one mindanao - july 4, 2012

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 Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, 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 Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’Building,AntonioLunaStreetCagayandeOroCity9000TelefaxNo.(08822)72-66-83Telephoneno.(088)856-8178/729-594Cellphoneno.0928-52043050917-3084969E-mail:[email protected][email protected]:www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/FKantoMotorsBldg.,QuimpoBlvd.,NewMatinaDavaoCity8000Telephoneno.(082)297-0991/301-8580Telefaxno.(082)297-0992/304-2044Cellphoneno.0917-7053606/0918-9202950E-mail:[email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.KoronadalCity,SouthCotabato9506Telephoneno.(083)520-0249Telefaxno.(083)228-9736/228-9739/520-0100Cellphoneno.0921-6873373/0928-5204307E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)ViceMayors’LeagueofthePhilippinesBldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephoneno.(085)341-5285/360-1239Telefaxno.(085)341-2370Cellphoneno.0917-7188834Email:[email protected],[email protected],phBlogspot:www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook:PIACaragaUpdates,PIAAgusandelNorte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Cover Story

Sagayan Festival - Provincial Cultural Dance of Lanao del Norte

Lorry V. GabuleNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, July 4, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 293

page 4

Palace says Philippines remains committed to peaceful resolution of West Philippine Sea dispute 8

Rene V. Carbayas, Armm 19 Basilan midwives hold 1st convention

20 Rene V. Carbayas, Armm

Sulu CMC says Jordanian journalist, 2 Filipinos not “missing”

Workshop for Pantawid Pamilya implementers held23656 kids join in the biggest football clinic in Butuan24Leah T. Quintana, Caraga Region

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao14 DOLE 12 orients businesses

on anti-child labor law

16Aida Agad, Central Mindanao

Dalawang barko ng US Navy, dumating sa Sarangani para sa joint military exercises

Eldie N. David, Caraga Region

Red Cross Zambo to conduct Round 2 training for Project “Barangay 143”30Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

Kidney program to go beyond the renal disease prevention month34Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Habitat renews partnership with DSWD-10 35 Oliver Badel Inodeo, Northern Mindanao

6 10 12 17

22 27 31 36

RDR sees growth of Braulio Dujali town38 Southern Mindanao

4 Wednesday, July 4, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StorySagayan Festival - Provincial Cultural Dance of Lanao del Norte

Starting this year, the Sagayan Festival would be school-based, participated by students from the secondary level, said Governor Khalid Q. Dimaporo during the opening of the event. Among those who competed in the 2012 Sagayan

Fest were contigents from the Balo-i National High School, Arsenio A. Quibranza National High School (AAQNHS), Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School, Kapatagan National High School, and North Central Mindanao Colleges, all representing the municipalities of Balo-i, Tubod, Baroy, Kapatagan, and Lala, respectively. The Kapatagan National High School bagged the first place, followed by second placer of AAQNHS and third place went to Balo-i National High School. Sagayan depicts a war dance

A cultural event using as its base a Maranao dance performed every

2nd of July during the week-long Araw ng Lanao del Norte Celebration participated by all the municipalities of the province.

by Lorry V. Gabule

Wednesday, July 4, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

a m o n g the Maranaos. Datu Bantugan is the legendary hero of the Darangen, Maranao epic. His name connotes Brilliance, Fame, and Honor one who makes history, the pride of Bumbaran, Maramanay and Simban are among the several names attributed to Bantugan,which means “ Crown of the Ayonan”.

The kingdom of Bumbaran was ruled by Ayonan sa Bumbaran the elder brother of Paramata Bantogan and their sister Arcata Lawanen. Arcata Lawanen was abducted by Ayonan Dimasangkay , a ruler of Sagorongan- a- Ragat and became captive of that kingdom. Paramata Bantogan searched for his sister and a fairy messenger ( twin sister of Arcata Lawanen ) came to inform him of her location. In disguise, Paramata Bantogan went to Sagorongan-a- Ragat to rescue his sister. News broke about his presence in the kingdom. Paramata Bantogan performs the ritual for battle then the fight ensued. Re-enforcement arrived thereafter. The two warning groups were pacified and reconciled by Bai-A-Labi. She succeeded so, peace reigned in the two lands thereafter.


ACROSS THE NATION

“The President is being constantly updated by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and

Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) on the weather situation as well as what we have been doing to address several flooded areas in the metro,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson

Aquino continues to monitor situation in Metro Manila and nearby provinces

President Benigno S. Aquino III continuously receives updates on the weather situation in Metro Manila and nearby provinces as continuous heavy downpour flooded several areas, a Palace

official said on Tuesday.


A b i g a i l Valte said during a media

briefing in Malacanang.Heavy rains due to a Low

Pressure Area is affecting the country. It was reported that Ipo dam in Luzon has opened its gates to release water while several domestic flights have been cancelled.

Citing a report from PAGASA, Valte said the rain is expected to continue in the next four hours. Authorities continue to watch the dams and alerts for the different dams have already been disseminated as a result of the continues rains.

Authorities are also watching for the possibility of landslides and floods, Valte said. Among these areas include Mauban and Real in Quezon, Paete and Siniloan in Laguna and Teresa in Rizal.

Light to moderate rain is also expected in Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Bataan, Quezon, Batangas and some parts of Zambales, according to Valte.

With regards to the flooding in Metro Manila, particularly in Quezon City, Valte said the MMDA have deployed trucks to address the flooding and the removal

of obstacles in the drainage system.

“And also the MMDA is constantly updating the public on the traffic situation as we have asked them to do para naman mabawasan ang burden na dala ng ulan,” she said.

Valte also announced that the DOST launched a project called Project NOAH in cooperation with several other agencies intended to mitigate or prevent disasters. The DOST will also maintain a website for the project. NOAH stands for the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards.

“Primarily this was launched to make sure that we have a responsive disaster management and disaster prevention, and mitigation efforts as well, to make sure that another Ondoy does not happen,” Valte said.

“We encourage everybody to take a look at the site especially for you, for our friends in the media na bago kayo lumabas makikita n’yo doon ‘yung environment lalo na kung saan kayo pupunta dahil madalas kayo ‘yung nade-deploy to do reports on the weather.” (AS)


Palace says Philippines remains committed to peaceful resolution of West

Philippine Sea dispute

Malacañang reiterated that the Philippines remains committed to the peaceful resolution of the dispute in the West Philippines Sea saying that the President’s statements

on US spy planes monitoring the borders was taken out of context.

It was reported that the Chinese Foreign Ministry had released a statement asking the Philippine government not to issue more provocative statements that would raise tensions.

The Chinese officials are referring

to the statement of the President Benigno S. Aquino III about a possible assistance of the US through the use of American spy planes in the West Philippine Sea to monitor the country’s borders.

Secretary Ramon Carandang of


t he P r e s i d e n t i a l

C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Development and Strategic

Planning Office (PCDSPO) said during a press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday that the Chief Executive was just responding to specific questions during an interview by Thomson Reuters this week.

One of the questions was whether or not the Philippines would approve flyovers by the US surveillance planes called Orions, and whether or not the government had approved flyovers to monitor the Philippine territory, he said.

“The President said that was one of the options. Remember that we have a responsibility to monitor our territory to make sure that there are no incursions for one reason or another and our capabilities are rather limited,” Carandang said.

“The President was responding in the context of saying that it’s one of the options being considered to enable us to enhance our ability to monitor

o u r territory. Now, he

reiterated that there have been no decisions and that the primary responsibility belongs to the Philippine government.”

And if the Philippine government authorizes surveillance flights using US spy planes, they are not meant to be provocative, Carandang noted, adding that it was in reference to the monitoring of Philippine territory.

“There’s no offensive capability here. So this should not be viewed as a provocative statement,” he added.

Carandang also explained that any US spy plane flyover in the West Philippine Sea wouldn’t require a treaty or agreement with the US because there are existing military agreements with the American government.

The Palace official also hopes that the recent spat between the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines will be resolved soon as the two countries continues to talk through diplomatic channels. (AS)


Mindanao energy projects need stronger LGU support: DOE

A number of proposed power generation projects in Mindanao are not moving as fast as expected because of the challenge of

getting through long approval process in many of local government units.

This was disclosed yesterday by Energy Secretary Rene Almendras at the 2-day Top Level Policy Roundtable Discussion (RTD) held in Manila that centered on four major issues currently facing Mindanao, this include energy, mining, transport and logistics, and agriculture.

In his response to the power issues raised by Mindanao stakeholders, Almendras noted that lack of

facilitation support from some of Mindanao local government units in Mindanao is one of the major hurdles in the implementation of power projects in the island-region.

Power investment generation was one of the recommendations pushed by the private sector stakeholders to address the power problem in Mindanao during the Roundtable Discussion jointly organized by the


Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the USAID Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program.

“This power shortage situation in Mindanao is of great concern to all of us because it impacts directly on the competitiveness of Mindanao as an investment destination,” said Atty. Miguel Varela, Philippine CCI President.

Almendras however clarified during the RTD that there is no lack of power investment interest in Mindanao.

“We are as a matter of fact receiving several power projects proposal for Mindanao and are fast tracking the approval of these. However, the implementation of these projects is impeded once it reaches the local level. This needs to be addressed first.” Almendras said.

He further reported that there are currently 58 service contracts awaiting LGU actions.

Despite this, Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino is optimistic in addressing such bottleneck, and getting the Mindanao LGUs more involved and supportive of this endeavour to achieve reliable and sustainable power in Mindanao.

She further asked the energy players from the government to maintain transparency in terms of information and updates on Mindanao

power demand and supply situation, as well as financial figures from Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Managent (PSALM) on Mindanao generation.

“A lot of doubts in Mindanao have risen because we are not given enough information by our energy bureaucracy,” Antonino said.

DOE has already committed to conduct regular dialogues with the power stakeholders to establish and maintain transparency.

Almendras also assured to make one of the major recommendations of the power stakeholders, which is the one-stop-shop processing center for mini-hydro plants applications, to happen the soonest time possible.

The RTD, a prelude activity to the annual Mindanao Business Conference, is a culmination of the series of regional issues consultations conducted in various regions in Mindanao. This two-day activity serves as an avenue for private sector and government dialogues, specifically on the topmost crucial sectors of Mindanao.

The power sector is one of the four sectors to be discussed in the two-day RTD, along with mining, agriculture, and transportation and logistics sectors.

Outputs from the discussion will be included in the final copy of the business policy agenda, which will be submitted to the President within the month.


South Cotabato electric coop settles P73-M tax arrearsBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The provincial government of South Cotabato and South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (Socoteco 1) has signed a compromise deal that paves the way for the power distribution utility to pay its unpaid taxes amounting to P73 million.

Alfredo Dumanig, chief of the Land Tax Division of the Provincial Treasurer’s Office said, the electric cooperative has agreed to pay its real property tax (RPT) arrearages after months of negotiation.

In December last year, talks between the local government unit and the cooperative began for the possibility of condoning a c c u m u l a t e d penalties and surcharges from

its RPT provided the former makes one-time payment of the principal tax due, which was at that time was computed

at P41,271,295.48.However, during the

ensuing deliberations on the matter, the Sangguniang

P a n l a l a w i g a n found that Section 178 of the Local Government Code, which sets policy on condonation or reduction of RPT does not apply to the cooperative’s proposal.

This resulted in months of discussion on the adjustment of the proposed agreement,


culminating with the signing of the final agreement Thursday, with Socoteco promising to pay the full arrearages.

Following the signing of the deal, Socoteco paid initial payment of P6,557,960, Dumanig said.

“Beginning August the electric cooperative will

be paying P3,170,054 monthly until July 2013,” he said. These payments should cover the principal tax due of about P44.5 million.

The settlement agreement also allows the electric cooperative to pay P1.9 million annually for a 15-year period to pay the P28.5-million surcharges and

penalties.In an earlier interview,

Board Member Ervin Luntao, chairman of the SP’s ways and means committee, said the agreement could help cushion the provincial LGU from the effects of the 40-percent reduction of the internal revenue allotment (IRA).

This year, over P36 million was cut from the province’s IRA. A notice from the Department of Budget and Management indicated that in 2012 the province’s allotment was reduced to P751 million from P787.8 million in 2011.

By the end of this year, the provincial government could collect additional revenue of P22.4 million from Socoteco 1.

Meanwhile, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said residents of province could expect proceeds could mean more services.

“Once the principal amount is collected, about P10 million will go to the Special Education Fund,” Gov. Pingoy cited. “This could pay for the construction of several classrooms.” (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


DOLE 12 orients businesses on anti-child labor lawBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The South Cotabato field office of the Department of Labor and Employment has embarked on an activity to ap-prise employers on Republic Act 9231, otherwise known as “An Act Provid-ing for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor.”

Edwin Morales, head of DOLE-South Cotabato field office, said at least 23 employers, all micro-enterprises, were oriented on RA 9231 during the technical advisory visit (TAV) seminar held in nearby Tampakan town last week.

TAV is a d e v e l o p m e n t a l approach that aims to enhance the business operations of small and micro-enterprises, and promotion for a child labor-free workplace is one of the topics. It is part of the department’s inspection program designed to monitor compliance with labor standards, including prohibition of employment of

minors.Morales said the

activity was also in support to the nationwide “Batang Malaya: Child Labor-Free Philippines” campaign of the department.

He said micro-e n t e r p r i s e s , e s t a b l i s h m e n t s employing nine or less workers, comprise about 91 percent of the total number of establishments in the country and play a vital role in the elimination or reduction of the worst forms of child labor.

During the TAV, DOLE-South Cotabato officials explained the Act, particularly on the conditions for employment of children

15 years of age but below 18.

Morales said the department has issued Department Advisory No. 01-08, series of 2008, wherein employment of young persons aged 15 to 17 years old is already allowed, provided that they shall not be allowed in any hazardous undertaking.

With the advisory, the DOLE issuance of work permit or certificate to young workers aged 15 to 17 years is no longer required.

Morales also said employers committed to help the department in its advocacy for a child labor-free Philippines.

On May 18, DOLE 12 also launched its


campaign for child labor-free barangays along with the celebration of the Labor Month.

Highlight of the event was the declaration of Barangay Kematu in Tboli to eliminate and prohibit deployment of minor and underage children within the mining site by passing Resolution No. 8 series of 2012.

DOLE and other government agencies have identified 64 child laborers working as “abanteros,” packers and haulers in the gold mining tunnels in the area. These minors have been “freed”

and are now back to school.

Mantilla said they are specially giving more attention to the “poorest of the poor” barangays across the region that could be declared child-labor free.

She added however that this move does not exclude other areas from their child-labor monitoring activities.

She also assured that parents of child laborers will be provided training and livelihood and entrepreneurial assistance.

“Once parents are provided with work where they can get

income, they may be prevented from sending their children to work,” she said.

Earlier this year, DOLE 12 reported that child labor in the entire Soccsksargen Region has not been prevalent in manufacturing and industries but has been a concern in the informal sector where children are required to earn income from working in agriculture as harvesters along with other members of family or from peddling vegetables and the like. (DED/PIA 12 with report from Charmaine Dawn Ladot-Sonsona-DOLE 12)


Dalawang barko ng US Navy, dumating sa Sarangani para sa joint military exercisesNi Aida Agad

KORONADAL CITY-- Dumating na sa Lalawigan ng Sarangani ang dalawang barko ng US Navy para sa nakatakdang US-RP Joint Military Exercises na ga-gawin sa lugar.

Ang pagdating ng mga sundalong Amerikano ay bahagi ng naitakdang Balikatan Exercises na gagawin sa bayan ng Glan mula Hunyo 28 hanggang sa Hulyo 9, nitong taon.

Ang Balikatan exerices na mayroong tawag na “Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Exercises 2012” ay

may layong palakasin ang ugnayan ng mga hukbong pandagat ng Pilipinas at Amerika.

Bahagi rin ng joint exercises ang pagsasagawa ng medical at dental missions, iba pang mga humanitarian services sa mga piling barangay ng bayan at iba pang mga gawain na tututok sa relasyong

pang-komunidad.Nauna nang tinanggap

ng mga pamunuan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Sarangani at ng bayan ng Glan ang pagsasagawa ng “military exercises” sa lugar para makatanggap din ng mga serbisyong medikal at iba pang tulong ang mga residente dito. (ac agad PIA12)


ARMM holds NILE workshop in Tawi-TawiBy Rene V. Carbayas

The Regional Board of Investments of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM) has conducted last week

a seminar on Networking on Investments for Local Executives (NILE) at the Danmar Beach Resort in Tawi-Tawi. In a press release, Provincial Information Officer Abdel Nasser Tahang revealed that Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali was elated over the conduct of the said seminar-workshop in the province last June 25 that will pave the way of drafting Local Investment and Incentive Code for the local government units. In his message, Gov. Sahali

welcomed the NILE seminar-workshop as a judicious move of the RBOI saying that this “will enhance the administrative capability of the local industry stakeholders, especially the local executives of Tawi-Tawi who will be inculcated to create conducive social and economic environment that can readily attract investments from domestic and


foreign investors.” Sahali also said that business investments will establish new industries which will create employment opportunities and generate supportive entrepreneurships and vital infrastructure projects, adding that the investments will bring tremendous impact on the economic growth, poverty alleviation, and income generation for the people. He announced that the road network that links Bongao to mainland Tawi-Tawi by Subah Manangkay Bridge is now operational which makes Bato-Bato reachable in only 30 minutes by land. He stressed that this project is expected to create more job opportunities, increase in agricultural production, investments in transportation and housing projects. Stressing the potential investments in Tawi-Tawi aside from seaweeds and marine products, the governor pointed out that oil deposits, which are of commercial quantities as confirmed by Exxon Mobil Oil Company that made exploration activities in Mapun, is topping the list.

He also cited that peace and serenity in the Province of Tawi-Tawi are encouraging factors for investments, and stressed that peace in this southern province is not the work of the military or the government but the work of the people themselves because it is their culture. “Finally, I hope the success of this seminar-workshop will be measured not only in the way it is conducted here but on how its lessons will be translated into reality beyond this room and time,” the governor said in ending his message. Meanwhile, Mr. Sakiran A. Hajan, chair and managing head of RBOI-ARMM said that his team has been moving around the ARMM provinces to teach the drafting of local investment and incentives code to help LGUs pull investments and collect additional taxes to increase revenues, by instituting incentives that are alluring to investors. He said that RBOI-ARMM is in partnership with Davao-based MINDA in conducting the NILE workshop-seminar to the ARMM LGUs. Among the topics that were taught to the workshop participants coming from LGUs, academes, and government line agencies, include Legal Bases and Incentives Dispensation, Tawi-Tawi Investment Insights, 2012 ARMM Investment Priorities Plan, Investment Facilitation, and Ways to Generate Investments, aside from the drafting of local investment and incentives code by the participants themselves. (RVC/PIA9-ZBST)


Around 35 practicing midwives from the city and municipal health offices and from the different schools and hospitals from the province joined and attended the convention held at Isabela City Infirmary Social Hall. In a press release, IMAP Chapter President Hermenegildo M Dabon, RM disclosed that even with meager resources and financial

constraints, the recent convention was successfully done due to the firm will and determination coupled with the full support and cooperation of the officers of the organization to push-through the said activity. To further enrich knowledge, advancement and excellence in midwifery profession, the following topics were expounded during the convention by the competent health

Basilan midwives hold 1st conventionBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP) Incorporated, Basilan Chapter successfully held its two-day first Provincial Convention last June 23-24 with its theme: “Midwives Exploring Challenges towards Excellence and Advancement in Maternal and Child Care.”


personalities to wit: Trends and Issues in Family Planning by Bernardita F. Hontucan, RN; Normal Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery vs Caesarean Section by Dr. Wilfredo L. Guevara, MD; Essential Immediate New Born Care by Ma Emily Granados, RN and the Continuing Education among Midwives by Vivian C. Rubares, RN CHED Supervisor in Region 9. The report reveals that Rubares was the lone resource speaker during the second day of the convention. She presented the latest curriculum for Midwifery Schools by virtue of CHED Memorandum Order No. 33 series of 2007, urging the midwives to enroll in Bachelor of Science in Midwifery for upgrading, and attend seminars and trainings to meet challenges of the latest trends for professional growth. She further cited the two midwifery schools in the province that offer Bachelor of Science in Midwifery such as the Juan S. Alano Memorial School Inc. in Isabela City and the Furigay Colleges Inc. in Lamitan City, Basilan.

Isabela City Councilor Abner Rodriguez and IMAP honorary member Laura Alano were guests at the opening ceremony. Both lauded the midwives’ commitment in their objective for better health public services in the province and further manifested their warm support to the organization’s future programs and undertakings. Before the convention concluded, a business meeting was conducted among the IMAP Officers to evaluate the conference. As part of the organization’s thrust of “continuing Education Program” for the Midwives, the officers also planned to have a seminar-workshop in October this year. In her closing remarks Maricar Jodelah A Uyeg, RM, RN, MN and IMAP Basilan Chapter 1st Vice President, expressed her deep gratitude to all those who, in one way or another, shared their valuable support, time and efforts that made the recent midwives’ undertaking in Basilan successful. (RVC/PIA9-ZBST)


Sulu CMC says Jordanian journalist, 2 Filipinos not “missing” By Rene V. Carbayas

In a press statement, the Sulu Crisis Management Committee said that they have received reports that Jordanian Journalist Baker Atyani and his two Filipino crewmen are still conducting interviews with certain personalities in remote areas in the province. The statement also quoted the Sulu PNP that Atyani is not even considered “missing” because his whereabouts are already known, and that he is with the ASG and believed

to be well taken care of and is not held against his will. The statement, however, did not reveal the exact location of Atyani and his crewmen’s whereabouts in Sulu’s remote areas. “Atyani is not a hostage and in fact there is no indication that any crime or complaint is evident. The only established fact is that he is freely moving around with the ASG. The AFP also received similar reports from the ground,” the statement explained. OIC provincial information officer Sonny Abing III said that with this development, the purpose of the crisis committee is now downgraded to a Monitoring Committee which involves the participation of the community to monitor Atyani’s activities and not lose sight of his whereabouts. Atyani, the Southeast Asia bureau chief of Al Arabiya News Channel, Rolando Letrero, 22, an audioman, and photographer Ramelito Vela, 39, were reported missing last June 12 when they failed to return to a local hotel in Sulu. They reportedly left the hotel early to interview Abu Sayyaf commanders in the area. (JPA/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)

ISABELA CITY, Basilan - The Sulu Crisis Management Committee (SCMC) handling the case of a Jordanian journalist and his two Filipino crewmen reported missing in Jolo, Sulu said that they are with the Abu Sayyaf Group in a remote area in the province, conducting interviews.


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The campaign against illegal logging waged by the police provincial office of Agusan del Norte paid off as its personnel led by Director

PSSupt. Eugenio B Paguirigan chanced upon a sizable pile of what was believed to be illegally cut logs in one of their recent police operations.

P500,000 worth of logs seized in Agusan del Norteby Noel B. Najarro

Reports from the said police office had it that Paguirigan’s team who were doing anti-illegal operations along Agusan River, particularly at the vicinity of Brgy. Ambacon, Las Nieves town of the said province 7:30 on Sunday morning, found and confiscated a total of 343 pieces of round logs in different sizes and miscellaneous species of hardwood.

The confiscated forest products has an approximate volume of 120 cubic meters and was believed to be valued at P500,000. The confiscated round logs were turned over to the custody of the personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources based at Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte for proper disposition.


Workshop for Pantawid Pamilya implementers heldby Leah T. Quintana

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga Region Field Office held a team building workshop on June 20-22, 2012 in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. The team building workshop was aimed at organizing Pantawid Pamilya workforce to work more effectively and efficiently as a team. Director Mercedita P. Jabagat of the Caraga Social Welfare and Development Office said this is one activity that will strengthen and sustain the commitment of the implementers. Jabagat said the team building workshop level 1 is designed to develop a high performance regional project management team in the program implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Managed by the Institutional Development Unit (IDU) of the field office, the team building workshop used the module developed by Social Welfare Institutional Development

Bureau as reference in the implementation of the activity with slight modification to suit the needs of the participants. Various modes of team building activities had been facilitated such as structured learning exercises, games, interactive discussion, workshops, field exposure, and simulations, which ensured the achievement of the training goal and objectives. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilpino Program is a conditional cash transfer (CCT) that provides cash grants to poor households with children 0-14 years old and/or pregnant mothers, on the condition that these households make investments in the human capital of their children, and is now four years in Caraga Region since its implementation in 2008.


The clinic, which is patterned after the successful German grassroots development program to introduce the game of football to children as young as six years old, was on its second leg of implementation. Its ultimate goal is producing high-caliber football players who will

represent the country in international competitions under the Team Azkals, which has been bagging wins in tournaments. Azkals member Midfielder Chieffy Caligdong was a product of this program back in the early 1990s and is a living testimony

656 kids join in the biggest football clinic in Butuanby Eldie N. David

BUTUAN CITY -- Six hundred fifty-six children ages 6-12 years old participated in the biggest football clinic in Butuan City, dubbed the Kasibulan Football Grassroots Development Festival, which was organized by the Butuan-Agusan del Norte Football Association (BANFA) and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), Sunday.


to the success of the clinic. Sixty-two coaches also underwent basic coaching course in football on June 29-30 as part of the clinic. During the opening ceremony, Libertad Punong Barangay Vicente Rizal Rosario lauded the BANFA through the leadership of its president, Vice Mayor Lawrence “Law” Fortun, for promoting the sport in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte. It is now attracting a large number of enthusiasts. Councilor Erwin L. Dano also echoed the sentiment of Rosario in his message - calling Fortun his “mentor” in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Dano noted the efforts of Fortun, who was able to ignite the interest of many children in the sport. As part of the program, the coaches also became recipients of soccer balls from the PFF, which they can use in their continuing training

of the children in their respective schools. Subsequent legs of this program will take place on July 29, which, for the first time will take place at Brgy. Maguinda, Butuan City and on August 27 back at the Butuan City Sports Complex.

CARAGA REGION


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Tabak troopers honor ZaNorte govby Claro A. Lanipa

The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, on Friday, June 29, 2012 rendered a Testimonial Parade in honor of Zamboanga del Norte Governor

Rolando Yebes, for his very active support in the peace and development efforts and being a strong advocate of good governance in the area of responsibility of the division.


BGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, Commander of the Tabak Division in his message said, “defeating the enemy is our ultimate goal, but it is not only our goal, part of our mandate is to make sure that the conditions allowing the enemies of peace to organize in the first place would not persist.” “Poverty and the people’s grievances are often manipulated by our enemies in order to drive a wedge between the community and the government. This is precisely the reason why we have painstakingly exerted tremendous amount of efforts and resources to make government presence felt at the grassroot level,” Gen. Cruz said. Nevertheless he said, “the success of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division is not just to the Tabak troopers’ credit alone. The support of the people in this part of Mindanao particularly the local chief executives who represent them have been crucial in making our gains possible. Cruz said, “ang ating mga kababayan sa bawat lugar ay kinakatawan ng mga mamumuo sa kanya-kanyang lokal na pamahalaan. Malaking papel ang ginagampanan ng lokal na lider sa ating matagumpay na pagkamit sa matagal na natin inaasahan na kapayapaan dahil sila ang boses malapit at mahal ng masa.” BGen. Cruz was pleased to acknowledge that majority of the chief executives in their AOR, have been leading the charts in complementing the Army’s Internal Peace and Security Operations. Their strong advocacies


in good governance and other issues affecting our people have been vital in our day to day endeavors. “I am truly confident that with the local chief executives solidly supporting the army in its programs, we will be able to finally win the peace our people deserve. In the same manner, the people are the most indispensable and important actors in any effort to win the peace,” Cruz emphasized. “Mahirap ang daan tungo sa kapayapaan, subalit kung ang lahat ay magtutulungan, walang imposible,” Cruz stressed. Meanwhile, Gov. Yebes was truly honored for the recognition given to him by the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, for seeing in him the true meaning of good governance. He said this testimonial parade served as another source of pride

and a worthy reminder for him that he is on the right track. “Ito rin ay nagpapatunay na ang aking pamahalaan ay nasa matuwid na daan”“I am deeply touched, I really did not expect this from you,” he told the troopers. “This inspires me to continue and even do better and go higher in the field of public service,” Yebes said. In the name of public service, Yebes enjoined the honorable and strong men and women of the Philippine Army especially in this part of the country to also adhere to good governance. “Remember, the province of Zamboanga del Norte is with you in all your undertakings for the service of our people,” the good governor assured. (ALT/CAL/PIA9)


Red Cross Zambo to conduct Round 2 training for Project “Barangay 143”ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Zamboanga City Chapter will be conducting starting this month the second round of emergency response training under its Project “Barangay 143.” Red Cross Administrator Vic Liozo said “barangay 143’ is sort of a concept where in each barangay organizes a group of individuals and the PRC will train the members on disaster response, social services and health care. Liozo said PRC has targeted all the 98 barangays of the city to be included in the project “barangay 143.” “During our first round of training for project “barangay 143” sometime in 2008 , we were able to cover 90 barangays, and we will be conducting our round 2 starting this month to cover the 8 remaining barangays,” Liozo said. In the “barangay 143” project, there will be assigned one (1) leader and 43 members of which, 25 are “stand-by” blood donors and blood

donor advocates; 9 community health and social services team; and 9 disaster response team. All are volunteers. “They will serve as the eye, ear, feet and hands of the barangay during disaster,” Liozo said. The PRC administrator informed that Mayor Celso Lobregat will purchase basic emergency equipment for the barangay to use during emergencies. He said the identified disaster-prone barangays will be the priority recipients of the basic equipment. “Mayor Lobregat will be buying equipment for the 40 priority barangays. This equipment includes stretcher, salva vida, first aid kits, flashlights, ropes, whistles, and other basic equipment,” Liozo informed. (JPA/PIA9-ZBST)

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez


Feature: July 4 marks Araw ng Lanao del Norte

The term Lanao is derived from a Maranao word

“Ranao” meaning a body of water. “Maranao” means lake dweller. They are the natives of the place occupying the land around Lake Lanao, which is situated at the central part of Lanao del Sur. Lanao, applies to the entire area before its division. When it was divided into two provinces, the southern portion became Lanao del Sur and the northern part became Lanao del Norte.

Dansalan, Marawi City’s old name, was explored by the Spaniards as early as 1639. It is said that at that time, Marawi was already the citadel

of Malayan-Arabic culture in Mindanao. Feeling the pulse of strong refusal among its inhabitants to adopt Christianity, the Spaniards abandoned

the project of colonizing the area. Dansalan, physically speaking, would have satisfactorily qualified to become a town or municipality during

By Lorry V. Gabule


the time of said exploration based on the Spanish Policy of “Ecclesiastical Administration” except for one factor - religion. Attempts were made later by foreigners to capture Lanao but fierce and fanatical resistance of the Maranaos to colonial rule made the planting of Christianity in Dansalan an unlikely outcome. A strong Spanish expedition to conquer the Maranaos was fielded in 1891 during the time of Governor General Valeriano Wayler, but this force was driven back to Iligan after failing to capture Dansalan. In 1895, Governor General Blanco sent a stronger force to take Marawi. Superior firepower forced the Dansalan defenders to leave the city. Here the conquerors established the garrison that remained until the outbreak of the Spanish – American War in 1898. Spain claimed this event as its victory but the verdict of history revealed that while the Spaniards were able to erect a garrison in Dansalan, they failed to conquer its people who

stubbornly refused to adhere to the colonial yoke of Spain. Muslim religion and Maranao culture remained intact and untarnished. On May 24, 1904, the American Colonial Government proclaimed Dansalan a regular Municipality. The Philippines was still under the Commonwealth regime of the Americans when Dansalan was chartered into a city in 1904. In 1942, the Japanese troops invaded Northern Lanao and established their own garrison. In 1945, following a three year occupation by Japanese forces, troops from the 6th, 101st, 102nd and 108th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, 10th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary and Maranao guerrillas attacked the Japanese garrison in the Battle of Lanao. The guerrillas attacked using traditional Maranao Kampilan, Barong and Kris swords. Eventually, the Japanese were defeated, however Dansalan was not renamed to Marawi City until June 16, 1956.


Republic Act No. 2228 divided Lanao in to two (2) provinces giving birth to Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. The new province was inaugurated on July 4, 1959 making Iligan City as the capital. The Salvador T. Lluch was the first Governor. The second was Honorable Mohammad Ali Dimaporo, from January 1960 to September 1965 when Governor Dimaporo ran and won the congressional seat of the province. By operation of the law of succession, the Honorable Vice Governor Arsenio A. Quibranza became the third Provincial Chief Executive. By mandate of his people, Governor Quibranza was elected Governor in 1967 and almost unanimously was re-elected in 1971 and again in 1980. In 1977, President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Resolution No. 805 series of 1977 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Parliamentary Bill No. 586) sponsored by Assemblyman Abdullah D. Dimaporo, into Presidential Decree 181 transferring the province’s capital from Iligan City to the municipality of Tubod. In October 1984, inaugural ceremonies were held to celebrate the occasion of the transfer of the Provincial Capitol from Poblacion, Tubod to the Don Mariano Marcos Government Center (now Governor Arsenio A. Quibranza Provincial Government Center) at Pigcarangan, Tubod, Lanao del Norte. By virtue of the power and impact of the People’s Power Revolution at EDSA, Manila on February 25, 1986, local government all over the Philippines changed the political atmosphere overnight. Lanao del Norte became one

among the many provinces affected by the sudden changes brought by the “Snap Election” on February 1986. Local heads of offices and employees particularly those holding political positions were destabilized but with the installation of President Corazon Aquino as president, OIC Atty. Francisco L. Abalos became the appointed governor of the province on March 3, 1986. On February 2, 1988, Atty. Abalos was elected as governor of the province. In the Synchronized National Election of May 11, 1992, Congressman Abdullah D. Dimaporo, a legislator and economist, was elected Provincial Governor. The Provincial government embarked on a comprehensive planning and set the groundwork for the development of the province In the 1998 national and local elections, Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, wife of Governor Abdullah. D. Dimaporo was elected as Provincial Governor. Despite the outbreak of the conflict of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines in Kauswagan last March 2000, through the provincial government’s effort, peace and order was restored in the province. The Provincial Government was also able to bring the province into the limelight with full media coverage, through the hosting of the First Mindanao Friendship Games at the Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod on November 11-15, 2001. Participants came from all over Mindanao representing the various local government units in the island.


Kidney program to go beyond the renal disease prevention monthby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The City Health Office (CHO) will continue the advocacy of the Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) even beyond the National Kidney Month of June.

This assurance came from Dr. Daniel Medina, CHO Officer, who said the conduct of daily consultations and urinary screening tests (USTs) will go on at the health office for the rest of the year. Medina said that the theme ”Ikaw at Ako Ay Panalo sa Malusog Na Bato (With Healthy Kidneys, You and I are Winners)” will remain the focus of the intensified campaign to heighten awareness of residents on how to take care of one’s kidneys. In fact, the information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign that REDCOP did last month will still be discussed during the mothers’ classes and group health teachings in the barangays year-round, and not only during the month of June, Medina said. He said a total of 770 patients were recommended to undergo USTs at the CHO, from January to June, this year. Only 64 patients or 0.08 percent, were found to have abnormal results in their urine and diagnosed with renal disease, Medina said. Of this figure, 61 were diagnosed with urinary tract infections (UTIs), while one each was diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis,

nephrolithiasis, and severe UTI R/O pyelonephritis. REDCOP coordinator Myrle Silva said the highest number of patients, who were made to undergo the UST, was during the month of May with 203 patients. This was followed by the month of June, 154 patients; January, 148 patients; February, 101 patients; March, 100 patients; and April, 64 patients.


Habitat renews partnership with DSWD-10by Oliver Badel Inodeo

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Habitat for Humanity (HFH) International renewed its partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 in providing shelters to survivors of tropical storm Sendong in Northern Mindanao.

Mike Carscaddon, Executive Vice President of HFH International, recently met with Araceli F. Solamillo, lawyer, of DSWD-10 Regional to renew its commitment with the agency in constructing core shelter units here and in Iligan City. Carscaddon, together with HFH Disaster Response Head David Liban Jr, HFH Philippines Director Leonilo Escalada and Rodolfo Santos Jr of HFH procurement, expressed appreciation to Solamillo and the DSWD for trusting them in extending assistance to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in both cities through constructing shelter units. Carscaddon, who is based in Atlanta, Georgia, was here recently to inspect the housing units constructed by HFH Philippines in the resettlement sites in Barangays Canitoan and Indahag in this city, as well as in Iligan City to inspect the lot donated by the city government in preparation for the construction of core shelter units for the IDPs. The Iligan city council has already passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Lawrence Cruz to enter into agreement with HFH Philippines. Currently, HFH Philippines and the local government

of Iligan City are still on the final stage in drafting the memorandum of agreement. During his visit, Carscaddon also lauded Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano for closely coordinating with the DSWD and the HFH in fast tracking the construction of housing units here. Solamillo reminded HFH Philippines on finishing at least 7,000 units this August 2012 in consonance to the commitment of President Benigno Aquino III to the IDPs when he turned over the more than 700 housing units to IDPs last April 27. Escalada disclosed that Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is replicating the system that DSWD-10 and HFH had implemented during the recovery and rehabilitation stage of Sendong. He further disclosed that HFH will build the same core shelter units in Isabela, Basilan, and Maguindanao. An international non-governmental and non-profit organization, HFH is devoted to building simple, decent, and affordable housing in partnership with people in need. (DSWD10)


To achieve its target of planting 100 million mangrove in three

years time, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has tied up with state universities and colleges (SUCs) to implement the

Philippine National Aquasilvicul-ture Program (PNAP). BFAR National Director Asis G. Perez told members of the Davao media that BFAR had so far planted five million mangroves nationwide,

BFAR ties up with SUCs to plant more mangrovesby Jeanevive Abangan


and that it targeted to plant 20 million more in cooperation with SUCs through PNAP. “We are moving forward and fast since we opened the program in December (2011),” he said.Infused with P270 million funding in 2011 and P100 million in 2012, PNAP is aimed at ensuring “resource sustainability, attaining food security and alleviating poverty.” On December 16, 2011, BFAR signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to roll out the program on aquasilviculture defined as “an environment-friendly enhanced fisheries production in the wild that involves the growing of fish and other aquatic organisms within a mangrove area without cutting a single tree.” Linking PNAP with SUCs runs in line with the mandate of CHED “to direct or redirect purposive research by institutions of higher learning to meet the needs of agro-industrialization and development” based on the Higher Education Act of 1994. Under the 1997 Higher Education Modernization Act, SUCs are “authorized to develop linkages with other institutions and agencies” to pursue their purposes and objectives. PNAP is linked with about 80

SUCs nationwide. Each are entitled of a grant worth P3.4 million for mangrove rehabilitation project and community- based multi species hatchery project aside from implementing an aquasilviculture project. PNAP implementers in Davao Region are Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOCST) and Southern Philippine Agri-Business and Marinae and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST). Meanwhile, Perez said BFAR is into massive growing of mangrove because it is primarily concerned with building a suitable habitat for fish to propagate. “We are shifting from the old paradigm of cutting trees to grow fish. Now we grow trees before growing fish,” he said. Under PNAP, the mangrove rehabilitation project pays out planters a total of P6.00 for every fully grown and live mangrove tree that they have planted. BFAR Regional Director Fatma Edris said such PNAP component is allotted with P1.1 million funding (of the total P3.4 million SUC grant) which covers the P13,000 monthly salary of community organizers assigned to manage and oversee the nurturing the Mangrove propagules. (PIA-11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


RDR sees growth of Braulio Dujali townTAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE – Provincial Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario envisions the eco-nomically sluggish inland town of Braulio E. Dujali to teem with business and tourism activities as a major stopover site of trav-elers, traders and tourists travel-ling the Davao del Norte-Bukid-non Road. In a talk with Department of Tradeand Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Merly Cruz during the recently held Kadagayaan Festival, del Rosario hatched the idea of pooling resources of agencies of the government in a convergence strategy to bring about development in BE Dujali. Asked how he would describe BE Dujali in five to 10 years time, he projected it to host inland resorts where visitors could go fishing, and that he envisioned it to accommodate about a hundred trailer trucks a day in a wide terminal. He pictured amenities for travelers such as cottages and entertainment establishment to rise in BE Dujali where he expected travelers and traders to spend their day after crossing the Davao del Norte-Bukidnon Road which will soon become fully operational. Del Rosario said entering the inland town has already been

made easy through access points in adjacent towns of Sto. Tomas, Kapalong and Carmen and in the cities of Tagum and Panabo. Located in the 2nd Congressional District of Davao del Norte, BE Dujali lies 52 kilometers away from Davao City and 27 Kms from Tagum City. A low lying flood-prone area, BE Dujali was carved out from Panabo City and the Municipality of Carmen. It was created into a separate town by virtue of Republic Act 8473 approved on January 30, 1998. To fund the envisioned development for BE Dujali, Del Rosario thought of applying the Convergence for Peace and Development strategy that his administration is using to bring in the needed government services to target far-flung barangays. He also thought of having Dujali placed under the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) focused area where agencies such as departments of agriculture, science and technology and trade and industry including the Technical Education for Skills Development Authority (TESDA) can pour their resource to realize the planned development for Dujali. (PIA-XI/Jeanevive Abangan)


regional gallery

Automated Rain Gauge stations on display during the recent Tapatan Caravan on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change adaptation held last July 3 at the Waterfront Insular Davao organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). These rain gauges help forecast localized weather conditions in barangays.

one mindanao - july 4, 2012

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