one mindanao - november 5, 2015

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone 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]

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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)

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSEMMANUEL TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information AgencyEXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

Carayo/PIA-12 General Santos City)CSOs help Tacurong City craft anti-poverty plan

CSC rates DavNor “very satisfactory”

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HMLOs to give their best shot during APEC 2015 summit

DOLE guarantees more cohesive rescue, rehabilitation of abused Kasambahay under new inter-agency agreement

PAGASA to open third Doppler radar station in Mindanao

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Cover Story

ARMM SOUTHERN

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ARMM Ports Management Authority has new OIC

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By: Franklin P. GumaponContents

By: Johaniah N. Yusoph

PHL must develop culture of science – NAST

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By: Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

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34 DepEd Butuan tops regl consumer quiz bowlBy: Remelie V. Cedro

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

20 Lanao Norte guv vows to support Senior High School programBy: Lorry V. Gabule

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DAR bats for organic farming in SibugayBy: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

25 Lanao stakeholders commit to support peaceful, honest 2016 polls

36 DOST XIII calls for 2015 inventions contest, exhibit entries

By: DOST-Caraga

4 November 5, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

HMLOs to give their best shot during APEC 2015 summit By Franklin P. Gumapon

5November 5, 2015 One Mindanao

Until they were briefed on their duties and responsibilities, they were totally clueless of their roles as host media liaison officers (HMLOs) for

the Nov. 16-20, 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit in Manila.


A bit excited about this new task, some 20 personnel of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) coming from the regional and central offices participated in a briefing held at PIA central office by Director JO Paulo J. Espiritu of the Media Relations and Accreditation Division (MRAD) last Sept. 19. Assistant Secretary Virgilio P. Nadal Jr. and PIA deputy director-general Virgilio Galvez were also present in said gathering. “As HMLOs, you are the face of the country,” Director Espiritu said as he discussed their specific roles during the APEC leaders’ summit.

Skills enhancement training To equip the HMLOs with the needed knowledge and skills, a skills enhancement workshop was held at Mabini Hall, Malacañang Palace last Oct. 20 with Revimarc L. de Mesa as facilitator. He reminded the HMLOs that the APEC is a premier Asia-Pacific economic forum with the region’s sustainable growth and prosperity as its goal. He also discussed the appropriate dress code for every event and the proper deportment in dealing with the foreign media delegates particularly their respective Economy Media Liaison Officers (EMLOs).


“An HMLO acts as primary guide, logistics provider, problem solver, events manager, appointment secretary, smooth talker, ice breaker, information feeder, resident historian, shopping guru, best dresser, friend, smile factory and buck stopper,” De Mesa said. Building inclusive economies The Philippines is hosting the APEC meetings for the second time since 1996. As an APEC member, the country wants to highlight its benefits with emphasis on building inclusive economies. Twenty-one member

economies are expected to participate in the Apec economic leaders’ meeting on Nov. 18-19, namely, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hongkong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, USA and Vietnam. There will also be bilateral meetings between economies starting Nov. 16-19.Special non-working day The Palace has declared Nov. 17-20 as special non-working days for Manila to minimize inconvenience to the public


during the said event. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals will be also exclusively used for the heads of the economies attending the Apec meeting. Once-in-a-lifetime experience It is the first time that some PIA personnel have been tapped to attend to the visiting media delegations covering the Apec summit. HMLOs, Rachelle Nessia

of region 7 and Apipa Bagumbaran of region 10 have shared with this writer how they feel about their roles in this year’s gathering of economic leaders from the Asia-Pacific region. Rachelle Nessia said: “I feel privileged to be one of the HMLOs for this year’s Apec Economic Leaders Meeting. This is an opportunity for me to show the rest of the Apec economies why Philippines and the Filipinos are among the best in the world.


I look forward to an enriching experience when it comes to getting to know people from other cultures, and participating in an important process such as Apec where agreements that will change our lives are made. And of course I look forward to seeing a glimpse of Pres. Barack Obama, or even a handshake if I’m lucky enough!” For Apipa Bagumbaran, she stated: “I feel so lucky that I have a special role to play in

our hosting of APEC. It is a rare opportunity to be part of this international event. I hope we will all do well on the big day. I also hope to have a glimpse of the Sultan of Brunei.” The Philippines has waited for almost two decades before hosting another Apec leaders’ summit. Those who have directly participated in this event would always treasure the once-in-a-lifetime experience with the economies in the region.

One Mindanao10 November 5, 2015

PH, UNESCO reaffirm partnership

MANILA -- Head of the Philippine delegation to the 38th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Secretary Sonny B. Coloma Jr., of the Presidential Communications Operations Office called on Director-General Irina Bokova on Monday at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

Secretary Coloma conveyed the greetings of President Benigno S. Aquino III and expressed high regard for the efforts of the Director-General to promote UNESCO’s message of peace and humanism, especially on the

occasion of the Organization’s 70th anniversary.

Secretary Coloma and Director-General Bokova reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and cooperation


between the Philippines and UNESCO. They noted with satisfaction ongoing and future cooperation projects in fields such as education, disaster resilience, and protection of cultural heritage. He also highlighted the gains of the Philippine Government in the fields of UNESCO’s mandate under the leadership of President Aquino. In particular, the K-12 reform of the education sector set out an inclusive framework for quality education and lifelong learning throughout the country, and the expanded conditional cash transfer program helped challenged families keep their children in school.

The Secretary likewise briefed the Director-General on the Philippines’ measures to boost its disaster risk reduction capacities in wake of climate change and natural disasters, such as the launch of the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards, or Project NOAH. Director-General Bokova praised the Philippines for its progress in human development

and for being an active member of UNESCO, citing the Philippines’ constructive role as the Chair of the Group of 77 in UNESCO and in the World Heritage Committee.

Both Secretary Coloma and Director-General Bokova shared the hope for a successful 21st Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 21) to be held in Paris later in the month.

In closing, Secretary Coloma pledged the Philippines’ continuing support to UNESCO, noting the Organization’s important functions in promoting peace and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. (DFA)


DOLE guarantees more cohesive rescue, rehabilitation of abused Kasambahay under new inter-agency agreement

MANILA -- A stronger and more cohesive protection for domestic helpers in the country is now assured following the signing of a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on rescue and rehabilitation of abused kasambahay by the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation.

photo credit: interaksyon.com


Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz announced this over the weekend, saying the joint efforts of the DOLE, DSWD, DILG, PNP, and NBI in coming up with a mechanism that further protects domestic workers under RA 10361.

“This is a leap forward in our work for our domestic workers whose welfare and protection we have pursued in several developmental laws and agreements, such as the ratification of International Labor Organization Domestic Workers’ Convention, or Convention 189, and the enactment of Republic Act 10361, or the Kasambahay Law,” Baldoz said.

Under the JMC, the DSWD, through the municipal or city social welfare officer, in coordination with concerned barangay officials who are under the DILG’s supervision, take charge of the rescue and rehabilitation of abused kasambahay, while the DOLE oversees their job placement.

The goal of the JMC is to set in place a more unified inter-agency network to protect the rights of kasambahay against abuse, harassment, violence, and economic exploitation.

The JMC provides that any act of abuse committed against a kasambahay can be reported to authorities by the offended kasambahay themselves, their parents, or guardians, including relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity; DSWD social workers, law enforcement officers from the PNP’s Women and Children Protection Desk; barangay officials; or even a lawyer, counselor, therapist, or health care provider of the offended kasambahay.

“Even at least two concerned citizens in the community where the abuse occurred and who has personal knowledge of the offense committed, or government officials and employees, can report the abuse and call for their rescue. That’s how we have intensified the protection to this vulnerable sector in our labor


force,” Baldoz added.

The labor chief recalled that immediately upon the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations of Batas Kasambahay on 4 June 2013, the DOLE had set in place the mechanisms to operationalize the provisions of the law and its implementing rules and regulations.

The DOLE, she said, is committed to assist in all the stages of the conduct of rescue operations, particularly in facilitating the settlement

or disposition of labor-related disputes and the provision of alternative livelihood or employment for rescued kasambahay.

“Our primary objective was how to mainstream kasambahay concerns into our labor dispute mechanisms. For this, we have designated Kasambahay Desk Officers in all DOLE regional offices to attend to kasambahay complaints using the Single Entry Approach, a DOLE reform measure – now also a law – to effect faster, fairer, and

http://www.eaglenews.ph/


inexpensive settlement of labor issues. We have established other related mechanisms on the employment of kasambahay, such as wage setting, occupational safety and health, and recruitment regulations to ensure that pertinent provisions of the law are complied with,” Baldoz explained.

She also said the DOLE had revised its Rules and Regulations Governing Recruitment and Placement for Local Employment to incorporate the roles and responsibilities of private employment agencies under the law, especially in assisting the kasambahay in the filing of complaints and cooperating with government agencies in rescue operations.

The joint memorandum circular enjoins all governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangay, presiding officers of the Sanggunian, regional directors and field officers of DOLE, DILG, DSWD, PNP, NBI and other concerned agencies and organizations to enforce the protocol on kasambahay rescue

and rehabilitation.

The mistreatment committed against a kasambahay may be in the form of physical, sexual, and psychological harm or economic abuse, which includes withholding of wages or part of it, or any act which induce the kasambahay to give up any part of the wage by force, stealth, intimidation, threat or by any other unlawful means.

Rescued kasambahay will be provided with temporary shelter; counseling; legal, medical or psychosocial services; livelihood and skills training, and job placement.

The JMC also stipulates that LGUs may opt to use the annual five percent of their Gender and Development (GAD) budget, or any other local fund source, in rescuing and rehabilitating abused kasambahay, as well as in carrying out capability-building programs at the local level, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations on gender and development. (DOLE)


PAGASA to open third Doppler radar station in Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY –- State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) will soon install a third Doppler radar station in Mindanao.

Maribel Hasanah Enriquez, PAGASA-Zamboanga station chief meteorological officer, told the Philippines News Agency on Wednesday that the station will be installed in this city.

Enriquez said the local Doppler radar station, which costs PHP100 million, will be operational either in January or February next year. Enriquez said the building, which is located inside Camp Basilio Navarro in Barangay Upper

Calarian, is now undergoing finishing touches.

She said the Doppler radar, purchased in Helsinki, Finland, is arriving next month. It is used to measure the amount of rainfall, intensity of the rain and others within the 50 kilometer radius.

The other two Doppler radar stations are located in Tampakan, South Cotabato and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. (PNA)


DOLE implements internship program in Bukidnon

DOLE-X Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante instructed all provincial heads of the strict implementation of the GIP. Bukidnon PFO Head Raul L. Valmores reiterated that GIP is a component of the government’s Kabataan 2000 project under Executive Order No. 139 Series of 1993, which aimed to provide opportunities for young workers to serve the general public through the projects and services of government agencies and offices at both local and national.

“This program, facilitated by the DOLE, is for fresh graduates and undergraduates, enabling them to gain experience in the government offices,” said Valmores. Jovelyn Sobito is assigned in the office of Barangay Hagkol while Misses Gealyn Mae Namata, Almarie Ann Rañoa, and Jerieldin Gitgano are deployed in DOLE-10 Bukidnon PFO. All are fresh graduates of Bachelor of Public Administration, major in Local Governance in Bukidnon State

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. X (DOLE-X), through its Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (Buk PFO) hired four Government Internship Program (GIP) beneficiaries for the period 1 July 2015 until 31 December 2015.


PHL must develop culture of science – NASTBy Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The country must develop a culture of science where schools teach science in an experiential way.

According to National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz, during the Department of Science and Technology – National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST) seminar workshop in Cagayan de Oro City on October this year, that to develop a culture of science we must develop awareness and appreciation of the importance of science in everyday life and for the country’s development. Further, we must improve foundations of science in the country; encourage research to contribute to the body of scientific knowledge; encourage curiosity and scientific inquiry among students; attract youth to take up a career in science and use science to contribute to inclusive development and sustainability for

the benefit of mankind, Cruz said. There are less than 100 researchers per million people in the country, whereas, in countries like Japan, they have 6,000 researchers per million people. She said there is a need to improve the foundations for Philippine Science. The four pillars include critical mass of well-trained researchers, adequate modern research facilities, incentives for researchers and efficient admin support and rapid access to scientific literature. Cruz said that we need to look how this can be improved and we need innovation. In fact, DOST is drafting a bill on how to improve science in the Philippines, she said. Further, research must be

University in Malaybalay City. Namata, Rañoa and Gitgano expressed their gratitude to the department, “We are thankful for this opportunity in equipping us with work experiences for greater chances of employability in the near future.” “Through this experience we are trained to build our confidence for the future opportunities. We realized that all the hardships we went through were just spices in life and

that poverty is never a hindrance in achieving one’s goal. We are thankful that the government has this help and in return, we, young workers must strive harder.” Congressman Edgardo R. Masongsong, of 1-CARE Partylist is in all support to DOLE Programs, at the same time giving his assurance for more years of partnership. (Reyna L. Tagailo, LEO III/DOLE-X/Bukidnon Provincial Field Office)


beneficial to the community and must connect to industry for commercialization to contribute to inclusive growth. Meanwhile there must be research evaluation and recognition for research upgrading and encourage collaboration and synergy, increase publication outputs, explore and strengthen link between science

and technology industry and stakeholders. Research must also be consulted with the community and/or industry to make sure it can be used commercially for inclusive growth, Cruz said. Ricardo E. Rotoras, president of the Mindanao University of Science and technology (MUST) meanwhile said that policy must also be supportive to research particularly in allowing teachers to choose

either to teach solely or do research or do both for the entire year. There must be an opportunity to develop research as a career where professors can choose teaching or combination of teaching and research, he said. Otherwise we cannot achieve anything and ultimately sacrifice research productivity. (JMOR/PIA10)


Lanao Norte guv vows to support Senior High School programBy Lorry V. Gabule

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte —The governor of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte has expressed his support to the Department of Education (DepEd) K to 12 Senior High School Program.

This as Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo delivered his message during the Senior High School Summit attended by around 1,000 teachers and stakeholders at the Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. The governor said the provincial government has committed 50 classrooms to DepEd Lanao del Norte Schools Division waiting to be bidded out so as to help close the gap of the different facilities needed by the senior high school. He added, we support DepEd’s offered program on science laboratory as well as facility for culture and arts. Hopefully, within the year, these services can be delivered specially on the classrooms promised to DepEd, said gov. Dimaporo. Meanwhile, Schools Division Superintendent Emmalinda E. Duhaylungsod of DepEd Lanao del Norte said they have partnered with the provincial government of Lanao del Norte as well as the local government units in the area where to immerse looking for ways to support their needs. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is the implementing agency in the

construction of classrooms that we need, Duhaylungsod added. As we implement senior high schools by 2016 in Lanao del Norte, we not only offer courses but also the opportunity to look for a job for our students, as well, said the superintendent. Lanao del Norte has a potential in agriculture, but other nearby province and cities may also be tapped to be partners to immerse in our school for job opportunities. We hired teachers (with qualification as Master Teacher 2) to handle senior high schools, and as to technical vocational schools (TechVoc), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is now training 129 teachers to undergo Teacher Methodology (TM) as required, under its technical vocational education and training (TVET), said Duhaylungsod. For his part, Engr. Lamberto Jos, provincial director for TESDA in Lanao del Norte, said the provincial government has spared more than a million pesos for those teachers to be scholars in this program for the 31 TechVoc schools in this province. TESDA is an agency of the Philippine government under the


Department of Labor and Employment responsible for managing and supervising technical education and skills, said Engr. Jos. Under the K to 12 senior high school program, there are 5,813 public schools nationwide, operated and funded by DepEd, will begin offering Grade 11 in 2016 and Grade 12 in 2017. These public schools will utilize new classrooms and facilities constructed under the 2014 and 2015 budgets of DepEd or other fund sources, or use available facilities for Senior High School. The senior high school offers four programs mainly the Academic

Track with following subjects on Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), General Academic Strand (GAS); second is Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Track; thirdly, the Sports Track; and lastly, the Arts and Design Track. (LVG/PIA-10 LDN)


RBOI-ARMM registers additional P600-M investment for 2015

The Regional Board of Investments in the Autonomous Region

in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM) registered P600 million worth of investments at the start of this year’s fourth quarter creating at least 250 jobs for the region.

These investments were from the Maguindanao Energy Farms Inc. (MEFI) based in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Matling Industrial and Commercial Corp. (MICC) operating in Matling, Malabang, Lanao del Sur. MEFI invested P400 million for a 474-hectare napier grass plantation. The plantation, with production capacity of 256,133 metric tons per

annum, will be used to supply the fuel needs of Lamsan Power Plant located in Simuay. Napier is a highly valued industrial crop, a good source of

biomass energy, which will naturally regenerate after a reasonable length of time. Lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, RBOI-ARMM chairperson said the addition of MEFI on the list of existing renewable energy projects registered with this office signifies a growing number of investors in alternative sources of


ARMM Ports Management Authority has new OICMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Regional Ports Management Authority in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RPMA-ARMM) was turned-over to its new officcr-in-charge (OIC) Ersan Imban Warad in a ceremony held on October 29 in Cotabato City.

Warad serves as OIC-general manager of the agency by virtue of an appointment signed by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman effective October 26. Lawyer Laisa Alamia, ARMM executive secretary, led the ceremony, which was attended by port managers in the region and RPMA-ARMM’s staff. Alamia said she is confident Warad will manage the agency well.

RPMA-ARMM’s outgoing general manager Hanie Bud stepped down to pursue another career. Bud served as the chief of the agency since 2012. Warad, a Yakan native from Maluso town in the province of Basilan, served as the agency’s assistant general manager for admin and finance since 2013. “We will continue what our former general manager (Bud) had started,” he

energy such as biomass. “Such projects are included in the 2014-2016 ARMM Investments Priorities Plan that promotes and supports economic activities for sustainable and clean sources of energy and to secure power supply for the future. About 23 percent of total investments from 2012 to the present in ARMM are into renewable energy,” Mastura said. MICC, on the other hand, invested P194 million for an expansion and modernization project by setting up a new cassava starch-milling plant. The new plant is expected to

yield approximately 13,216 metric tons, or 260,000 bags annually. MICC is one of the pioneering and most enduring cassava starch companies in the country, which was established in September 1928. As of the third quarter of 2015, RBOI-ARMM registered a total of P6 billion investments, the biggest in the history of ARMM. Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman said “investments will continue to come in the region as long as there is sustained peace and stability.” (BPI/APB/PIA-10)


said. He reiterated that the agency will enhance the delivery of safe, efficient and effective ports services in the region. The RPMA-ARMM is mandated to integrate the policy of the National Ports System in managing, administering, and operating all ports in ARMM. As of October 2015, RPMA-ARMM generated about P12.3 million in revenue collections from seaport operations. The figure is expected to increase by the end of the year exceeding the agency’s target of P12-million for 2015. RPMA-ARMM operates the base ports in Jolo in Sulu; Bongao

in Tawi-Tawi; and Lamitan City in Basilan; as well as the sub-ports of Siasi in Sulu, Maluso in Basilan, and Mapun, Sitangkai and Sibutu in Tawi-Tawi. It also exercises regulatory powers in six private ports/wharves operating in the region. “We in the RPMA-ARMM aim to align and be competitive with all ports in the national and regional maritime transport chain,” Warad said. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)


They signified their commitment during the multi-stakeholders conference held at Marawi Resort Hotel on Sunday, November 1. Judge Abuali Cali of the Ulama League of the Philippines said media plays a critical role in peace dialogues citing the on-going peace talk between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front where media helps in informing the

public on the salient features of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. Minalang Barapantao Sr., former station manager of Radyo ng Bayan - Marawi, reminded media practitioners on the importance of accurate and responsible reporting. He said media practitioners should convey proper and up-to-date information to the public without hiding the truth. “Do not attack the

Lanao stakeholders commit to support peaceful, honest 2016 polls

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Stakeholders from various government agencies and private organizations here have committed to support local media practitioners in reporting accurate information for peaceful and honest (PH) elections come 2016.

by: Johaniah N. Yusoph


person directly rather attack the bad action,” he added. The multi-stakeholders conference for PH 2016 elections was organized by the newly established Marawi Broadcasters’ Association (MBA), a group of broadcasters based in Marawi City aiming to strengthen the delivery of relevant, timely and truthful information to the public. T h e conference was highlighted by the induction of the Board of Directors and Officers of the MBA adm in i s t e r ed by the Atty. Omar Macapaar, President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines - Lanao del Sur Chapter.

PTV-4 anchor, Princess Habiba Sarip, also graced the conference and was inducted as an honorary member of the association. (Johaniah N. Yusoph/APB/PIA-10)


ComVal police neutralizes drug pushers in Lambat SibatNABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley - During the provincial wide simul-taneous Lamabat Sibat Operations on October 30-31, the Compostela Valley Provincial Police Office (CVPPO) killed 1 suspected drug dealer and arrested a total of 28 suspected pushers from the 11 municipalities of the province. CVPPO Provincial Police Di-rector PSSUpt. Albert Ignatius Ferro reported in a press confer-ence yesterday at their barracks that a certain Juanito Quiral Jr., a suspected drug dealer was gunned down by the police in Mawab as he resisted arrest and lobbed a hand grenade at the op-eratives. PSSupt. Ferro revealed that Quiral is an enlisted and active personnel of the Philippin Army, who is facing several cases be-fore the military court and with previous arrest record for illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms. During the operations, the police confiscated 71 different sizes of heat sealed transpar-ent sachets believed to contain

methamphetamine hydrochlo-ride or shabu, suspected mari-juana leaves and fruiting tops es-timated to weigh at 1,130 grams with a market value of aroud P33,900, drug paraphernalia and firearms and ammunitions. “The 71 sachets are still at the crime laboratory to deter-mine its exact weight and value,” Ferro said. Ferro emphasized that Lam-bat Sibat operations was based on 26 search warrants issued in Regional Trial Court Branch 4 in Panabo City and Regional Trial Court Branch 3 in Nabunturan. He also said that included in the simultaneous Lambat Si-bat were three buy-bust opera-tions for the violation of Compre-hensive Dangerous Drugs Act of


2002 or Republic Act 9165. Ferro also noted that dur-ing the operation, the Monkayo Police were able to stop a riding

in tandem, who were about to peddle drugs in the mining sites of Mount Diwalwal. (PIA11, Mi-chael Uy)

CSC rates DavNor “very satisfactory” DAVAO DEL NORTE – Af-ter three days of evalu-ation of documents and interviews on different level of positions among provincial government employees, the assessing Civil Service Commission gave Davao del Norte the numerical rating of “8” equivalent to “very satis-factory.”

The 3-day evaluation and interview focused on the Stra-tegic Performance Management System (SPMS) particularly on the Individual Performance Com-mitment Report (IPCR) and the Office Performance Commitment Report (OPCR) and other strate-gies employed by the provincial governmentif these were strictly implemented in order to main-tain its accreditation by the CSC. The interviewees were ran-domly picked from the casual, regular, head of office and elec-

tive positions. Interview was also conducted with the executive, Governor Rodolfo del Rosario. “Regarding my on-site as-sessment for three days, the interview I would say, is very satisfactory because those inter-viewee were able to answer well and able to articulate their re-spective duties and responsibili-ties and able to align their duties to their vision and mission of the province,” said Christopher B. Pallan, Senior Human Resource Officer of the CSC RXI.


“In that sense they were able to explain that their work is very important, their pres-ent work, their duties and responsibilities,even the low-est position like driver or labor-er, has a big role, very impor-tant towards the achievement of the vision and mission of the province,”continued Pallan. With the positive findings, still the CSC Senior Human Re-source Officer have recommen-dations. “Actually my recommenda-tions is continuous improvement because there is already an es-tablished system, although SPMS is fully functional, continuous im-provement on the standards per major final output should always be made. PMT is functional. Cali-bration or review of the IPCR accomplished or target against established standard should con-tinuously be done. There is con-tinuous improvement, that’s why I rated 8,” added CSC Pallan.

Pallan also cited that the rate could be higher especially on the HR office for the Accreditation Level II is maintained. The accreditation would mean that the provincial govern-ment were given the authority by the Commission to issue ap-pointments on positions. “HRM Office is competent in-cluding its HRM officers. When I say HRM office, this include the department heads in handling people. HRM unit is taking the lead in the implementation of the SPMS as well as the estab-lishment of the individual devel-opment plan, of the supervisors, managers and the rank and file employees,” concluded Pallan. But even with the “very sat-isfactory” mark, the rating will be validated by the Civil Service Commission national office ac-cording to the Senior Human Re-source Officer from the region. (pioDavNor).

did you know...That Spanish Governor Narciso Claveria authorized the expedition led by Spanish lawyer Don Jose Oyanguren in 1849 which led to the eventual occupation of the region now known as Davao. One of Davao City’s earliest street in the new Christian settlement was named after the Governor General the street was subsequently renamed after the nationalist Claro M. Recto.


Campus Forum on the West Philippine Sea issue held

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov 5 -- Some 400 students of Mindanao State University (MSU) Gensan were enlightened about the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue through the Department of Foreign Af-fairs (DFA) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) massive information advocacy campaign.


The campus activity-Gensan leg on Wednesday (Oct 28) was among the series of advocacy campaigns conducted in different provinces and cities in the Philip-pines to raise the level of aware-ness of Filipino people regarding WPS issue.

According to DFA Spokesper-son Asst. Secretary Charles Jose, the WPS issue is a matter of na-tional interest that every Filipino should be familiar of and under-stand.

Asec. Jose also assured stu-dents the Philippine government will protect and defend its right in a legal and peaceful way pos-sible.

He informed students that the Philippines and China are among the signatories to the United Na-

tions Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), thus it is war-ranted that the two countries abide by its ruling.

UNCLOS is signed by 166 na-tions.

The Philippine government, according to Asec. Jose has al-ready initiated an arbitration case against China with the UNCLOS to settle the dispute in a legal way and also to clarify issues on the maritime rights of both na-tions especially China’s histori-cal rights or the nine-dash line, which is the basis for its claim.

Asec. Jose explained that the nine-dash line is based on Chi-na’s historical rights but appears to have no basis in accordance with international law.

Under UNCLOS, all coastal


states have exclusive maritime entitlements to territorial sea within 12 nautical miles; contigu-ous zone within 24 miles; exclu-sive economic zone, 200 miles; and continental shelf, also within 200 miles.

He then cited China’s “aggres-sive” actions as shown in its un-lawful reclamation activities, in-cidents of encroachment within the Philippines economic zone, blockading and driving fishermen away with water cannons, among others just to assert and enforce its nine-dash line in WPS.

But Jose assured students that the Philippine government is do-ing everything to ensure that its territorial right over WPS is pro-tected.

Meanwhile, Dr. Emilyn Libunao, PIA Central Office described the active participation of the stu-dents as “very highly substantive and intelligent interactions” about WPS issue.

Urging students to help defend what legitimately belongs to the

Philippines, Libunao reminded them also to be calm about the issue for this is not the “sum to-tal of the country’s relationship with China.”

She asked them to isolate the dispute on the WPS saying the Philippines and China can still maintain and nurture their good relations in terms of trade, in-vestment, culture and even ex-plore other possible partnerships.

Asec Jose also noted the en-thusiasm of students saying they have not only shown interest but also manifested knowledge on the WPS issue.

Conveying his appreciation, Engr. Paisar Gadiaware, director of MSU-Gensan’s Office of Stu-dent Affairs said the advocacy campaign was “enlightenment to both the students and faculty.”

The campaign throughout the country is implemented by PIA in partnership with DFA. (CT Apel-acio with Lipsy Grace Carayo/PIA-12 General Santos City)

By Danilo E. Doguiles

CSOs help Tacurong City craft anti-poverty plan

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Nov. 5 — Civil society organiza


Just recently, some 40 CSO representatives participated in an assembly organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Tacurong in-tended to formulate the Local Poverty Reduction Plan (LPRP).

Resulting project proposals will be funded under the Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) program.

Among participating CSOs assembly were Rotary Club of Tacurong, 4Ps, Rotaract Club of Talakudong, Talakudong Metal Craft, SMB SKA 2, TFPTA, City Agriculture and Fishery Council, Tacurong Balot Vendors Associa-tion.

Tacurong Habitat for Human-ity, TFTDO, Tacurong Massage Clinic Association, United Way of Sultan Kudarat, NDEA, TAMAVA, GSP-SK, PAGLAUM Project, Sa-mahan ng mga Biyuda, Parish Supreme Pastoral Council and Federation of Senior Citizen As-sociation Tacurong City.

They elected officers who will serve as envoys in the Local Poverty Reduction Team (LPRAT) and will participate in the LPRAT Planning Workshop.

At the assembly, they were taught how to identify poverty

indicators and to formulate pos-sible strategies and programs for poverty reduction. These are pre-requisites for the formation and approval of the LPRP under the BUB.

Meanwhile, the DILG also pro-vided orientation on local gov-ernance and BuB that explained the implementing rules and reg-ulations of the said program.

Other presentations during the assembly included the re-porting on the status of imple-mentation of 2013 – 2015 BUB projects, presentation/valida-tion of poverty data/indicators, poverty analysis workshop, the corresponding output of the said workshop, and finalization of poverty analysis and identifica-tion of priority projects. (LGU Tacurong City Information/DE-Doguiles-PIA12)

tions (CSO) are lending a hand in crafting Tacurong City’s anti-poverty initiatives.


DTI AgNor awards Bagwis Seal of Excellence By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – The Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte awards the Bagwis Seal of Excellence for Con-sumers for the year 2014 and 2015 to se-lect business establish-ments in the city and the province of Agusan del Norte.

The awarding was held dur-ing the culmination activity of this year’s Consumer Welfare Month celebration in one of the malls here.

According to DTI Agusan del Norte provincial director Gay A. Tidalgo, the award was given to establishments in recognition of their commitments to consum-


er welfare, responsible business practices and social responsibil-ity. The Bagwis Award also known as the Certified Estab-lishment Program of DTI aims to recognize business establish-ments that upholds the rights of consumers and practice re-sponsible business through substantial compliance of Fair Trade Laws and setting up of a Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD) which provide information to consumers and a mechanism for speedy resolution of consumer complaints, Tidalgo added. For the year 2014, DTI awarded Bronze award to the

three business establishments of the province, namely: VROSS Meat Shoppe, Ochoa Avenue and Arujville, Libertad branches and Orlyns Department Store and General Merchandise and one Silver award to Princity Inc, in Cabadbaran City. This year, another Bronze award was awarded to Greater RJ Appliance and Trading Corpo-ration and PMDC Enterprises – Cabadbaran City branch. As of November 2, 2015, a total of 53 business establish-ments in the city and Agusan del Norte had already been awarded with the Bagwis Seal of Excel-lence since its 2009.

DepEd Butuan tops regl consumer quiz bowl By: Remelie V. Cedro

BUTUAN CITY– The Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division has won this year’s Regional Consumer Quiz Bowl.

Spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga Region, the activity is part of the celebration of this year’s Consumer Month with the theme “Consumer Protection in the ASEAN Economic Community.” It was participated by all first

place winners from all Schools Divisions Consumer Quiz Bowl in the region. Anessa Tiburon from Agusan National High School under the Butuan City Division bagged the first prize, the second place went to Princess Orchids Lumpas from Jagupit


National High School under the Agusan del Norte Division. The third place went to Opie Mae Angelie Encabo from Danipas National High School under the

Bislig City Division. All winners received cash prizes, medals, certificates, plaques and some giveaways from the sponsors.

DOST XIII calls for 2015 inventions contest, exhibit entries By: DOST-CaragaBUTUAN CITY– The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga encourages local researchers, inventors, and innovators from the academe, public and private organizations, and all other individuals able to devise new science and technology outcomes to join the 2015 Regional Inventions Contest and Exhibit (RICE). The activity will be held in the city on November 24-26, 2015.

In line with its continuous efforts in maximizing the capability and productivity of

local inventors/innovators, the 2015 RICE aims to expose new technological advancements


formulated and developed by local researchers, useful in the development of communities in the region. This will also promote the commercialization of inventions and technologies. Winners for this regional activity will serve as finalists who will vie for the major awards to the national invention contest in July 2016. Categories of the said activity include: Outstanding Invention (TUKLAS Award); Outstanding Utility Model; Outstanding Industrial Design;

Outstanding Creative Research; Outstanding Student Creative Research for College (SIBOL Award); and Outstanding Student Creative Research for High School (SIBOL Award). Interested participants can download entry forms, rules, and criteria at http://www.tapi.dost.gov.ph or contact DOST Caraga office at Tel. No. (085) 341-9551 and email [email protected]. Deadline of submission of entries will be on November 13, 2015.


LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – As the national and local elections are nearing, Brigadier General Leandro A. Loyao III, Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) commander, has reminded the troopers of the 1st Field Artillery Battalion (1FAB) to stay away from partisan politics.

1FAB troopers urged to stay nonpartisan during elections

By Franklin P. Gumapon


Speaking in the recently held change of command ceremony at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Barangay Pulacan here, Loyao told the soldiers that they should not take part in any partisan political activity/event during the election period, but focus on maintaining peace and order instead. Loyao came all the way from the AAR national headquarters at Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija to preside over the change of command ceremony between outgoing IFAB commander, Lt. Col. Sonny M. Sales and incoming commander, Lt. Col. Hubert Acierto. Sales, who served as IFAB

commander from Oct. 15, 2013 to Oct. 28, 2015, has been reassigned to the national headquarters to act as inspector general. During his stint as 1FAB commander, Sales took the lead in several civic and community activities such as tree planting, coastal cleanup, “brigade eskwela,” among others. The outgoing commander also expressed his gratitude to the civilians, local government units as well as national government agencies for helping the unit in accomplishing its programs and activities.

DAR bats for organic farming in Sibugay

By: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has been promoting organic farming in Zamboanga Sibugay through its Farmers’ Field School (FFS) program.

A total of 60 farmers have recently completed the first FFS conducted in the municipalities of Titay and Naga. They received

their certificates of completion during the FSS graduation and harvest festival last Oct. 21 and Oct. 23, respectively.


With the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), East West Seed Philippines, Agrarian Reform Communities Project 2 (ARCP2), and the local government units of Titay and Naga, the project provided the farmers with the knowledge and skills in natural farming system technology. The FFS aims to capacitate farmers where learning takes place in the fields where the farmers can actively participate, observe, analyze, experiment, consult and identify solutions to the problems encountered.The said intervention has been implemented under the Department of Agrarian Reform’s Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) program to cater to the feeding program for Daycare children aside from supplying vegetables to the local market, thereby giving additional income to the farmers/growers. In her message, Atty. Judith P. Mantos, provincial agrarian reform officer, emphasized the importance of inculcating in the farmers the benefits of organic vegetable farming, as she lauded the farmers for their involvement.

As she handed the certificates to the grauates, DAR-IX assistant regional director Engr. Agnes Maata said: “More than the LGU, it’s the community or the people who can greatly contribute to poverty reduction.” The training runs for five months with six modular courses which include the fundamentals on natural farming system through sustainable agriculture, pre-establishment stage, seed to seedling stage, vegetative stage, reproductive stage, harvesting and post-harvesting stage. Attending the FSS graduation and harvest festival were DAR-PBDD chief Anthony Teves, East West Seed Co. Inc. technical transfer manager Dr. Roberto Acosta, DSWD-IX nutrition program coordinator Jocelyn Gonzaga, Naga Mayor Gemma Adana, Titay Mayor Maria Esperanza Corazon Rillera and her municipal administrator Gil Rillera, PAHP Point Person Marilou Acedo, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers Flordie Bagundol and Ana Maria Calonia, the municipal agricultural officers and municipal social welfare and development officers of Titay and Naga, barangay officials and some DAR personnel.

one mindanao - november 5, 2015

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