years old of Purok 18, Barangay Poblacion, New Bataan, Compostela Valley. Other Local Government Units (LGUs) can replicate or institutionalize the women-friendly space. “We are encouraging everyone to please let us know if the women-friendly space is helpful, how it has helped, and how it can be more helpful,” asked UNFPA Country Representative Ugochi Daniels. This women center is built to cater to the special needs of women. Bisan luyo sa mga kalisod, padayon gihapon nato nga amumahon ang kalawasan sa mga babaye ug mga bata (Despite the difficulties, we will continue to respond to the hygiene needs of our women and children), promised Governor Uy. (DSWD).


DavNor Solon cites excise tax, parenthood laws as major gainsTAGUM CITY-Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Anthony del Rosario assessed the gains of 2012 and cited the two laws signed last December as two of the most important accomplish-ments of the Aquino administra-tion not only for 2012 but also during the President’s first term in office. Del Rosario said it is important to start the year right on a positive note by focusing on the successes of 2012. “The signing of two very important laws last year was President Benigno S. Aquino’s Christmas gift to all Filipinos,” del Rosario said. He was referring to Republic Act 10351, An Act Restructuring the Excise Tax on Alcohol and Tobacco) also known as the Sin Tax Reform law and Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012. RA 10354 provides for a four percent increase in excise tax rates every year for distilled spirits starting 2016 and for cigarettes and beer starting 2018. RA 10351 allows proper planning of families and guarantees access to quality reproductive health care services. “We can now afford less due to tobacco smoking and women can now

have access to extensive maternal health services,” he said. Even the poorest couples, he added, can now have access to contraceptives and practice more responsible parenthood. Under the Declaration of Policy, Section 2 of RA 10354, the State “guarantees universal access to medically-safe, non-abortifacient, effective, legal, affordable, and quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies which do not prevent the implantation of a fertilized ovum as determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).” The government will make use of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction in identifying marginalized families that will be prioritized as voluntary beneficiaries of free supplies and services as well as reproductive health care. RA 1010351 on the other hand, does not only aim to generate enough funds for health care but also aims to protect the people from vices like smoking and drinking. Malacanang said it expects to generate P33.96 billion worth of additional revenues from fermented liquors, distilled spirits and cigarettes during the first year of the implementation of the law.(LAC)

by Lovely Carrillo


COTABATO CITY -- The Maguindanao provincial government is hosting the 2nd Framework Agreement Forum on January 10 in Buluan town for better understanding and appreciation of the agreement.

2nd Framework Agreement Regional Forum set on Jan 10By Perlita D. Changco

Thousands of peace advocates, government officials and foreign dignitaries are expected to join the event which is a follow-up of the consultation-dialogue held last month in Jolo, Sulu with the theme: “Sustaining the Gains and Enjoining the Support on Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.”

M a g u i n d a n a o governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu said invitations have been extended to the MILF Central Committee members, Presidential

Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita “Ding” Deles, peace negotiators, leaders of the Christian and Muslim religious communities in the ARMM and nearby administrative regions, MNLF leaders, business sector and indigenous people’s community to participate in the forum.

The Framework Agreement signed in October 15, 2012 between the GPH and the MILF is considered a breakthrough in peace process in

Mindanao and seen as a step forward to the realization of the Bangsamoro struggle for self-rule.

In December 18 last year, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Executive Order 120 creating the Transition Commission as a mechanism that would set up the Bangsamoro political entity replacing the ARMM and draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law to be passed and ratified by Congress.

Mangudadatu said, the 2nd FAR Forum is a joint undertaking


organized by the ARMM OIC-Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, M a g u i n d a n a o provincial government, Army’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division,

Philippine National Police in coordination with the DILG and DSWD both of ARMM.

On January 8, a caravan of estimated 200 vehicles will start from Buluan

passing through the municipalities of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Cotabato City and Cotabato Province then back to Buluan to drumbeat the event.

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- A few months before the 2013 Mid-term elections, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PPCRV-ARMM) boosts up its cam-paign for orderly and credible elections.

PPCRV-ARMM intensifies campaign for fair electionsBy Oliver Ross V. Rivera

A signing of peace covenant between PPCRV-ARMM and the local government of Matanog, Maguindanao was held today, January 7.

Provisions in the agreement include the commitment of both groups, in cooperation with the 6th Infantry Division to ensure safe and peaceful elections.

PPCRV ARMM Chairperson Fr. Dave Procalla said that this is part of PPCRV’s continuing efforts to promote fair elections

in the region.Fr. Procalla added

they will also have peace covenants in different parts of the region.

Among the towns that they are set to visit are Sultan Mastura and Parang both in Maguindanao.

M e a n w h i l e , Fr. Procalla also e n c o u r a g e d representatives from different sectors to join the gathering of PPCRV and other partner agencies to Archbishop Mongeau

Center in Cotabato City on January 10, at 2:00 pm.

According to Fr. Procalla, the initial preparation for the elections will be discussed which includes the plans of PPCRV, COMELEC-Maguindanao and the 6th Infantry Division of the Army.

It will be open to all groups who want to contribute to the promotion of orderly elections especially in Maguindanao and ARMM. (ORVR-PIA12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) is encouraging the Muslim communi-ties in Soccksargen Region to watch “Thy Womb,”.

National Commission on Muslim Filipinos endorses “Thy Womb”By Danilo E. Doguiles

“I am highly endorsing the Filipino movie, Thy Womb, to our Muslim communities,” Atty. Guialil R. Kanda, NCMF provincial director in General Santos City wrote in his letter of endorsement dated January 4.

“(Thy Womb is) “a good vehicle in communicating


interfaith and ecumenical spirit of respect and understanding for other people’s beliefs, “ he said.

Directed by award-winning director Brillante Mendoza, Thy Womb tackles the struggles of Shalela Sarail (Aunor), a Badjao midwife, and her husband Bangas-An of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.

Shalela agonizes over her own infertility and failure to bear her a child. To fulfil her husband’s only wish of having a child -- anchored on the belief that a child is a tangible proof of Divine

grace – Shalela resolved to find an appropriate woman who would agree to their proposal to become Bangas-An’s second wife and bear him a child as well as try to find money to pay for the dowry.

The movie also stars Lovi Poe and Mercedes Cabral.

The movie, which tells the couple’s story “against the backdrop of misleadingly projected war-torn Tawi-Tawi…shows the exact opposite of what most people perceived Mindanao to be,” Kanda said.

“While the movie revolves around the

story of a Badjao couple, it generally handles not only the issue on religion but of being a Filipino. It fosters an appreciation of our culture that is part of our heritage as a nation.”

It also tackles the life of the communities in Tawi-Tawi, their joys and struggles, and the colourful rituals and ceremonies as well as their problems with pirates and the military.

Thy Womb is an entry of the Metro Manila Film Festival where it garnered several awards including Best Director for Mendoza, Best Actress for Aunor,


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Starting this year, private establish-ments in Cotabato City are required to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras within their premises, as mandated by City Ordinance 3880 or the Cotabato City CCTV Installation Ordinance of 2010.

Cotabato City requires CCTV for business establishmentsBy Oliver Ross Rivera

Secretary to the mayor Anecito Rasalan said the installation of CCTV is one of the requirements for the renewal and registration of business permits.

Among the e s t a b l i s h m e n t s required to have CCTV are financial institutions like banks, cash remittance center and pawnshops and also gasoline stations, shopping centers, department stores and groceries.

The ordinance has been implemented

Best Story, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award, and Most Gender Sensitive Film.

Earlier, the film competed for the

Golden Lion at the 69th Venice Internatinal Film Festival. It won three special prizes in the festival: La Navicella Venezia Cinema Award, the P. Nazareno Taddei Award - Special Mention, and the Bisato d’ Oro

Award for Best Actress for Aunor.

“By all means, let us support and watch this movie more so as it positively depicts Mindanao culture and traditions,” Kanda said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY South Cotabato -- Irrigators Association (IAs) from Li-bungan, North Cotabato have requested for farm tools they can use during rehabilitation of irrigation facilities in their area.

Farmers in Libungan, N. Cotabato ask for farm toolsBy Oliver Ross Rivera

Three IAs particularly sought the assistance of North Cotabato First District Cong. Jesus Sacdalan due to the scheduled renovation of irrigation systems in some service areas of Libungan River Irrigation System or LibRIS.

In response, Cong. Sacdalan conducted consultations with farmers agriculture-related projects to be implemented this year in the towns of Pigcawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap,

and Aleosan or PPALMA area.

Among those who attended the consultation conducted at Libungan Parish Gym are members of BASI (Batiocan-Sinawingan) IA, IA Gumaga, and cap (Cabpangi-Poblacion).

The National I r r i g a t i o n Administration (NIA) main canal which is the main irrigation facility that operates in the first district of North Cotabato is recently being organized .

In re-preparing

their lots, the farmers needed farm tools such as scythes, hoes, bolos and shovels

Gumaga IA President Wilhelma Palasigui said such tools can help them in preparing to the start of the next planting season.

The office of Cong. Sacdalan is positive with their request and will find a way to give the farmers the tools they need. (ORVR-PIA12/ RRBautista-N. Cot. 1st Congressional District Office)

since it was passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod but only a few private businessmen have complied.

This time, the City Government will not be renewing the business permits of those who will fail to install CCTV

cameras within private establishments.

Rasalan also added that establishments who operates for more that eight hours should comply with the requirement otherwise their business permits will not be renewed or issued.

These will also undergo thorough inspection to ensure the quality of CCTVs.

Application and renewal of business permits will be until January 20, 2013. (ORVR-PIA12)

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