one mindanao - november 12, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

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

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Adviser :

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Cover Story

Philippine team ready to compete in the 9th ASC in Jakarta

Gideon C. CorgueWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, November 12, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 61

page 4

Philippines, Canada sign Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation10

Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat, Northern Mindanao

DOST holds environmental resource dev’t confab in CdO 2019

More aggressive anti-drug effort pushed in DavNor 22 Lovely Carillo, Southern Mindanao

DAR-Sibugay ARBs take oath

LGU eyes P50M project thru PPP

Breezy C. Jimenez, Western Mindanao

Sarangani kicks off mass treatmentto eradicate filariasis27 Beverly Paoyon, Central Mindanao

Koronadal City LGU vows good governance as it receives Seal of Good Housekeeping29Aida Agad, Central Mindanao

UN-OCHA vows close partnership with ARMM Perlita Changco, ARMM32

Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

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The Bull Loan Program up for implementation Eldie N. David, Caraga Region34Gov’t agencies conduct Export Information seminar in ButuanJennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region35

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Monday, November 12, 2012 4 ONE MINDANAO


Best skilled competitors

The Philippine Team, which is composed of 16 best skilled competitors in the country who emerged winners in the regional and provincial skills competition conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development

Authority (TESDA) have already left the country to compete with other teams in the ASC. The Philippine team included the following competitors and experts with their corresponding trade skills area: Jeron Bryan Navarra and Marvin Dale Guerrero in Information Network Administration of Regions III

Filipino Trade skills contenders will show to the world that they are ready for the cutthroat competition when they participate in the 9th

Asean Skills Competition (ASC) in Jakarta, Indonesia on November 10-21, 2012.

by Gideon C. Corgue

Monday, November 12, 2012 5ONE MINDANAO


and I; Joselito Ayalde in Web Design, Region III; Nhar Chelo Agasang and Ardee Mark Sequeton in Industrial Automation, National Capital Region; Jason Cris Andoy and Wilfred Ralph Gomez in Mechatronics, Region X; Joseph Yumul in Electronics, Region III; Joseph Art Guinto and Nilo Maquiling Jr. in Refrigeration and Airconditioning, Regions IX and NCR; Mae Venus Burgos in Hair Dressing, Region III; Analyn Canillo and Myla Charizze Imperial in Beauty Therapy, Regions XI and III; Pristine Joyce de Guzman in Fashion Technology, NCR; and Ma. Chriszelle Monique Aisa and Aldrin Ramos in Caregiving,

NCR. The ASC was initiated in 1993 during the International Labor Organization/Asian and Pacific Skills Development Programme (ILO/APSDEP) meeting in Japan, where it was agreed that a biennial skills competition will be held among ASEAN member-countries. It aims to promote and upgrade skills standards in the region and consequently, to the international level which is organized on a cost- sharing basis. To date, there are 10 participating countries and 21 skills areas to be vied for.

Monday, November 12, 2012 6 ONE MINDANAO

Immersion training The competitors underwent a three week immersion in offices, hospitals and business establishments to practice, hone and master their specialized skills and another week-long mock skills competition to determine their readiness for the international competition at the TESDA Training Center in Taguig City. Deputy Director-General for Field Operations Atty. Teodorico C. Pascua reminded the competitors that when they go to Jakarta, Indonesia to

compete, they are not only bringing their name, their respective schools / training centers but they are bearing as well, the country’s Philippine flag being the official representatives to the competition. Region IX competitor Joseph Art Guinto, who emerged as the winner in the TESDA-organized regional skills competition held this March, said he is very happy to be with the team. In fact, he said this is his first time to travel abroad to compete with other contenders from ASEAN member-countries. The 17-year old competitor

Monday, November 12, 2012 7ONE MINDANAO

from Barangay Tuburan, Pagadian City said he is grateful that TESDA9 officials have chosen him to be one of the competitors for the RAC trade area giving him the opportunity to compete in a prestigious international trade skills competition. “Dako kaayo nako nga garbo nga usa ako sa napili nga makaapil sa Philippine Team nga mosalmot sa maong skills competition. Wala nako damha nga sa akong kabatan-on mapili ako nga usa sa mga competitors nga mo-represent sa atong nasud. Tungod niini, akong paningkamutan nga mahimo nako ang pinakamaayo aron mohatag ug garbo ug dungog sa atong pinangga nga nasud.,” (I am very proud to be chosen to join the Philippine Team and to compete in the skills competition. I did not expect that at my young age, I will be one of the competitors to represent the country.

With this, I will do my utmost best to give pride and honor to our beloved country) Guinto said.

Hundreds to compete

The 9th ASC will attract hundreds of contestants from vocational training schools of 10 ASEAN member countries. Participating countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Ben Raymundo Helar, Guinto’s coach said DDG Pascua led the official delegation who flew to Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday, November 11. The team asked everyone’s prayers saying that their success depends on the prayers and support of the Filipino people.

8 Monday, November 12, 2012

ACROSS THE NATIONPrime Minister Harper of Canada leads wreath-laying rites at Rizal Monument in Manila

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper paid his respects to the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal on the second day of his official visit to the Philippines which is aimed at

further strengthening the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries.

In simple yet solemn ceremonies, Prime Minister Harper led the wreathlaying ceremonies at the foot of the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park, Manila where he was welcomed by Manila Mayor Alfredo

Lim, Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, and Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, the event’s military host.

The Canadian leader was

Monday, November 12, 2012 9

Prime Minister Harper of Canada leads wreath-laying rites at Rizal Monument in Manila

accompanied by his wife Laureen Harper and other members of his official delegation.

Prime Minister Harper arrived in Manila on Friday evening for a three-day official visit. Also part of his official delegation were Canadian Minister for International Trade Ed Fast, Minister for Natural Resources Joseph Oliver, Senator Tobias Enverga Jr., who is the first Filipino-Canadian senator, and 10 Filipino-Canadian community leaders.

The Prime Minister’s visit to the country is the highest-level visit of a Canadian official in the last 15 years. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that the last Canadian leader to visit the country was Prime Minister Jean Chretien who brought a business delegation in the country in 1997.

Canada is one o the most active trading partners of the Philippines which is considered as the major source of its immigrants and overseas workers. To date, there are at least 800,000 Filipinos residing in Canada.

Following the wreath-laying ceremonies, Prime Minister Harper was

set to meet with President Benigno S. Aquino III and members of the Cabinet to discuss the “upward trajectory” of the Philippines-Canada bilateral relations which was established back in 1949.

The two leaders are also scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Department of National Defense and the Canadian Commercial Cooperation on government-to-government transactions in defense and military-related procurements.

Prime Minister Harper is on the second leg of an Asian trip following his visit in India. His group will be leaving on Sunday morning for Hong Kong. PND

10 Monday, November 12, 2012

Philippines, Canada sign Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation

The Philippines and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation Saturday during the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to the

Philippines.President Benigno S. Aquino III

and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Government-to-Government

Transaction in Defense and Military-related Equipment, Materials and System and/or Services in Malacanang Saturday.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin

Monday, November 12, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 11

Philippines, Canada sign Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation

and Canadian Minister of International Trade Ed Fast signed the MOU.

In his statement during the joint press conference, President Aquino said he hopes that the memorandum of understanding on defense and procurement of military equipment would help the country’s efforts in building its defense and security capabilities.

The President said his meeting with Prime Minister Harper and his delegation was very fruitful expressing his optimism that their engagement will continue to expand in the coming years and will remain beneficial to both countries and to the whole Asia Pacific region.

President Aquino said the fundamental issue on the country’s military capabilities is that it has a lot of outmoded equipment that needs to be modernized.

For instance, the Philippines needs additional modern ships or patrol vessels to guard 36,000 kilometers of coastline within its 200-mile economic zone.

Currently, the Philippines has 132 ships, mostly from the World War II era and even older, he said stressing the country’s extreme need for more patrol vessels.

The same is true with the country’s air force and its airlift capabilities, according to the President said. He said that at present, the air force has only two C-130 cargo planes that serve as its work horse and additional planes must be added to its inventory.

Because of the MOU, the Philippines can have access to the expertise and

skills from Canada with great value for money to satisfy the legitimate needs for military equipment, the President said.

The Chief Executive said that aside from having stronger defense cooperation, he hopes the Philippines and Canada improve trade and investment for the benefit of the two countries.

Harper arrived in Manila Friday evening and is expected to return to Canada Sunday morning. PND

Monday, November 12, 2012ONE MINDANAO 12

GPH, MILF resume 33rd round of peace talks in KL this week

After the signing of the historic Framework Agreement last month, the peace panels of both the

Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will now dig into the nitty-gritty of the agreement to flesh out the details of the annexes, particularly power and wealth sharing.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles announced on Monday that the 33rd round of formal exploratory talks between the

GPH and MILF will be held in Kuala Lumpur this week.

“We expect this round to be difficult as both parties will be fleshing out the annexes on


GPH, MILF resume 33rd round of peace talks in KL this week

power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization,” Deles said in a text message to the Philippines News Agency.

Deles did not state any specific date when the talks will resume, saying only “this week.”

“We continue to ask for our people’s support to this process as we hope to fast-track (the) work on the annexes to meet for a comprehensive agreement by the end of the year,” she said.

The signing of the Framework Agreement was hailed by various sectors here and abroad as the key to settle the long-drawn armed conflict in Mindanao.

It took 15 years for the GPH and the MILF to forge the historic agreement that was preceded by bloody fighting between government forces and Muslim rebels, including the 2000 all-out war and the 2008 heavy fighting in Central Mindanao.

However, despite the fighting, the government and the MILF continued their backdoor negotiations to keep the peace process alive that paid off.

It may be recalled that the MILF broke away from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the original rebel group that mounted a rebellion against the government in the early 1970s.

Fighting in southern Philippines continued without let-up until 1996 when the government, then under the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos, signed a peace accord on Sept. 2, 1996.

But the MILF opposed the peace accord.

This prompted the Ramos administration to initiate a dialogue with the MILF in 1997 but there was little time to forge a peace agreement as Ramos’ six-year term ended on June 30, 1998. President Joseph Estrada took over.

However, the MILF continued to attack government forces in various parts of Mindanao, forcing Estrada to declare an all-out war against the MILF in the summer of 2000.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dealt a heavy blow to the MILF, by capturing all their 49 camps, including Camp Abubakar, the MILF’s main enclave.

Negotiations bogged down.However, the MILF continued

to be a force to reckon with and continued their armed struggle.

When Estrada was booted out from power during the so-called 2001 EDSA people power revolt, then Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the


presidency.The Arroyo government

pursued peace negotiations with the MILF.

Its aim was to end the armed conflict, address the social, cultural and economic inequities, and arrive at a viable political arrangement that will reconcile the ideals of the Moro self-government, good governance, and national sovereignty.

But in 2008 heavy fighting again erupted in Mindanao following the non-signing of the controversial MOA-AD which was declared as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

After nine years of off-and-on negotiations between the Arroyo

government and the MILF, no peace ag r eemen t was reached.

In 2010, P r e s i d e n t Benigno S. Aquino III r e s t a r t e d p e a c e negotiations with the MILF to achieve a nego t i a t ed p o l i t i c a l settlement to resolve the

armed conflict.The peace negotiations with the

MILF are guided by the flexibilities of the Constitution; the lessons learned and experience of the past administration; the ability of the government to deliver viable political, economic, and social commitments in a peace agreement; and the principles of transparency and inclusivity.

Exploratory talks under the Aquino administration.

It was during the 32 GPH-MILF exploratory talks that the two sides agreed to forge a framework of agreement as a roadmap to a genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao.


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By Franklin P. Gumapon

ZaNorte division holds athletic meet

DIPOLOG CITY - Elementary and secondary athletic delegations from Sindangan town have emerged as champions in the recently concluded provincial athletic meet held in Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte, garnering 347 and 481 points, respectively.

Trailing behind the athletic teams from Sindangan were the Zamboanga del Norte Coastal Athletic Association (ZNCAA) and Second Congressional District Athletic Association (SECDAA) for the secondary level, and the Zamboanga del Norte South Athletic Association (ZNSAA) and Zamboanga


With it comes the responsibility to productively till the land awarded to them under CARP and to religiously pay the amortization at the Land Bank of the Philippines, as well as

pay its real property taxes. Before Judge Fabian administered the oath, she explained the conditions stated in the Chavacano dialect to make sure that farmer-

By Breezy C. Jimenez

DAR-Sibugay ARBs take oath

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - Nine Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries of the Department of Agrarian Reform-Zamboanga Sibugay took their oath before Judge Catherine C. Fabian at Zamboanga City Municipal Trial Court Branch 4 on November 7, 2012 affirming their commitment to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) of the government.

del Norte North Athletic Association (ZNNAA) for the elementary level. Dr. Bezer Crampatanta, Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) supervisor of the Zamboanga del Norte schools division, disclosed that around 1,500 athletes/players had participated in this year’s athletic competitions spearheaded by the provincial schools division in preparation for the regional athletic meet which will be held in Pagadian City on February 24 to March 2, 2013. Elementary and high school athletes competed in various sports/events such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball, discuss throw, javelin throw, swimming, boxing, taekwondo, track and field, among others. CAA is composed of athletes from the secondary schools of the

coastal towns of Siocon, Sirawai, Sibuco and Baliguian while the SECDAA comprises the athletes from the secondary schools of Katipunan, Roxas, Manukan, Jose Dalman and Siayan municipalities. ZNSAA, on the other hand, consists of athletes from the different elementary schools of Jose Dalman, Siayan, Leon Postigo, Salug, Godod, Liloy, Tampilisan, Labason, Kalawit and Gutalac, and the ZNNAA is composed of athletes from the elementary schools of Rizal, Sibutad, La Libertad, Mutia, Sergio Osmeña, Polanco, Katipunan, Roxas and Manukan. It can be recalled that the United Sindangan Athletic Association (USAA) was also the overall champion in last year’s provincial athletic competition.


beneficiaries fully understood their purpose in being there. Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Rizzel B. Villanueva stated that DAR-Sibugay is committed to uphold its mandate in its area of responsibility and ensure that the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries are the top priority, awarding to them the landholdings due them which will empower and uplift their living conditions. Aside from Sibugay Province, the area of responsibility of DAR-Zamboanga Sibugay includes Curuan, Vitali, Ayala and Manicahan, Zamboanga City, and Isabela City in Basilan. Eight (8) of the ARBs are from Curuan, Zamboanga City under the responsibility of Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO) Susan Soriano-Benasing, namely: Samuel

L. Alvarez, Joaquin P. Cristobal, Bonifacio E. Bernardo, Elizardo P. Eijansantos, George Mayor, Pedro A. Jimenez, Felix M. Pasco and Casiano C. Lucaylucay. Meanwhile, one farmer-beneficiary from Ayala also took the oath, Mariano N. Yosores under the responsibility of MARO Isidra Alido. The amortization and payment of real property taxes by the farmer-beneficiaries will in turn be used by the government to deliver support services in the form of farm-to-market-roads, irrigation system, potable water system, post-harvest facilities, among others. Other DAR personnel present who witnessed the said oath-taking were MARO Rachel Lanzaderas, Arnulfa Balneg, Merceditas del Valle and Roselyn Maquiso. (DAR)


LTO in Northern Mindanao has new chiefby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Employees and heads of District Offices gathered here on Thursday for a ceremony marking a change in leaders for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Northern Mindanao.

Regional Director Hilarion E. Ulep formally took over the helm from outgoing director Atty. Esteban M. Baltazar, Jr. in a turn-over rites

held at the LTO-10 Regional Office on November 8. Ulep, who was formerly based in Baguio City, said that he is up to the


LGU eyes P50M project thru PPPby Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN -The local government unit of Mambajao is eyeing to put up a P50M worth commercial arcade project through public-private partnership (PPP).

The proposed arcade is designed to house some 70 stalls in a 2,908 square meter area allotted for the building. Town Mayor Maria Luisa De La Romualdo said this project is among her priorities as this is seen to create job opportunities and at the same time generate additional revenues for the town. Gilbert Grado, Mambajao Municipal accountant meanwhile said the mayor has now formed a technical working group to oversee the implementation in all phases of the project. The technical working, he noted, is well represented by other key agencies and stakeholders as this will also help in ensuring transparency. “We are really careful on this, even if it is on its early phase, because

PPP projects normally requires different processes, in fact, we are set to undergo a training on how to go about it soon,” he added. Engineer Leonides G. Oclarit, Chief of the Mambajao municipal planning office likewise confirmed that a lot of investors have shown interest on funding the arcade project and are proposing to fund other PPP projects. Currently, the LGU will also inaugurate this month one of the building they constructed in the heart of the poblacion fronting the public

challenge of being the new regional chief. He also looks forward for a good working relationship with LTO-10 employees and the members of the media. Baltazar will be reassigned at the Traffic and Adjudication Service of the LTO Central Office.

Meantime, Chief Transportation Registration Officer Simeon Gorra of the LTO Cagayan de Oro District Office is confident that the new director is equipped with abilities to run the activities of the regional office. He also assured Ulep of the support of the entire LTO-10 employees.


market along Placido Reyes Street. The new building will be rented by the Land of the Philippine (LBP)

Mambajao Branch, together with other government agencies who will also occupy the second floor.

DOST holds environmental resource dev’t confab in CdOby Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 10 will hold a consultation with environment stakeholders here on November 16 as part of its partnership with the WorldFish Center.

The consultation aims to unify initiatives on using technology for environmental and coastal resource development and utilization in the area. DOST-10 Director Alfonso Alamban said WorldFish is among the 15 International Research Centers under the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) based in Penang, Malaysia. The implementation of a global program dubbed CGIAR Research Program 1.3 is being finalized. Entitled entitled Harnessing the Development Potential of Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS), the research program aims to reduce poverty and hunger, improve human health and nutrition and enhance ecosystem resilience in AAS dependent communities, Alamban said. In the Philippines, he said, there is a need to assess the development challenges and

opportunities in selected communities where AAS could make a difference. Development partners (DPs) need to identify areas where the program will be implemented, and the particular aspects of poverty or development challenges to be addressed. In 2009, the Center established a Philippine Country Office to ensure that the research and development work of the Center in Philippines is given the focus and support it needs.


TAGUM CITY-Team Davao del Norte won a total of 47 medals in seven sports events during the re-cently concluded Mindanao leg of the Batang Pinoy 2012 Philippine Olympic Committee-Philippine Sports Commission (POC-PSC) which kicked off in Dapitan City last November 7, 2012. “We just came back from 17 to 21 long hours of travel by land last night,” Davao del Norte Provincial Government Sports Division Coordinator Giovanni Gulanes said during the presentation of all the athletes who participated and won in the Batang Pinoy 2012 competition at the Bulwagan Hall of the Provincial Government Center. Gulanes said the team got 16 golds, majority of which were in Lawn Tennis with four gold medals, three golds each in Taekwondo, Arnis and Table Tennis and one gold

each in Athletics, Karatedo and Swimming. The performed well in both swimming and Lawn Tennis, winning 10 medals in each event. Team Davao del Norte also won 13 silver medals with three in Arnis and 18 bronze medals with seven medals in Swimming. More than a thousand athletes from Mindanao and up to 45 local government units participated in the sports competition. The winners will represent Mindanao in the national finals in Iloilo on December 5 to 8. The Mindanao leg is just one of the qualifying events for those who will form the members of Team Philippines for the 2014 Olympic Youth Games in Nanjing, China. Gulanes said the province is bent on developing student athletes considering that this is one way strengthening its fight against drug addiction.(RGA/LAC/PIA XI)

DavNor bags 47 medals in Batang Pinoy Gamesby Lovely Carllo


More aggressive anti-drug effort pushed in DavNor

TAGUM CITY-Governor Rodolfo del Rosario pushed for a more aggressive stance in the fight against drug addiction as the Pro-vincial Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Board (PDAPRB) started the one-week Anti-Drug Abuse Prevention Week Monday. “Drug addiction is a very dangerous problem but we are trying our best to prevent it and make people aware of the menace,” del Rosario said. There is no leniency for this crime, he added. He said there are millions of Filipinos suffering from drug addiction

and “it is very frustrating to see them waste their talents and potentials.” However, he said, victims of illegal drugs deserve a second chance and this is what the province is providing them, a second chance. Dr. Arthur Suico of the Davao Regional Hospital said there are at least 44 drug rehabilitation centers in the Philippines, with one each in Davao City in Tugbok, Abong-Abong in Zamboanga City and in Davao del Norte. The Regional Luntiang Paraiso Drug Rehabilitation Center has been operating since 2001. PDAPRBD Executive Director Gabriela Logronio said while the

by Lovely Carillo


Dangerous Drugs Board provided funding for the construction of the rehabilitation building, a portion of the rehabilitation fees are being handled by the component local government units. The Center provides free services for indigent drug and alcohol dependents from the province who seek rehabilitation. Up to 17 dependents graduated from the Center in 2010. On Friday this year, 10 dependents will graduate and will be officially turned over to their families. Three of the ten graduating dependents are however in Japan where they are already working, she added. Logronio said the graduates have completed the six-month rehabilitation

period and 18 months aftercare. “We should never let our guards down in our fight against the drug menace,” del Rosario said. Department of Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Alex Roldan commended the province for its concern and active stance in the prevention of drug addiction, saying “it has achieved several successes along the way.” However, he said the provincial government and the other agencies involved have also realized that the fight against drug addiction should be an ongoing concern as it constitutes a threat to society’s security and economic development.(LAC)

EVENTS AND PLACES

Davao iCon (Investment Conference) November 16-17 at the SMX Con-vention Center, SM Premiere Lanang.

Along with the conference is the 1st Davao ICon Golf Tournament tee-off on November 15, 2012 at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.

Kakao Konek international cacao conference organized by the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc. (Cidami), Kakao Konek is a 3-day international cocoa conference which will bring together some 300 cacao industry players in the Philippines at the Apo View Hotel from on November 21 to 23.


DOLE 12 is country’s model in labor dispute resolution -- Usec ChatoBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- When it’s about engaging sectors to promote industrial peace, the entire country could take Soccksargen Re-gion as a model, DOLE labor undersecretary Rebecca Chato said.


DOLE 12 is country’s model in labor dispute resolution -- Usec Chato

Chato said DOLE 12’s strategy of engaging the tripartite – labor, management and government -- sectors in resolving disputes has become the country’s pattern.

Even in international labor gathering, she said, DOLE presents Region 12’s tripartite engagement as one of the best practices in promoting industrial peace.

Chato was here yesterday to address about 300 members of the regional and provincial industrial peace councils who attended the 5th Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (RTIPC) at the Narra Hall of Cinco Ninas in Barangay Hall, this

city.“Region 12 initiated

the use the tripartite mechanism in resolving labor disputes,” she said, “a best practice we in DOLE repeatedly disseminate in other parts of the country and also report in international gatherings.”

This has even led to some international organizations showing interest on the region by studying its unique features that led to the success of a major conflict involving the pineapple giant Dole Philippines Inc. (Dolefil) and two contending labor groups, she added.

National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB)- 12 director

Feliciano Orihuela Jr. explained that in over a year DOLE and other government partners including among other the military and local government unit of Polomolok town brought together Dolefil and the labor groups Amado Kadena NAFLU –KMU and Lead.PH in a negotiating table for a peaceful settlement of claims.

After at least 32 meetings, finally the issue was settled without involving court processes, Orihuela said.

On February 10 this year, Dolefil handed to Jose Teruel, leader of AK-NAFLU–KMU a check amounting to P1,113,363.34, as part of the resolution agreed by the parties pertaining to the settlement demands of the workers.

This has also resulted, he added, on the AK-NAFLU-KMU to concede to Lead.PH as the legitimate labor group.

At yesterday’s meeting , Simon Denye, vice president and managing director of


Dolefil, lauded the DOLE for spearheading the tripartite committee.

“We are particularly grateful to Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz for bringing us this initiative,” Denye said in a video message, “because it has been a very significant process that brought industrial peace to Dolefil.”

USec Chato also lauded DOLE 12 for leading the country in the implementation of single –entry approach (SENA) of entertaining complaints.

She cited one example involving a Dolefil employee who retired in the 1970s who had written to all the president of the country from President Ferdinand Marcos to President Benigno Aquino III for his alleged claim of unpaid benefits amounting to P5,000.

NCMB director Orihuela said, via the SENA, Dolefil considered and paid the amount that employee had been asking for.

Using the SENA a “request for assistance” should be resolved in

mandatory 30 days through amicable settlement.

“In DOLE 12, the batting average of requests settled through SENA is at 70 percent,” he said, “which means that only 30 of the complaints proceed to filing of cases in court.”

Chato said: “The region’s achievements are really commendable and worthy of emulation as it highlights your sincerity and commitment to promote industrial peace through social dialogue.”

Industrial peace in the region, according to DOLE 12 regional director Chona Mantilla has translated to “zero strike” record of the region in the past six years.

In region 12, she said, labor and management choose to dialogue with the guidance of government entities to exhaust all peaceful means to resolve issues and concerns and conflicts.

Region 12 or Soccsksargen Region includes the provinces

of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

“With the prevailing industrial peace in the region, there is no reason for us not to move forward, not to work together for a more competitive and productive Region 12,” Usec Chato said.

Highligh of the RTIPC convention was the signing of the 2012 – 2016 Region 12 RTIPC Social Accord that binds all sectors to commit to work together for a more inclusive growth economy that should draw more opportunities for stable employment and result in a more progressive economy in this part of Mindanao.

Members of the tripartite industrial peace councils for the pineapple, abaca, rubber and hotel and restaurant industries in the region also signed their respective voluntary Codes of Conduct.


Sarangani kicks off mass treatment to eradicate filariasisBy Beverly Paoyon

MAASIM, Sarangani – Sarangani administered a province-wide mass drug taking of a combination of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate and Albendazole, a preventive treatment for lymphatic filariasis on Tuesday (November 6) to drum up the Filariasis Awareness Month.

Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephan-tiasis, is a debilitating and disfiguring para-sitic disease transmit-ted thru a mosquito bite that mostly affects

women, men and chil-dren in remote areas.

It is the second lead-ing cause of permanent and long term disabil-ity.

In Sarangani, the

mass drug administra-tion already started in 2002 but this year’s awareness campaign is hoped to finally free the province from the disease.


Dr. Arvin Alejandro, assistant provincial health officer, was confi-dent the province could meet the requirement of an 85 percent cov-erage mass treatment of its total population, a precondition the De-partment of Health set in declaring a certain area free from filaria.

According to Ale-jandro, Sarangani is still at 70 percent cov-erage.

In Region 12, it was North Cotabato that was first declared as filaria-free. South Co-tabato would likely be declared next while Ale-jandro estimated that it would take a span of two to five years before Sarangani could meet the requirement.

Based on 2011 fi-larial survey conducted in sentinel sites and spot check areas in Sa-rangani, 74 were di-agnosed positive who underwent Noctornal Blood Examination and 12 from the two to four years old who went thru Immunochromato-graphic Test.

From the seven mu-

nicipalities, Maasim has the most that were di-agnosed positive of the disease.

Governor Migs Dominguez said most of the affected are from the far-flung and moun-tainous areas. These patients were said to be hesitant to report to health centers due to financial constraints and social stigma they normally experience.

Dominguez said “there’s really a prob-lem in communicating the problem to those who have filariasis.” He said the effort should not just limit to merely administering the treat-ment “but creating the awareness that some-thing has to be done.”

Alejandro said the participation of the community is only to take the medicine. “We urge them also to tell their neighbors na mag-inom din, of course with the proper orientation and with the proper medication by our health service providers. With our ba-rangay health workers, mas magiging magan-

da yung awareness for them to really drink the anti-filarial drug.”

The provincial health office has been con-ducting pilot testing for the drug administration on sites where there are identified patients and where there are symptomatic evidence noted.

“We also consider incidences of malaria because it goes along together. The incidenc-es of malaria in a par-ticular area could mean that yung mosquitoes as vectors are probably mag-cross vectors din sa filaria,” Alejandro said.

“Symptoms of chronic disability symp-toms of filariasis in-clude thickening of the limbs, breasts and genital organs,”

As Alejandro point-ed out, “medication is very effective to pre-vent the disease. But once the symptoms occur we can no more prevent the disease; we can only stop the progression into more chronic stage.”


Koronadal City LGU vows good governance as it receives Seal of Good HousekeepingBy Aida Agad

KORONADAL CITY,South Cotabato– Koronadal City Mayor Peter B. Miguel vowed to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance.

Last month, the the city received the Seal of Good Housekeeping from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In a radio interview, Miguel said “We’ve been recognized as an LGU that had fully complied with the Full Disclosure Program, in line with the implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Act or ARTA.”

As a recipient of the housekeeping seal, Koronadal City is entitled of a financial aid through the Local Government Support Fund to finance projects specified under the Millennium Development Goals and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010.

Miguel also thanked city officials and employees for their contribution in earning the distinguished award because of their commendable performance.

For an LGU to qualify for the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) award, it must score high in planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, financial

management and budget execution, procurement and resource mobilization.

The LGU must also practice transparency in its procurement systems and full disclosure in its finances as the SGH aimed to promote honest orderly management of public funds and help eliminate corruption in government.


Indigent families in in Maguindanao, receive medical services from prov’l LGUBy Oliver Ross Rivera

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- On its second day of intervention in the Iranun towns of Maguindanao, the provincial government has extended medical, dental and surgical services to the indigent residents of Barangay Landasan, Parang, Maguindanao Thursday.


M a g u i n d a n a o Provincial budget officer, Lynette Estandarte said around 700 individuals, mostly women, children and elderly benefited from the free medical consultation courtesy of Department of Health- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) and soldiers from the Philippine Army.

Some 170 patients were given dental services and had tooth extraction, 75 young

men had undergone circumcision and 14 underwent free minor surgery. Aside from these, the beneficiaries were also given free medicines and vitamin supplements.

In addition from the free medical services, 460 indigent residents of the said village have been given free health insurance under the PhilHealth program as directed by Maguindanao provincial governor Esmael ‘Toto’

Mangudadatu.Meanwhile, apart

from the free medical and dental mission, the provincial government also distributed 380 school bags with school supplies in the area. Indigent families have also received vegetable seedlings to augment their livelihood.

The Maguindanao provincial government also held the same activity last Tuesday where around 2000 families from Barira Town benefited.


UN-OCHA vows close partnership with ARMMBy Perlita Changco

COTABATO CITY -- A delegation of the United Nations-Office for the Coor-dination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) visited Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional officials on Wednesday, November 7 to strengthen partnership on emergency preparedness and mitigation.

The delegation was led by UN-OCHA-Geneva Director Rashid Khalikov with members Pierre Bessuges, Chief of Emergency Preparedness Section, Special Assistant to the Director Justyna Susia, David Carden- head of UN-OCHA Philippines and Muktar Farah, head of UN-OCHA Cotabato and Iligan sub-offices.

During the meeting, Khalikov commended the cooperation and readiness of line agencies in the autonomous region under the leadership of OIC-Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman,

n o n - g ove r n m e n t o r g a n i z a t i o n s , humanitarian groups and local government units (LGUs) during calamities.

Khalikov said, UN-OCHA notes the unified disaster preparedness and mitigation plan to ensure efficient and speedy response during disasters and calamities to prevent loss of lives.

“We appreciate this cooperation. Rest assured that we are a close partner of the regional government every step of the way,” Khalikov said.

In response, ARMM Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

(ARDRRMC) chair and OCD regional director Loreto Rirao said that UN-OCHA and other UN Systems are active participants to various simulation drills being conducted on a regular basis particularly in schools.

Rirao added that DRRM Plan has been crafted and is in place addressing risk reduction focusing on pre-disaster mechanisms and actions.

On the other hand, Muktar Farah said UN-OCHA would like to work more on building the capacities of communities in ARMM affected by conflicts and calamities.


UN-OCHA vows close partnership with ARMM

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MindaComnet, PIA to hold Communicators’ Congress and workshopby Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY --The Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComnet) Inc., in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Mindanao Cluster will hold the annual communicators’ congress and workshop on November 28-30, 2012. The MindaComNet is an organization of government public information and relations officers of the national government

agencies (NGAs), government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCCs), government financial institutions (GFIs), state


universities and colleges (SUCs), and local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao. The primary objective of the communicators’ congress is to promote public advocacy on Mindanao’s opportunities and best practices, with this year’s theme “Communicating Mindanao’s Opportunities and Best Practices.” Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Information Cluster Head Abner Caga said. “To make the activity more memorable, a souvenir program will be produced by the organizers to have a glimpse of the event

which is annually held in different regions in Mindanao,” Caga said. “The souvenir Program will then be distributed to key stakeholders not only in island but also in the Luzon and Visayan regions,” Caga added. With this development, the official urges the Information Officers to attend the congress. A registration fee of Three Thousand Two Hundred Pesos (Php 3,200.00) will be collected from the participants to cover the expenses to be incurred during the congress.

The Bull Loan Program up for implementationby Eldie N. David

BUTUAN CITY --The struggle to further strengthen, implement and promote the agricultural visions of this City, the Sangguniang Panlungsod recently approved a resolution giving legitimate authority to Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Philippine Carabao Center and the local government of Butuan relative to the Bull Loan Program.


The Bull Loan Program is an initiative of accelerating the improvement of the Philippine carabao as an important source of draught power, milk, meat, and hide as recognized by both Butuan and the Philippine Carabao Center. This

means that the Murrah buffalo bulls are available to qualified agri-based cooperatives/farmer groups and individual farmer applicants through the LGU for natural breeding purposes under said program.

Gov’t agencies conduct Export Information seminar in Butuanby Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY --The Department of trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga, in cooperation with the Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) and Philippine Trade and Training Center (PTTC) will conduct a two-day Export Information Seminar on November 14-15, 2012 at the Prince Hotel, this city.

DTI-Caraga Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran said the two-day activity is part of the continuing activities of the BETP’s Regional Interactive Platform for Philippine Exporters (RIPPLES) which aims to develop new exporters and expand the country’s supply base of globally-competitive products and services in order to increase Philippine exports. BETP Assistant Director Jason Lao will lead technical experts from BETP and PTTC in discussing and presenting to the producers of food and gifts/decors/housewares in the region and

updates on access to foreign markets, market trends, product development and design trends, among others. “Knowing these trends and other information will greatly help Caraga producers in gaining knowledge and skills in producing quality and trendy products for export to foreign markets,” Pagaran said. Pagaran also enjoined media partners in Caraga to participate and take part in this event. For more information, DTI-Caraga can be reached at telephone number (085) 342-5615.

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