one mindanao -may 31, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESExecutive 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

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Cover Story

“SHINE Baliangao” Strategy highlights protection of its rich mangrove ecosystem

Rutchie Cabahug-AguhobNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Thursday, May 31, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 269

page 4

Pops Gumana-Fruylan, Central Mindanao

Aquino allots P5-million to improve Philippine Merchant Marine Academy’s water supply 9

Dengue cases in Mis. Occ. down by 83.33%

SOCOTECO II warns against fake inspection team

16 North Cotabato to build longest zipline in Southeast Asia

Senior citizens to receive 2nd quarter pensions’ subsidy in June

Shahana Joy Duerme, Central Mindanao

Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Brigada Eskwela ensures smooth opening of classes—DepEd Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy, Northern Mindanao

DENR celebrates silver anniversary in June24Eric F. Gallego, Caraga Region

2,000 patients benefit in Zambo medical mission33 Gideon C. Corgue, Western Mindanao

27

Land Acquisition Program ng DAR nagpapatuloy19Perlita Changco, Armm

23

Smart, PAGASA launch automatic rain gauge project in Tagum 31 Southern Mindanao

2814

7 11 13 17

20 26 30 32

Dipolog City entry wins SPES GOT TALENT 2012 35 Megajane A. Serna, Western Mindanao

4 Thursday, May 31, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

The town of Baliangao will continue to highlight the

conservation and protection of its natural resources, the foremost of which is its very rich mangrove ecosystem.

Cover Story“SHINE Baliangao” Strategy highlights protection of its rich mangrove ecosystem

This was emphasized by Mayor Svetlana P. Jalosjos-De Leon who said protection of the ecosystem is a priority of the “SHINE Baliangao” Strategy reflective of the town’s five (5) themes: “Social Enterprise Development, Health and Social Services, Infrastructure Support, New Systems of Governance and Ecology and Education.” The Mayor said the town’s mangrove ecosystem is settled at the Baliangao Protected

Landscape and Seascape (BPLS) that has become

a source of pride to its people.

A biological

coast, the BPLS is located in the northern part of the province of Misamis Occidental, within the geographic coordinates of 8031’ to 8039’ east latitude and 123038’ to 123039’ north longitude. It is bounded in the north by the Danao Sea, in the east by Sinian River, in the west by Barangays Tugas and Misom and in the south by Barangay Landing of Baliangao. “The BPLS has a very rich biodiversity, therefore, it has a high risk of biodiversity loss, if not regularly monitored and guarded,”

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Thursday, May 31, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

the Mayor said. Hence, the LGU

with the help of the Protected Area Wildlife Coastal Zone Management System, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (PAWCZMS-DENR) has set up a Biodiversity Monitoring Station (BMS) in the area. Spanning some two (2) kilometers, the BMS serves as the guard post to prevent poachers and to conduct a periodic monitoring of the BPLS. The interactions of the living organisms with the natural coastal processes in the BPLS are brought about by the formation of combined coral reef and mangrove coasts, Exequiel A. Barillo, Protected Area Superintendent from DENR-Mis. Occ. said. “The coral reef coast is of fringing type which serves as a barrier and protection for the mangrove forest against strong waves,” according to Barillo.

He also said behind the coral reef is the mangrove coast

where mangrove forest species dominate the

landscape area while sea

grasses and seaweeds dominate the seascape area. During the first quarter of the year, the BMS has monitored the BPLS to have at least more than 20 types of mangrove species which is vulnerable to poaching primarily for house construction and fishing-boat making. In her report, Beverly A. Cabatuan, Environment Management Specialist (EMS) II of DENR-Mis. Occ., said the Alipata and Dapdap species are now in small numbers and already matured and therefore needs to be replanted while the Bacauan species dominate the mangrove forest.Other species found in the BPLS include the Genus Avicennia, Bruguiera, Ceriops, Lumnitzera, Sonneratia, Xylocarpus and Nypa. Also found in the mangrove forest are the species Saging-Saging, Bacauan-Lalake, Bacauan-

6 Thursday, May 31, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Babae, Bacauan-Bato, Piagau, Balok-Balok/Tiu, Dungon, Mayoro, Pedada, Pagatpat, Tabigi, Piapi, Malatangal, Malabago, Sagusa, Talisay and Rattan. Among the observed wildlife were waterbird species mostly heard chirping on top of the trees and hopping on its lower branches, that included the following: Olive-Backed Sunbird or Tamsi, Kingfisher or Tikarol, Philippine Glossy Starling or Kulansiyang, Chestnut Manikkin or Maya, Black-

Capped Oriol or Antolihaw, Spotted Dove or Tukmo,

Brahminy Kite or Banog and the Common Egret,

also known as Great White Heron

and Blue-

Capped Woodpecker. The monitoring was done through the Transect Walk, the Field Diary, Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and Photo Documentation Methods, Cabatuan said. “We hope to raise the awareness of our people on the conservation, rehabilitation and protection of our resources

by strengthening our information, education and communication (IEC) program to include climate change, to generate the support of the stakeholders,” Mayor De Leon added.


ACROSS THE NATION

In his speech, the President congratulated the new graduates, 241 of them, for having hurdled what he called the “easy” part of their careers adding that it

was now time to buckle down to hard work.

“Simula na ang paglalayag sa tunay na lipunan; simula na ng pagsuong sa mga daluyong ng pagsubok;

oras na ng pagpalaot upang pitasin ang katuparan ng inyong mga pangarap,” he added.

He noted that Filipino seafarers account for 25 percent of the total

Aquino leads 189th Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Commencement ceremonies

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the 2012 graduates of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy in commemorating its 189th Commencement Exercises held

at the school’s grounds here on Wednesday.

8 Thursday, May 31, 2012ONE MINDANAO

1,300,000 seafarers worldwide due to their diligence, hardwork and seriousness towards their craft, which they see as a means to improve the lives of their families.

That is why, the President added, Filipino seafarers are the biggest remittance contributors to the national coffers.

“Hindi matatawaran ang malaking kontribusyon ng ating mga marino sa ating bayan. Nito lang pong 2011, ang total remittances ng ating seafarers ay umabot ng 4.34 billion dollars – 21.58% po ito ng

kabuuang 20.12 billion dollars na remittances ng ating Overseas Filipino Workers,” the President said.

“Kasabay nga po ng pagkayod ng ating mga marino para may maihain sa hapag ng pamilya, napapalusog din ang

ating ekonomiya,” he added.

The President pointed out the sense of national pride our seafarers bring to the country by showcasing their skills, hard work and dedication to wherever their work leads them.

The President appealed to the new members of the PMMA to join his government’s continuing fight against corruption and its sources as the country moves towards the promise of a better future.

“Ang hiling ko lang po, huwag sana tayong panghinaan ng loob o magsawang tuparin ang


Aquino allots P5-million to improve Philippine Merchant Marine Academy’s water supply

The inability of this municipality’s water supply system to provide clean potable water to its residents and businesses, particularly the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA)

will soon be addressed after President Benigno S. Aquino III allotted P5-million for its immediate repair and rehabilitation.

ating tungkulin. Gaano man kalakas ang alon ng mga hamon, gaano man karaming unos ang bumuhos, basta’t tayo’y nagtutulungan, siguradong malayo po ang ating mararating,” the President said.

“Sa ating graduates, umaasa ako sa inyong pakikiisa sa pagtahak sa

tuwid na landas. Maging bahagi man kayo ng Navy, ng Coastguard o kayo man ay maging international seafarers, tiwala kaming itataguyod ninyo ang lahing Pilipino,” he added.

“Bilang mga iskolar ng bayan, tungkulin ninyong isaalang-alang di lamang ang kapakanan ng sarili at

ng inyong pamilya, kundi pati na rin ang kalakhang lipunan. Kasama ang sambayanang Pilipino, tuloy-tuloy na po tayo sa paglalayag tungo sa tunay na kaunlaran, katarungan at kasaganahan sa ating bayan,” the President said. (RCK)


In his speech keynoting the 189th C o m m e n c e m e n t Exercises of the PMMA here on Wednesday, the President said it was important that the residents, especially the diligent and hardworking students and employees of the PMMA, have their basic necessities met in order to perform their respective jobs well.

“Nakaabot po sa atin ang ulat ng PMMA sa Local Water Utilities Administration ukol sa mababang kalidad at kakulangan ng supply ng tubig dito sa inyong

lugar. Maglalaan na po tayo ng limang milyong pisong pondo para sa pagsasaayos ng water supply system sa apektadong munisipalidad, kasama na ang PMMA,” the President said to the thunderous applause of appreciation of

those who attended the commencement exercises.

“Di naman po yata tamang ang mga nagsanay na dumaong at maglakbay sa karagatan, ay magkulang pa sa supply ng tubig, di po ba?” he added.

The municipality of San Marcelino has been suffering from the lack of water for years and it is hoped that through the President’s allotment of funds and his instructions to the Local Water Utilities Administration, the lead agency on the supply of water, this problem will soon be a thing of the past. (RCK)


DOE to hold Mindanao LPG Summit in GenSan

DOE Director Man-uel M. Llaneza said the summit will par-ticularly discuss the issue regarding the proliferation of refill-ing/selling of LPG us-ing Butane canisters

as containers. Another concern

to talk about is the unauthorized refill-ing of LPG cylinders at Auto-LPG dispens-ing stations, Llaneza bared.

The participants to the summit are expected to come up with a common stance to deter the proliferation of these illegal/unsafe prac-tices to ensure the

The Department of Energy is set to convene various stakeholders in the Mindanao liquified gas petroleum (LPG) Summit slated on

June 5 in General Santos City that aims to tackle issues and concerns currently confronting the LPG sector.

by Carina Cayon


safety and welfare of the consuming pub-lic, he said.

The officials and representatives from the government agencies to include DOE, Department of Trade and Indus-try, Bureau of Prod-uct Standards (BPS), Bureau of Fire Pro-tection (BFP) and the

Local Government Units (LGUs) of Min-danao, will be gath-ered in the morning session of the sum-mit.

The afternoon ses-sion will be joined by invited representa-tives from the busi-ness sector to com-prise of LPG cylinder manufacturers, LPG

bulk suppliers, LPG refilling plants, LPG dealers/retailers, and the consumers.

Llaneza said the summit which is free of registration will start at 10:00 a.m. at the Phela Grande Hotel, in Gen. San-tos City.

Among the invit-ed speakers include Director Zenaida Y.

Monsada of DOE-Oil Industry Manage-ment Bureau (DOE-OIMB), Alvin David T. Lim of the Retail Market Monitoring and Special Con-cerns Division-OIMB (RMMSCD-OIMB), and Robert Cardina-les of LPG Section-RMMSCD.


Government agencies, business sector to discuss LPG issues, concernsby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Representatives of several government agencies and business sector will gather in General Santos City on Tuesday, June 5, to tackle problems concerning the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector.

In a letter to PIA 12, Director Manuel Llaneza of the Department of Energy – Mindanao

Field Office said the discussions during Mindanao LPG Summit will focus on issues and

concerns “particularly on the proliferation of refilling/selling LPG using Butane canisters


as containers and the unauthorized refilling of LPG containers at Auto-LPG dispensing situations.”

“The activity is designed for the participants to come up with a common stance to deter the proliferation of the said illegal and unsafe practices and to ensure the safety and welfare of the consuming public,” he continued.

Government agency r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s will convene in the morning. These include participants from the DOE, Department of

Trade and Industry, Bureau of Product Standards, Bureau of Fire Protection, and local government units.

They will be joined in the afternoon plenary session by representatives of the business sector, “composed of LPG cylinder manufacturers, LPG bulk suppliers, LPG refilling plants, LPG dealers and retailers, and the consumers.”

Several presentations are also slated in the afternoon session including LPG cylinder standards by a

representative from the DTI-BPS, LPG facilities standards by Alvin David T. Lim of the Retail Market Monitoring and Special Concerns Division-OIMB (RMMSCD-OIMB), household LPG rules by Alex Rayos of RMMSCD-OIMB, and Robert Cardinales of LPG Section-RMMSCD.

The Mindanao LPG Summit will be held at Phela Grande Hotel along Magsaysay corner Atis St. in Gensan. Registration will start at 9:30 a.m. (DED-PIA 12)

SOCOTECO II warns against fake inspection teamby Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY --The South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (So-coteco II) warned its member-consumers to be careful and not to fall prey to the deceptions by criminal elements who visit residences and business establishments in the area purportedly to conduct inspection.

In a report sent to PIA-Gensan, Socoteco II manager for institutional service department, Geronimo Desesto revealed that there are unidentified individuals who pose as SOCOTECO

II employees and demand an urgent inspection of the electric meter of their target victim.

Desesto disclosed that these individuals wear old SOCOTECO uniforms while visiting houses, and upon

conducting a fake inspection will remove the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) seal from the meter.

He said these criminal elements will return few days after in the guise of inquiring about


the owner’s energy consumption and will begin with their modus operandi.

“(They) will automatically warn you that you have committed pilferage act and that a penalty is expected. Afterwards, they will strike a deal by asking money in exchange of not reporting the case to the office,” Desesto explained.

To avoid being

victimized by these u n s c r u p u l o u s individuals, Desesto pointed out that member-consumers should be familiar with the strict procedures observed by SOCOTECO II’s legitimate inspection teams.

“First, a letter on permission to enter the premises must be presented to the owner. Second, IDs are worn all the time and

can be easily spotted by the consumer. And third, meter seal is not removed and the original condition of meters are not altered or the observance of as is, where is principle,” he enumerated.

Desesto also clarified that “meter calibration is solely performed by the Energy Regulatory Commission, and SOCOTECO II can


North Cotabato to build longest zipline in Southeast Asiaby Shahana Joy Duerme

KORONADAL CITY --The Provincial Government of North Cotabato is prepar-ing to build the longest zipline in Southeast Asia which will be situated in Barangay New Israel in Makilala town.

The zipline will have a height of 360 me-ters up to 920 meters above sea level and will extend up to 1.2 kilometers from the said barangay to Ba-rangay Buhay of the same municipality.

According to the Provincial Tourism Fo-cal Person Ralph Ryan Rafael, the Provincial Government of North Cotabato has allocat-ed P5.8 million bud-get for the construc-tion of the project.

Rafael also said that this is part of the banner program of Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza in promoting tourism in the province of Cota-bato.

The zipline is said to be constructed soon and will be added to other tourist spots in the province, like the water tubing in Alamada , Pisan cave in Kabacan, and hot spring in Lake Agco which is located in

Kidapawan City.Governor Mendoza

stated that there will be a horseback riding and lounges for the campers on the same site where the zipline is to be built to attract more tourists.

She also added that this project will help North Cotabato in reaching its aim of becoming a peace-ful and progressive province. (SJDuer-mePIA12/RBeñez-DXVL-Radyo ng Bayan)

inspect the meter’s accuracy using the digital clamp meter.”

M e a n w h i l e , Desesto advised member-consumers to get the identity of these questionable individuals, in case

one encounters them, through their ID before giving them access to the meter.

“If possible, photos may be taken to easily verify the legitimacy of these individuals,” he said.

Desesto also urged everyone to report any related incidents to 553-5848 to 50 local 119 as he assured that all reports will be treated with utmost confidentiality. (PGFruylan/PIA-Gensan)


ARMM gears up for 2012 National Literacy Awards searchby Perlita B. Changco

COTABATO CITY -- It’s all systems go for the Departments of Education (DepEd) and Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the Autonomous Re-gion in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the conduct of the 2012 National Lit-eracy Award (NLA) search.

Republic Act 10122 series of 2009 known as “An Act Strengthening the Literacy Coordinating Council by Amending Republic Act No. 7165 Otherwise Known as “An Act Creating the Literacy Coordinating Council, Defining Its Powers and Functions, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes” provides DepEd as chair, DILG, PNU, PIA and NEDA as Council members.

Launched in 2009, the Award aims to

recognize and honor best practices for implementing literacy programs/pro jects which help alleviate poverty, provide

livelihood, address welfare needs promote freedom and access education facilities thereby contribute to the realization of the


goal of universalizing literacy in the country.

The NLA search consists of two categories namely the Outstanding Literacy Award which is given to a literacy program implemented by a civil society group, n o n - g o v e r n m e n t organization, private organization or educational/academic institution which has positive impact on learners and the community; and Outstanding Local Government Unit (LGU) Award for highly urbanized city, component city, component independent city, first to third class municipalities and fourth to sixth class towns which have developed policies, programs and projects conducive to literacy development and which have efficaciously made a positive impact on their barangays and the people’s quality of life.

A meeting on the orientation on the revised criteria and

guidelines for the 2012 NLA selection process was held yesterday May 29,where DepEd-ARMM Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Maisarah Latiph expressed keen interest in launching the activity in the autonomous region for the first time.

Sharing the same enthusiasm was co-chair DILG-ARMM Assistant Secretary Sharif Pearisia Dans who expressed belief that the activity would boost the advocacy to improve access to education through partnerships with civil society groups, n o n - g o v e r n m e n t organizations and local government units citing the need for collaborative efforts to raise the region’s low literacy rate

The Comparative Results of Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) show that literacy rate of ARMM as of 2008 is 71.6 per cent while its basic literacy rate is 81.5 per cent.

Considering time

constraint and the start of fasting (Ramadhan) for the Muslim community on July 19, Latiph moved to set a timetable for the search with June 28, 2012 as the deadline for submission of entries to the Regional Selection Committee to give time for the committee to reconvene on July 2-6, July 9-13 for site visit for validation to be followed by the final deliberation on July 16.

Both Latiph and Dans assured full support to ensure success of the search as they noted existing and ongoing literacy programs of private groups and n o n - g o v e r n m e n t organizations one of which is the Magbasa Tayo in the island provinces under ARMM.

Submission of regional entries to the national selection committee on July 17, 2012 while NLA awarding of winners is slated to highlight the celebration of National Literacy Week on September 17-21, this year, in Manila.(pbchangco)


Land Acquisition Program ng DAR nagpapatuloyBy Perlita Changco

COTABATO CITY -- Kasalukuyang sumasailalim sa screening at authentica-tion process ang titulo ng lupain ng mga magsasaka mula sa mga bayan ng Sultan Kudarat at Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao, sa pagpapatuloy ng imple-mentasyon ng Land Acquisition Program (LAP) ng Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Ang screening at validation ay para sa mga titulo ng lupaing umaabot sa 889 ektaryang pag-aari ng First Sarmiento Landholdings, Inc, at ipamamahagi sa mahigit walong daang magsasaka sa ilalim ng Land Acquisition Program ng DAR.

Ipinahayag ni DAR-Magu indanao Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Cabayan “Bing” Bacar na ang mga titulo ay isinasailalim sa screening at validation process ng inter-agency committee, ilan dito ang Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), DAR, ARMM, Land Registration Authority o LRA, at iba pa upang matiyak ang maayos

na pamamahagi.Ayon kay Bacar, ang

mga magsasakang benepisyaryo ay aktwal na okupante ng First Sarmiento Landholdings, Inc. na isang pribadong lupain na sakop ng mga nabanggit na bayan na kanyang masusing ipinaliwanag sa mga ito.

“Nagkaroon tayo ng meeting sa kanila upang ipaintindi sa mga magsasaka na babayaran nila ang lupa depende sa bilang ng ektarya na hindi lalagpas sa tatlo na nakalagay sa titulo kung kaya’t kinakailangang bungkalin at tamnan upang maging produktibo ang lupain,” ayon kay Bacar.

Aminado si Bacar na may mga kaso ng pagbebenta o pagsasanla ng ilang benepisyaryo sa lupaing ipinamahagi bilang tulong pangkabuhayan ng gobyerno at kaniya ring tiniyak ang pagbawi sa mga ito upang ibigay sa mas karapat-dapat na magsasaka.

Sa ngayon aniya, humigit-kumulang sa 500 na titulo ng lupain ang nakasalang upang malagdaan ni ARMM OIC Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman bilang bahagi ng patuloy na pagsasakatuparan ng Land Acquisition Program ng ahensiya, dagdag pa ni Bacar. (DEDoguiles/P B C h a n g c o - P I A Cotabato City)


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DepEd-Caraga launches all-in-one programsby Danilo S. Makiling

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Caraga fielded their personnel to monitor the prices of school supplies as the

opening of classes nears.


During the program, DepEd-Caraga Regional Director Gloria Benigno emphasized that the LRMDC is funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). She also said that the signing of memorandum of agreement aims to strengthen the different divisions of the region. Benigno also said the awarding of the different schools, who were accredited by Accreditation Program for Public Elementary Schools (APPES) of the school year 2011-2012, are to be represented by the school principals together with the superintendents and the supervisors. In his statement, Forum ZFD – Country Director, Program Manager

Daniel Jaeger expressed his gratitude that DepEd-Caraga was able to join the Peace Education Program. “I was Very impressed because when they presented their evaluation it turnout that schools in Caraga is the last one to join that program, and when it come to the result the DepEd-Caraga is the

one who preceded most,” Jaeger said. Meanwhile, the newly APPES Accredited schools are as follows: Agusan del Norte: Bayabas ES, Buhang ES, Buenavista Special Education Integrated School, Calamba ES, Cogon CES, Del Pilar ES, Talisay ES SPED Center, Buenavista CES, Carmen CES, Kitcharao CES. Agusan del Sur: Del Monte CES, Guadalupe CES, East Bayugan CES, East Prosperidad CES, Esperanza CES, Lampinigan CES, San Jose CES, Talacogon CES, Vereula CES, Agusan del Sur Pilot Laboratory School, Bayugan CES, San Francisco Pilot CES, Trento


CES. Accredited schools in Bislig City are as follows: Balingan ES, Bislig City Division SPED Center, Isabelo Landeta ES,Lawigan ES, Mangagoy East ES, Mangagoy Hilltop ES, Mangagoy South ES, Requina ES, San Vicente ES, SER-FEL MONE, Bislig Central ES, Mangagoy CES, Plaza Central ES, San Fernando ES, San Roque CES. Butuan City: Ampayon CES, Florencio R. Sibayan CES, Obrero ES, Dapa Central ES & SPED Center, Socorro CES, Mat-I ES, Surigao West Central ES, Surigao City Pilot School. Surigao del Norte: Alegria CES,

Claver CES, Mabuhay ES, Matin-ao CES, Tagana-an CES, Tubod Central ES. Surigao del Sur: Cagwait CES, Sta. Juana CES, Sto. Niño ES. In his speech, Center Director – SEAMEO, Innotech Ramon C. Bacani emphasized that the primary goal of the school is to continuously improve the school for a better education. “We are very much aware of our school base program the primarily goal is continuously school improvement and every school should continuously perform better and that’s the reason why we engage in

our internal and external skateholders so that all of us can work together for the development of our schools,” he said. The event wass graced by the Center Director – SEAMEO, Innotech Hon. Ramon C. Bacani, Forum ZFD – Country Director, Program Manager Daniel Jaeger, Forum ZFD – Project Manager Tania Hoerler Perrinet, Butuan City Vice Mayor Law Fortun, DepEd Caraga Regional Director Gloria D. Benigno, the different stakeholders, School principals, superintendent, and supervisor from different school localities.


Senior citizens to receive 2nd quarter pensions’ subsidy in Juneby Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY-- Indigent senior citizen beneficiaries in Caraga will receive their second quarter pension’s subsidy by June.

According to Jane Amil, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga Social Pension Unit chief, the national government’s allocation of the 1,993 senior citizens-beneficiaries will be distributed by next month, citing that this is the second round of payout given to the beneficiaries here in the region for the second

quarter. The official said of the 1,993 beneficiaries, 85 are from the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), 102 in Santiago, 110 in Tubay, 98 in Kitcharao, all in the province of Agusan del Norte. Beneficiaries from the province of Surigao del Norte are 97 from the municipality of Alegria and 122 from Tubod.

In Agusan del Sur, 153 beneficiaries come from Sibagat, 213 from Esperanza, 190 in San Francisco, 372 in Prosperidad, 132 in Rosario, and 319 in Bayugan City will also receive their pension subsidy. The national government has allocated some P2,989,500 for this


program alone in Caraga region. Based on article five, paragraph six of Republic Act 9257, the government was directed to provide subsidy and social pension to all indigent senior citizens of the country.

In an earlier report, Amil said, qualified beneficiaries are those senior citizens aged 77 and above, and are not receiving any pension funds from any government institutions. Also, they must not regularly receive any

financial support from their family, children and relatives. Qualified indigent senior citizens are receiving P500 per month and can be withdrawn quarterly at their respective provincial DSWD offices.

DENR celebrates silver anniversary in Juneby Eric F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Caraga region is gearing up for the celebration of the Environment Month in June.

With the theme “Living Green: The DENR and its 25 years of Protecting the Philippines’ Natural

Wealth,” the department has also lined up several related activities to highlight its 25th anniversary on June

10. DENR - Caraga regional executive firector (RED) Leonardo R. Sibbaluca said he

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has instructed the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) officers throughout the region to hang tarpaulins and streamers on strategic places, followed by the holding of religious mass rites in churches of all denominations with inspirational messages that would relate to the successful efforts of the DENR in the “protection of natural wealth” in the country. Sibbaluca said the DENR made lots of good and tangible accomplishments since it was created by virtue of Executive Order 192 or the “Reorganization Act of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources” on June 10, 1987 by then President Corazon C. Aquino. “At the center stage of this celebration lies the sacrifices of our

fallen comrades who were killed violently for holding on to the principles of the DENR” Sibbaluca said. He said they have left unforgettable

memories that will continue inspiring the DENR employees on its missions and mandate. Sibbaluca said the DENR also “takes pride in congratulating all the people who in their simple way, had extended their support and cooperation to achieve the goals of the agency over the last 25 years of its existence.” Among the activities that have been prepared for the environment month celebration are the awarding of certificates of appreciation to several persons and organizations who extended their whole-heart efforts to the DENR, coastal clean-up, tree planting, family day at Britanica Island in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, holding of “ukay-ukay and tiange sale, blood-letting, and three-day sports festivals hosted by PENRO Agusan del Sur and its four CENR offices.


NKTI reminds public on renal diseaseby Melvin T. Anggot and Virgilio C. Garcia

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) through the Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) reminded the public to recognize the symptoms or signs of kidney disease.

During a press conference held on May 24, with the City Health Office and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Carmen Lubguban, Regional REDCOP Coordinator of Region 10, said kidney patients in the region are increasing. Based on the record of

REDCOP-10, there were 157 patients in 2006; 227 in 2007; 250 in 2008; 278 in 2009; and 358 in 2010. Symptoms of kidney disease are pain in the left or right side of the abdomen, fever and trembling due to pain, swelling, increased blood pressure and change in the color of


Brigada Eskwela ensures smooth opening of classes—DepEdby Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Department of Education (DepEd) Bukidnon schools superintendent Dr. Ingrid Racoma expressed optimism that the opening of classes on June 4 will proceed smoothly due to the successful Brigada Eskwela participated in by parents, teachers, and other stakeholders before classes started.

Racoma made her assessment during the performance review as part of the public schools’ appraisal of the Brigada Eskwela. “I am glad to observe the enthusiasm for Brigada Eskwela. Our next challenge is to get our kids to school especially that DepEd is now implementing the K to 12 basic education program,” she said in a radio interview. She also challenged the teachers to increase participation/enrollment rate and reduce drop-out rate citing the local government units, private sector, government agencies, and other concerned parties’ key roles in addressing the anticipated problems during the opening of classes in the province when thousands of students once more troop to their respective schools. “After a long vacation, returning

to school will be exciting—with the newly painted walls and desks, and garbage-free surroundings to welcome pupils/students on their first day of school for another year of studies,” she further said. Brigada Eskwela is a school maintenance program that engages all education stakeholders to contribute their time, effort, and resources in ensuring that public schools are set in time for the forthcoming school opening.

urine. The disease is primarily caused by the type of lifestyle or food intake, inadequate water intake, skin infection and hypertension. The press conference is in

consonance with the celebration of National Kidney Month in June with the theme, “Ikaw at Ako, Panalo sa Malusog na Bato” and a mechanism in informing the public of the disease. (CIO)


Dengue cases in Mis. Occ. down by 83.33%by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - Dengue cases in Misamis Occidental is 83.33 percent lower for the first five months of this year compared to the previous year.

From January 1 to May 25 this year, a total of 30 dengue cases were admitted in different sentinel hospitals in the province, 83.33 percent lower than last year, with 180 cases admitted during the same period in the province, according to David Mendoza, Head of the Regional Epidemiology, Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit (RESDRU) of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in Region 10. According to Mendoza’s 2012 Dengue 21st Week Morbidity Report ending on May 25, dengue cases decrease in Misamis Occidental’s three cities. Tangub recorded a 96.15-percent decrease with 52 cases down to two. Ozamiz had 58

cases last year which decreased by 79.31 percent, now down to 12 cases. Oroquieta also recorded a decline from 15 to four cases or a 73.33-percent decrease. Though looking at the regional level, dengue cases increased by 31.49 percent from 778 cases last year to 1,023 dengue cases in the same period this year. Dengue patients affected range from less than a month old to 90 years old. A total of 54 percent of dengue cases are males while 46 percent are females. Two deaths have a Case Fatality Rate of 0.20 percent. Those with the age range of below five to 14 had the highest CFR of 0.46 percent. “Based on the yearly trend, we will be expecting more cases of dengue, this year, compared to last year,” Mendoza said. Most of the cases were from Misamis Oriental with 809 cases or 79.10 percent, Bukidnon, 104 cases or 10.20 percent, Lanao del Norte, 78 cases or 7.60 percent, Misamis Occidental, 30 cases or 2.90 percent and Camiguin, two cases or 0.20 percent. Among the cities, Cagayan de Oro has the highest number of 562 cases or 54.90 percent, followed by Iligan, 50 cases or 4.90 percent, Gingoog, 32


City, 26 cases or 2.50 percent. The other cities noted the following number of cases: Ozamiz, 12 cases or 1.20 percent, El Salvador and Malayabalay, seven cases or 0.68 percent each, Oroquieta, four cases or 0.40 percent and Tangub, two cases or 0.20 percent. In terms of increase compared to the same period last year, Bukidnon posted the highest increase of 197.14 percent, followed by Misamis Oriental, 110.13 percent, while the dengue cases in Camiguin went down by 87.5 percent, Misamis Occidental, down by 83.33 percent and Lano del Norte, also down by 52.15 percent. As to the region’s nine cities, Valencia posted the highest increase of 2,500 percent, followed by Malaybalay, 135.33 percent, Gingoog, 133.33 percent and Cagayan de Oro, 116.15 percent. The other cities posed declines in

the number of dengue cases: Tangub, down by 96.15 percent, Ozamiz, down by 79.31 percent, Oroquieta, down by 73.33 percent, Iligan, down by 46.24 percent and El Salvador, down by 22.22 percent. Meanwhile, Mendoza said the cluster of three or more dengue cases were noted during the past four weeks in Barangays Agusan, Balulang, Bulua, Camaman-an, Canitoan, Carmen, Cugman, Gusa, Iponan, Kauswagan, Lapasan, Lumbia, Macasandig, Nazareth, Patag, Puerto and Puntod, all in Cagayan de Oro City. Also noted with the same situation were Barangays Lunao in Gingoog City, Poblacion in Alubijid, Lower Jasaan in Jasaan, Barra in Opol and Imelda in Villanueva, all of Misamis Oriental and Poblacion in Valencia Ciity and Quezon, Bukidnon, Mendoza added.


A research is being planned to see if there are genetic differ-

ences or mutation between Philip-pine Eagles (Pithecophaga jeffer-yi) in Mindanao and those found in Luzon. Dennis Salvador, president of the Philippine Eagle Foundation said that scientists are trying to look at the genetic variations of the Philippine Eagles found in the different islands of the Philippine Archipelago. The research will be conducted by the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Scientists believe that there are

genetic differences between the eagles because of the long isolation between the eagle populations of Mindanao and Luzon, Salvador said. However he added that that there is no or a slight difference in the appearance of Philippine Eagle found in Luzon and those in Mindanao. They are looking at the angle of dietary variations as eagles from Mindanao and Visayas have flying lemurs (Cynocephalus volans) as staples of their diet while there are no flying lemurs in Luzon. Salvador said adding that they are still researching on the food habits of Philippine Eagles in Luzon. Philippine Eagles have been discovered in the Sierra Madre ranges and just last year was also found to inhabit the Cordilleras with the discovery of living species in Apayao. It is estimated that there are 400 pairs of Philippine Eagles left in the wild. Most of the eagle are well distributed in the island of Mindanao, according to Salvador the highest concentration of the eagles are found in the Eastern Mindanao corridor and in Bukidnon, places still with extensive forest cover. Salvador however said that eagle populations in these parts of Mindanao

Phil Eagle genetic differences subject of new research by Rudolph Alama


are threatened by habitat destruction particularly with the advent of logging and mining operations in these areas. Aside from the eagles in the wild there are 35 Philippine Eagles in captivity all kept in Davao City inside

the sprawling Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos operated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this 2012. (PIA/RG Alama)

Smart, PAGASA launch automatic rain gauge project in Tagum

TAGUM CITY – Smart Communi-cations and the Philippine Atmo-spheric, Geophysical and Astro-nomical Services Administration (PAGASA) launched in Tagum City last May 29 its co-location project of automatic rain gauge (ARG). Smart Communications Community Partnerships Manager Nova Concepcion yesterday bared moves of the telecommunication company to do its first launching in Tagum City way ahead of the 62 other Smart cell sites installed with ARGs. Concepcion counted the receptiveness of the local government unit of Tagum on disaster preparedness and the safe location of the ARG as reasons of the Tagum City first launching of the co-location project it had tied up with PAGASA. In an interview, Uy assured the safety of the weather monitoring equipment of PAGASA placed inside

the perimeter of Smart cell site located along the national highway in Barangay Magdum, Tagum City. “Walay manghilabot ana (No one can touch it),” he said. Under the co-location agreement, Smart Communication committed to provide a space for the PAG-ASA automatic rain gauge and to ensure safety and maintenance of such weathering monitoring facility. PAGASA weather specialist and chief of PAGASA Research and Development Esperanza Cayanan said that the ARG uses “Smart sim” to automatically transmit data to the PAGASA electronic server located at its head office in Manila. Aside from ARGs, PAGASA is also working with Smart Communications and with Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) to put up more automatic weather stations (AWS) designed to measure atmospheric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity and rainfall intensity and amount. Pedrico bared eight AWS in the Davao Region and these are located in Buda, Davao City; in 911 Davao City station; in Jose Abad Santos and Digos in Davao del Sur; Bangaga and in Mati Davao Oriental; at the PAGASA Davao Station; and in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley. (PIA-11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


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Mayor Evelyn T. Uy who was once a graduate student of said

learning institution was conferred the degree during the PCC’s 55th

Dipolog mayor conferred Doctor of HumanitiesBy Franklin P. Gumapon

The Philippine College of Criminology has recently conferred Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa to the city mayor of Dipolog.


commencement exercises held on Saturday at the Philippine International Convention Center along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. She was the first woman given such an award by the school. Uy is a multi-awarded leader having reaped numerous citations from the different government and private institutions such as the Top Ten Performing Cities in 2010 and Seal of Good Housekeeping in 2011 from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), a national recognition for the city’s anti-drug campaign from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Pink Orchid Award from the Department of Health (DOH), child-friendly city from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), One-Town-One-Product regional award from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the International Alliance for Women (IAW) 2008 World of Difference 100 List and many others. (ALT/FPG-PIA9)

2,000 patients benefit in Zambo medical missionPAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur - Around 2,000 poor patients have benefitted from the five-day free medical mission conducted on May 21 to 25 at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZSMC) and rural health unit in Aurora.

By Gideon C. Corgue

The medical mission was jointly organized by the Philippine-Australian Medical Association

(PAMA), University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, Rotary


of Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur Medical Society and the provincial government. Rotary Club of Pagadian’s medical mission committee chair Dr. Reynaldo Ortiz said at the ZSMC, volunteer doctors have performed 171 surgeries. There were 29 operations for thyroid, 22 were for Obstetrics and gyneocology, 2 cleft lip palate operations, 2 parotidectomy, 21 medium hernia repair and 67 minor surgeries.

While in Aurora rural health unit, procedures performed were 50 minor surgery operations. A total of 400 were circumcised. There were 500 dental procedures and 1,100 medical and pediatric check-ups. Ortiz said he was very thankful to the officers of the rotary club thru its president John Steve Aleman that they never hesitated to invite the PAMA and UP-GPH, saying that huge number of poor patients need free medical attention. “We were deeply moved and grateful for the loving service rendered by the PAMA and UP-PGH for their selfless service to our constituents especially the poor people who are longing to experience their charitable services. Without them, we could not give joy to the needy people,” Ortiz said. PAMA mission coordinator


Dr. Roger Fabian, a Filipino general practitioner whose association is driven by a strong desire to help the needy, said it is heartening to see the smiles on these patients once their problems had been solved. “Niining misyon nga among gihimo, dinhi ninyo makita ang mga pahiyom sa pasyente human makatagamtam sa among serbisyo ug ang ilang mga pahiyom dili ninyo mapalit sa salapi. Sa ilang pag-uli, sila ang magpuyo sa normal ug himsog nga kinabuhi. (In this mission we conducted, we can see the smiles on these patients after availing our services and you can’t put a price on their smiles. When they go back home surely they could live a normal healthy life),” Fabian, who is a native of the municipality of Aurora, spoke in his own language. Fabian has appreciated the support extended by their major

partners saying it enabled them to achieve their goals easier. “They are an integral part of our success. It enabled us to do our best,” Fabian added. Fabian said after the mission they have turned over brand new equipment such as two units of fetal ultra sound, electrocardiogram, vital sign monitor and a pulse oximeter to ZSMC administrator Dr. Rovel Blancia. These equipment, Fabian said will be used for the indigent patients in the hospital. “It will not be used for commercial purposes,” Fabian explained. Fabian said PAMA’s mission conducted in ZamboSur was the fifth in the country. The first was in Quezon City in 2008, Sorsogon in 2009, Dumaguete city in 2012 and last year in Oroquieta. (ALT/GCC-PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY - As part of the month-long 110th Labor Day Celebration in Dipolog City with the theme “Pagtutulungan, Pagbabago, Disenteng Trabaho,” the Dipolog City Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) in partnership with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Office sponsored SPES Got the Talent ala “Showtime” contest last May 28, 2012 at Boulevard, Dipolog City.

Dipolog City entry wins SPES GOT TALENT 2012 By Megajane A. Serna


SPES Got Talent- a showcase of talents, free style performance is timely for the student-grantees to be exposed in socio-cultural dynamics. The show is a venue to discover and explore their talents; SPES program is not purely helping poor but deserving students’ financially through employment but also a possibility to boost their confidence, be exposed to social and public activities; introduce value of a relationship, working as a team as they perform for the contest representing their respective LGU or school. It was participated in by beneficiaries of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) from the different state universities and colleges(SUCs) and local government units(LGUs) in Zamboanga del Norte. The participating SUCs are Andres Bonifacio College, Saint Vincent’s College, St. Joseph College, Dipolog Medical College Foundation Inc., Jose Rizal Memorial State University-Dipolog. On the other hand, the participating LGUs are the cities

of Dipolog and Dapitan and the municipalities of Manukan, Piñan, and Gutalac. The winners were judged in a 10-Point system (10 points as the highest and 5 points as the lowest), the high-tech form of judging facilitated by the STI College, Dipolog City. The champion received P5, 000 cash award; Second place, P3, 000; Third Place, P2, 000, and token and certificates of participation for consolation awards. First Place went to Dipolog City, Second Place to St. Vincent’s College and Third Place to LGU-Gutalac. With the successful conduct of “SPES GOT TALENT”, TIPC-Dipolog City and DOLE-Zamboanga del Norte are inviting the public to watch another showdown to unfold during the culminating night of the month-long celebration – the “TALENYADO (Talentadong Empleyado) NIGHT on May 31, 2012 at the Dipolog City Boulevard where workers and employees will display their talents. (ALT/MAS-DOLE/PIA9)

one mindanao -may 31, 2012

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