one mindanao - november 3, 2011

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]: hnb_r9pia

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ 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] [email protected]

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

2/F 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 (SOCSKARGEN)

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],ph

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESIN MINDANAO

OUR COVER

The Motocross Capital of the Philippines

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte

Executive 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

Associate Editors ……....... OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NOEMI A. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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 Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region

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

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

Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA PresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

An Electronic News Magazineof the Phliippine Information Agency

Mindanao Clusters

EDITORIAL BOARD

Photo Credits:http://dateline.ph, storm-crypt, Fritzs,

Vol. 1, No. 81 NOVEMBER 3, 2011

N A T I O N A L

contentsCover Story :

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte: The Motocross Capital of the Philippines

Phl strongly supports UNESCO stand on press freedom

By Lorry V. Gabule contents

12

Aquino government renews commitment to OFW welfare; supports POEA deployment ban

Philippines supports UNESCO resolution on wider use of in-ternet for human development

108

4

8

WESTERN Mindanao

26City to give cash aid to victims of Basilan, Sibugay, Zambo City atrocities

MBLT-8, TESDA brings dev’t program to alleviate poverty in Liminangcong, Taytay

25DSWD to hold simultaneous community assembly of 4Ps Beneficiaries in Zanorte

25

2827

DTI’s search for cleanest establishments inspire owners to maintain cleanliness

CARAGA RegionFree medicines distributed dur-ing Children’s month celebra-tion

Municipality in Agusan del Norte to enforce new born screening

Esperanza tribal leaders to receive CADT soon

Liga ng mga Barangay in Butuan to propose checkpoints

GSIS partners with LandBank to respond to the needs of pensioners

1819212223

18NORTHERN Mindanao

33

Economic team bares projects under P72.11-B DAP of Pres. Aquino

MASS-SPECC conducts “Nurture A Tree, Save a Planet Earth Campaign”

National farmer’s holds confer-ence in Oro

BJMP-10 sponsors children’s tree planting

31

RDC-X urges LGU-DENR tie up for land records computeriza-tion

35

31

34

36

CENTRAL Mindanao

Closed to traffic

Japanese exchange program for students, youths now open for application

NGP isasama sa regional action plan ng RDC 12

P45.2 milyon halaga ng proyekto, naipatupad ng South Cotabato

454342

46

42

Pamamahala ng P5-M covered court inilipat sa LGU ng Ampatuan, Maguindanao47

SOUTHERN MindanaoP280-m eyed for repair, completion of DavNor highway

Farmer leader urges for a com-prehensive agricultural plan

SSS announces new loan pen-alty condonation program39

3837

37

DENR Gets Positive Survey Rat-ing, vows improved perfor-mance 40

Addressing ARMM infra needs, part of PNoy’s peace initiative16

Concrete roads under PNoy have 15 years lifespan--Singson15

4 Thursday, November 3, 2011

It’s a dream come true for Gov. Khalid Q. Dimaporo – that of making the Province of Lanao del Norte, the “Motocross Capital of the Philippines.”


Cover Story

By Lorry V. Gabule

5Thursday, November 3, 2011


The province has been regularly hosting national mo-tocross events, in partner-ship with SEL-J Sports, Inc. (SJSI), since the completion of its world-class racetrack at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) in 2009. The overwhelming, ac-

tive involvement of many motocross enthusiasts from all over the coun-

try during the Moto-cross Summit in

February 2010, spearhead-e d b y

P r e s i -

d e n t J a y

Lacnit, Presi-dent of SJSI, at the MCC Race

Track, in Saga-d a n , Tubod, was proof of a renewed image of Lanao Del Norte, as a peaceful province with a very loving people. “The MCC race track is fantastic by local and interna-


t i o n - al standards. V e r y t e chn i ca l , y e t , very safe. D e f i - n i t e l y , Lanao del Norte is home

to the best motocross

track in the Philippines, today,” declared Race Director Bobby Orbe. The 2010 Motocross Sum-mit, being the 3rd leg of the Philippine Motocross Challenge, attracted more and more rac-ers from so many provinces of the archipelago. Participants came from Dumaguete, Iloilo, Bukidnon, Davao, Cebu, Ma-nila, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Bi-col, Sorsogon, Laguna, Bu-lacan, Batan-gas, Surigao, Ozamiz and Pagadian City

and the host, Lanao Del Norte. More than 300 riders from all over the Philippines partici-pated in the 2-day competi-tion. Among the most antici-pated racers were Star Riders Glenn Aguilar and Jovie Saulog who became household sports name in the province after the success of the motocross rac-es held in December 2009. Six (6) riders from the

American Motocross Associa-tion have also expressed their commitment to come to this

province and pit their racing skills against local su-perstars like Aguilar, Saulog and Donark Yuson. Seen in

ac t ion in the Lanao d e l N o r t e In te r -n a -tional Moto-cross Invita-tionals


were Daniel Blair, Tiger Lacey, Santos C.S., Gayan Sandaru-wan, James Robinson and Ron de Jesus. Theeventsolidifiedtheti-tle of Lanao del Norte as the Motocross Capital of the Philip-pines. The motocross events held intheprovincesignifiedanes-tablishment of progress, con-cretely made possible by the collaborative efforts exerted by

the provincial government, the people and their development partners. With the province mak-ing a significant niche in thedevelopment spectrum of the country, there is no doubt that more milestones are coming the province’s way and a valu-able legacy of excellent gover-nance is handed, continuously, to every generation.


Philippines supports UNESCO resolution on wider use of internet for human development

The Philippines joins other countries in supporting the use of the Internet to enhance human development through education, culture, communication and information.


The Communication and Information Commission of the United Nations Education Sci-entificandCulturalOrganization(UNESCO)passedares-olution calling on the 193 member states of the organization to “unleash the Internet’s potential to offer opportunities for human development in the areas of education, the sciences, culture, com-munication and information.” The resolution recalled the policy adopted by UNESCO in 2003 promoting multilingualism and universal access to cyberspace. It also reiterated the advocacy of freedom of expression, the obser-vance of ethical principles and respect for privacy. “The Philippines welcomes this report and accepts its invita-tionforallUNESCOmemberstoreflectuponandanalyzetheroleand impact of the Internet in enhancing human development in the areas of education, culture, communication and information,” PresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOfficeSecretaryHerminio“Sonny” Coloma, said in a statement during the UNESCO debate. Coloma, the chairman of the Committee on Information and Communication of the Philippine UNESCO National Commission, is attending the 36th Session of the UNESCO General Conference on Communication and Information in Paris, France. The general con-ference is being held from November 1 to 3. Coloma said that all conference participants share a common mission of promoting universal access to the Internet and foster-ing ever-higher levels of Internet penetration and use in open and inclusive knowledge societies. This will unlock the potentials for optimizing the use of the In-ternet in promoting transparency, accountability and good gover-nance, he added. “We believe that an engaged, enlightened and empowered citi-zenry is able to provide authentic feedback to government and par-ticipate meaningfully in democratic institution-building.” In the Philippines, Coloma said, the Aquino government has been actively promoting the use of new media and the social media


net-works

t o p r o v i d e real-time news and public information such as on weath-er and urban trafficflows.Thesearealsobeing used for disas-ter risk reduction in the midst of dangers posed by climate change, and the need for climate change mitigation and adap-

tation. Coloma noted that key sectors in the Philippines especially women, the youth, young professionals and the members of the armed services, are now actively en-gaged and participat-ing in online forums that build common ground and consen-sus on national is-sues. The General Con-ference is UNESCO’S

highest ruling body. One of the highlights of this year’s session is the special plenary meeting on the cel-ebration of the 10th anniversary of the adoption of UNES-CO’S Universal Dec-laration on Cultural Diversity. The General Con-ference also began its work on the orga-nization’s next Medi-um-Term Strategy for 2014-2019. (AS)

Aquino government renews commitment to OFW welfare; supports POEA deployment banThe Aquino administration renewed its commitment

for the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by supporting fully the deployment ban imposed by an overseas employment regulating body.

Despite the de-ployment ban issued by the Philippine Overseas Employ-ment Administration

(POEA), the Amend-ed Migrant Work-ers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 also provides that

the state shall al-low the deployment of OFWs to compa-nies and contractors with international


operations that are compliant with stan-dards prescribed by the POEA, Deputy Presidential Spokes-person Abigail Valte said in a statement on Thursday. Citing the state-ment of Labor and Employment Secre-tary Rosalinda Bal-doz, Valte said that the number of OFWs to be affected by the deployment ban in 41 countries would be very minimal. “As an impor-tant pillar of the Philippine economy, part of our commit-ment to migrant workers includes expanding eco-nomic opportuni-ties while ensuring

their safety wher-ever they may be in the world,” she said. The labor de-partment said the ban will affect just over 200 OFWs,

and those who have opted to come home can avail of the gov-ernment’s integra-tion program. It also said that the 41 countries affected by the ban are not considered major receiving countries for OFWs. This week, the POEA ordered a de-ployment ban on 41 countries for the

lack of guar-antees ensur-ing the welfare of OFWs. The POEA said the receiv-ing countries must have labor laws or conventions related to the protection of migrant workers. At present, the Philippines has an existing deployment ban on conflict-af-fected countries like Somalia, Syria, Ni-geria, Lebanon and also imposes partial ban to Iraq and Af-ghanistan. (AS)


The Philippines has thrown its support for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) stand on press freedom saying it jives with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s social contract with the Filipino people.

In his state-ment at the opening ceremonies of the CI (Communication and Information) Commission meet-ings held during the 36th UNESCO Con-

ference in Paris, France on Monday, Communicat ions Secretary HerminioColoma, Jr. said the Philippine govern-ment is committed to protecting the

citizenry, particu-larly journalists, in the practice of their profession. “…the Philip-pines wishes to ex-press its strong support for the CI

Phl strongly supports UNESCO stand on press freedom


sector’s vigorous promotion of free-dom of the press, freedom of expres-sion, and freedom of information as these freedoms are hallmarks of our government’s Social Contract with the Filipino people un-der the leadership of President Beni-gno S. Aquino III,” Coloma said. “We wish to particularly under-line our support for IPDC’s (Internation-al Programme for the Development of Communication – a multilateral forum in the UN system designed to mobi-lize the international community to dis-cuss and promote media development

in developing coun-tries) function as an oversight body on the safety of jour-nalists. Our govern-ment is fully commit-ted to the creation of an environment that will ensure the safety and protec-tion of journalists in the practice of their profession,” he add-ed. Hesaidthegov-ernment is working towards enacting the Witness Protection, Security and Ben-efitActthataimstostrengthen the pro-tection of this fun-damental right. Coloma also said the govern-ment is adapting a UNESCO-inspired communication for development (C4D)

framework that hopes to “create a commu-nity of citizens and strategic guide of the different com-munication and in-formation agencies of government to-wards an authentic two-way dialogue between the people and the state.” The Communi-cations Secretary also reaffirmed thecountry’s commit-ment to promote the fivemajorprogramsof the Organization’s Information for All Programme (IFAP), particularly the pro-gram on Media and Information Litera-cy. The overall goal of IFAP is to help UNESCO Member


States d e - v e l o p and implement na-tional information policies and knowl-edge strategies in a world increasingly using information and communication technologies (ICT). In order to achieve this goal, the Programme con-centrates its efforts on the five priorityareas: 1) Informa-tion for Develop-ment focuses on the value of information for addressing de-velopment issues; 2) Information Lit-eracy empowers people in all walks of life to seek, eval-uate, use and cre-ate information ef-fectively to achieve

their personal, so-cial, occupation-al and educational goal; 3) Information Preservation will be predominantly ex-ecuted by strength-ening the underly-ing principles of the Memory of the World Programme, beyond its registers, which serve as catalysts to alert decision mak-ers and the public at large; 4) Informa-tion Ethics cover the ethical, legal and so-cietal aspects of the applications of ICT and derive from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;and, 5) Information Accessibility encom-passes the many is-sues surrounding availability, accessi-bility and affordabil-ity of information, as well as the special

needs of people with disabilities. Coloma said the government has partnered with the Philippine Social Sci-ence Council and the Commission on In-formation and Com-munications Tech-nology to develop an electronic science hub which will serve as an open access repository of Philip-pine social science publications and ma-terials. “This project seeks to attain the full potentials of digital technologies in building the re-search capability of academic institu-tions, so that these may contribute more significantlyto knowledge cre-ation,” Coloma said. (RCK)


Concrete roads and highways built under theadministration of President Benigno S. Aquino III could last for 15years without repair, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson assured Tuesday.

Concrete roads under PNoy have 15 years lifespan--Singson

During the pro-gram CNEX-Talking Points held at the Phil-ippine Information Agency, Singson ex-pressed confidencein the quality of their agency’s road projects that these would not need any unnecessary

maintenance under normal conditions. “If the concrete road is of quality stan-dards it will never need any repair for 10 to 15 years under normal condition,” Singson ex-plained, “while a good asphalt road has around

10 to 12 years lifespan before any mainte-nance is needed.” The official add-ed that this durability could equate to more government savings on repair and maintenance cost. This is a far cry, he

by Jerome Carlo R. Paunan


Addressing ARMM infra needs, part of PNoy’s peace initiativePresident Benigno Aquino III’s peace initiative in the

Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) includes the completion ofhigh priority infrastructure projects which have met “substantial delays” in the past.

Department of Public Works and HighwaysSecretary Rogelio Sing-son saidthis during the Talking Points-Commu-nication and News Ex-change Forum(CNEX) aired over Radyo ng Bayan and PTV-4.When asked why Pres-ident Aquino is put-ting priority on the ARMM,Singson an-swered, “It’s part of the initiative (of President

Aquino)to bring peace to Mindanao.” Singson said the DPWHhasalreadycoor-dinated with the ARMM organizations and its governor about three months ago to review the condition of the na-tional roads covered by the said region, includ-ingthe Basilan area. They had come up with a rec-ommendation to push-

through high priority infrastructure projects, and how these may completed within the national budget and some assisting foreign funds. “We have big for-eign-assisted projects in ARMM. First, (we have some projects) fund-ed by the Saudi fund, (while) another set of projects are funded un-der the Kuwait fund,”

by Precie Catherine C. Cuarto

said, from recent road projects made by the previous administra-tion which, in a span of only two years, already needed some form of repair, something that is “unacceptable” to the agency. Singson said the DPWHisnowverystrictin ensuring that all ma-terials being used for

road construction in the country are of high quality. Proof of which, he said is that their agen-cy has engaged with private service provid-ers and have consulted with top engineering firms to double checkthe quality assurance of all recent projects nationwide.

Aside from double checking on current in-frastructure projects, Sinson said this part-nership will guarantee effective and transpar-ent assessment of ma-terials meant for the construction and reha-bilitation of roads and bridge projects across the country. (RDA/RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)


Addressing ARMM infra needs, part of PNoy’s peace initiative Singson said.

Singson also said that because of past peace and order situa-tion in the region, some of these projects en-countered substantial delays. “The directive of the President is to look at the actual situation of these foreign assist-ed projects, and findout how we can—once and for all—complete these projects.” According to Sing-son, President Aquino directed him and Inte-rior and Local Govern-ment Sec. Jesse Ro-bredo to look at how development may be brought to the ARMM. “In relation to that (di-

rective), we have com-pleted and submitted to the task force led by Sec. Robredo to aug-ment thru pump prim-ing projects in the ARMM area.” Singson further said the Department of Budget and Man-agement allocated 26 percent of the DPWHbudget for the Mind-anao region alone. This is equivalent to almost P16 billion to P22 bil-lion. Some P2.7 billion of this will be used for infrastructure develop-ment in the ARMM. “It will be mostly for roads and bridges,” Singson said. There are, however, other agencies involved such

as the Department of Agriculture to address irrigationandfishpro-duction concerns. “So, it is a com-bination of national agencies, getting to-gether on how to bring honest-to-goodness development in ARMM, which that area needs so badly,” Singson con-cluded. Talking Points ra-dio program and CNEX media forum are spon-sored by the Presiden-tial Communications Operations Office,Philippine Informa-tion Agency, Philippine Broadcasting Service and Philippine News Agency.(RDA/PCCC/PIA-GHQ)


www.piacaraga.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

[email protected][email protected]

Free medicines distributed during Children’s month celebration by David M. Suyao

The culmination of the National Children’s month celebration with the special children of Trento West Central Elementary School in Trento, Agusan del Sur was highlighted with the

distribution of medicines.


Congresswoman Evelyn Plaza-Mellana, who led the distribu-tion, also shared ad-vices to teachers and parents on preparing the children for their future. “For the parents, with the tender age of your children, I sug-gest you let them en-joy playing and train them to be interest-ed in sports because sports help develop the personality of a child,” Mellana said. The children, on the other hand, were treated to games and contests. Attention-catchers were the special children that enjoyed playing and participating.

“I therefore call on the local government units that we invest for our children as one of our gifts for them, so that they will grow to be loving, concerned and responsible citizens in the future,” she said. Aside from her message, Mellana

also asked pre-school teachers, if they re-ceived the play station set given by the UNI-CEF and to list down the most needed sec-tion of the play set so that she can comple-ment them. Since the start of the year 2011, the two lady solons, Cong. Maria Valentina Plaza of District I, and Cong. Evelyn Plaza – Mellana of District II, have been conducting medical outreach and giving medical and ed-ucational assistance to their constituents in their respective dis-tricts, prioritizing the children in Agusan del Sur.


BUTUAN CITY – The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), in its goal to be more responsive to the needs of the pensioners, has partnered with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) as its alternate servicing bank for payment of pensions and loan proceeds.

GSIS partners with LandBank to respond to the needs of pensioners by Jennifer P. Gaitano

In a press state-ment, GSIS-Caraga Re-gional Manager Mamole Pangandaman said that GSIS have arranged with LandBank to pro-vide members with an ATM savings account where their monthly pension can be credit-ed. “The GSIS is ex-panding its partnership with LandBank to give not only our pension-ers, but also our 1.4 million members the option to avail of Land-Bank’s banking ser-vices,” Pangandaman stressed.

Thus, members who will choose to avail themselves of Land-Bank’s services will be issued a Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) eCard where loan pro-ceeds and other ben-efits such as cash divi-dends will be credited. Members who want to avail of the op-tion to be served by LandBank may proceed to the nearest Land-Bank branch near them and claim their ATM card not later than No-vember 30, 2011, and should bring the fol-lowing: GSIS eCard

and one (1) govern-ment-issued ID (such as: Postal ID, Senior Citizen’s ID, Passport, Voter’s ID, etc). Pangandaman also emphasized that hav-ing a LandBank UMID eCard entitles one to the following benefits: 1) No maintaining bal-ance required for your savings account; 2) No service fee on with-drawal and balance in-quiry from any of Land-Bank’s more than 900 ATMs nationwide; 3) As a debit card in more than 20,000 accredited merchants nationwide;


4) As a discount card for selected Pfizer med-icines and when enroll-ing your children/rela-tives in any STI campus nationwide; and 5) Can withdraw from any Ex-pressnet, Bancnet or Megalink ATM network. Also, members who wish to trans-fer their account to LandBank, may regis-ter through any of the

following means: EMAIL to [email protected] their 1) Name, 2) Date of Birth, 3) UMID Com-mon Reference Num-ber (CRN) and 4) Preferred LANDBANK branch; or Log in to GSIS eCard online transactions facility at www.gsis.gov.ph using their 11-digit GSIS ID Num-ber. Once logged in, click on the icon

[Choose LANDBANK as your Servicing Bank] and indicate their preferred Land Bank Branch via a drop-down list menu; or they may visit any GSIS Field Of-fice near them to signi-fy their intent to trans-fer their bank account. However, if amember decides to continue receiving his/

her pension through UnionBank will con-tinue to be credited in their GSIS eCard ac-count with UnionBank. Regardless of their choice of servic-ing bank, the GSIS eCard remains as their GSIS identification and transaction card for availment of their pen-sion loan through the GSIS Wireless Auto-mated Processing Sys-tem (GW@PS) kiosk, and may continue to be entitled to the dis-counts extended to GSIS eCardholders for Pfizer medicines and tu-ition fees with any STI campus nationwide. With this, Pangan-daman assures its pen-sioners and members that GSIS will continue to serve them and sat-isfy their loan needs.

Liga ng mga Barangay in Butuan to propose checkpoints

BUTUAN CITY– Liga ng mga Punong Barangay president Nestor Amora of Brgy. Banza here has proposed for the implementation of checkpoints in every barangay of the city.

by Robert E. Roperos


Municipality in Agusan del Norte to enforce new born screening

BUTUAN CITY – The municipality of Carmen in Agusan del Norte is now enforcing the conduct of new born screening to all newly-born babies in the area.

The proposal was made after it was observed that crime incidents in the city have increased as Yuletide Season is fast approaching. Amora said if all the 86 barangays of the city will cooper-ate, faster resolution of crimes that have been happening late-ly will be achieved. The barangay captains’ association prexy of the city said force multipliers of each barangay will be used to man the checkpoints to ensure that they can really

monitor the people who will be coming in and out of the area. These Civilian Volunteer Officers(CVOs) and barangay tanods should coor-dinate with the local police force of the city. “Aside from this, the checkpoint will also help to refrain the lawless elements from coming in the city,” Amora added. With this, Amora said he will include this plan as soon as possible so that bud-get will be allocated for this purpose.

It can be recalled that series of shooting and robbery incidents happened these past days which caused alarm to Butuanons safety and security. The latest of which is the shooting incident happened in a down-town area here where the victim was report-edly shot in front of his family while walk-ing. However, thelaw enforcers as well as the government troops vow to double their efforts to coun-ter the problem.


AGUSAN DEL SUR = -- Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza told tribal leaders in Barangay Tagbalili that their Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title will be given to them soon, since the process is nearing its completion.

As per Municipal Order No. 13 authored by Sangguniang Bayan member Raul Aparicio, the conduct of new born screening is mandato-ry to protect the babies from metabolic disor-ders. Municipal officialssaid this is one way of helping the parents to determine at the early stage if their newly-born babies are free from

these metabolic diseas-es or not. Meanwhile, accord-ing to the Department of Health (DOH), mostbabies with metabolic disorders look normal at birth. One will nev-er know that the baby has the disorder until the onset of signs and symptoms and more of-ten ill effects are already irreversible. The DOH also ad-vised that newborn screening is ideally done on the 48th hour or at least 24 hours from birth. Some disorders are not detected if the test is done earlier than 24 hours. The baby must be screened again after 2 weeks for more accu-

rate results. Some of the dis-orders included in the newborn screening pack-age are Congenital Hy-pothyroidism, Congeni-talAdrenalHyperplasia,Galactosemia , Phe-nylketonuria, and Glu-cose-6-Phosphate Dehy-drogenaseDeficiency. Babies with posi-tive results should be referred at once to the nearest hospital or spe-cialist for confirmatorytesting and further man-agement. Should there be no specialist in the area, the NBS secretar-iat office will assist itsattending physician, the DOH said. (Robert E. Roperos)

Esperanza tribal leaders to receive CADT soon

Plaza said this during the cross country tour “Malun-gon Mountain Trail” with members of the Sangguniang Panla-lawigan and other localofficials “The objec-tive of this moun-

tain trail is to bring along the message of peace all over the province of Agusan del Sur and to let our lumad (natives) brothers and sis-ters know that their long awaited CADT will soon be in their

hands. I want you to know that the pro-vincial government had set aside P5 Million for the pro-cessing of the CADT all over the province for speedy and ef-ficient processing,”Plaza said.


In Tagbalili alone,theidentifiedCADT of the Higa-onon tribe reached to 104,000 hectares of land, and this area is the last of the nine clusters for the social preparation done by the Nation-al Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Agusan del Sur provincial of-fice. “Our dream is for us to be given the authority to manage our ancestral lands, where we get mostly

our way of living. Because of what the governor said, words can not express how we feel, because this is a great help for us and the future of the Higaonontribe,” Tagbalili Barangay Captain Erick Dumaguing said.

NCIP repre-sentative Adelaida Buyog said after this last cluster of social preparation activity they are conduct-ing, documents will already be forward-ed to Cen-tralOfficeforeva lua t i on and the re-lease of the CADT will fol-low. D u r i n g the visit of the German Bundes tag (Parliament)

in Esparanza last Au-gust, Plaza present-ed to them the LGUs efforts in processing the CADT so that the lumads will have se-curity of tenure over their ancestral land. The provincial gov-ernment have also conducted series of consultations and referrals to both the lumads and the na-tional government in order to speed up the issuance of the CADT to the lumads in the entire Agusan del Sur. (David M. Suyao)


DSWD to hold simultaneous community assembly of 4Ps Beneficiaries in Zanorte

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will hold a simultaneous community assembly of all potential Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program

(4Ps) beneficiaries in the 13 municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte.

by Alfonso T. Ruda

Mr. Jose Cruz, DSWD-Zamboanga del Norte Pantawid Pami-lyang Pilipino Program Provincial Link said, the new batch of 4Ps ben-eficiaries were deter-mined after the Nation-al Household TargetingSystem-Reval idation was conducted in the said municipalities last May 2011. The22,891benefi-ciaries are in the munici-palities of Leon Postigo with 1,322 families; Bali-guian, 1,332; Godod, 917; Gutalac, 1,840; Jose Dalman, 1,223; Kalawit, 1,177; Katipu-

nan, 1,430; Manukan, 1,523; Roxas, 1,599; Sergio Osmeña, 1,218; Siayan, 2,055, Sibuco, 3,831; and Sindangan with 3,424 family-bene-ficiaries. The DSWD staff in the province is augment-ed by the DSWD per-sonnel from the DSWD-Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur with the support coming from the concerned Lo-cal Government Units, Department of Educa-tion; Dept. of Health;and Civil Society Orga-nizations. They will conduct

registration and revali-dation in a minimum of 5 barangays per day start-ing today until Monday, November 7, 2011.

The Pantawid ng Pami-lyang Pilipino Program is an anti-poverty alle-viation program of the government that pro-vides cash assistance to the indigent families for their health and educa-tional needs. The family benefi-ciary with three children aging below 14 years old will receive a maxi-mum monthly allowance of P1,400.00, provided,


they comply with the re-quirements set forth by the program. Each child is entitled to P300.00 and the mother, P500.00. Among the condi-

tions include the regular medical check-up for the children, especially those below 5 years old; that the children spend 85% of their time in school;

and that the mother regularly attend to the Responsible Parenthood session conducted for the purpose. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

MBLT-8, TESDA brings dev’t program to alleviate poverty in Liminangcong, TaytayTrue to the spirit of the AFP’s Campaign Plan

Bayanihan (Internal Peace and Security Plan) of collective efforts by volunteerism, 80 residents

of Bgy. Liminangcong, Taytay received skills development training on barbering and beauty care from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

In a press release, the 6th Civil Relations Group, AFP said the train-ing was made possible through the concerted endeavor of different lo-cal government agencies and organizations facili-tated by the 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team and the 6thCRG. The three-day crash course on hair-cutting and beauty en-hancement skills, which ended on October 22 with a closing ceremony, aimed to equip the re-cipients with skills that would give them an op-portunity for self-em-

ployment and thereby help them improve their quality of life. The skills and de-velopment program was part of the “ACAP ni ACA” community service project of 1st district Representative Antonio C. Alvarez that seeks to alleviate poverty in im-poverished communities in the northern part of the province. Its mission compli-ments with one of TES-DA’s fundamental ser-vice delivery framework: to provide area-based income-generating op-portunities to Filipinos,

especially to the poor. It was also in line with the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which, in a nutshell, works on the principle that winning the peace is everybody’s concern and bringing development to the community needs the collective efforts of all the stakeholders. The military’s IPSP focuses more on creating networks and building partnerships with all the stakeholders involved to address the root prob-lems that cause


disruptions in peace that in turn hampers devel-opment. The skills develop-ment program conduct-ed in Barangay Limi-nangcong, Taytay was yet another example of the potent power of co-operation in achieving a common goal. The Peace and De-

velopment Team headed by 2Lt Sherwin Salva-dor and the 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-8) facilitated the training, which was made possible through the coordination of the 6th CRG, Civil Rela-tions Services of the AFP (CRG, CRSAFP). Present to witness

the closing ceremony of the three-day training were Gateway Educa-tional Foundation, Inc. (GEFI) School Direc-tor Connie Wolverton, TESDA Coordinator for the 1st district of Pala-wan Belle Magno and Lieutenant Salvador. (JPA/6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)

The Peace and Development Team headed by 2Lt Sherwin Salvador and the 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-8) facilitated the training, which was made possible through the coordination of the 6th CRG, Civil Relations Services of the AFP

80 residents of Bgy. Liminangcong, Taytay received skills development training on barbering and beauty care from TESDA

City to give cash aid to victims of Basilan, Sibugay, Zambo City atrocities

by Jocelyn P. AlvarezThe city government is set to distribute cash assistance to the families of slain, wounded soldiers and civilians as a result of the recent

atrocities that beset Zamboanga City, Basilan Province and Zamboanga Sibugay.


In a press state-ment, City Information Officer (IO) Sheila Co-

varrubias said, the city government thru the City Social Welfare and De-velopmentOffice(CSW-DO) in cooperation with Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) “is finalizing thelist of soldiers who were slain and wounded dur-ing the recent ambush, explosion or encounters in Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboan-ga City for the release of financialassistanceasashow of sympathy to the families affected.” Covarrubias said,

the mayor hopes that the cash assistance will in one way or the other help alleviate the plight of the victims. The active City IO explained, among those included in the financial assistancelist will be those killed and wounded in action during the Basilan en-

counter on October 18, the Zamboanga Sibugay ambush incident that oc-curred last October 22, the sea encounter off Taluksangay waters and Sangali explosion that occurred on October 25 and 26 respectively, all in Zamboanga City. “Also included are the 11 people who were wounded during the twin explosions at the San Roque cockpit and the Red Palm pension house in Guiwan last October 9, also in Zamboanga

City,” Covarrubias said. “At least 19 soldiers were killed and several others wounded during the Albarka encounter in Basilan while two were killed in the ambush in Payao, ZamboangaSibu-gay Province,” Covarru-bias said “On the other hand , one was killed from Task Force Zamboanga, three others injured in

the sea patrol encounter off Taluksangay waters while one civilian was in-stantly killed and 6 oth-ers wounded in the San-gali explosion,” the lady IO confirmed. (JPA/SC/PIA9-Zambo City)

DTI’s search for cleanest establishments inspire owners to maintain cleanliness

The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) annual search for cleanest establishments has encouraged establishment owners and managers

to maintain cleanliness.

by Gideon C. Corgue


Mardale Hotel’smanager Rose Bo-lotaolo on Friday’s culmination program of c o n s u m e r welfare month c e l e b r a -tion at ZAM-S U R E C O - I function hall said the search has encour-aged them to promote c lean l iness saying that the role of tourism-related estab-lishments is not only to give better service to their customers but cleanliness as well. Mardale Hotelwhich operated for less than a year with 64 rooms, 3 function halls, and 45 employ-ees was adjudged first prize winner in

the hotel and restau-

rant category (local) and received plaque of recognition.

Bolataolo said the award that they re-ceived is the beginning of better service. “Dako kaayong garbo namo pagkada-wat ning maong pasi-dungog. Mao ni ang sinugdanan sa among maayo nga serbisyo ug ang among dungog nga naangkon amo kini nga ipalahutay. Pan-ingkamutan namo nga sa tanang panahon limpyo ang among ho-tel (We are extremely proud to receive this honour. This is the be-ginning of our better service and we trea-sure the award that we

received. We will do our best to maintain cleanliness in our ho-

tel),” Bolotaolo proudly said.Bolotaolo said the search, in-deed pushed them to prac-tice cleanliness. “ This is not only for our ho-tel’s benefit butalso for the for thebenefitofalltourism-related

establishments in Pag-adian,” Bolataolo add-ed. Julie’s bakeshop owner/franchisee Do-lores Francisco said she was elated that her establishment was adjudged first prizewinner in bakeshop (franchise category) saying that her bake-shop joined the annual search for awhile but garnered 2nd and 3rd place only. “Sa among kadaugan karon man-ingkamot gyud mi nga makahatag ug maayo nga serbisyo sa among customers.


Ang among tumong karon mao ang pag-mentenar sa standard sa kalmpyo sa among establisimiento (With this award, we will do our best to provide ex-cellent service to our customers. Our goal now is to maintain the standard of cleanli-ness in our establish-ment),” Francisco ex-plained. Francisco believes that when cleanliness is maintained, the sales will also increase . “We are providing satisfac-tion to our customers and that satisfaction is through our cleanest and tastiest bread,” Francsico added. Best emporium fastfood supervisor Eva Ansag said the award

that they received as first prize winner inthe fastfood catego-ry was achieved thru

the active involvement and cooperation of the staff. “Nalipay gyud mi tungod kay na-kita namo ang bunga sa among pagpan-glimpyo sa estab-lisimiento ug mao ang pasidungog nga naangkon namo ( We are very happy that the cleanliness that we do has cer-

tainly bear fruits – and that is the award that we received),” Ansag said. Ansag said that they do cleaning not only everyday but al-most every hour just to make sure that the foods being prepared in the kitchen are clean. The search for cleanest establish-ments is an annual search conducted by the DTI provincial of-fice in coordinationwith the Pagadian City Consumers Association Inc. and ConumerNet during the celebration of Consumer Welfare Month every month of October. The search started in 1988 up to present. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian)


Economic team bares projects under P72.11-B DAP of Pres. AquinoBy Apipa BagumbaranSenior officials from the country’s economic cluster agencies

has announced the implementation of P72.11 billion worth of high-impact projects under the Disbursement Acceleration Plan

(DAP) of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The DAP fast-tracks the implementation of around 22 programs and projects, said Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Director Rolando Toledo, during the recent mid-year economic briefing held at the PlatinumBallroom of Mallberry Suites Business Hotel,here. Toledo said the plan not only accelerates disbursements but also ensures that government spending translates into greater economic activities. Among the projects included in the

DAP are the construction and rehabilitation of P5.5-billion worth of roads, bridges, flood control, and otherprojects, many of which have been damaged in the recent typhoons. He said these projectsalready have a completed program of work and many are quick-disbursing projects below P40 million. In addition, a total of P1.87 billion will be allocated for the rehabilitation of Light

Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2, including the replacement of worn-out rails, repair and rehabilitation of trains and improvement of train station facilities. For the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), P4.5 billion has also been provided for the purchase of additional train cars. In terms of agriculture and agrarian reform, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will construct and rehabilitate P1.62-billion worth of irrigation, farm-to-market roads and other infrastructure. Additional funding requirements


of P919 million will also be released for the Mindanao Rural Development Project (MRDP), P411 million for the Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project (ARIIP) while P1.29 billion will be released for the Agrarian Reform Communities Project 2 of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). TheNationalStatisticsOffice,DA,DAR, DBM will also conduct a National Survey of Farmers and Fisherfolk (NSFF) with a budget of P625 million. While the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) will be afforded with a total of P425 million to improve its capacity, particularly on the enhancement of its Doppler Radar Network (DRN), as well, as to establish a National Meteorological and Climate Center (MCC) with state-of-the-art information technology facilities. In light of the anticipated reduction in Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) in 2012, a total of P6.5-billion will also be provided to local government units (LGUs) which are almost completely dependent on IRA for the construction of arterial roads that connect to national roads; rural electrification for barangays and sitios,and other priority projects that have economic impact, preferably directed to poor sectors and communities. Another P6.5 billion will also be allocated for the various other programs and projects while the Quezon province will be given P750 million development assistance in line with the settlement of National Power Corp. tax liabilities. Likewise, the National HousingAuthority(NHA)willbeprovidedatotalof P11.05-billion for various housing projects, including on-site housing development for families living along dangerous areas worth P10 billion and housing for the Bureau of Fire Protection

(BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology personnel (BJMP) worth P500 million. The government will also release P400 million to the Home GuaranteeCorporation (HGC) as equity infusionfor its credit insurance and mortgage guaranty operations. On the other hand, a total of P1.5-billion will be allocated for the payment of obligations of the national government to support premium subsidies for indigents under the National Health InsuranceProgram(NHIP). The Department of Health (DOH)will also have an additional P249-million for the hiring of nurses and midwives to be deployed to rural areas. Furthermore, P357-million was also set-aside for the upgrading of the physical plant and medical equipment of thePhilippineHeartCenter(PHC),P280-million for the renovation and purchase of equipment of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) and P35-million for the pediatric pulmonary program of the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP). Meanwhile, a Comprehensive Peace and Development Intervention (CPDI) package worth P8.59-billion will be implemented by the government to foster peace, development and reform in the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program will also be provided with an additional P1.82-billion for peace and development activities with the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), as well as to support for the Reintegration Program of former rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA), among others.


National farmer’s holds conference in Oroby Kathleen Emillie Araña

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – Some 110 participants from 49 dioceses and archdioceses across the country attended the Biennial National Farmer’s Conference, here, recently.

Hosted by the SustainableAgriculture (SA) Center of the Xavier University College of Agriculture, in cooperation of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro and ADEXTRA Ministries, the activity aimed to share experiences and best practices in sustainable agriculture.

The affair was anchored on the theme “Life of Sustainable Agriculture” with the active SA program of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“This was born out of the SA Program of the CBCP – National Secretariat for Social Action-Justice and Peace (NASSA),” Program Coordinator Ronel Barsatan explained.

The program has been sustained through its island networks, the Inter-Diocesan Sustainable Agriculture Network (IDSANet) Mindanao, VIDSANet (Visayas) and LIDSANet (Luzon).

This year’s conference, also, sought to consolidate the experiences of the Diocesan Social Action Centers (DSAC), to collaborate with the government, particularly the DA, in the

implementation of the RA 10068 known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.

It also launched the umbrella network, IDSANET Philippines, modeled after IDSANet Mindanao.

Mindanao delegates arrived from the archdioceses and dioceses of Ozamiz , Malaybalay, Julo, Surigao, Kidapawan, Tandag, Cotabato, Basilan, Tagum, Pagadian, Davao, Mati, Dipolog, Ipil, Butuan and Iligan.

Present during the event were the following SA advocates: Chin-Chin Guttierez and Roy Alvarez and Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ DD of Cagayan de Oro, Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos, DD of Butuan, Bishop Jose Cabantan, DD of Malaybalay and Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Director of CBCP-NASSA.

The organizers, this year, comprised the CBCP-NASSA, known as the Caritas Filipinas Foundation Inc. (CFFI), Caritas ASIA, Canadian Catholic Organization for Development & Peace, Entraide et Fratenite, Caritas Korea, DA and RU Foundry. (XU)


MASS-SPECC conducts “Nurture A Tree, Save a Planet Earth Campaign” by Mark Brazil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – A synchronized environmental consciousness campaign dubbed as “Nurture A Tree, Save a Planet Earth Campaign” was launched launched by the Mindanao Alliance Self-Help Societies- Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (MASS-SPECC) Cooperative Development Center, here, recently.

The one-day activity was conducted in a synchronized manner participated by all cooperative affiliatesaroundthedifferentregionsin Mindanao. This initiative of MASS-SPECC, a federation of primary cooperatives around Mindanao, is part of its thrust to implement cooperative social services to the communities where its member cooperatives are located. The objective of the activity is to promote awareness among the member cooperatives on its contribution in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of ensuring environmental sustainability. Apartfromthefinancialservicesoffered by the cooperatives to its members, provision of social services that is responsive to the needs of the members and the communities remains an important thrust of the movement. Thus, realizing the significanceof social capital and community involvement in the cooperative movement, this “Nurture A Tree, Save Planet Earth Campaign” is also a timely activity to promote awareness on the importance of caring for the

environment as pro-active response of an individual cooperator, as well, as a collective and institutional response among cooperative affiliates tomitigate the effects of climate change, as well, as to lessen the impact of disasters and calamities. It has been years that individual cooperatives have been implementing its respective social service program. However,doingitindividuallybycooperatives only creates thin impact to the community. With this, a bigger and collaborated move was conducted to achieve substantial impact and wider involvement. The synchronized tree planting activity is a unified initiative ofthe different primary cooperatives under MASS-SPECC to culminate the celebration of the month of October as Cooperative Month. All Co-operators in Region 9 in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Region 10 in Northern Mindanao, Region 11 in Davao, Region 12 in Socsargen and Caraga in Region 13 were enjoined to participate in this synchronized tree planting activity. (MASS-SPECC)


MASS-SPECC conducts “Nurture A Tree, Save a Planet Earth Campaign”

BJMP-10 sponsors children’s tree plantingby JO1 Jeza Mae Sarah C. Sanchez

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - In support of the nationwide Children’s Month Celebration, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, region 10 (BJMP-10), recently, led a group of children in planting a hundred of trees at the Malasag Eco-park, here.

“There’s something so unique about planting trees with children. Maybe because children serves as the future stewards of this world,” said Jail/Sr. Supt Abraham Pil Lintao Regional Director of BJMP-10. “They need to be taught about the values of rearing and caring for the environment this early,” he stressed. The children, who participated in the said activity, were girl-victims of abuse and exploitation sheltered at theDSWD’sHouseforGirls. It is the intention of BJMP-10 that through the said activity, these children would feel their importance to the society and somehow work to uplift their self-esteem. Lintao said that these children, in spite of all that they had been through, should nevertheless hold their heads high. By the simple act of planting a hundred trees, they have already contributed immensely in the protection of the eco-system, he said. “One might notice that for the past few months, we had keenly involved ourselves with community-based activities which concerns the environment and mitigating the effects of global warming.

This endeavor is way beyond our mandate of safekeeping and development of inmates, the Regional Director quipped. “Nevertheless as a Bureau and as a part of the larger community, our commitment for public service compels us to go beyond the said mandate”, he further added. Meanwhile, after the tree planting activity, BJMP-10 also sponsored a Child Feeding Program for the rest of the younger children sheltered at the DSWD’sHouseforGirls. (BJMP)


RDC-X urges LGU-DENR tie up for land records computerizationBy Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental -- The Regional Development Council, Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) has urged the local government units (LGU’s) of the region to forge a memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), region 10, for the computerization of their land records.

The computerization of the land records will not only assist DENR-10 in improving its land-related services, butalsoprovidesbenefitstotheLGU’s,Paquito D. Melicor, Jr., Regional Director of the Land Management Bureau (LMB), region 10, said. Melicor said the computerization will increase their revenue collection through precise land information with General Information Service (GIS) applications on property identificationand valuations, including effective and efficient planning of land-baseddevelopment projects. Meanwhile, he said DENR- 10, has adopted an integrated computerized information system to improve land-related services by encoding their respective lot data information, to include cadastral and approved subdivision lots, in a bid to eradicate the proliferation of duplicate and spurious titles and other issues on land records management. Hesaid this isdonethroughtheestablishment of the Land Administration and Management System (LAMS), which is designed to provide effective management of land records and efficient delivery of land transactionsand information services to the public.

With the LAMS database and imaging technology and by computerized inspection,verificationandapprovalofsurvey returns, effective land titling activities will soon be realized. The LAMS will be the platform for managing the land data and information of the LMB and Land Management Services (LMS) in the DENR’s regional offices, where data may be inputtedfrom other systems, such as the Philippine Reference System of 1992 (PRS ’92) Project of the National Mapping Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA) and the Land Titling Computerization Project (LTCP) of the Land Registration Authority (LRA). Hesaidthedeterioratingphysicalstate of the paper records and the absence of an up-to-date spatial map that links these records into an effective system have negatively affected the land-related services of DENR at the regionaloffice. Hence, the DENR-LMS X ispresently undertaking computerization of land records to improve the land management record system in the region, parallel to the project of the NAMRIA thru the (PRS ‘ 92), Melicor added.


P280-m eyed for repair, completion of DavNor highway

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario has

bared plans of the Department of Public Works and Highways in al-locating P280 million for the repair and completion of the Kapalong-Talaingod-Bukidnon Road. The Governor shared the plans of the national government agency during a people’s forum in the mu-nicipality of Talaingod on the occa-sion of the 14th Kalibongan Festival last October 28. HesaidthattheP80-millionwillbe spent for the repair the landslide prone area of the road while P200

-million is being eyed to be allocated this 2012 to finishthehighwaywhichwould connect the towns of Talaingod in Davao del Norte and San Fernando in Bukidnon. Last July, the Mindan-ao Development Author-ity in a resolution has asked President Benigno Aquino III to prioritize the completion of the 57-kilometer road proj-ect. That aims to provide

a direct alternate route from Bukid-non to Davao del Norte and nearby provinces that would bring in the flowofgoods,agriculturalproduceand tourists directly to the area. Landslides in July caused by heavy downpour destroyed some sections of the road in Valencia City Bukidnon. The project was started in 2007 andhasnotbeenfinishedduetolack of funds. it is estimated that P2.29 billion more are needed to completelyfinishedtheroad.(PIA/RG Alama)


Farmer leader urges for a comprehensive agricultural planDAVAO CITY– A farmer leader here urged the local government to for-mulate a comprehensive agricul-tural plan to ensure food security for the city. Nick Galope, chair of Davao City Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordi-nating Committee, also called on of-ficialsnottoindiscriminatelyapproveapplications for land conversions to protect agricultural land. Galope raised the challenge to the city government in fear that the city may cease to be food supplier sans the comprehensive agricultural plan, and with the upsurge of land conversions from agricultural lands to housing subdivisions. “What would be left of our agri-cultural lands in the city?” he asked in the vernacular, saying that for the last 20 years he has witnessed the rapid conversions of lands in the city. Hesaidthatproductionofpri-mary crops such as coconut, corn, banana and rice might decline due to the sprouting of housing villages. Galope brought up his concern for food security during a recently-held forum on the accomplishments and plans of the Provincial Agrar-ianReformOfficeofDavaoCityuntil2014. In the forum, Galope also ex-pressed worries on the state of farm-ers, particularly the agrarian reform

beneficiarieswhentheimplementa-tion of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with Extension and Reforms (CARPER) would end by 2014. “If the time comes when the program ends, would the local gov-ernment take the responsibility of helping the farmers?” he raised urg-inglocalofficialspresentduringtheforum to continue assisting farmers even without the agrarian reform program. Galope represents the farm-workers sector with major crops in the PARCCOM which takes the func-tions to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the CARP in each province in the country. Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor SaraDuterteurgedherfellowoffi-cials from the local government, the DAR and the Department of Agricul-ture to keep on assisting the farmers in the city. The mayor cited the assistance in the form of training and capacity building activities, enhanced access tofinancialassistanceandrehabili-tation or creation of more farm-to-market roads. “Let us realize this forum to empower our farmers and to give them informed choices, so that we can achieve our mutual desire for sustainable rural development,” Du-terte stated in her message deliv

by Carina Cayon


ered by her representative during the CARPER forum. While acknowledging that the implementation of CARPER “re-mains an uphill climb”, Duterte called on the unity of the govern-mentofficials,sayingthat“weareanswerable to those who till the land, those by whose blood and sweat this country continues to feed its people.” DARPO Davao City legal divi-

sion chief Atty. Glenn Pobre report-ed that from January to September this year, the city has accomplished 63 hectares in its land and acqui-sition program, with 59 agrarian reformbeneficiaries. Pobresaidthatthefigurerep-resents 11 percent of the total tar-getof563hectaresfor2011.Headded that more has to be accom-plished for the following years until 2014. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

SSS announces new loan penalty condonation program

DAVAO CITY- Unlike the pre-vious condonation program scheme implemented by the Social Security System (SSS), the new program approved last October 2011comes with a new scheme and terms now more equitable. In today’s Kapihan sa SSS, an annual media forum attended by SSS bigwigs held in different major cities in the country, SSS President and Chief Executive

OfficerEmiliodeQuirosJr.announcedtoDavaomediathePresident’sap-proval on a new condonation program. “This time, the terms would be more equitable in consideration to bor-rowers who have paid their obligations on time.” de Quiros said. SSS decided to amend the previous scheme and make it more fair his time. The amount of condonable penalties would now vary depending on the reason behind the member’s loan delinquency.

by Mai Gevera Macapagat


Membersfilingfortotaldisabil-ity or retirement claims will have 50 per net of their penalties condoned, with the balance taken out from their benefits. However,borrowerswhone-glected to pay even once are not covered by the program. De Quiros said the SSS is yet to fixthedateofimplementationpend-ing approval of amnesty guidelines. Theofficeistomakeannouncementin the coming weeks. Davao City is the home of

the SSS Southern Mindanao Divi-sion which supervises operations in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, North Cotabato, Compostela Valley, Maguindanao, South Cotabato, Sul-tan Kudarat, and Sarangani. The Southern Mindanao Divi-sion oversees more than 56,000 registered employers and around 2 million SSS members. (PIA XI/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)

DENR Gets Positive Survey Rating, vows improved performanceDAVAO CITY- The Department of Environment and Natural Re-sources (DENR) is inspired of the positive rating given by the peo-ple in as far as the government’s performance on environmental issues are concerned. This result was revealed in a recent opinion survey conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to assess the third quarter performance of the President in terms of economy, good gover-nance, social development, justice and security, climate change and environmental protection. DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said he is happy with the posi-tive rating and stressed that such rating means that the department’s efforts in various fronts of environ-mental protection and natural re-sources management are being felt

and appreciated by the people. This result, according to Paje is a big challenge for the agency to perform even more. Paje further said that even with the positive response of the public, his department will continue to level up its efforts to respond to publicexpectations.Healsogavecredit to the advocacy that DENR have embarked in partnership with various sectors of the society. “These public-private partnerships (PPP) provided the catalyst to boost the department’s performance”, Paje added. In Region XI, PPP led to the successful planting of 2,757 million tree seedlings covering an area of 5,514 hectares under the National Greening Program (NGP) before the 3rd quarter of 2011. NGP is one of the priority programs of the govern


ment spelled out in Executive Order (E.O.) No. 26 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino, III on February 24, 2011which aims to reduce pov-erty, promote food security, environ-ment stability, biodiversity conser-vation and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Moreover, with the implemen-tation of Executive Order No. 23, or the moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of trees in natural and re-sidual forest and the creation of the anti-illegal logging task force, DENR-XIhasalreadyconfiscatedatotalof 21,093 pieces of logs and lumber valued at PhP 9,713,343.91. Outofthesetotalconfisca-tions, 975.26 cu. m. were donated to the Department of Education (DepED) for manufacturing into schoolfixtures.Todate,therearealready 1,917 arm chairs, 964 desks and 2 teachers’ tables turned over by the LGU to DepED. The LGUs, particularly Tagum City Motorpool under Mayor Rey T. Uy, took charge ofthemanufacturingoftheconfisca-tionsintoschoolfixturesbecauseofits capacity to do the job.

To further strengthen the for-est protection of the region, a total of Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committees (MFPCs) were organized andatotalof28environmentaloffi-cers were deputized. In terms of biodiversity con-servation, three capacity-building on protected areas management, bio-diversity and eco-tourism program and 15 biodiversity and conservation lectures were conducted. One train-ingforwildlifeenforcementofficerscomposed of the members of Phil-ippine National Police (PNP), Task Force Davao and 911 Davao was also done. DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Jim O. Sampulna revealed much has yet to be done to achieve the holistic care and protection of the environment, but he is optimistic that the current overwhelming par-ticipation of the citizens in the region will steer towards an even more im-proved performance of the agency. Sampulna said that DENR-XI will never cease partnering and coor-dinating with other sectors. “Through partnerships we are able to prevent the illegal hunting of Tokai Gecko or Tuko; award land titles to vari-ousbeneficiaries;conductpoliticalboundary surveys; pursued the Inte-grated Coastal Environment Program (ICRMP) in Davao Oriental; sustained “Linis Estero and River Clean-Up” activities; coastal clean-up; constant dialogue/meeting with partner agen-cies and the LGUs, among others,” he added. (Bing Cordova/DENR-XI PR).


They, too, got talents!Members of the police force in the Soccsksargen Region (Region 12) have shown that aside from ensuring peaceful and orderly communities they also have talents to show. During the Police - Media Night and PRO 12 Got Talent Grand Finals on October 28 (Friday) at Golden State Laboratory, Purok Malakas, San Isidro, General Santos City, police personnel here presented talents in singing, magic tricks, hip-hop dancing, and others. (Photo by: Winston Malala/PIA 12)


Japanese exchange program for students, youths now open for applicationBy Dani Doguiles

The National Youth Commission (NYC) recently announced that it is now accepting applications for the Japan East-East Asia Network of Exchange Students and Youths (JENESYS) 2011-2012 Program.

JENESYS, an an-nual exchange pro-gram carried out by the Japan Internation-al Cooperation Center (JICE) with active par-ticipation of the Japan Information and Cul-tural Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan in Manila and the NYC, aims to provide an op-portunity for Filipino participants to learn about Philippine-Japan relations and experi-ence Japanese culture through institutional visits and home-stay programs.

NYC regional head Raymond Do-mingo said, the ex-change program is open to students cur-rently enrolled in col-lege or university and supervisors 30 to 50 years old.

Student applicants must be Filipino and currently enrolled in

college or university. Freshmen to senior college/university stu-dentsarequalifiedtoapply.

They should be of good moral character, with graded weight average (GWA) of 2.25 (85% equivalent) and have no failing grade in the previous se-mester, physically and mentally fit to travel,

officeroractivemem-ber of a youth organi-zation for at least one year immediately pre-ceding the date of ap-plication, preferably a first-time traveller toJapan, and have not been a recipient of any NYC-related travel grant.

They should be knowledgeable of the history, geography,


culture and arts, and current issues on the Philippines, and fairly knowledgeable in those of Japan and other East Asia coun-tries. Applicants who have studied or are currently studying Japanese language and culture will be given preference.

They must also be willing to become active NYC and JICC volunteers after the program to continue to promote the learn-ing from the JENESYS program.

Student appli-cants must submit the following: two copies each of NYC applica-tion form with pass-port-sized picture with white background, JE-

NESYS entry form with one face photo sized 45mm x 45mm, NSO authenticated Birth Certificate and pass-port (photocopies), re-sume (not more than 3pages),certificateofgood moral character issued by college/uni-versity stating GWA and no failing grade, NYC volunteer form, certification fromschool or organization that the applicant is a member or officer,and signed consent form from parents or guardians.

Student appli-cants should also submit two copies of essay which states the main reasons for applying, expectations from the program,

what he/she can con-tribute to recovery af-ter recent Great East Japan Earthquake, and how he/she can put to use lessons learned from the exchange program. The essay should not be longer than 100 words.

NYC , in coordi-nation with the JICC will recruit and recom-mendqualifiedsuper-visors for the JENESYS program.

Supervisors should be 30 to 50 years old as of April 1, 2012; physically and men-tallyfittotravel;ex-perienced in handling, managing, or supervis-ing groups of young-sters; preferably can speak Japanese; and knowledgeable in ASE-AN, Japan, and oth-er international con-cerns.

Supervisors will consolidate the post program reports and essays of the student ambassadors under his/her charge and ensure a good written output. Supervisors are also encouraged to take active role in promoting various Japanese govern-ment youth exchange and scholarship pro-grams.


Application forms are also available at any of the informa-tion centers of the Philippine Information Agency in Koronadal City, Cotabato City, and General Santos

City. Domingo said

the deadline for submission of ap-plications forms will be on November 18, 2011. Forms may be submitted to

the NYC Area Of-fice, Room 308, 3/F JoseGoHuilloBldg.,Tomas Claudio Ext., Zamboanga City. (PIA 12)

P45.2 milyon halaga ng proyekto, naipatupad ng South CotabatoKORONADAL CITY, Nob 3 - Umabot na sa mahigit P42.5 milyon ang halaga ng mga prayoridad na proyektong pang-imprastruktura ang naipatupad ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng South Cotabato bilang bahagi ng community development program nito sa taong 2011.

Ayon kay gover-nor Arthur Y. Pinggoy Jr. ang mga natapos na mga proyekto ay para sa sektor ng kalusugan, edukasyon, kalikasan at mga eco-tourism fa-cilities na nauna na um-anong itinuring na pray-oridad upang kaagad na mabigyan ng pondo at naipatupad ng Provincial Development Council (PDC).

Tinukoy ni governor Pingoy ang ulat ng Pro-vincial Engineer’sOfficena nagsasabing karami-han sa mga nabanggit na proyekto nag


kakahalaga ng P11.84 ay kinabibilangan ng re-pair at konstruksiyon ng mga health-related fa-cilities ant iba pang mga community-based infra-structure ang naipatupad sa nakaraang walong bu-wan ngayong taon.

Kabilang rin umano dito ang konstruksiyon, improvement, rehabili-tation at repair ng ilang tanggapan sa provincial capitol, pasilidad ng Crim-inal Investigation and De-tection Group (CIDG) at

ng University of the Phil-ippines School of HealthSciences-South Cotaba-to campus na umabot sa P11.2 milyon.

Dagdag pa ni gover-nor Pingoy, bahagi din um-ano dito ang P2.4 milyon pasilidad na magkatuwang na naipatupad ng pama-halaang panlalawigan at ng United States Agency for International Develop-ment sa pamamagitan ng Growth with Equity in Min-danao (GEM).

Ang iba pang mga

natapos ng mga proyekto ay ang repair at concreting ng mga road networks na nagkakahalaga ng P10.16 milyon; konstruksiyon at development ng water system na mayroong pon-dong P3.5 milyon; kon-struksiyon ng mga solar dryers, mini gymnasium, line canals, dagdag na mga silid-aralan at drainage at flood control projects naumabot sa kabuuang hal-aga na P6.075 milyon. (ac agad PIA12)

NGP isasama sa regional action plan ng RDC 12KORONADAL CITY -- Inatasan ang mga miyembro ng Regional Development Council (RDC) 12 na magsumite ng kanilang mga action plan na susuporta sa Na-tional Greening Program (NGP).

Sa naturang memora ndum ng RDC, inaatasan din ang Department of Agriculture (DA), Depart-ment of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) na isa-ma sa Regional Action Plan ng rehiyon 12 ang National Greening Program (NGP).

Ayon kay Rolando Doria, chairperson ng Eco-nomic Development Com-mittee (EDC), sinisikap at ninanais ng konseho at ng tanggapan ng DENR na pagsamahin ang mga plano at hakbangin ng mga organisasyon ng pa-

mahalaan at mga priba-dong organisasyon para sa pagpapatupad NGP sa buong Soccsksargen Re-gion.

Sa Nobyembre 3-4 ay magkakaroon sila ng planning-workshop upang makabuo ng limang ta-ong na strategic plan at Regional Action Plan para sa taong 2012 at 2013. Hiniling ni Doria sa

mga representante na dalhin ang mga nakahan-dang Action Plan ng ka-nilang ahensiya para sa NGP dahil ito ay ilalatag sa Regional Action Plan sa taong 2012-2016.

Layunin ng NGP na mabawasan ang bilang ng mga mahihirap na mama-mayan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay kaalaman


NGP isasama sa regional action plan ng RDC 12

Pamamahala ng P5-M covered court inilipat sa LGU ng Ampatuan, MaguindanaoCOTABATO CITY, Nob. 3, 2011 - Pormal na isinalin ni Maguindanao governor Esmael “Toto” Masngundadatu sa pamahalaang bayan ng Ampatuan ang proyektong cov-ered court na pinondohan ng prubinsya sa halagang P5 milyun.

Tuloy-tuloy ang imple-mentasyon ng iba’t ibang proyekto pangkaunlaran tulad ng imprastruktura sa iba’t ibang bayan ng lala-wigan upang lalong pasigla-hin ang pangkabuhayan ng mga residente para sa pag-anat ng ekonomiya sa lalawigan.

Sa kanyang mensahe, hinikayat ni Mangundadatu ang mga mamamamayan na pagibayuhin ang kanil-ang pagsisikap kasabay ng pagpupursige ng pama-halaang panlalawigan na maisakatuparan ang mga prayoridad na proyekto at programang naglalayong iangat ang kabuhayan sa mga kanayunan.

Ayon sa gubernador, pinanalalakas ng pama-halaang panlalawigan ang pagtutulungan at part-nership sa pampubliko at

pribadong sektor sa pag-sasakatuparan ng mga proyekto at programang napabilang sa priority in-vestment plan na magpa-pasigla at palakasin ang economic activities sa pru-binsya para umunlad ang kabuhayan ng mga mahi-hirap na mamamayan.

Kasabay ng turn-over ceremony, ang pamama-hagi ng relief assistance--bigas, noodles at de lata sa 900 pamilya at bags at school supplies sa mahigit 100 kabataang magaaral. Gamit ang mobile clinic ng Maguindanao, nagsagawa rin ng medical mission kung saan daan-daang residente mula sa anim (6) na bayan ang nabiyayaan ng libreng konsultasyon, gamutan, tuli at iba pang serbisyong pangkalusugan sa pakiki-pagtulungan ng military,

pulis, mga kinauukulang ahensiya ng gobyerno, at lokal na pamahalaan.

Tiniyak ng opisyal na isa-isang mabibigyan ng covered court ang 36 na bayan sa prubinsya sabay hikayat sa mga ito na pangalagaan ang mga proyektong imprastruktura sa kanilang bayan sabay panawagan sa mga magu-lang na bigyan-halaga at tutukan ang pagaaral ng kani-kanilang mga anak para sa magandang kinab-ukasan.

“Edukasyon ang pa-mana na tanging maiiwan nating mga magulang sa ating mga anak, siyang susi tungo sa magandang kinabukasan ng pamilya,” diin ni Mangundadatu. (pbchangco/PIA Cota-bato City)

tingkol sa kahalahan ng kalikasan. Nilalayon din ng NGP na makapagtanim ng 1.5 bilyung puno sa 1.5 milyong hektarya na lu-

pain sa mga lugar na tulad ng kagubatan, mangrove at protective areas, an-cestral domain; civil mili-tary reservations; at mga

urban areas na itatalaga ng mga local government units (LGUs). (KJNave-cis/PIA12)

one mindanao - november 3, 2011

Documents

pia caraga region nora

pia caraga region richard

pia region ximanaging

pia caraga regioncopy

pia region x rudolph

edaga regional director

sudaria regional director

koronadal city