one mindanao - january 9, 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

Cancer Center for Mindanao: a ray of hope among the hopeless

Lovely A. CarilloSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, January 9, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 99

page 4

Aquino government welcomes drop in number of families who experience hunger in December 201210

Teresita Baluyos, Northern Mindanao

DOST-X Chemist wins Photojournalism contest 18MisOr first to launch 2013 National Year of the Rice 20 Jasper Marie Oblina–Rucat, Northern Mindanao

DOLE Zambo Sur cites SEnA accomplishments

LGU Panabo simplifies process for investors 23 Mark Anthony Gellor, Southern Mindanao

South Cotabato to allow political campaigns inside provincial jail Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

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Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

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DTI completes ICC, PS certification for helmets in South CotabatoAida C. Agad, Central Mindanao

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Debaters set eyes on 5th CPDC - Law Fortun CupJunesther Jean S. Iway and Eldie N. David, Caraga Region32

34Fe Moreno , Caraga Region

P28.7M-worth of palay bought by NFA in 2012

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Wednesday, January 9, 20134

This vision may just become possible in the next few years with the continued development of the Cancer Center for Mindanao located within the compound of the Davao Regional Hospital in Apokon, Tagum City. “It is different when you are a cancer patient—when you live in an atmosphere of happiness and cleanliness then you have more reason to want to survive,” del Rosario, who is a cancer survivor himself, said. Marilou Tamondong, a nurse from Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur who is on her

23rd day of radiation therapy at the Cancer Center, could not agree more. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, operated on the same year and underwent chemotherapy in 2011. Unfortunately, she was not advised to undergo radiotherapy then and her cancer recurred in 2012. “Ako lang ang naga suporta sa akoang radiation therapy ug dako kayo ug tabang ang Cancer Center para sa mga pareha nako (I am the only one supporting my radiation therapy and the Cancer Center is a big help to people like me),” she said. Tamondong’s husband


Imagine a place where people can enjoy an atmosphere

of cleanliness and happiness. This is a place where they can go biking or roam around in the nearby mall or watch their favorite movies without worrying about how they look. No, this is not a preview of the latest high-end subdivision in town, but Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Anthony del Rosario’s vision of an ideal community for cancer patients in Davao del Norte.

CoVer StoRy

by Lovely A. Carillo

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 5


died last year so she is the only one financing her therapy. Eleanor Bago, a 56-year old patient from Cotabato, was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2012 and after undergoing chemotherapy, she was asked by her doctor to go to Tagum for radiotherapy. “Nabilin akoang bana sa Cotabato kay naninda para naa koy panggastos diri (my husband is left in Cotabato to continue selling wares to support me financially),” she said. Bago, who is boarding in Tagum City at P5,000 per month, requires 33 radiotherapy sessions but has completed 27 sessions already. The people behind the Cancer Center for Mindanao, as well as the patients undergoing radiotherapy celebrated the Center’s first year anniversary on January 8, 2013. “This is the best and most affordable government cancer center not only in Mindanao but in the whole country,” Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Romulo Busuego said. The Cancer Center’s P134-million Linear Accelerator machine, he said, is comparable to the machine being used in expensive private medical hospitals like St. Luke’s in Manila. While it is envisioned as a one-stop-shop for cancer patients with facilities for surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the Center is now known as the Nuclear Energy Therapy Center as it presently offers radiation therapy. The facilities for chemotherapy at the Center are still being built although surgery and chemotherapy are already being offered at the main hospital. “This was a long-shot dream

which was still being talked about by its proponents while I was still a first year resident in the hospital,” Cancer Center Operations Manager Dr. Bryan Dalid said. When it materialized, Dalid was already a consultant for surgery. Dalid said the Center does not have a specific budget allocation and it only relies on its share from the annual budget of the DRH which in itself is already insufficient considering that it requires P120 million to operate the hospital every year but was given only P33.4 million in 2011. DRH however survives because its officials find ways to generate income for the hospital to finance its expenses. The Center’s budget has not in any way hampered the efficiency of the services being offered by DRH,” he said. The Center has 12 multitasking employees including four doctors and two nurses. But even with such meager resources, it has served 207 patients and completed the treatment of 101 patients for the past year. Cancer patients who think that they can no longer go for radiotherapy treatment because of lack of financial


resources should try the Cancer Center. “We have never turned away a patient just because he or she has no money,” Dalid said. What makes the Center unique, he added, is the extra service they provide to patients when it comes to advising them where they can get financial help. Dalid said radiotherapy fees are very affordable compared to private hospitals. A patient who goes to the Center has to shell out P6,000 for planning or initial assessment of the radiation they need. The daily radiation treatments can cost from P1,000 to P4,000 depending on whether the patient is enrolled with Philhealth then the minimum amount is paid. Cancer patients who fall under NHTS or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction and are classified as marginalized can undergo the daily radiation treatments without shelling out cash at all except for the enrollment or planning fee of P1,000. Those who could not even afford the planning fee are asked to make their rounds of the different local and national government satellite offices located within the DRH compound to get monetary help. “The Center offers the cheapest cost of radiotherapy in the Philippines today,’ Busuego said. “I am not saying that there is a cure for all cancer but some can be cured…what we are doing here is trying to prolong the survival of cancer patients,” Busuego said.

Del Rosario, who spent almost half of the day with the cancer patients despite celebrating his first wedding anniversary on the same day, said the Cancer Center is close to his heart so he wants to use his PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) for the Center. He has committed P5 million for the Center after the 2013 elections and said he will continue to support the development of the Cancer Center so that someday, even the poor cancer patients will be able to get treatment in a community conducive for cancer patients where there is no stigma and there is an increased willpower to live. When this time comes, the likes of Marilou and Eleanor, and all the other Filipinos with cancer and who could not afford expensive treatments and facilities abroad, will now be able to get a respite from life’s challenges, even for the duration of their treatment at the Cancer Center. And when that time comes, maybe they too can say that when you have cancer, it is not the end of the world for you because there is life after cancer.


ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino leads rites honoring 2012 Outstanding Young Men

President Benigno S. Aquino III honored seven individuals who were chosen The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of 2012 in ceremonies held at Malacañang on Wednesday.

The TOYM is the Philippines’ most prestigious awards search for young men and women between the ages of 18 to

40 whose selfless dedication to their profession or vocation has resulted in significant contributions to the welfare

8 Wednesday, January 9, 2013

of their countrymen as well as to the advancement of their fields of endeavor.

The President, who was joined by proponents of TOYM, namely: the TOYM Foundation represented by its vice chairman Lorenzo Tan; the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines led by its president Randolf Ivan Ruste; and the Gerry Roxas Foundation represented by its chairperson Judy Roxas; led the awarding of trophies to this year’s TOYM awardees.

The 2012 TOYM awardees are: Democratic Independent Workers’ Association (DIWA) Partylist Representive

Emmeline Aglipay for Public Service; Warren Baticados for Veterinary Medicine; Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong for Sports; Abelardo David for Community Occupational Rehabilitation; Ivan Anthony Henares for Heritage Conservation; Rodrigo “Jiggy” Manicad, Jr. for Broadcast Journalism; and Allan “apl.de.ap” Pineda for Contemporary Music.

In his speech, the President lauded this year’s awardees for “advancing and excelling in their professions and advocacies” as he assured all Filipinos “that in the future, there will be no shortage of


brilliance in this country—that there will be people who can carry our collective quest forward to accomplish permanent change in our country and people.”

“Beginning today, you are no longer merely private individuals, but symbols—symbols that clearly show our countrymen and the rest of the world that the Filipino is world class, and that, no matter how successful he or she becomes, the Filipino never loses the spirit of bayanihan, and always comes back to help his fellowmen. This is what we see in the people we honor today,” the President said.

He challenged the awardees to “do more” as with this prestigious award heralds that “the best of your work is still to come.”

“To our awardees today: the best of your work is still to come: you are going to be a vital part of our nation’s future. And so I am here today not merely to award you, but to personally challenge you to do more,” the President said.

“What I have learned as president is that no single person, no single entity, or corporation, or government can manage the full-scale turnaround of this country on their own. We need each Filipino to do their part. So I say to you apl, Em,

Warren, Chieffy, Jiggy, Archie, and Ivan: this country needs you to continue being creative, excellent, and relevant,” he added.

“You are no longer just artists, politicians, medical professionals, athletes, champions of heritage, or journalists; you are inspirations to our countrymen, and your continued pursuit of excellence will tell our people that the fight to bring this country to prominence continues,” the President said.

He urged the awardees to go back to their professional lives energized and revitalized than ever before to “show our countrymen and the world just how outstanding the Filipino is.” PND (rck)

10 Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Aquino 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.

“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)


LPA to dissipate but will still bring heavy rains in Mindanao -PAGASA

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

pressure area (LPA) off Mindanao is expected to dissipate within 36 hours but it would still bring moderate to heavy rains in the area and may trigger flashfloods and landslides as it is still near the country’s area of responsibility.

Weather Forecaster Alvin Pura said as of 4 a.m. Wednesday, the LPA embedded along the intertropical convergence zone

(ITCZ) was spotted some 160 km southeast of General Santos City (4.8°N, 125.8°E) and was already out of the Philippine territory.


“Nakalabas na ito (LPA) ng bansa. Pero dahil malapit pa rin ito sa atin, inaasahan natin na makakaranas pa rin ng katamtaman at malalakas na pag-ulan sa Mindanao lalo na sa may Soccsksargen and Davao region,” he noted.

Pura said that the Visayas and some parts of Southern Luzon will continue to have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains today because of the clouds of the LPA that extend to these areas.

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

The rest of Luzon including Metro Manila will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with possible light rains.

In its advisory, PAGASA said theBicol region and Eastern Visayas will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Cagayan Valley and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon will be cloudy with light rains while 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 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.

“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.

Meanwhile, Pura said PAGASA is also keeping watch of another cloud cluster east of Mindanao which is inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Based on their numerical models, Pura noted that the cloud cluster is expected to become an LPA and might also intensify into a tropical depression. Once it intensifies into a tropical depression inside the Philippine territory, it will be named “Bising.”

But so far, he said the cloud cluster does not affect the country.

PAGASA expects at least one storm to enter the country this month. (PNA)


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This is what the Department of Public Works and Highways-9 (DPWH) conveyed when its traditional Christmas Party was cancelled and

instead used the supposed budget as assistance for the victims of typhoon Pablo last December. DPWH-9 Information Officer

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Blessings become more meaningful if shared.

DPWH-9 shares blessings with Typhoon Pablo victims By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao


Carla Miñoza said Regional Director Jorge U. Sebastian, in response to the call of DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, cancelled their Christmas party and shared their blessings with typhoon Pablo’s victims in Compostela Valley and other neighboring provinces. Miñoza quoted Sebastian saying, “The assistance extended at this time would ease the plight of the victims and make them feel that the government of President Benigno C. Aquino cares”. DPWH-9 Chief Administrative Officer Rose Marie R. Adjawie led the agency’s delegation to Compostela Valley bringing with them sacks of rice, canned goods, coffee, sugar, milk, noodles, blankets, water and other personal needs. The relief goods were shared by the employees as their own personal contribution. “Our assistance was given voluntarily by employees of the nine (9) District Engineering Offices and the Regional Office. We raised almost P.5 million for the victims as

our way of sharing our blessings to those who are truly in need”, Miñoza said. Not done yet, DPWH-9 staff will again be going to Compostela Valley on January 15 to deliver 1,000 Galvanized Iron sheets as its commitment for the “roofing” program of the department. “This is our commitment and counterpart to helping the victims restore their homes. All DPWH regional offices in Mindanao have committed to this program”, she added. Dir. Sebastian has emphasized the importance of giving, urging all his staff with the byline “GIVING IS THE NAME OF THE GAME”, pointing out the significance of generosity as a manner of gratefulness to God’s grace and blessings. Miñoza stressed that the immediate response of DPWH IX employees during the disaster is a manifestation that they are one and united in serving the public beyond the call of duty.


DOLE Zambo Sur cites SEnA accomplishments

SENA is a conciliation-mediation approach of settling issues between management and labor which facilitates an amicable settlement of labor disputes. DOLE assists parties to arrive at a settlement agreement. It is an administrative approach to provide a speedy, impartial, inexpensive and accessible settlement procedure of all labor issues or conflicts to prevent them from ripening into full blown disputes. “We provide assessment, evaluation, counseling and conciliation-mediation services before the filing of any labor complaint

or dispute,” Magsayo explained. He said a total of 47 workers have received their monetary benefits amounting to P378,144.63 in 2012, having settled 38 cases and disposed 49 labor disputes. Meanwhile, newly-appointed Provincial Director Lourdes B. Amores, who assumed office on December 1, 2012 vowed to pursue DOLE’s vision to provide every Filipino worker full, decent and productive employment and fulfill its mission to promote gainful employment opportunities, develop human resources, protect workers and promote their welfare, and maintain industrial peace.

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office (DOLE-ZDSPO) have handled a total of 57 Single Entry Approach (SEnA) cases in 2012, according to Fortunato A. Magsayo, Labor and Employment Officer III and SEnA Desk Officer.


Misamis Oriental marks 83rd Anniversaryby Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol celebrates its 83rd Anniversary through Tabo sa Umahan with the theme, “Agrikulturang Misamisnon Malauman ug Malahutayon” on January 7-11, 2013.


The first entry was entitled “NOAH: Useful Technology,” with a corresponding caption of “The National Operational Assessment of Hazards, or famously known as NOAH, website of

DOST. Dablio’s photo photo revealed DOST Regional Office X security guard monitoring the updates of Typhoon “Pablo”, internationally known as Typhoon “Bopha” through the NOAH

DOST-X Chemist wins Photojournalism contestby Teresita Baluyos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Admer Rey C. Dablio, a licensed chemist and currently the Deputy Technical Manager at the Chemical Testing Laboratory (CTL) of the Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories (RSTL) of DOST-X, has won in the DOST-wide photo journalism contest focusing on “Science, Technology and Innovation: Working Together for Growth and Development.” He had two winning entries.

The celebration kicked off with a mass held at the Capitol grounds followed by an opening program graced by Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno, guest speaker Risa Hontiveros and mayors from various municipalities in the province. “By making agricultural productivity a priority in the province, you provide opportunity to transform rural communities into sites of progress and development in the province together with the urban center,” Hontiveros said. She commended the provincial government for highlighting the to role of agriculture in the economy during celebrations, as this sector is important in alleviating poverty and hunger in the country. Gov. Moreno said it is through solidarity that people can attain true success. He also added that the

Philippines moving toward a “very good economic performance” and this effort of boosting agriculture is one of the most effective ways to regain the country’s strong economic position in Asia. The National Year of Rice was also launched during the event. The campaign aims to obtain support for the farmers and to enforce policy makers in establishing good policies on rice productivity, Lealyn Ramos, Department of Agriculture regional executive director, said. Ramos also mentioned that the Province is the first to launch the National Year of Rice in the country. Other activities that will be held are the search for best organic agri-farming municipality, skirting and flower arrangement contest, most decorated booth contest, Musikahan sa Parke and dance contests.


DOST-X Chemist wins Photojournalism contest

website. The second entry was a picture of the Technical Manager of CTL doing analysis using the latest instrument of RSTL which is the Microwave Digestor. It was entitled “Advancing Laboratory Capability”, with a caption of “Quality is Our Policy. Service is Our Commitment. Excellence is Our Habit.” NOAH has been a very helpful technology used by Filipinos today in monitoring the weather condition of the different places in the Philippines. Aside from social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, or search engines like Yahoo and Google, NOAH is one of those websites constantly visited by Northern Mindanao inhabitnats, especially in Kagay-anons, so that they are always updated about the weather conditions, according to the DOST. Further, people from different walks of life can now constantly be updated about the weather condition because of the help of this technology developed by DOST. People can check their iPods, mobile phones with wifi, go to internet cafes, or ask a friend or family member to check the web to monitor the up-to-date weather condition in their places. The “Sendong” tragedy left important lessons to Kagay-anons, and one of these is to be always prepared. On the other hand, the caption of the second photo is actually the tagline/motto of RSTL. The photo depicted the goal of RSTL-X which is to advance the laboratory resources to be internationally competitive. The Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology

Information Institute (DOST-STII) annually holds this DOST-wide Photo Journalism Contest. Communication was sent to the DOST community on November 16, 2012 as invitation to participate in the said contest. All DOST employees regardless of the employment status, whether permanent, contractual, or job order were given the chance to join. It was open to full-time photographer or a hobbyist and non-DOST personnel serving within the DOST system. Contestants were allowed to submit a maximum of two entries only, which were taken from the period January 1 to November 30, 2012. As the year’s theme was “Science, Technology and Innovation: Working Together for Growth and Development” and contest being part of the Ignite the Mind 3.0 celebration of DOST, judges were looking for photos which captured the theme of the contest, making full use of the elements of composition and the photographer’s own creativity in presenting the subject of the photo. The criteria for judging were 50% theme relevance and 50% composition. Both of Dablio’s entries won the contest. But as stated in the mechanics of the contest, if both entries of a single contestant win, the higher prize shall be awarded. Second place was awarded to Rik Varela of DOST CARAGA and third place was awarded to Michael Carlo V. Caparas of PTRI. Awarding was conducted at the La Breza Hotel, Quezon City Avenue corner EDSA on December 12, 2012, during the DOST Media Assessment and Thanksgiving Party. The award


MisOr first to launch 2013 National Year of the Riceby Jasper Marie Oblina–Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 10 has launched the National Year of the Rice during the opening of the 83rd Anniversary of the Province of Misamis Oriental yesterday, January 7.

According to Lealyn Ramos, Regional Director of DA 10, the province is the first to launch the National Year of Rice in the country. President Aquino, through Proclamation No. 494, proclaimed 2013 as the national year of rice. The objectives of the said proclamation are: to start the year with rice self-sufficiency throughout the country, promote rice for nutrition and support rice farmers in the country. RD Ramos added that Proclamation No. 494 directs the Department of Agriculture to lead the celebration and raise public awareness on responsible rice consumption. Ramos emphasized the importance of not wasting rice. “Imagine all the people who cannot eat rice three times a day, an ounce of wasted grain of rice can feed hundreds of Filipino people below poverty line,”

Ramos said. New technology will be introduced to farmers to increase farm productivity and income. Ramos added that the agency will forge partnership with framers’ groups, local government units, private sector and lawmakers to intensify information campaign to achieve national rice self-sufficiency. Proclamation No. 494 also affirms month of November of each year as “National Rice Awareness Month.” The National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) also gave a variety of rice to the provincial office to start off the NYR celebration. Present in the launching ceremony were Governor Oscar Moreno of Misamis Oriental, guest Ana “Risa” Hontiveros of the Akbayan Party and the mayors of the different towns of the province.

was given by the DOST-STII Director Mr. Raymund T. Liboro and judges from Philippine Star and Malaya. The success of Mr. Dablio proves that DOST-X employees are not only competent in their field of

specializations, but they are also very talented individuals. As the caption of the winning entry of Mr. Dablio says, “Quality is Our Policy. Service is Our Commitment. Excellence is Our Habit.”


DAVAO CITY- Davao City Vice May-or Rodrigo Duterte vehemently denied using government funds as cash assistance to residents

,rebels and soldiers alike when he reached out typhoon- ravaged- area in Barangay Ngan, Compos-tela, Compostela last December 26. Speaking to reporters, he explained that the funds came from a philanthropist who had been helpful in supporting the medication of cancer patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. Duterte said that as a gesture of gratitude, the private individual who refused to be identified gave out P1-Million for the cancer patients and another P500,000 for the needy, as a way of sharing the blessings received from running a simple business for the past several years. He said the P500,000 was given in form of cash and material assistance to the victims of typhoon Pablo. “I gave out financial assistance

Duterte: funds used as cash assistance not from Gov’t.by Joey Dalumpines


to residents and rebels to ensure that the economy would move. Poverty is widespread in the area and help is needed, in the same manner that I extended assistance to the soldiers in New Bataan,” Duterte said.He revealed he visited a rebel camp in Compostela Valley following an invitation by the rebels for him to come during their founding anniversary. Duterte said one of the rebel leaders had been an acquaintance back in Martial Law years, at the time when as a government prosecutor he sued them to court.He said even the parents of one of the rebels leaders were supporters of his father, then Governor Vicente Duterte of the empire province of Davao. “It could be a good time to rekindle with old acquaintances,” he said.Duterte stressed that all his reaching out activities even to the rebels that day were coordinated with Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division and Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente, director of the Police Regional Office XI. He said his visit to the rebels and even keeping the authorities informed were more a gesture of courtesy. During the vice mayor’s sortie, the military, police and the

communist rebels were observing a suspension of military operations and unilateral ceasefire, respectively in lieu of the holidays and the relief operations on areas hardest hit by typhoon Pablo. Duterte said building materials like nails and roof were already delivered to the area as promised to the residents last week. He urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to allow him to provide chainsaws to the highlands for residents there to use the fallen trees as lumber in the construction of new houses. Duterte said there are no longer illegal logging activities to talk about in the area, since almost all trees were uprooted during the onslaught of typhoon Pablo. He also admitted that having friends with the enemies and supporters of the state has made him a compromised government official. Duterte said it is one of the primary reasons why he brushed aside offers by the national leadership in the past for him to run the Department of National Defense and the Department of Interior and Local Government. “I am not qualified and besides, I am a compromised public official. Both left and right are my friends. How can I discharge properly my duty if the rebel forces are also my friends,”


LGU Panabo simplifies process for investorsPANABO CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE – The City Government of Panabo has finally put in place a system to serve investors who want to re-new and open a business in Pana-bo City. The Permit and Licensing Section (PLS) under the City Government has spearheaded the Business One-Stop-Shop (Panabo BOSS) which started last January 2 until January 20 at the ground floor of the Panabo New City Hall. PLS will accommodate clients even in Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the afternoon and with extended office hours until 7:00 in the evening during weekdays. Business and Licensing Officer Dulce E. Relopez said that with BOSS, the entrepreneurs will be able to respond immediately to the requirements of investments in Panabo, especially with the increasing influx of investors. “With the establishments of Panabo BOSS fast lane in investment transactions which aside from the separate fast lane for Senior Citizen, Pregnant Women and Differently-abled Persons, will help boost the influx of investors and makes it easier for them to start their business in the City”. Relopez added. Furthermore, 2013 BOSS shortens now the flow of transaction.

The usual 8 steps to process a business permit is trimmed down to 5 steps. Another major innovation is to release business permits right after the approval of the approving officer. It was remembered that the complex process of complying with business requirements discourages investors and there changes offer the solution as it would simplify everything. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO), City Health Office (CHO), City Engineering Office (CEO), City Planning Development Office (CPDO), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are desks of partner agencies involved in processing investment requirements and prerequisite papers. BOSS intends to make business registration procedures simpler and easier as it will house the partner agencies involved in business registration application under one roof. It was said that agencies involve commits to work together in revenue generation, business empowerment and stimulates entrepreneurship. With this system, entrepreneurs transacting with several agencies will be able to start operating their business as early this month.(Mark Anthony Gellor / Panabo City Information Office)


ARMM guv cites achievements in health, education programsby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) achieved successes in implementation of health and education reforms, an ARMM official said.were cited by the region’s governor in his last Tuesday.

In his State of the Region Address (SORA), ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said maternal mortality dropped from 245 for every 100,000 live births to 66. Data revealed that the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births also went down to 18 from 55 in the previous years. Hataman is optimistic the

figures will further go down with the recent passage of the region’s Reproductive Health Care Law. Moreover, 199 health facilities including 18 ambulances were added throughout the region and additional 80,000 families were covered by PhilHealth. In terms of infrastructure, Hataman boasted the passing


Public Works Act. He noted that the P1 billion fund given to the region, year after year, under the General Appropriations Act was often used for re-gravellng of farm-to-market roads. But with the ARMM Public Works Act, the P1 billion will be used to fund priority infrastructure projects that truly meets the needs of the people like national roads and bridges; strategic infrastructure in support to tourism, agriculture, peace and security, public health and sanitation; and other infrastructure for conflict and calamity-affected areas. The Governor also announced that last June the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region has generated P59.2 million savings. He said such savings were utilized in purchasing new heavy equipment that will be distributed to the different districts in the region. We have regained the trust of the national government because of

our hardwork, hence, the ARMM is given an additional P510 million for 2013 bringing the region’s infrastructure fund to P1.5 billion, he added. Other gains cited by the ARMM Governor were the establishments of Commission on Human Rights Regional Office, the setting-up of violence against women (VAW) hotline, the formation of the ARMM

Council Against Human Trafficking (ACAT), and the settlement of “rido” or family feud through the Regional Reconciliation and Unification Commission. Meanwhile, Hataman commended the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) for passing the Muslim Mindanao Autonomy (MMA) Act 231 or the Tax Oversight Committee; MMA 299 or the Public Works Act; MMA 288 or the Commission on Human Rights Act; MMA 290 or the Appropriations Act; and MMA 292 or the Reproductive Health Care Act. He further urged the RLA to pass other laws that will pave the way for more reform programs such as amendments to the region’s Basic Education Act of 2010, ARMM Omnibus Investment Act, amendments to the Revenue Code; ARMM Development Corporation Act; and Shari’ah Compliant Micro-enterprise Fund Act.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato--The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) unveiled Tuesday, the historical marker at “Fort Pikit” in Pikit, Cotabato.

NHCP unveils Fort Pikit historical markerBy Oliver Ross V. Rivera

NHCP declared Fort Pikit as a national historical landmark

by virtue of NCHP Resolution No.7 dated April 24, 2012.

The unveiling ceremony was organized by NHCP in


NHCP unveils Fort Pikit historical marker

cooperation with the Provincial Government of Cotabato and the Municipality of Pikit.

NHCP Executive Director Ludovico D. Badoy and Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan led the ceremony.

M i n d a n a o Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Luwalhati Antonino and North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza also graced the event.

The marker was officially turned over to the Municipality

of Pikit as signified by the signing of the Certificate of Transfer.

Fort Pikit, which sits on a hill overlooking the Cotabato-Davao highway, was built in 1893 by the Spanish colonizers who wanted to conquer the Moro people of Mindanao.

It stands approximately 1km from the National Highway and the main back-drop of the Pikit Municipal Hall.

During World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army used

it as a garrison. This was also used by the Americans in their military campaign in Mindanao.

The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine history and heritage through research, information d i 1 s s e m i n a t i o n , conservation, including the marking of historic sites and structures, and the maintenance and administration of national shrines and landmarks.

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South Cotabato to allow political campaigns inside provincial jailBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Politicians will be allowed to conduct political campaigns inside South Cotabato Provincial Jail, an official of the facility announced yesterday.

But acting jail warden Felicito Gumapac said, they have yet to set up the rules that politicians should comply with in holding activities intended to solicit votes from the inmates at the detention center.

“We have yet to finalize policies about the conduct of political campaigns inside the provincial jail,” he said, “but I will soon meet with our staff to lay down these rules.”

Gumapac also assured that no politician will be prevented from conducting campaigns inside the jail.

South Cotabato Provincial Jail has 600 residents who are qualified to vote in the May 2013 midterm elections.

Meanwhile, South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said, it is a basic right of inmates to choose the politicians they would want to lead the government.

“I believe the provincial jail should be opened to politicians because it is the right of the inmates to choose the candidates who they believe would be able to help them,” Pingoy said.

He said he will instruct jail warden Gumapac to welcome all politicians who would like to visit the inmates.

“This would be the first time that inmates are allowed to cast votes,” Pingoy said.

In May last year, Commission on Elections office in Koronadal City conducted satellite registration of inmates at the provincial jail to give them the chance to carry out their right of suffrage.

Satellite registration of voters in detention facilities for the May 2013 elections and thereafter is mandated by Comelec Resolution 9371.

It says that the following

detainees may be allowed to register and vote: those “confined in jail, formally charged for any crime/s and awaiting/undergoing trial; or serving a sentence of imprisonment for less than 1 year; or whose conviction of a crime involving disloyalty to the duly constituted government such as rebellion, sedition, violation of the firearms laws or any crime against national security or for any other crime is on appeal.”

According to Comelec Resolution 9385, candidates for senatorial elections may begin campaigning on February 12 while those running for the House of Representatives and elective regional, provincial and municipal positions may start campaigning on March 29.

Campaign period ends May 11. (DED-PIA 12)


South Cotabato to allow political campaigns inside provincial jail

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has completed the issuance of certification for standard motorcycle helmets prescribed under Republic Act 10054 in South Cotabato, an official said.

DTI completes ICC, PS certification for helmets in South CotabatoBy Aida C. Agad

DTI-South Cotabato provincial director Flora Gabunales said, their office ended last December 28, 2012 the issuance of Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) and Product Standards (PS) stickers to requesting motorcycle riders whose helmets do not bear the required markings when they earlier purchased the protective apparatus.

Director Gabunales said, they were able to release a total of 6,574 ICC and PS stickers in their July to December 2012 operations in the implementation of RA 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act.

Gabunales also admitted that during the first months of their

operations the turn-out of ICC issuance was too low, with only few motorcycle riders responding to the call of having their helmets undergo validation and quality requirements for safety.

The DTI-SC office had also adopted some measures in reaching out to the riders. This includes setting schedules for all municipalities in South Cotabato and for big companies with bigger labor force using motorcycles.

While a team is roaming for the validation of helmets, the office in Koronadal City continued its operation for the validation of helmets for walk-in clients, Gabunales said.

R.A. 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 stipulates that all motorcycle riders and back riders are required to wear standard protective helmets while driving motorcycles whether long or short distance in any type of road and highways.

As provided under Section 7 of the same Act, starting January 2013, any person caught not wearing the certified protective helmet will be penalized with P1,500 for the first offense; P3,000 for the second offense; P5,000 for third offense; and P10,000 and confiscation of license for the fourth and succeeding offenses. (ACAgad PIA12)


Butuan training center opens massage clinic at Bancasi Airportby Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY -- The Butuan City Manpower Training Center (BCMTC) on Tuesday opened a massage clinic at the departure area of the Bancasi Airport here.

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


In her welcome message during the grand opening ceremony, Ruth Jugao, (BCMTC) training director, said while passengers are still awaiting for their flight out, they can avail of massage for 15 to 30 minutes.

Jugao also said the massage clinic gives opportunity to the blind masseurs who are graduates of BCMTC for a livelihood. To date, there are five blind masseur graduates reporting to the clinic.

The official further said graduates of BCMTC are also holders of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) National Certificate (NC) II “which means that they are more than qualified to perform massage therapy.”

Meanwhile, Caraga Tourism Council Chairman Atty. Rema

Erigbuagas-Burdeos said that this project is another milestone of the mayor, Ferdinand Amante, in an effort to provide job opportunities to his constituents, especially to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Burdeos likewise enjoined the local government to provide

massage therapy training not only to blind masseurs but also to PWDs who are deaf-mute.

Prior to the opening ceremony, Fr. Alfredo Sanchez officiated the blessing, attended by city hall employees, as well as officials in the region’s tourism industry, representatives of regional


Debaters set eyes on 5th CPDC - Law Fortun Cup

BUTUAN CITY -- College and high school debaters from all over Caraga region have set their sights on the forthcoming 5th Caraga Parliamentary Debate Championship – Law Fortun Cup on January 18-20, 2013 at Saint Joseph Institute of Technology, this city.

line agencies headed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAA) through Airport Manager Emmanuel Costelo.

After the program, Costelo and Richard Atillo of Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga were among those who were treated for a free sample massage. The massage service costs P200, it was learned.

Jugas also enjoins the public especially the airport passengers to come and experience the rejuvenating acupressure massage offered by blind massage

therapists. The massage clinic, dubbed

as “Magic Touch Chair Massage Services,” is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

by Junesther Jean S. Iway and Eldie N. David


Debaters set eyes on 5th CPDC - Law Fortun Cup

The debate competition which is on its 5th year promises to be more competitive as there will be two categories that will be up for grabs (college and high school). This is the second year that the competition offers the prestigious Law Fortun Cup as the coveted prize,

This will be the biggest debate clash of the different institutions, which will be sending their most persuasive and eloquent students, to discuss, deliberate and argue the various global, national, and local contemporary issues. Part of the theme of the said competition will be in observance of the launching of the Watershed Code also slated within the month.

In line with this, resolutions that will be tackled during the championship round will be in protecting the environment. The said debate will emphasize environmental issues.

Vice Mayor Law Fortun, the author of Butuan City’s Watershed Code and for which the cup is named, said competition is an important tool in activism, whether it be social, economic, political or just about anything. “It teaches us to think critically on issues which need paramount attention and most of all it helps

build a strong and creative mind. As we have supported this in the past, we have committed to continue in supporting it this year as this will be a very good opportunity for the students to develop their wit and eloquence,” Fortun.

Through this kind of event, which follows the Asian Parliamentary debate format, students are given an opportunity to express their ideas on a particular subject. Exposed and involve them in the resolution of sensitive and significant issues of our time. The participants of this event will serve as the beckon to spread awareness and public participation in the youth sector.


P28.7M-worth of palay bought by NFA in 2012by Fe Moreno

BUTUAN CITY -- National Food Authority (NFA) Caraga Regional Director Gil Pepito Paqueo has announced recently that NFA bought from the farmers of Caraga 33,262 bags of Palay worth P28.7 million from January to December 2012.

Paqueo said that for palay procurement in 2012 was higher by 20,720 bags or 165 percenr compared to the 12,542 bags procured in CY 2011.

Moreover, palay procurement for the second semester of 2012 totaling 28,094 bags was 5.4 times more than the 5,168 bags procured in the first semester of the same year.

Paqueo attributed the higher performance principally to the extensive preparations which NFA-Caraga region undertook in the third quarter of 2012 which included the series of “Ugnayan” with local government units, farmers and

various farmer organizations, setting up of temporary buying stations and satellite collection centers especially in the rivertowns of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur and augmentation of NFA’s mechanical-drying capability.

According to Paqueo, NFA Caraga region has started to prepare for the procurement of the March to June 2013 palay and corn harvests. He said that top priority is being assigned to the continuing build-up of NFA’s mechanical drying capability especially for the buying stations in the river towns.


P28.7M-worth of palay bought by NFA in 2012

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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