one mindanao - july 2, 2014

Sibugay: ZamPen’stop rubber producing provinceEmmanuel D. TaghoyWestern Mindanao

WEDNESAY, JULY 2, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 211

President Aquino says he wants to leave a legacy of good government

NATIONAL

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Page 4

CARAGA REGION

CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

Carmen town mayor delivers SOMA

Surigao Norte PDRRMC joins disaster consciousness month celebration

Tamayo now a full-fledged regional director

OWWA scholarships now open for OFW dependents in Region 12

NGCP briefs media on transmission development plan

Twin kick-off ceremonies highlight observance of July NDCM, NNM in Ozamiz

DSWD brings services closer to people

RPOC-9 reorganized; Zambo. Norte guv is new chair

ADB team conducts consulation with ARCP beneficiaries

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31 32 35

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Information to Empower Filipinos

7Franklin P. Gumapon

Alfonso T. Ruda

Nora L. Molde

Danilo E. Doguiles

Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Michael Uy

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Oliver B. Inodeo 10

12

Sibugay: ZamPen’stop rubber producing province

ZamboangaSibugayboasts not only of its scenic beauty and abundantnatural resources, but of its being the rubber capital of Zamboanga

Peninsula (ZamPen) region owing to its large large rubber plantations that contribute a significant share to the country’s rubber production.

With over 80 percent of the total Western Mindanao production (source: WPRIDP-2000 of DOLE-9),Sibugay province makes ZamPen the largest producer of rubber, having contributedmore than 50 percent of the country’s total rubber production. The province is a home to thousand hectares of rubber plantation, with a potential land area capacity of more than 100 thousand hectares.Today, a lot of farm owners have been planting rubber treesnot only in Sibugay but also in neighboring provinces.

Early beginnings The history of the rubber industry of

ZamboangaSibugay is traceable way back in the year 1919 when the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company had started its very first rubber plantation. It was the timewhen the country was going through difficult agricultural phase. The company started a 1,000-hectare plantation in the town of Kabasalan, which was then a part of the province of Zamboanga del Sur.A decade after, the American Rubber Company planted another 1,000 hectares with rubber trees in Basilan. And by the late 1950s, large scale planting was being tried by Goodrich in

by Emmanuel D. Taghoy

COVER STORY

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Basilan, Firestone in North Cotabato, and Goodyear in Zamboanga del Sur.It was Goodyear that introduced technologies for production and materials for planting rubber trees. The strategy invited farmers to plant and grow rubbers, which was then adopted by other international rubber companies in the neighboring provinces.

White gold When the upsurge in the demand of rubber was at its peak and its price was escalating in the market, the crop was dubbed “White Gold.”Farm owners, farmers, tappers, and traders were earning a fortune. Many got interested in planting rubber trees. B u t rubber is not all about f i n a n c i a l p r o f i t . Aside from being a key commercial crop of Western Mindanao and considered one of the top commodities of ZamPenalong with Abaca, mangoes, coconut, processed fish, and seaweeds, planting rubber is goodto the environment as well. Rubber trees have tremendous underlying contribution in the greening program of the government to address

global warming and climate change. In fact, rubber trees is said to sequester carbons.In some countries, it is used as a biological means to absorb or reduce greenhouse emission.Nowadays, going “green” is the “in” thing, and rubber production industry is recognized as a green industry.

Economic value Rubber is not just any commodity.

Its economic importance cannot be

underestimated, h a v i n g

b e n e f i t e d s e v e r a l sectors in terms of

employment.Statistics has

shown that more or less than

8 thousand people of the province arerely ing their income s o l e l y

on rubber farming –

either they are employed in rubber

farms and plantations, engaged in trading activities, or in the milling business. Also, more than 35 thousand

families are directly and indirectly dependent on the rubber industry, and more than 80 percent of them are farmers tilling small farms, five hectares or less. Rubber trees are not just a great source of natural rubber, and other rubber-based products but are also used as bio-fuel and/or raw material for manufacturing and furniture production.

Issues and concerns One of the major concerns of the rubber industry is the low quality of rubber products. In its rubber advocacy training for the six rubber producing towns of Sibugay, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been encouraging the rubber farmersto produce quality rubber products for industrial use.Producing high quality rubber products has been a great challenge to the farmers in the province. The DTI wants the barangay/municipal councils to pass ordinances/resolutions urging all rubber farmers to produce quality rubber products to meet market standards, thereby increasing their income. The industry is also faced with other pressing concerns - institutional, processing, and production - which call for interventions by concerned agencies.

Government initiatives W i t h the looming A S E A N e c o n o m i c i n t e g r a t i o n in 2015, the government is doing everything it can to support industries that can potentially steer economic growth. And the rubber industry in Sibugay is one sector being addressed by the government. In fact, national government agencies together with the local government units and some non-government organizations conducted forums, conferences, and summitsto further develop the industry. Against all odds, the rubber industry in Sibugay will continue to move forward with the help and support of the government. The province cannot afford to lose its title as ZamPen’s rubber capital.

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Across the NationPresident Aquino praises PAF members’ professionalism, dedication during anniversary celebration

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the celebration of the 67th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Pampanga,

recognizing the professionalism and dedication to service of its uniformed men and women.

8 JULY 2014 | PAGE

In his message during the event that was held in Clark Air Base in Pampanga on Tuesday, the President said the reforms and modernization initiatives in the Air Force have been made possible by the support of the PAF leadership.

At the same time, he praised the PAF for its role in the government’s response during such challenges as the Zamboanga siege and the devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda last year.

“Ito po mismo ang ipinagdiriwang natin ngayong anibersaryo ng Philippine Air Force: ang propesyunalismo, katapangan, at katatagang nagsilbi ninyong sandigan upang itaguyod ang ating pambansang dangal,” the President said in his message.

“Ito ang mga prinsipyong kinikilala natin sa bawat unit, piloto, at kawani na ating pinaparangalan ngayong umaga, at sa iba pang lingkod-bayang katuwang sa ating agenda ng reporma.”

The President extended his gratitude to the members of the Air Force, urging them to keep up the good work.

He said that as commander in chief, he is proud to become a leader of a nation that does what is right and is always ready for any challenge.

He reported that in the past four years, the PAF has been able to aggressively push its modernization program.

Currently, the PAF has three

functioning C-130 cargo planes and has acquired 18 basic trainer aircrafts.

It has also acquired Sokol combat utility helicopters and 20 upgraded MD-520 MG helicopters, has received four UH-1 helicopters, and is awaiting the delivery of 17 more UH-1 helicopters this year.

The government also targets to buy eight combat utility helicopters, two long-range patrol aircraft, six close-air support aircraft, radar systems, and other equipment that will help the capabilities of PAF personnel, the President said.

Next year, he said, the PAF will receive the first two of 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets from South Korea that will help patrol the country’s air space.

The government eyes full delivery of the fighter jets from South Korea in 2017, he added. PND

9 JULY| PAGE

President Aquino says he wants to leave a legacy of good government

President Benigno S. Aquino III said he wants to leave a legacy of a reformed government that can serve as a role model for

other leaders to emulate.“If there is a singular legacy that I am

leaving and sana, masanay ang kababayan natin na ito ang kaya ng gobyernong pinapatakbo nang matino,” the President said in an interview in Clark Air Base, Pampanga, during the 67th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The President was asked by reporters if he is confident of leaving a good legacy when he steps down from office in 2016.

He said he expects his successor to follow the template that he will be leaving behind, pick up the government platform, and sustain the momentum.

“Kung kami ang nagtanim, iba ang mag-aani, okay iyon; pero mas mataas na iyong antas na pagmumulan niya, kaya siguro naman pwedeng asahan ng taumbayan na mas malayo pa ang mararating niya,” he added.

Asked about his thoughts on reaching his fourth year in office and the things he wants to accomplish in the next two years, the President said he believes his administration has accomplished a lot in addressing the needs of the country, particularly in education, infrastructure, and in defense and security.

For instance, the government last year was able to address the 66,800 classroom backlog, just in time for the implementation of the K to12 program, which will need more classrooms, teachers, and desks, he said.

In terms of infrastructure, he promised one operational connector for the NLEX and SLEX before he steps down in 2016.

He noted that the Laguindingan Airport in Mindanao will have night flying capabilities.

He also mentioned the reforms in the PAF and its ongoing modernization program.

The PAF expects more deliveries of modern aircraft, such as the fighter trainer jets from South Korea, as well as cargo planes to improve its lift capability, he added. PND (as)

10JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Antonino urges Mindanao execs to submit viable tourism dev’t proposalsMindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Luwalhati

Antonino urged local chief executives in Mindanao to come up with viable eco-tourism development proposals, which can be pushed by MinDA for possible funding from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) board.

Speaking at the opening ceremonies of the 54th founding anniversary of Surigao del Sur held here recently, Antonino said that MinDA can help lobby for feasible tourism projects since the organization now sits as one of the members of the TIEZA board by virtue

of Republic Act 9996 or otherwise known as the MinDA Act of 2010.

She added that MinDA endorsed to TIEZA several tourism project proposals from the province of Surigao del Sur, which are currently being undertaken. These include the provision for road


access and other support facilities for the Tinuy-an Falls, Enchanted River, and the Britannia Islets Jump-off point.

“Surigao del Sur is host to a number of Mindanao’s key tourist destinations such as the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, touted as the ‘Niagara Falls of the Philippines,’ Hinatuan’s Enchanted River, which is unique to the country, and the becomingly popular Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin,” said Antonino.

Prior to the creation of MinDA and its membership to the TIEZA board, the entire island-region of Mindanao used to receive an average of seven to 10 percent share from the Philippine Tourism Authority’s (now TIEZA) annual budget.

owever, with MinDA’s membership to the TIEZA board, the island-region got a hefty share of 35 percent or P157 million from TIEZA’s budget for tourism development in 2011. A 40 percent share or P340 million from the P851.22-million TIEZA budget for tourism development in 2012 was also secured by the island-region.

“Among the completed TIEZA projects in Mindanao in 2013 include the construction of Bagobo-Tagabawa Village in Sitio Lawon, Brgy. Tibolo, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, the construction of Davao Oriental Provincial Museum, and the Lake Sebu development.

A P30 million budget was also secured from TIEZA for the construction and implementation of ecotourism projects aimed to protect endangered marine species and help sustain community-based tourism enterprises in Tawi-Tawi’s

Turtle Islands, one of the world’s major nesting sites of marine turtles.

Antonino, who went to the islands for an ocular visit last month said the projects are aimed to provide the residents sustainable means of livelihood by promoting the islands as tourist attraction while ensuring the protection of the endangered species and their nesting sites.

Other ongoing TIEZA projects in Mindanao include the construction of Baywalk in Brgy. Aplaya, Digos City, Davao del Sur; the Tourism Police Information Counter in Polomolok, South Cotabato; the World War II landmark in Rosario, Agusan del Sur; and the construction of one unit drydock facility or boat ramp in Siargao Island.

“While Mindanao is blessed with natural resources that make ecotourism as one of its major economic drivers for growth, tourism development however, must not be pursued at the expense of our environment,” said Antonino.

She called on Mindanawons to rally for the protection and conservation of the island-region’s watersheds and river basins under the MindaNOW! Nurturing Our Waters Program, which seeks to safeguard Mindanao’s environment from degradation.

Antonino explained that Mindanawons share the same resource, “therefore we also share the responsibility of protecting and nurturing our environment,” she concluded.


NPA rebels surrender to Philippine Army By Christine Magsayo

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur - Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) with their firearms have surrendered recently to the Philippine Army (PA). The two were presented to the media yesterday at the 1st Infantry Tabak Division, Camp Sang-an, Barangay Pulacan this town.


RPOC-9 reorganized; Zambo. Norte guv is new chairBy Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY – Members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-9 have converged here Friday, June 27, for a reorganizational meeting following the appointment of Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy by Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas as the new council chair.

Ka-Junjun, 25, said he was lured by his cousins and relatives into joining the movement with the promise of P5,000 monthly pay. The promised amount did not come. Instead, he was trained to hold guns and hide behind trees and tall grasses to save his life during encounters. Another rebel returnee, Ka-Jay, 19, who was also promised to receive P5,000 a month, had never received a single centavo from the NPA. So, he decided to surrender to

the military with his M-16 rifle issued by the rebel group. They said: “We were already tired of running and hiding in the hills for fear that the soldiers might arrest us. We joined the movement in the hope that we could our family in sending our young siblings to school.”The Philippine Army is now securing the two young men with the promise of providing them some livelihoods.


More than 30 members comprising the regional heads and representatives of the different national government agencies (NGAs), city and provincial governments, Philippine Army (PA), Philippine National Police (PNP) and private sector representatives (PSR) turned up in the said meeting which tackled the region’s peace and order situation, and anti-insurgency/terrorism campaign among others. DILG-9 Regional Director Paisal Abutazil informed the group that the last time the RPOC was convened was two years ago. He underscored the importance of strengthening the RPOC, as peace and order is of “paramount priority.” “When peace is disturbed, [it] can affect everyone regardless of creed, tribe, religion, social and

economic status,” stressed Abutazil. “RPOC has to ensure that the safety of the communities is never compromised,” he urged. For his part, RPOC-9 chair, Governor Uy, acknowledged the great task of the council in the pursuit of peace and order. He called on all stakeholders “to work hand in hand to achieve and sustain a lasting peace in the area.” Military and police authorities have identified the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CNN) and Moro rebels as threats to peace and order in the region. Nevertheless, Governor Uy said: “We can achieve peace if we have the fear of God.”


ADB team conducts consulation with ARCP beneficiaries By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - A five-man team from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) together with the officers and personnel of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-9 recently conducted a consultation here with the members of Dipolog-Polanco Irrigators Association (DPIA), the beneficiaries of the ARCP II projects implemented by DAR in Zamboanga del Norte. DPIA has received a funding support worth P58 million under ARCP II through a loan from the ADB for the rehabilitation of the Dipolog Communal Irrigation System (DCIS) with 50 percent counterpart from the city government of Dipolog. The project is now 65 percent complete. The irrigation project is expected to improve the water supply to the 700 hectares of rice fields in barangays Turno, Gulayon, Sta. Felomina, Galas, Olingan, Punta and Sinaman in Dipolog City and Polanco town. ADB National Project Coordinator, Director Hernan Ongkiko said the Dipolog CIS, which covers 700 hectares, is the biggest irrigation project implemented by DAR and ADB in the country. According to DPIA President Gomersindo Dimasuhid, the implementation of the said infrastructure project had addressed the inconsistent and irregular supply of water to the rice fields caused by the seepage on the earth canal. DPIA officers and members expressed thanks to the government for choosing Dipolog City to be the recipient of ARCP II projects in the province. The farmers vowed to intensify their production capability as they

planned to increase their cropping from 2 to 3 cropping a year. They admitted that the construction of concrete structure reduces water wastage and ensure regular supply of water to the rice fields. Ongkiko, on the other hand, urged the farmers to adopt modern farm techniques and use organic fertilizer to produce quality palay and brand their produce as “DPIA Organic Rice.” The consultation highlighted the midterm review and assessment of ARCP II projects by the ADB team Moreover, Govenor Roberto Uy hoped that the visit of the ADB team could inspire the farmers to increase their production efficiency and contribute to the food sufficiency program of the government. Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, on the other hand, vowed to continue her support to the farmers and cautioned them not to enter or apply for loan with any financial institution, as the city government is always ready to help them. Other members of the ADB team include Lindsay Saunders, an agri-economist, project analyst Editha Tayo-Castro, and Principal Natural and Agriculture Specialist Sununtar Setboonsarng.


Butuan City set to conduct 1st social entrepreneurship convention By Venus L. GarciaBUTUAN CITY- The local government of Butuan, co-convened by the Gawad Kalinga (GK), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), all of Caraga Region, will be holding here the first ever Social Entrepreneurship Convention of Butuan City with a theme, “Inclusive Economic Development Through Social Entrepreneurship” on July 10, 2014.


Butuan City set to conduct 1st social entrepreneurship convention

According to Butuan City Mayor Ferdi-nand Amante, Jr., the convention has the objectives to catalyze rural devel-opment through mobilizing resources of the local, national and international private sectors; to empower Butuan-ons through social entrepreneurship for financially and environmentally sustainable Caraga 2014-2020; to propel the city’s social entrepreneur-ship movement using the Butuan City GK Enchanted Farm project as the platform; to raise awareness on the dynamics of social entrepreneurship; and to elicit commitment from entre-preneurs and other stakeholders to be part of a more defined social entrepre-neurship movement and come up with a social entrepreneurship’s network. “The event will be attended by 200 delegates from the business and government sectors, academe

and other like-mind-ed group with the goal of making Butuan City the center for social entrepreneur-ship in the region,” said Amante. Also, Victor Emmanuel Ozarraga, area coordinator of GK, is encouraging individuals to join the convention and know on how to become a wealth cre-ator for inclusive growth and sustain-able prosperity. “Business have the power to shape a kinder world if the profit does not leave the poor behind. It is the social entrepreneur who can help change the world for the better,” he said. A registration fee of P300 will be charged per participant. For more in-formation, contact Karen Butcon at 0906-5287508 or Tina Orbita at 0930-3890790; or send an email at [email protected].

Carmen town mayor delivers SOMABy Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY - Mayor Ramon M. Calo of Carmen, Agusan del Norte delivered on Tuesday his state-of-the-municipality address (SOMA) and outlined his various accomplishments for the year 2013 in a special session conducted by the Sanggunian Bayan members held at the Rama gymnasium.


Mayor Calo cited in his SOMA the different services rendered to his constituents and achievements received.

According to Mayor Calo, the LGU of Carmen is one of Caraga’s Top Achievers Awardee in Real Property Tax Collection and in Business, Fees and Charges and Economic Enterprise Collection for calendar year (CY) 2012 and 2013.

Mayor Calo also bared that the civil society organizations, people organizations, women’s group, cooperatives and persons with disabilities were properly represented in the Local Special Bodies, Bids and Awards Committees and Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT).

The municipality was able to extend assistance to individuals/persons/groups in crisis situations. A total of 211 persons were provided with social welfare assistance and 81 people were extended burial assistance. The

financial assistance given in CY 2013 amounted to P309,630.68. Assistance intended to persons with disabilities and senior citizens also amounted to P110,000, Mayor Calo reported.

The Rural Health Unit free medical consultation served 5,421 walk-in patients in 2013 from 3,213 patients served in 2013.

A new ambulance amounting to P618,000 was also purchased in 2013.

Also, Mayor Calo reported the ongoing rehabilitation of Mt. Carmel View Park and the ongoing construction of Punta Diwata Dormitory Building.

The infrastructure projects for 2013 include the construction of the Kabayawa-Poblacion farm to market road, concreting of Quesaba Street worth P800,000; and the P30 million Tagcatong – Vinapor Provincial Road.

The municipality’s updates can be viewed at their official Facebook page at Wowcarmen Agusan del Norte.


Surigao Norte PDRRMC joins disaster consciousness month celebrationSURIGAO CITY - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Council (PDRRMC) of Surigao del Norte launched on Tuesday the provincial observance of July as Disaster Consciousness Month, with the theme, “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran.” This special celebration is aimed at increasing awareness of the Filipino people towards disaster resiliency through risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

The celebration kicked-off with a motorcade around the city, followed by a mangrove tree planting at Sitio Panubigon, Barangay Lipata, this city.

Prior to the kick-off activity, the PDRRMO along with a geologist from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology - Central Office conducted a site inspection on June 30, dubbed as “Walk the Fault,” to identify the actual location of the Eastern Mindanao Fault segment of the Philippine Fault Zone that traverses the province particularly near the settlement areas of the municipalities of Mainit and San Francisco (Anao-aon) both in Surigao del Norte.

On Wednesday, July 2, the members of the Solid

Waste Board (SWB) organized pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as the “Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, will convene to strengthen and develop a sound SWM mechanism to address the global challenge of climate change and other similar atmospheric conditions especially the widespread indiscriminate disposal of wastes.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is in unison with this month-long celebration to enjoin Surigaonon and raise awareness on disaster preparedness, response, mitigation and adaptation to reduce disaster risk.


DOLE-X greens Bayug Islandby Mildred E. Dablio & Charlton James Busa

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - More than 200 mangrove seedlings were planted along the coasts of Bayug Island in barangay Hinaplanon, Iligan City by the staff and employees of the Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. X (DOLE-X) and its Lanao del Norte Provincial Field Office during its recent Synchronized Tree Planting/Growing Activity.


Twin kick-off ceremonies highlight observance of July NDCM, NNM in Ozamiz by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Twin kick-off ceremonies will highlight the observance of the July 2014 National Disaster Consciousness (NDCM) and National Nutrition Month (NNM) in the city, June 30.

The day will start at 5:00 a.m. with a Eucharistic Mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, followed by a motorcade along the city’s main thoroughfare, flag raising at the City Hall and press conference on NDCM and NNM, Mark Vincent C. Israel, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Officer, said. Focused on the theme: “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran (Community Preparedness and Safety, Foundation of Progress),” activities

of the NDCM include the conduct of simultaneous earthquake drills to be participated by public and private schools of the city on July 2. Also to take place, within the month, are information, education and communication (IEC) activities to raise the awareness of the residents on DRRM, while an Oratorical, Essay-Writing and Poster-Making Contests on NDCM have been set as culmination on July 30. Meanwhile, this year’s NNM theme of “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan!

The greening endeavor was in line with the Green Our DOLE program of the Department which seeks to attain green jobs--jobs that reduces environmental impact, contributes to climate change solutions, and results not only to environmental but also economic and social benefits to the community and to the workers. Also included are jobs that help protect the ecosystem and biodiversity, and reduce energy

materials and water consumption. Iligan City was one the areas badly hit by Typhoon Sendong in December 2011. The greening effort is also seen to help prevent same flooding incidence in the future. To ensure the growth of the planted mangrove seedlings, regularly monitoring will be conducted in partnership with the barangay constituents.


(Prepare for Disasters: Prevent Hunger and Malnutrition)” stresses the importance of preparedness and prevention of hunger and malnutrition to minimize the impact of calamities and disasters. It also aims to promote interventions to address nutritional needs in emergencies and disasters including preparedness, response and recovery and mobilize responders, particularly, the local

nutrition clusters and stakeholders to address gaps in nutrition in emergencies response from national to barangay levels. Likewise, the NNM aims to increase awareness among families and individuals on coping and resiliency strategies to prevent malnutrition and worsening of nutritional status in times of emergencies and disasters.

DSWD brings services closer to peopleby Oliver B. InodeoCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) northern Mindanao has recently brought its services and programs closer to the residents of Malitbog town, an interior municipality of Bukidnon province; some 52 kilometers off east of this city.

The convergence caravan dubbed as Serbisyo Distrito ni Cong. Malou, hosted by Rep. Ma Lourdes Acosta-Alba of the first district of Bukidnon, features the various programs and services of the local government unit and the national government agencies, including DSWD. Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, DSWD-10 Regional Director, expressed gratitude to Rep. Acosta-Alba for the activity wherein DSWD directly offered its services and programs to the most vulnerable sectors of Malitbog. “The caravan has brought the national government programs closer to the people, especially to the vulnerable sector of the communities,”

said Solamillo. Most of the clients of DSWD during the caravan are students who avail of the educational assistance, followed by Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who asked for the status of their updates to the Municipal Links. More than 2,000 residents, including Higaonon Tribe members, avail of the services of the national government agencies. Solamillo disclosed that the caravan contributes to the upliftment of well-being of both Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries and non-Pantawid Pamilya clients because it helped them accessed the various government services.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DPWH 12) remains the coun-try’s best performing regional unit of the agency.

DPWH 12 is best performing public works and highways office in PHBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


Reynaldo Tamayo , regional di-rector of DPWH 12, announced during a recent meeting of dis-trict engineers and key officials in Region 12 at Conference Hall of Sarangani District Engineering Of-fice that Region 12 has kept its achievement as the leading project implementer in the country.

Citing report from DPWH Central Office, Tamayo said, as of May 31, 2014 the region has completed 16.04% of its Calendar Year (CY) 2014 Infrastructure Program while its completion rate of the CY 2014 infra program has already reached 85.84%.

These ratings, he noted, has placed DPWH 12 at the topmost position in terms of accomplish-ments, besting 15 DPWH regional offices.

He added that the region’s rank-ing as number 1 implementer in the first quarter of this year was also announced during the recent meeting of the DPWH regional di-rector in Iloilo City.

In the first semester of 2013, DPWH was at number 15 in the accomplishment rating but was named best performer by year-end.

“Extend my congratulations to everyone in your respective offic-es especially those who are in the frontline of every undertaking,” he told officials of DPWH 12 during that meeting in Sarangani.

“Working together as a team has resulted to a remarkable leap

in our accomplishment. I am very happy that we were able to work together for success. If there is somebody who will do good for our region, it should be us because this is our home,” he added.

He also expressed optimism that the DPWH 12 will be able maintain its place not only for the competition but also in leading SOCCSKSAR-GEN Region 12 towards economic success and social justice through infrastructure development.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region or Re-gion 12 straddles the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotaba-to, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kida-pawan and Cotabato.

Tamayo said he is very con-fident that the program to pave the national primary roads will be completed in the second quarter of this year.

He added that DPWH 12 will also be able to complete second-ary roads in 2016 as scheduled because the region’s current ac-complishment has already reached 65%.

“We should be expecting more roads to pave because a lot of pro-posed road openings and tourism roads were already approved and scheduled for completion before President Aquino’s administration ends in 2016,” he said. (DEDogu-iles-PIA 12 with report from DPWH 12 Information Unit)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Engr. Reynaldo S. Tamayo, who has served as acting regional director of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region field of-fice of the Department of Public Works and Highways since August is now a full-fledged regional director.

Tamayo now a full-fledged regional director By: Danilo E. Doguiles

According to a press release from the DPWH 12’s information unit, Tamayo, a career executive service officer, took his oath of office as the regional director in front of public works and high-ways Secretary Rogelio Singson at the agency’s central office in Manila on June 16.

A native of South Cotabato, Tamayo was born in nearby Tupi town and started his career as a civil engineering aide at the then Ministry of Public Works and High-ways (MPWH) in Koronadal, South Cotabato on December 7, 1976.

In 1982, he was transferred to the MPWH Regional Office 11 in Davao City as materials testing en-gineer.

RD Tamayo rose from the ranks of engineer III to assistant district engineer of DPWH 12, Koronadal, South Cotabato.

He was promoted as OIC- district engineer in DPWH 11 in Digos City where he later served as district engineer for six years.

On August 29, 2007, he became

full- fledged assistant regional di-rector of DPWH 11.

Four years later, specifically on June 13, 2011, he was transferred to DPWH Region 2 in Tuguegarao City where in just a year and half, he was appointed as OIC- Regional Director.

On August 22, 2013, Tamayo re-turned to SOCCSKSARGEN Region as the DPWH acting regional direc-tor.

Under his management, DPWH 12 was named the best per-forming regional office in terms of physical infrastructure accom-plishments in 2013, from being Number 15th the previous year.

“Let’s continue building safer and quality infrastructure in our region. Nobody does it best than someone who does it in their own home. Let’s keep doing our best,” RD Tamayo said in a message after confirm-ing that DPWH 12 has maintained its Number 1 nationwide ranking from March to May, 2014. (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – College-bound children and siblings of OFWs can now apply for scholarship programs of the Overseas Workers Wel-fare Administration in the Soccsksargen region.

OWWA scholarships now open for OFW dependents in Region 12By: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

OWWA-12 OIC Marilou Sumalinog said their office is now accepting applications for two scholarship programs namely the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) for school year 2015-2016.

“We invite the OFWs in the region to avail of the scholarships and submit their documentary requirements on or before July 31, 2014,” Sumalinog said.

Qualified scholars under EDSP shall be granted P60,000 financial assistance per school year. On the other hand, CMWSP grant includes tuition fee and other school fees of P10,000 per semester, monthly stipend of P3,500, book allowance of P1,000, and clothing allowance of P500.

EDSP is for a child or dependent brother/sister of unmarried Overseas Filipino Worker who is an active OWWA member while CMWSP is for a child of an OFW or former OFW, a returning or former OFW.

CMWSP, on the other hand, is entitled for inactive OFWs not more

than 45 years or their children not more than 21 years old who wish to take up science and technology courses at any CHED accredited school within the region.

For both programs, student-applicants should not be more than 21 years old, a graduating or graduate of high school, but has never enrolled in college or associate courses. The applicants should be a Filipino citizen with good health and of moral character, not a recipient of any scholarship award from any government or private institution.

The qualifying examinations, administered by the Department of Science and Technology is set on Sept. 21, 2014.

Application forms are also available thru the OWWA website www.owwa.gov.ph

Interested applicants are advised to visit the OWWA Regional Welfare Office-12 located at Ilao Bldg., Judge Alba St. Koronadal City or call (083) 2281076, 09088881303. Applicants may also inquire thru their Municipal/Provincial/City Public OFW Desk Officers. (ORVRivera-PIA12/GBDocusin-OWWA12)


Pomp and pageantry marks Mutya ng Davao del Sur

DIGOS CITY- This year’s Mutya ng Davao del Sur could perhaps be the grandest staging of the provin-cial beauty pageant. Beauty queens, singers and celebrities graced the star-

studded coronation night, which saw ladies from 15 municipalities vying for the crown. Lorna Bautista, project coordinator of Mutya ng Davao del Sur said the event hopes to


find the beauty queens, which will represent the province in various pageants. The search began months ago within the 15 municipalities of the province where the respective first ladies (wives of the Mayors) of the municipalities handpick the maidens that will represent their towns. The 15 chosen ladies were then trained for a month by beauty queens and image stylists. The search culminated during the coronation night, which were also attended by the local chief executives of the different towns in the province. “This is indeed the grandest if not the best entertainment of the nine-day affair which is our Araw ng Davao del Sur.” Provincial Governor Claude Bautista said during the coronation night last Sunday (June 29). The show had Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2010 and 2010 Miss Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj and model/host Jansen Nichols as hosts for the evening. Singer Hajji Alejandro, GMA talent Ken Alfonso and ABS-CBN actor Ahron Villena serenaded the audience. Elda Louise Aznar representing Hagonoy was

crowned as the Mutya ng Davao del Sur. She received P100,000 cash prize along with another P100,000 to the first lady of the town. Other prizes include P30,000 worth of San Miguel Corporation products and P5,000 fuel card from Phoenix Petroleum. Mutya ng Kalikasan (1st runner-up) was Iona Greta Tagalog from Bansalan, Mutya ng Turismo (2nd runner-up) was Renelle Shefany Madelo from Sta. Maria, Mutya ng Sining (3rd runner-up) was Jervey Perez from Malita, Mutya ng Kaunlaran (4th runner-up) was Reyvie Rubio from Sta. Cruz. Among the board of judges for the pageant included Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup, model/beauty queen builder Jonas Antonio Gaffud, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. General Rainier Cruz and Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Art Boncato. The beauty pageant is one of the highlights in the 67th founding anniversary of the Davao del Sur which was carved out from the mother province of Davao. (PIA/RG Alama)


NGCP briefs media on transmission development planDAVAO DEL NORTE - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) held yesterday (June 30) at Park Inn Hotel, Davao City a Power 102 seminar for the media of Davao del Norte. Melfrance Capulong, regional corporate spokesperson, said that seminar is a sequel of Power 101 conducted on October 2013 at Molave Hotel, Tagum City, which is an introduction about NGCP including laymanizing their terms for the public. Capulong added that the Power 102 is a discussion on the 2013 Transmission Development Plan (TDP) of NGCP. Engr. Roudylynn Cureg, senior engineer of NGCP, disclosed that the 2013 TDP is a ten year program of the company for expansion, reinforcement and rehabilitation of the transmission system that is updated yearly. Cureg said that the TDP consisted of three volumes, which were the major network development, operations and maintenance including its metering system and system operations. Cureg said that the drivers of the plan include the load growth of the areas, generator entry to the transmission lines, congestion-alleviation, system reliability, power

quality and island interconnection.

For Mindanao, she said that based on the data from the Department of Energy, 2,011.4 megawatts were already committed by investors for the year 2014-2020. She added that an additional 2,431.6 megawatts were listed under the indicative plants, which have already signified its intention to build the plant but still doesn’t have its full commitment. Cureg also revealed that there will be an expansion in the Davao substation to reinforce its facility as the region is being considered as the load center of Mindanao. Cureg said that the Toril Substation will be upgraded to accommodate the Therma South Inc.’s coal-fired power plant, which will start to generate 300 megawatts in 2015. She also said that there will be a 230KV extension in the transmission backbone to cater the new supplies including the San Miguel Corporations’ 600megawatts coal plant in Malita, Davao del Sur. She added that the plant will start to generate 150MW yearly starting on 2015. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)

one mindanao - july 2, 2014

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