one mindanao - july 7, 2014

World Vision’s ABK3 LEAP: Keeping kids in school, curbing child labor Ruby Leonora R. BalistoyNORTHERN Mindanao

MONDAY, JULY 7, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 214

Government confiscates 4,000 metric tons of NFA rice from private trading company

NATIONAL

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CARAGA REGION

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

DENR Caraga signs MOA with local TV station, Barangay Doongan

DENR 13 exec calls for readiness as employees conclude Environment Month

Kapalong PNP Advisory Council members take oath of office

Pagadian gears up for Asean integration

DOST announces opening of PSHS scholarship for SY 2015-2016

DTI SoCot distributes price billboards, weighing scales and GPB checks to LGUs

Diskwento Caravan generates sales of more than P0.5M in Calamba

Capitol, STEAG partners on P6M watch tower construction in Agutayan Reef construction

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38 42

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Information to Empower Filipinos

8Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Emmanuel D. Taghoy

Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

cj-MIO Kapalong

Gideon C. Corgue

Danilo E. Doguiles

Aida C. Agad

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Eric F. Gallego

World Vision’s ABK3 LEAP: Keeping kids in school, curbing child labor

World Vision’s ABK3 LEAP: Keeping kids in school, curbing child labor

Two-day Jou“Marlon” is a grade three pupil at a village in Don Carlos town who attends school since early

this June, but feels like it’s his first day in school.

“I can now proudly carry my brand new backpack,” he said in dialect, minutes after becoming the first pupil to receive a raincoat, a set of school materials, and a backpack from World Vision through the project dubbed “Pag-Aaral ng Bata para sa Kinabukasan-Livelihood, Education, Advocacy, and Protection (ABK3 LEAP), which endeavors to reduce child labor through education.

“I used to carry a tattered bag and a ripped umbrella every day, all because we could not afford to buy these kinds of school stuff,” added ‘Inday’ a grade four pupil, who also received her school supplies for free on the same day.

“Marlon” is one of the more than 300 profiled schoolchildren in a sugarcane neighborhood of Sinangguyan who needs support to lift his self-confidence

by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

COVER STORY

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so that he can dare the challenges in school.

Primed to Keep Kids in School

“While attracting children to school is a crucial challenge, keeping them in school is even more essential. This requires a combination of educational activities that satisfies the child’s academic, social and emotional needs,” said Steve Francis Sarigumba, World Vision provincial engagement officer for Bukidnon.

To help bring more children to school while trying to stop those engaging in child labor, the World Vision, DepEd, and barangay government units jointly established a Learning Resource Center (LRC) in six identified barangays in Bukidnon namely San Nicolas, Sinangguyan and Maray-maray in Don Carlos municipality; San Roque, Panadtalan and Kuya in Maramag town.

Early this month, as the world commemorated the World Day Against Child Labor, ABK3 organized poster-making contest, Pinoylympics, livelihood products display, and reflexology service in Don Carlos town, which made the day a children’s festival.

A “Book Drive” was also launched on the same day to gather more used or new books from generous individuals and groups. The book collecting event will run for weeks up until July 30. Every book donated

will be handed over to Learning Resource Centers (LRCs), where supplemental learning materials such as educational toys, encyclopaedias, and different types of books are available for the targeted 2,000 children, Sarigumba said.

Combating Child Labor

Sometimes, work does not harm children. Work may even help them to learn new skills or to develop a sense of responsibility.

Child law experts, however, said if work is intolerable or harmful to children, denying them their right to fully develop, to play or go to school, it defies children’s rights as specified in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Republic Act 9231 or the Anti-Child Labor Law provides that children below 15 years old—if working in non-hazardous conditions—may work for not more than 20 hours a week, at most, 4 hours a day. The law limits children

15 to 17 years old to work not more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. Night work from 8pm to 6am is also prohibited. Violators shall be meted the corresponding penalty.

The Challenge

The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates 2.4 million child workers are in the Philippines and many of them are in rural areas working in fields. Recent ILO statistics showed that Bukidnon is among five provinces in the country that employ children as laborers, having about 2,000

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children and youth between 9 and 17 years old engaged in laborious works within sugarcane plantations, corn and rice fields.

“We must help them in their struggle because Child Labor, as an issue, is closely connected with scarcity, education, the distribution of world resources, socio-economic structures and other related issues. Children could do nothing without somebody’s help,” ABK’s provincial head said.

Hence, World Vision, through ABK3 LEAP project, provides educational assistance to schoolchildren, geared towards combating child labor in sugarcane areas. It adopted the best

practices developed from ABK1 & ABK2 projects previously implemented in the country’s 10 provinces. Funded by the United States Department of Labor (USDoL), ABK3 LEAP project is an initiative to reduce child labor in sugarcane areas and aims to assist 52,000 children (5-17 years old) and 25,000 households in identified provinces nationwide for a period of four years with education opportunities for children, sustainable livelihood for parents and families as well as youth employment services among others.

The project covers 11 provinces, namely Batangas, Camarines Sur,

Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Leyte, Bukidnon, North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.

These provinces were selected on the basis of sugarcane production, poverty incidence, size of rural population and education averages in terms of enrolment rate, retention, dropouts and classroom size. As beneficiaries of the ABK3 LEAP project, Bukidnon’s Don Carlos and Maramag towns are now hoping a lift in the pride and spirit of the assisted schoolchildren.

“Children are happy by nature. They are happy if their environment is happy,” Sarigumba said.

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Across the Nation

Malacañang marks the founding of the Katipunan

Malacañang on Monday marked the 122nd anniversary of the founding of the Katipunan, the secret society that helped

spark the 1896 Philippine Revolution.

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Across the Nation “Exactly 122 years ago, the Katipunan was founded with the ideals of freedom and patriotism, its members fueled by love for country and solidarity,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

“Today, many generations hence, we continue this struggle to build a better nation by strengthening our mechanisms of transparency, accountability, and inclusive prosperity through reform,” he added.

On July 7, 1892, as Dr. Jose P. Rizal was about to be exiled to Dapitan in Mindanao, members of a secret council convened in No. 72 Azcarraga St. in Manila and founded the Kataastaasang

Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), which advocated freedom from Spanish rule through an armed struggle.

Among those who founded the KKK were Andres Bonifacio, Deodato Arellano, Valentin Diaz, Teodoro Plata, Ladislao Diwa, Jose Dizon and members of the La Liga Filipina, organized by Dr. Rizal.

“As we mark this anniversary, we invite you to revisit this important landmark in our history, details of which can be found on the Presidential Museum and Library website: http://malacanang.gov.ph/4304-the-founding-of-the-katipunan,” said Lacierda. PND

Government confiscates 4,000 metric tons of NFA rice from private trading company

The government’s effort in battling overpricing, manipulation and cartel-like activities has led to the confiscation of an

estimated 4,000 metric tons of rice, a Palace official said on Sunday.

Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., said the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has seized this much from three out of 12 warehouses they investigated.

“Tatlong bodega ang natagpuang may

paglabag sa batas dahil hindi makapagpakita ng dokumento ang mga tinuring na rice traders at ang mga ito ay ipinadlock (padlock) na ng CIDG,” said Coloma in a press briefing over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

“Ayon sa ulat ni NFA (National Food Authority) Administrator Arthur Juan, mula

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lamang sa tatlong bodega na siniyasat, may natagpuang 80,076 na bags ng bigas na kung tig-50 kilo ang laman, may kabuuang humigit-kumulang 4,000 metrikong toneladang bigas,” Coloma added.

In a similar development, Coloma said Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agriculture Modernization Secretary Francis Pangilinan reported that the Malolos Prosecutor’s Office has filed a case against a rice trading company.

The company was found violating Presidential Decree No. 4, for diversion of price and facing price manipulation charges under the Price Act, where they can face five to 15 years imprisonment.

Coloma also said NFA Administrator

Juan reported that NFA-Bulacan Provincial Manager and NFA-Region III Director were both tasked to explain how NFA rice found its way to the hands of a private company when it should only be traded by cooperatives.

“Pinapatunayan lang nitong pagkilos ng ating pamahalaan na totoo ang hinala na meron talagang mga nagsasamantala at nagsasagawa ng mga paglabag sa batas na hoarding at pag-manipula ng presyo. Kaya ngayong nabulabog na sila, at nahulihan na ng konkretong ebidensya ang ilan sa kanila, at nasampahan na rin ng ng kaso ng ating pamahalaan, inaasahan nating luluwag na ang supply sa merkado,” said Coloma. PND (ag)

11JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Mindanao River Basin TWG aims to fast track flood control projects Members of the Mindanao River Basin-Technical Working

Group (MRB-TWG) convened here on Tuesday to review ongoing projects aimed to provide long-term solutions to the flooding within the area and to fast track technical preparations needed to jumpstart the construction and implementation of both structural and non-structural flood control interventions.

Convened by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the meeting gathered the core members of the MRB-TWG composed of representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

of Regions X, XII and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), along with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the Regional Planning Development Office, Department of Environment and Natural


Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Structural interventions are composed of infrastructure and other flood-control projects, while non-structural interventions include reforestation, mangrove rehabilitation, and sustainable watershed management.

“Both of these structural and non-structural interventions are aimed to address the issue of flooding beyond a piece-meal method and are part of the strategic programs prioritized in the MRB Master Plan which adopts the ridge-to-reef approach,” said MinDA Chair Luwalhati Antonino.

The ridge-to-reef is a development approach that requires the protection, utilization, and rehabilitation of the environment from the mountains to the seas. Mindanao’s roadmap for peace and development or Mindanao 2020 calls for the full implementation of this strategy.

Initiated by MinDA, the MRB Master Plan is a result of several years of study that delved into the root causes of the constant flooding in the river basin, and at the same time outlined recommendations on interventions to address the problem in an integrated and holistic approach that cuts across regional and provincial borders

Completed in 2013, the MRB Master Plan was subsequently endorsed by the Regional Development Councils of Regions X and XII, as well as

the Regional Economic Development and Planning Board of the ARMM by the first quarter of this year. The same plan was also adopted by the Cabinet Cluster on the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation during its meeting in Quezon City last month.

To date, there are seven structural projects that are on going and designed to relieve the flooding problem in the area. These include the P39.89 million River Bank Protection Project along the Cotabato-GenSan Road in Tamontaka, Cotabato City which is expected to be completed in June 2014; the P174.19 million Simuay Flood Control Project in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao which is expected to be completed by the end of 2014; the P46 million Allah River Flood Control Project in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat which is expected to be completed in July 2014; a P50 million and P74.5 million Libungan Flood Control Projects Phase III both in Libungan, Cotabato which are expected to be completed in August and October of 2014, respectively; a P72.5 million Carmen River Bank Protection with Revetment Flood Control Project in Lumayong, Carmen, Cotabato to be completed in November 2014; and a P15.2 million University of Southern Mindanao Flood Control Project Phase I in Kabacan, Cotabato which is already substantially completed.

Aside from these existing structural


projects, MinDA has been proactively advocating for the fast tracking of the implementation of six priority flood control projects in the MRB with a budget of P6.9 billion from DPWH. The six identified priority projects are: Channel modification of the Ambal-Simuay River; Dredging of the Rio Grande de Mindanao; Dredging and dike construction along the Tunggol River including the expansion of the Tunggol bridge; Construction of revetment dikes along the Ala River; Construction of revetments along the Buluan River; and the Construction of revetments along the Tamontaka River.

The DPWH central office has already prioritized these projects and the detailed engineering is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Along with the River Basin Control Office (RBCO) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), MinDA has been mandated by Executive Order No. 50 to not only complete the MRB Master Plan and to facilitate development interventions, but also to create the MRB Management council to serve as lead organization that will oversee the protection and management of waters and natural resources within the MRB.

In line with efforts to climate change-proof the MRB Master Plan, the MRB-TWG recently completed its second module of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (DRRM-CCAM) training, equipping them with the

knowledge and skills to include DRRM and CCAM initiatives in the master plan.

“This is part of our integrated effort to also prepare our partner agencies including the LGU alliances within the MRB to implement their respective preparedness, prevention and mitigation measures,” said Antonino.

As part of non-structural efforts to address flooding in Mindanao, MinDA, the DENR and the DILG are collaborating in massive reforestation efforts in areas in and around critical rivers, mountain ranges, watershed and identified flooded areas in Mindanao.

Under the Mindanao Barangay StraTREEgic Forest Project (BSFP), an initial 200 barangays throughout the island-region will be actively engaged in reforestation efforts in support of the National Greening Program.

The BSFP, a sub-project of MinDA’s MindaNOW! Nurturing Our Waters Program will help mobilize stakeholders, resources and partnerships in reforestation efforts not only as a mitigating measure against further flooding, but is also envisioned to restore the forest cover of the island-region. From the initial 200 barangays, the BSFP is planned to expand to an eventual total of 1,700 barangays all over Mindanao.

Also present during the meeting are Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr., ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Alamia, and Ching Ayupan, representative of the office of Cardinal Orlando Quevedo.


Gingoog adjudged as nutrition awardee in NorMinby Buboy Pabia

GINGOOG CITY - The city of Gingoog has been declared as Green Banner Awardee for city level category garnering the highest score of 92.9% by the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI)-Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (OBNS) team after its recent concluded evaluation.


Diskwento Caravan generates sales of more than P0.5M in Calamba by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental - A total cash sales of P539,928.67 was generated by the 1st “Diskwento” Caravan Cum Consumers’ Fair, here, facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry, (DTI), during the second quarter, this year.

The city’s chief extended her felicitations to the City Nutrition Council (CNC) spearheaded by Elmer Risonar with his head Dr. Grace Jadol of the City Health Office for a remarkable accomplishment. City mayor Marie Guingona is pleased to note such award yielded from a six-year program implementation commencing from calendar year 2008 up to 2014 in consonance with the Executive Order by the previous administration and in line with the provision of Presidential Decree 491 and Republic Act 7160 on nutrition matter. The lady executive congratulated the members of the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Planning Implementation (MELLPI) in supervising and coordinating with all 79 barangay officials, health workers and other stakeholders for a concerted undertaking in declining the prevalence rate of malnutrition by 12.7% in 2008 and significantly reduced to 5.3% in the first quarter of

2013 and went down to 4.3% in the first quarter of 2014 according to Risonar, the nutrition action officer. Mayor Guingona fully supported and encouraged the CNC to continue implementing necessary initiatives with the working force from the offices of the executive, budget, planning, agriculture, veterinary, social welfare, accounting, treasury, social services with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), Red Cross and DXRG Radyo Ng Bayan. She further motivated punong barangays, midwives, nutrition scholars, health workers and other supportive groups to sustain their advocacy in deleting the prevalent record of malnutrition. Being the chairperson of the Philippine Red Cross, she continues her feeding program as her concrete manifestation of support on nutrition program to various barangays.


This amount was actually 7.98 percent higher over the expected sales of P500,000, set for the four-day activity, which was participated by 12 exhibitors, Delia M. Ayano, provincial director of DTI-Mis. Occ., said. Ayano said the activity was aimed at providing the town residents and those from the neighboring areas, the opportunity to avail of products sold at discounted prices and much lower than those sold in the regular market but are of good quality. She said the caravan allowed the consuming public to maximize their budget, particularly, in the procurement of basic necessities, prime commodities and school supplies. Meanwhile, Ayano credited the success of the caravan to the good networking relationship with the exhibitors, the local government unit and the promotion activities done by DTI in disseminating information about the details of where they will

go and how they can avail of the products to be offered during the caravan. It also helped that numerous dialogues were done with the local retailers to explain to them that the caravan was only for a few days and not meant to deprive them of their daily sales, but that they themselves can make the procurements direct from the exhibitors and no longer had to go to their main offices in the provincial capital, thereby saving their effort, travel time and fare. On the other hand, mayor Ezel T. Villanueva thanked DTI for making possible, the first ever Diskwento Caravan in their town, and the exhibitors, as well, because it has helped the residents with limited budget to buy items at lower prices and avail of the great bargain they offered.

Capitol, STEAG partners on P6M watch tower construction in Agutayan Reef construction by PIO

MISAMIS ORIENTAL - The provincial government of Misamis Oriental in partnership with STEAG State Power Inc. and the local government of Jasaan is set to start the construction of a P6.6 million watch tower in Agutayan white island this week.


According to governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, this will serve as the observation tower in the tight conduct of coastal law enforcement in order to monitor illegal fishing and other unnecessary activities within the waters of Jasaan and Macajalar Bay. “As my administration’s thrust delves on promoting the tourism

industry of the province, I value the protection and conservation of marine wildlife. We will make actions and generate schemes in order to sustain it,” the governor said. Jeffrey Saclot, provincial tourism officer said that STEAG donated the P6.6 million. “To recall, during our first tourism summit held October last year, STEAG vowed to support the province’s development on tourism by signing a memorandum of understanding. Thus, the provincial government is very thankful to STEAG,” Saclot added. The island’s marine protected

area houses around 200 giant clams, varieties of sea urchins, sea cucumber and all-reef species. “In my tourism kiosk environment is the first pillar. This signifies how significant environment protection and conservation are in the realm of developing the tourism industry of

the province. It must be considered,” the governor stressed. “These all-reef species must be protected and conserved. We partnered with different companies and organizations and I thank STEAG for their response,” he added. A f t e r c o n s t r u c t i o n , monitoring and safety devices such as radar,

life jackets, search lights, and hand held radios will be installed. Agutayan white island in Jasaan is one of the eight priority tourism sites of this administration. Others include Aya-aya falls in Lugait; Sagpulon falls in Jasaan; Sailfin lizard sanctuary in Jasaan; Alibuag Cold Spring in Medina; Cebu Pacific Flight 387 shrine in Gingoog City; Tugasnon hot spring in Alubijid; and Civoleg Falls in Gingoog City. The provincial government is now on the planning stage for the development of Sagpulon falls and Sailfin lizard sanctuary.


Butuan Habitat for Humanity pushes for climate change risk resiliency By Venus L. GarciaBUTUAN CITY- The Butuan Habitat for Humanity represented by its president, Nora Rama, has expressed full support on the drive for a climate risk-resilient and adaptive communities with safe, secured and productive environment.


Butuan Habitat for Humanity pushes for climate change risk resiliency

“Our country is considered as one of the most vulnerable place to climate change where extreme weather and other disastrous catastrophes are most likely expected. The natural calamities brought havoc and worst destruction happen in ways we can’t ever imagine. Thousands of lives were devastated and homeless families suffer due to the unpredictable phenomena. It’s simply undeniable that climate change has some serious implications in our na-tion and we should commit ourselves to do our part,” expounded Rama. She recounted that at their own level, as non-profit organiza-tion grounded in a mission principle of creating opportunities for all peo-ple to live in decent, durable shel-ter by helping build and renovate homes, Butuan Habitat has also stir its initiatives to inculcate in the minds of Habitat communities the idea of greening activities, conservation, and waste management, among others. According to Rama, “the group is instructing for proper waste manage-ment as a basic approach of telling Habitat communities to develop an attitude of concern about climate change mitigation and adaptation.” As Butuan Habitat for Hu-manity advocates for affordable housing and supports for sustain-able and transformational devel-opment, its employees including the Nehemiah team, a group of American volunteers who helped build Habitat houses in Caraga region had direct involvement in tree planting activities in Mount

Mayapay for years now. Meanwhile, Engr. Heddy Sumalpong, vice president of Butuan Habitat for Hu-manity also reminded to adhere on the national building permit code that 20 percent of the area should be open space and be plotted with plants. “It’s advisable not to fully con-cretize the grounds to have enough area for planting and cultivation. Let’s carry out our own contributions to help build resiliency,” she said. Sumalpong said that they are in support to the laudable program of the Butuan City local government dubbed “Plant and Grow a Million Trees.” Driven by spirit of volunteer-ism in working with the Butuan Habi-tat for Humanity, Rama underscored that people are the best resources to mobilize climate change advocacy campaign. “For even the richest peo-ple are not considered billionaires if they do nothing but the richest are the people who volunteered and syn-ergized for mitigation and adapta-tion of climate change,” said Rama.


DENR Caraga signs MOA with local TV station, Barangay Doongan By Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

BUTUAN CITY,- Barangay Doongan’s former dumpsite was converted into a Tree Park as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 13 and ABS-CBN Butuan signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 27, 2014 in a simple ceremony held at Barangay Doongan here.

The MOA also acknowledges the network’s initiative to undertake tree planting activities at Barangay Doongan Tree Park as part of their 15th anniversary celebration.

“ABS-CBN wants to affirm their social responsibility in their slogan, ‘In the Service of the Filipino’ thru Bantay Kalikasan program,” ABS-CBN Butuan News Anchor Lorilly Charmane Awitan said.

The ceremony was also attended by

regional director Nonito M. Tamayo, barangay Doongan captain Gilberto Enriquez and OIC, CENRO Norman Asugan of Nasipit.

Under the contract, ABS-CBN shall conduct tree planting activities in the Barangay Tree Park from July until December 2014 with 300 seedlings to be planted every last Saturdays of every month or a total of 1,800 seedlings by the end of the year.

Tamayo acknowledged the support


DENR Caraga signs MOA with local TV station, Barangay Doongan By Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

of the network in the National Greening Program of the government. “1,800 seedlings may be minimal if compared to the 1.5 billion trees target of the NGP but nevertheless, it is of great help. Great things come in small packages, if we continue to create activities like this, then hitting or exceeding our goal is definitely possible,” Tamayo said.

Barangay officials of Doongan shall be responsible in the maintenance and protection of the planted trees. The barangay aims to be a model for a sustainable urban forest-based community.

“We aim not only to beautify the environment but of course to protect

it,” Awitan stated.According to Tamayo,

a lot of studies show that the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. The impact of climate change could lead to a total of 167,290 hectares of seashore land in 171 coastal towns under 10 provinces in the Philippines to go underwater due to a one-meter sea level rise requiring all walks of life to take the initiative in taking care of our planet before it’s too late.

“Forests are the lungs of the Earth. We should all do our part in protecting it especially today that we are in the midst of climate change,” added Tamayo.

DENR 13 exec calls for readiness as employees conclude Environment Month

BUTUAN CITY - The employees of the DENR Region 13 have successfully concluded the Environment Month Celebration on Monday with the call for action and preparedness in the face of the Global Climate Change, amid fun and games and talent competition on June 30 at the DENR 13 Covered Court in Barangay Ambago, here.

By Eric F. Gallego

The occasion also gave recognition to 28 individuals including seven companies and local government units as “Environmental Heroes” for their support to the programs of the DENR particularly in the Anti-Illegal Logging Campaign and the National Greening Program

(NGP).“I wish to thank all those

individuals, industry partners, local government units, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army under the 4th Infantry Division, including the media and other civil society groups who helped in pursuing


the goals and programs of the DENR with the objective of uplifting the living condition of the people in the uplands and remote mountain villages and in protecting our forest areas from illegal logging and other environmental crimes,” regional director Nonito M. Tamayo said in his remarks at the culmination program.

Amidst the celebration, however, Tamayo reminded the people to be extra careful of the danger pose by the rising sea level owing to the effect of Global Warming that also triggers Global Climate Change.

Although it was not his intention to spoil the party, Tamayo nevertheless reminded the audience about the recent disaster in the provinces of Leyte, Samar and other provinces in the Eastern Visayas hit by Typhoon Yolanda in November 8, last year which claimed hundreds of human lives and destroyed billions of pesos worth of infrastructure, agriculture, schools, buildings and houses.

“This is now the new normal where you can see storm surges caused by strong typhoons,” Tamayo said. “It would be best for all of us particularly those people living along the coastal

areas to be ready and prepared all the time since the guarantee of our safety is uncertain in the face of the climate change,” he said.

Tamayo cited a report by Senator Loren Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources that preparations and readiness must be in place in communities affected by the sea level rise which is seen to displace 13.6 million Filipinos by the year 2050.

Tamayo said that the coastal communities and small island nations have high vulnerability to sea level rise base on several studies made by experts on climate change.

A study made by the University of the Philippines Los Baños Climate Change Program indicated that there are 171 coastal towns in 10 provinces that might go underwater due to a one-meter sea level rise affecting about 167,290 hectares of seashore land by the year 2050.

“While experts predicted that this will happen years from now, we can act proactively by encouraging LGUs to update their Comprehensive Land Use Plans and identify potential relocation sites where people


could be evacuated to keep them safe from the rising waters. We should also start strengthening our infrastructures and rehabilitate our natural defenses against storm surges such as our mangroves and beach forests,” Tamayo emphasized.

During the culmination program, the DENR has recognized the support of the following government, military and police officials, and several entities in the pursuit of the programs of the DENR on EO 23 and EO 26.

They are Police Regional Office 13 regional director PCSupt. Dominador E. Aquino,Jr.; 401st Brigade, 4ID Philippine Army commanding officer Col. Gregory M. Cayetano INF (GSC) PA; 402nd Brigade, 4ID Philippine Army commanding officer Col. Ferdinand F. Quidilla, INF (GSC) MNSA; DILG-13 regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion; Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr.; Mayor Norbert B. Pagaspas of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; Forester Ronaldo Gadot, Presidential Anti-Organize Crime Commission; Police Senior Inspector Manuel G. Bayaona, Jr., Police Special Action Force based in Tagbina, Surigao del

Sur; Commanding Officer of the 75th Infantry Batallion, 6th ID Philippine Army Lt.Col. Novan L. Alcovindas; PNP Provincial Direcor of Agusan del Sur PSSupt. Alexander J. Sampaga; Commanding Officer of the 36th IB,4th ID PA Lt. Col. Anastacio L. Suaybaguio, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion, 4th ID PA Lt. Col. Ignatius N. Patrimonio; Butuan City Police Chief Romy I. Palgue; Police Chief Inspector Ignaicio B. Gamba of the 13th Regional Criminal Investigation Division Unit; PISNP Junil A. Gultiano, PINSP Michael P. Corvera, Army CPL Allan T. Sguinid, 41st DRC IB, 4ID PA; Army CPL Sharif P. Asula, 41st DRC IB, 4ID PA; PINSP Rodel R. Dorado, PNP Talacogon, Agusan del Sur; Jessie A. Magallanes, City Mayor Action Network, Butuan City; the LGU of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur; the LGUs of Claver and Pilar, all in Surigao del Norte; the Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation; Agatha Mining Ventures; the Barangay LGU officials of Barangay Lumbocan in Butuan City; and the Clarence Ty Pimentel Construction and Mining Corporation.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, -- About 8 of every 10 graduates of technical vocational education and training (TVET) programs in SOC-CSKSARGEN Region got employed, according to the latest of the Impact Evaluation Study (IES) of TESDA.

SOCCSKSARGEN ranks 3rd in employment of TVET graduatesBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Incoming high school (Grade 7) stu-dents who are interested to join the prestigious Philippine Science High School (PSHS) may now submit their application documents.

Results of the 2013 IES survey of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority indicated that the placement rate of TVET graduates in SOCCSKSARGEN Region reached 76.1%, making the region third among the regions with highest employment success.

The figure exceeds the national TVET employment rate of 65.3%.

Region 6 (Western Visayas) and Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) were the best performers with ratings of 82.2% and 78.4%, respectively.

Survey in SOCCSKSARGEN Region covered a total of 35,367 TVET graduates in 2010 and 2012 with a sample size of 1,175.

The 2013 IES adopted stratified random sampling, with the regions as the identified strata and a systematic random sampling was applied in the selection of sample respondents per stratum.

The survey was done through personal interview of the sampled graduates or key informants using a structured questionnaire.

SOCCSKSARGEN or Region 12 consists of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sutan Kudarat and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal,

Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

Meanwhile, TESDA 12 Regional Director Zeus Ampuyas expressed thanks and appreciation to the technical vocational institutions in the region for their effort in facilitating the employment of their graduates in 2010 and 2012.

Most of these graduates were recipients of the scholarship programs of TESDA, namely: Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA).

TESDA ultimately measures TVET performance by the absorption of its graduates into decent work. Thus, it embodied in the implementing guidelines of the TWSP for the technical vocational institutions (TVIs) to work for the job placement of at least 60% of their graduates under said scholarship program within six months after graduation.

IES is an annual undertaking of TESDA and aims to evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of TVET programs. It intends to generate data and information on the employability and employment-related indicators. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from RMPalencia-TESDA 12)

DOST announces opening of PSHS scholarship for SY 2015-2016By: Danilo E. Doguiles


The Department of Science and Technology in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DOST 12) announced that the PSHS is now accepting applicants from incoming high school freshmen for school year 2015-2016.

PSHS, which operates as an attached agency of the DOST, is a specialized public high school system that focuses on high quality science-based education and training, that continuously contribute to nation-building by creating a critical mass of scientists and engineers.

Its students enjoy government subsidy.

Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laidan, DOST 12 said Grade 6 pupils who belong to the top 10 percent of the graduating class are qualified to take the competitive examination of the PSHS science and technology scholarship.

Interested students may get application forms from the PSHS-SOCCSKSARGEN Campus at Barangay Paraiso, Koronadal City, the DOST-12 Regional Office in Cotabato City or the nearest Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC).

Application forms may also be downloaded from the DOST-PSHS website, www.pshs.edu.ph where information regarding other requirements may also be accessed.

Fully accomplished application

forms in duplicate copies must be submitted on or before August 15, 2014.

DOST announced further that the national competitive examination that would determine who will qualify as student of PSHS will be held on October 4, 2014.

The NCE is designed to measure scientific ability, quantitative ability, abstract reasoning, and verbal aptitude of the applicants.

In Region 12, designated testing centers include Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC), Cotabato City; University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Kabacan, North Cotabato; Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), Tacurong City; Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), Koronadal City; and Mindanao State University (MSU), General Santos City.

PSHS scholars enjoy free tuition, free loan of text books, monthly stipend, uniform, transportation and living allowances for low income groups.

For more information, please contact the PSTC in Sarangani/General Santos City, (083)-554-7997; South Cotabato, (083)-228-2342; Sultan Kudarat, (064) 200-3521; North Cotabato, (064)248-2112; and PSHS-SRC, 09989713481. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The Department of Trade and Indus-try (DTI) here distributed price billboards,weighing scales and Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) checks to local government units (LGUs) of South Cotabato province.

DTI SoCot distributes price billboards, weighing scales and GPB checks to LGUsBy: Aida C. Agad

The GPB initial recipients, the LGUs of T’boli, Sto. Niño, Surallah, Polomolok and Lake Sebu received their consumer protection paraphernalia in a ceremony on June 30, 2014 at Hernandez Farm, Sta. Cruz, this city

DTI-SC provincial director Flora Gabunales said the other two municipalities with GPB projects namely; Tampakan and Norala are yet to complete their documentary requirements before the funds will be released.

Gabunales said distribution of the paraphernalias are in line with their mission of empowering consumers, as the price billboards and weighing scales intend to help consumers get the best value for their money when they buy prime and basic commodities.

The Price Billboards will reflect the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of the prime and basic commodities on a particular week. Weighing Scales (Timbangan ng Bayan) will be deployed purposely to counter check the weight of goods bought by consumers.

These consumer protection paraphernalia are to be placed in conspicuous areas of the public

markets and will be highly accessible to the market-goers, Gabunales said.

Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) is a government program that involves line agencies, like DTI. It aims to help local entrepreneurs enhance their capabilities through competency development and the acquisition of equipment and facilities they need. This is implemented in partnership with the Local Government Units.

The initial amounts released to the municipalities intended for implementation during the current month, are as follows; T’boli - P275,000; Sto. Niño - P692,000; Surallah - P107,142.86; Polomolok - P45,000.00; Lake Sebu - P250,000. This brings to a total of P1,369,142.86.

Present during the turn over ceremony were DTI 12 assistant regional director Dorecita T. Delima, governor Daisy P. Avance Fuentes, South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Ferdinand L. Hernandez, Board Members of the1st and 2nd Districts, Municipal Mayors and Market Supervisors. (AC Agad PIA 12 with report from AM Bercadez-DTI South Cotabato)


Legarda urges Dabawenyos to serve as stewards of Mt. Hamiguitan

CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental---- Senate Committee Chair on En-vironment Loren Legarda chal-lenged the constituents of Davao Oriental to take on the role as stewards of Mt. Hamiguitan which UNESCO recently inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

Gracing the recently held Araw ng Davao Oriental as guest speaker, Legarda urged residents of Davao Oriental to make known to all people, even at the household level that Davao Oriental plays host to


the newly UNESCO-inscribed Mt. Hamiguitan. She pointed out that all people in Davao Oriental should take pride of Mt. Hamiguitan as the first UNESCO-inscribed World Heritage Site in Mindanao, ranking among the six World Heritage Sites in the country and the sixth UNESCO-inscribed wildlife sanctuary in the world. “Yan po sana ang inyong ikwento sa inyong mga anak sa inyong kamag anak to be proud of your national and natural heritage,” she said. She hoped that the pride of having such world heritage in their midst would make them become nature-loving. “Dapat ituro natin na ang ating pangangalaga ay maging likas sa atin,” (We must also teach that our being caring should be natural to us) she said. Legarda went on reminding everyone present during the event that man does not own the land the natural environment

resources therein, but “merely stewards of nature.” Meanwhile, Legarda called on all national line agencies to work together and put together efforts in “protecting, conserving and sustaining Mt. Hamiguitan.” She also pointed out that everyone in the government, the private and the academe can do something for Mt. Hamiguitan and that they have a stake for its protection. On the other hand, Legarda gave credit to the leadership of Davao Oriental especially to Provincial Gov. Corazon Malanyaon for her resolve effort to pick the UNESCO inscription for Mt. Hamiguitan as a World Heritage site. She also recognized Vice Governor Mayo Almario for passing a bill while he was still in Congress, leading to the proclamation of Mt. Hamiguitan as a protected site. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)-


Kapalong PNP Advisory Council members take oath of office KAPALONG, Davao del Norte - The members of the newly constituted Kapalong PNP Advisory Council took their oath as advisory body of the local PNP last July 4, 2014 at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall. Hon. Vice Mayor Ma. Theresa R. Timbol was unanimously chosen to head the council during its organizational meeting initiated by PNP Kapalong thru Chief of Police P/CI Carl Omar H. Fiel right after the oath taking. The institutionalization of the PNP Advisory Council was conceived as part of the implementation efforts of the Performance Governance System initiative which is an offshoot to the PNP PATROL Plan 2030. The Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and Upholding the Rule of Law or PNP Patrol Plan 2030 is the PNP’s long term transformation program which aims to create a culture of transformation in the police service nationwide. The other members of the Kapalong Advisory Council coming from different sectors include, Mrs. Arlene C. Datu – MLGOO and Mr. Gaspar T. Balinggao - Municipal Administrator (elected as the council’s Vice Chairman) represent the government sector; Dr.

Christie Jean V. Ganiera, -Municipal Information Officer/KCAST President and Mr. Clemente E. Timbal -Public Elem Schools District Supervisor, represent the academe; Mrs. Leslie P. Quesada and Mrs. Aida Arrocena, from the Business Sector; Pastor Joel Viscaya from the religious sector and Mr. Ted Cabana from the media. P/CI Fiel in his welcome message bared that the advisory council’s function is to represent the people of Kapalong as the advisers of the local PNP particularly in helping them in projecting initiatives that will uplift not only the morale of the PNP but also of the community. “With this move, we will be able to attain the PNP’s vision of becoming highly capable, effective and credible in our police service by 2030.” Fiel stressed. Other prime functions of the advisory council involve the identification of key priorities and strategic issues and evaluation of strategies for the implementation of different PNP programs and activities and assisting the local PNP to generate additional resources to support and sustain their plans and programs. P/Supt. Giusseppe A. Geralde, VP of the Provincial Police Strategic Management Unit (PPSMU) and the


Asst. Provincial Director for Operations represented Provincial Director Samuel B. Gadingan in administering the oath of the Municipal Police Strategic Management Unit and the Advisory Council. Mayor Edgardo L. Timbol in his message pointed out the importance of accountability charged to the council in the performance of their duties towards lasting reforms in improving the PNP’s performance on public service delivery.

Vice Mayor Tess Timbol encouraged the council members to be present in every council meetings and do their part in helping the PNP as they set foot in improving their quality of service due to the people of Kapalong. “For the love of Kapalong, you will give your time for this undertaking,” Vice Mayor Timbol said as she adjourned the organizational meeting. (cj-MIO Kapalong)

facts and figures

3 the numberof provinces created from the mother province of Davao under Republic Act 4867 which gave birth to the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur


New commander assumes post at 1st Tabak division By Claro A. Lanipa

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Major General (Mgen.) Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad Jr., commanding officer of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army (PA) has formally turned-over the command to Brigadier General (BGen.) Gerardo F. Barrientos Jr. in change of command ceremony held last July 2 at the Division Grandstand, Camp Ceasar Sang-an, Upper Pulacan this municipality.


New commander assumes post at 1st Tabak division

Presiding during the turnover rites was Army’s vice commander MGen. Romulo M. Cabnantac Jr., with other army officials, local chief executives and representatives of the local government units, heads and representatives of civic and non-government organizations, local media, civilian employees of the division and other guests in attendance. In his message Gen. Trinidad said “I relinquish my post confident that the gains and momentum achieved by the division will not end with me but will continue to increase, given the dedication and efforts of the personnel who ensures

the protection of the people and the security of the land.” “To the officers and men of the brigade and all units, preserve the gains we have made and demonstrate to my successor the same zeal that you had demonstrated to me during my watch,” Trinidad urged. “To BGen. Barrientos please take good care of this command and its troop and may you lead this unit in achieving even more success in the future,” Trinidad appealed. The outgoing Tabak commander is now assigned as the new commander of the Northern Luzon Command based in Camp Aquino in Tarlac.


Pagadian gears up for Asean integration By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (ZSPCCCIFI) have invited businessmen, local chief executives, legislators, and other sectors of society to join the 4th Pagadian City Business Week and Small Medium Enterprise (SME) week starting July 6-10.

DTI-Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Director Ma. Socorro Atay said in a recent press conference held at the DTI conference room that businessmen, local chief executives (LCEs), muncipal councilors, Municipal Enterprise Economic and Development Officers (MEEDOs),

local enterprise and promotion officers, media and other sectors of society are encouraged to join the weeklong activities for them to be apprised on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Integration by 2015. “We are gearing up towards


Asean economic integration,” Atay declared. “Our country is aiming to compete with other Asean countries in the free flow of goods, services, and finances by 2015. That is why we need to hasten our preparation.” The ASEAN economic integration is the full realization of an ASEAN Economic Community in which the region will be transformed “into a single market and production base, a highly competitive region, a region of equitable economic development, and a region fully integrated into the global economy.” Philippines is now preparing to be integrated in the Asean economy along with Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In a forum to be conducted, Atay said, the topic on Asean integration will be thoroughly discussed to equip businessmen the knowledge for them to be able compete themselves with other businessmen in the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) countries. Meanwhile, ZSPCCCFI President MerlouQuisumbing said the activities lined up for the celebration include a city walk and dawn prayer around the city strees on July 6, opening ceremony and SME week sale on July 7, July 8, Barangay Livelihood Entrepreneurship Seminar and Simple Bookeeping Seminar at Tiguma Barangay Hall on July 8, business forum on Asean integration, business continuing planning for MSME, and getting ready for the Asean Economic Community for LGUs at Guillermo Hotel on July 9,

agri-aquaculture forum on July 10, and business night on July 11. Quisumbing said the celebration is mandated by Republic Act No. 9501, also known as an act to promote entrepreneurship by strengtehing development and assistance programs to micro, small and medium scale enterpises. This year’s business week celebration carries the theme, “Strengthening Competitiveness and Sustainability of SMEs,” while the SME week has for its theme, “Cooperation, Integration, Progress and Transformation.”

one mindanao - july 7, 2014

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