one mindanao - october 17, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editorial Adviser :

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Story

Sagingan Festival: ‘Pearl Awardee’ as Best Tourism Event

Lorry V. GabuleNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 45

page 4

Aquino government assures that mechanisms and programs are now in place to mitigate hunger in the country10

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Misamis Occidental joins Nat’l Hand Washing Day 24

DOST-11 exec affirms depleting fish catch in Davao Gulf

Children took the reign of governance in the provincial government of Agusan del Sur

Joey Sem Dalumpines, Southern Mindanao

Liceo de Cagayan, LNNCHS bag cheerleading championship 25 Vincent N. Labial, Northern Mindanao

SK-KC celebrates Columbus Day with tree planting 28 Edgar V. dela Cruz, Central Mindanao

Govt HR practitioners in Region 12 gather in confabJenny Rose de Guzman, Central Mindanao30

David M. Suyao, Caraga Region

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DOLE holds seminar to strengthen labor relations, boost productivity

Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao34

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Tesda, LGU empower youth affected by declining wood industry in Caraga Danilo S. Makiling, Caraga Region22

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012 4 ONE MINDANAO


Agro-Trade fair is the main activity to be participated in by the 24 barangays. It was noticed that produced brought were mostly bananas and of different varieties. It was logical because Tubod is blessed with rich and fertile and is an agricultural land. The Sagingan Festival of Tubod, Lanao del Norte was conceptualized during the administration of then first lady Municipal Mayor the late Romana dela Cruz Neri. On October 17, 1989, the Sagingan Festival was officially launched by virtue of Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 120, series of 1989. This was the birth of the Sagingan Festival of Tubod, Lanao

del Norte and the late former Mayor Romana dela Cruz Neri, was dubbed as the “Grandmother of the Sagingan Festival.” Sagingan Festival aims to: Inspire the people of Tubod in discovering, improving and appreciating their concealed potentials in performing arts, technical skills, craftsmanship, sports, and other field of interests; Enrich the lives of Tubodnons with the unique festival experience which would advance personal paradigm, transform societies and provide better living opportunities especially for the marginalized and dis-advantaged individuals; and to Engage the community and greater stakeholders to the holistic approach in human

Tubod town in Lanao del Norte celebrates

its Charter Day every 17th of October, and various activities are lined-up to create entertainment and to promote economic activity.

by Lorry V. Gabule

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 5ONE MINDANAO


and societal development signifying importance of friendship, unity and equity amidst diversity. Sagingan Festival is composed of arrayed activities celebrated in the spirit of unity and camaraderie. Cooperation and sportsmanship is promoted in healthy competitions among Barangay Councils, the Department of Education, local government units, sponsoring entities from Civic and Profitable Organizations, community sectors, and other stakeholders. Apart from winning and grabbing the cash prizes and trophies, contingents would exert collaborative efforts in maintaining a meaningful and colorful celebrations through enlisted activities like the Sagingan

Street Dancing, Booth Competition, Decorated Karomata, Pinaka-Banana Agri-Trade OTOP Fair, Sports, Search for Miss Tubod, People’s Day, Medical Service, Youth Day, Women’s Day, amongst others. Unique and one of its kind in the country and in South-Asia, the Sagingan Festival basically is a thanksgiving festival which venerates Mother Nature for the rich bounty and abundance it provides for the municipality. Yet the festival stands for another noble end, and that is improving the social and economic lives of the people. The unique banana-sourced product coming from 30 varieties were officially recorded under the municipal agriculture’s office. Among the banana varieties that grow from the town included Del Monte, Tudlo Datu, Acosta, Muco,


S p a n i s h cardava, Seniorita, Pilitpita green, Pastilan, Manilan-on, Tiparot, Salibagyo, Talip, Muradong puti, Kurikit/Kalunsing, Bongan, Sab-a green,Pitogo, Agutay, Cardava, Lacatan, Mundo, Tundan,Pilitpita white, Muradong pula, Tindok, Lingkit domino, Cavindish, Amboanga, Pakol and Wandis. Of the 30, Lacatan, Tundan, Cardava, Bongan, Tindok, Korikit and Seniorita are the top seven varieties available in the markets including some of the country’s leading hotels and restaurants. Sagingan Street Dancing and Showdown

The municipal main street of Tubod is filled out with both dancers and spectators as the Sagingan Streetdancing started. This year, on its 26th Sagingan

Festival, has six group contingents, two categories- the High School Category and the Baranggay Category, perform with grace and passion accompanied with drums and buggle as they chanted “Hugyaw, Sayaw, Tagbaw!” (the official chant of Sagingan). The parade concluded at the People’s Park where the

formal program takes place, and the Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) X delivers his message and witness the event with the regional staff, and the board of judges. With one beat of the drum, showdown performers then take the center stage and give out their best

d a n c e moves and projection to their festive choreography and colorful costumes, ornated with Banana fruits, leaves and more of its parts.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 7ONE MINDANAO

Sagingan Booth Contest

Agricultural products, especially the 30 varieties of bananas from the 24 barangays are displayed and sold in their customized booths. The evaluation committee then inspects and adjudged who has the best banana with the biggest size and weight for the Pinaka-Banana Contest, one winner for each of the 30 varieties. One town One Product OTOP was a brainchild of former Gov. Imelda Quibranza- Dimaporo during her term from 2001-2006 as an offshoot and learning process from Japan. By then Tubod identified banana as its OTOP duly recognized by the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tourism Authority. Almost all of the upland villages in Tubod have their respective banana plantation for farmers to earn extra income. An estimated 9,000 hectares

of land were planted with banana. First District Lanao del Norte Representative Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo said her congressional office support the package scheme of processed banana products for export opportunity with the assistance from Governor Mohammad Khalid Q. Dimaporo. Tubod’s potentials on cultivating the region’s Tourism Industry has

flourished with the continuing success of the annual Sagingan Festival. Flow of visitors and investments thrive in the province, and Tubod is considered as strategic, safe and healthy place to visit and stay. The festival has stirred the tourists, local and foreign alike, interest on discovering the hidden beauty and bounty of Tubod, contrasting the popularized stigma on Lanao Provinces’ peace and order situation.


With this, Mayor Nelieta Noval of Tubod said, they received from the Association of Tourism of the Philippines (ATOP) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) the ‘Pearl Award’ to Sagingan Festival of the municipality of Tubod, Lanao del Norte, in recognition as First Place- Best Tourism Event: Festival Category (Municipal Level), given

on 4th October 2012, during the 13th DOT-ATOP National Convention at Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan City. She added, the festival was adjudged twice as “Best Tourism Event of the Philippines” during the One Town One Product (OTOP) convention in Capiz.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 9

ACROSS THE NATIONPalace reassures rehabilitation work to improve facilities of NAIA- I on-going

Malacañang said on Tuesday that the rehabilitation work to improve the facilities of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), particularly Terminal 1, is ongoing to ensure that the

country’s premiere international airport is at par with world standards.In a press briefing in Malacañang,

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the government is fully aware of the renovations that have to be done on the airport premises to ensure the comfort and safety of travelers and has taken these concerns of the riding public to “heart.”

“We are certainly continuing to rehabilitate the NAIA…the rehabilitation plans are being

reviewed right now. There are engineering details that need to be finalized and approved. So tuloy-tuloy po ang gagawin nating renovation sa NAIA 1,” Lacierda said.

“We are always cognizant of the concerns of travelers and certainly we‘ll take this to heart. But what we are saying is rehabilitation work to improve the situation of NAIA 1 are ongoing,” he added. PND (rck)

10 Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Aquino government assures that mechanisms and programs are now in place to mitigate hunger in the country

The Aquino government assured that mechanisms and programs are now in place to mitigate hunger in the Philippines, a Palace official said on Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the statement in a press briefing in Malacanang following the release of the study conducted by the International Food Policy

Research Institute (IFPRI) indicating that hunger remains a serious concern in the country.

The Washington-based institute said that out of 120 countries listed,

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 11

41 had Global Hunger Index (GHI) scores of less than five and 79 had scores of five and above. Not included in the list were the more developed countries in Europe and North America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

In the group of 79, the Philippines was in 31st place with a GHI of 12.2.

“I think if you go to through the methodology provided by the Global Hunger Index, it was a discussion of data culled between the years 2005 to 2010. It did not discuss the figures on 2011 or 2012,” Lacierda said.

“But nonetheless just let me answer that point, currently the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) has been doing a number of programs to mitigate hunger. For instance, the DSWD has a supplemental feeding ---that is directly given to 49,000 daycare centers nationwide and these are being prepared by the parents themselves,” he said.

Lacierda noted that many poor families are benefitting from the Aquino government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program.

“There was an impact evaluation by the CCT or the conditional cash transfer by the Social Weather Station and it showed that 30 percent of the CCT is used to buy food, particularly rice,” he said.

The government also started a process to enhance its sustainable development program to directly address the hunger situation in the country, according to Lacierda.

“Then we have the NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) Social Development Committee and the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster are jointly meeting to develop an instrument for early warning on critical areas where hunger exists. “That’s where we monitor before it becomes a malnutrition situation, we are developing early warning signals on that,” he said. PND (js)

Wednesday, October 17, 2012ONE MINDANAO 12

Aquino allocates P8.5-B for TransitionInvestment Support Plan in Mindanao

President Benigno S. Aquino III announced on Monday the allocation of some P8.5 billion for the implementation of

the Transition Investment Support Plan in Mindanao.“We are now at the beginning of a

comprehensive agreement that will map out the detailed steps, detailed commitments, and detailed programs that will lead to the fulfillment of our long-term goals. We are committed to enabling our partners to transform themselves to a genuine political party that can help facilitate the region’s transition towards a truly

peaceful and progressive place,” the President said in his speech during the historic signing of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) held at the Rizal Ballroom in Malacanang.

As such, President Aquino said, the government has committed P8.59 billion for the Transition Investment

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 13

Support Plan. This is on top of the P12.93 billion already allocated by the administration through the national budget.

“We are committed to giving the region its rightful share, not just now but each and every time, confident that it will redound to the benefit of all citizens, and will not just line the pockets of a very select few,” he said.

The President said the signing of the Framework Agreement “not only marks a new chapter in our history; it now defines the very path we take as a people -- one where opinions are heard and hope is shared; where understanding and consensus breed meaningful solutions for all stakeholders; one where every child is offered the opportunity to shape his own destiny.”

“We understand all too well the cycle of suffering that our people have had to go through for the past two generations. We have seen children torn from their homes, and communities driven away from the land they have tilled. We have seen lives lost and justice sought, but because of the system’s failure to provide avenues for understanding and effective redress of grievances, many resorted to the path of vengeance and violence. I myself lost my father to an oppressive system; I myself thirsted for justice and was deprived of it then by the dictatorship,” he said.

President Aquino vowed to work “as hard as I can to see that the culture of impunity is dismantled, and that the foundations of righteousness and cooperation are laid.”

“We will give our people what is truly due them -- a chance to direct their lives towards advancement in a democratic, peaceful, and safe society,” he stressed.

However, the President said, much work remains to be done in order to fully reap the fruits of this Framework Agreement.

“We have commitments to fulfill, people to lead, and dreams to achieve. The details to be laid out in the annexes, in particular, provide us with a solid opportunity


to expand the common ground whose principles we have already articulated through the agreement,” he said.

“I am confident that our faith in each other, and in the Filipino people, will not waver, and in fact will only grow even stronger in the years to come,” he added.

For her part, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita “Ging” Deles thanked the President for being the “moral compass” of the peace process with the MILF and “for guiding us through the negotiations, and for keeping our minds firm and our hearts, buoyant.”

“One person in this room never gave up hope. From Day One of his leadership, he seized the peace, forged and hammered it and polished it to its sterling radiance. His mother, our beloved President Corazon C. Aquino, was known throughout the

world as an icon of democracy. President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, from this day forward, shall be known as the president who made the Bangsamoro possible,” said Deles in her speech.

Deles said the signing of the Framework Agreement “sees the beginnings of a once-rended family that has finally come together as one -- diverse in beliefs, passionate always, and perhaps, arguing all the time, but still a family resolved to face the future and all its challenges, together.”

“I have been an advocate of peace almost my entire life but

this is the first time that I have seen such broad and overwhelming support as we are now seeing for the agreement that we are about to sign today,” she said.

“So many challenges await us, but the bridge of trust that spans this room is strong enough to withstand the trials ahead, however difficult they may be. Never again shall we allow that bridge to be undermined, weakened, or destroyed by the forces of greed, avarice and envy. We shall hold up that bridge with the force of our dreams and ideals, enabling it to bring our entire society together and enrich the democratic institutions we all hold dear until we all breach the firmament of hope and arrive together, finally, in the bright realm of greatness as one people, under one Republic, sharing one destiny,” she added. (PNA)


TAGUM CITY– The amount of ex-ports generated by the province of Davao del Norte has increased by up to 653 percent from $0.66 mil-lion from July to September 2011 to $4.97 million during the same period this year. “This constitutes a 305 percent accomplishment rate compared to

the $1.63 million targeted export amount for the 3rd quarter of this year,” Davao del Norte Field Office acting provincial director Vedastito C. Galvez said. He said the total annual export target is $12 million and 41 percent or $4.97 million of this has already been achieved during the third quarter. The export growth was attributed to the export of fresh and processed bananas and wood products. Majority or $4.80 million of the export sales for the quarter was registered during the month of September compared to the monthly target of only $0.820 million. Galvez noted the development of Prime Xynergies Food Corporation, a new indirect exporter for the province which is an assisted banana chips producer based in Tagum City. He said Prime Xynergies supplies a local buyer selling its products to a foreign market, with banana chips that come in industrialized packaging.

DavNor exports up by 653% in 3rd quarterby Lovely Carillo


DAVAO CITY – An officer of the Department of Science and Tech-nology (DOST-11) confirmed the research findings regarding the general depletion of fishery re-sources in a study conducted in ten locations surrounding Davao Gulf from 2000 to 2010.DOST-11 regional director Dr. An-thony Sales said the depleting fish catch can be attributed to factors like water pollution, destroyed fishing habitat, diminishing sea grass, conversion of mangrove planting areas to recreational re-sorts and poor fishing practices. The declining fish catch impacts on the poor fisherfolks, consequently making them insecure of fishing as

their primary and only source of livelihood, Sales stated at the opening program of the 49th Fish Conservation Week Celebration held Monday at the Grand Regal Hotel. He said the situation makes them consider other alternative sources of income and better livelihood activities. “ M a n y

respondents express willingness to explore other sources of livelihood aside from fishing as the catch gets smaller,” he added. Sales recommended strict implementation of waste management laws to minimize water pollution. He said it is necessary for local government units to look at the discharges from the resorts and to ensure that no establishment stands within the 30-meter radius from the shoreline. “Human activities on the coastal area contribute to the quality of our marine resources,” Sales stated. He said that DOST can also provide alternative source of livelihood to affected fishing communities

DOST-11 exec affirms depleting fish catch in Davao Gulfby Joey Sem Dalumpines


through the agency’s Small Enterprise Upgrading Program where aqua-culture and fisheries are considered priority projects. Sales said their agency can provide financial and technical assistance to fisherfolks in the region to lessen the depletion of the fishery resources. “We prefer that the proponent is an organization or cooperative, though we also provide to individual enterprises, as long as they have legal personality. At the region, we can give as much as P1-Million and up to P2-Million at the central office,” he said. The study was a collaborative effort of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, local government units and the DOST 11. It covered research sites such as Barangay Cagangohan of Panabo City and Barangay ADECOR of the Island Garden City of Samal, both of Davao del Norte; and Barangay Tuban of Sta. Cruz and Barangay Tubalan of Malita, both of Davao del Sur.The other areas included Barangay Poblacion of Lupon and Barangay Tibanban of Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental; and Barangay Matina Aplaya and Barangay Daliao, Toril in Davao City. The study was dubbed as “Strengthening Governance and Sustainability of Small-scale Fisheries Management in the Philippines: An Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Approach in Davao Region.” A total of 265 fishers were surveyed in all of the barangay sites,

most of them male with ages 40 years old and above who spent 11-20 years as fishers. The fishers usually make a weekly income of ₱1,067 in fishing and ₱1,845 in other non-fishing livelihoods. Earlier, Dr. Della Grace Bacaltos bared that the danggit catch in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur declined from 10 kilos per trip in 2000 to three kilos per trip in 2010. Bacaltos, research director of the Southern Philippines Agri-business, Marine and Aquatic School of Technology in Malita said other provinces were consistent in the finding on diminishing fish yield based on interviews with fishermen. She said only Davao del Norte had values mentioned with fish catch reduction from 15.6 percent in 2000 to 79.5 percent in 2010. The study said that problems still prevail in the study sites even with the presence of the local government units, Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMCs), law enforcement units and advisory bodies with functions as advisory, advocacy, decision-making, enforcement, information, education and communication, monitoring and evaluation, planning, policy making, project development, regulatory, research, technical assistance, sustainable financing and intelligence networking. “There is a need to establish linkage in the site level scales of administration with larger scales of fisheries management,” the study noted.


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PhilHealth to conduct Nationwide Simultaneous Runby Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY --- The Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance Corporation will be celebrating its 18th year of dedicated service on February 2013 with its vision “Bawat Pilipino Miyembro, Bawat Miyembro Protektado, Kalusugan Natin Segurado.” PhilHealth Caraga Regional Vice President Johnny Sychua said that as part of its month-long anniversary

celebration, PhilHealth will hold a nationwide simultaneous run dubbed “PhilHealth Run 2013: Run for Mother


and Child Protection.” “This historic event will be held simultaneously in 18 sites nationwide on February 17, 2013,” he said. Proceeds of the run will be given to the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) as the National Beneficiary, and to local beneficiaries – Bethany Home, a home by the Missionary Sisters of mary at Baan Km. 4; and Gesu Eucaristico Children’s

Inc. (GECI) at Manapa, Buenavista, both for physically and sexually abused young women. Also, PhilHealth will be scheduling a press conference for the said activity. For more information, PhilHealth Caraga Regional Office can be reached at telephone number: (085) 341-6488; 815-6115; 341-1159.


Children took the reign of governance in the provincial government of Agusan del Surby David M. Suyao

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur --Children took over the reign of the provincial government on Monday after the election last Saturday during the annual conduct of the Children’s Congress on Saturday and Sunday.

In a message of Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza read by Vice Gov. Santiago Cane Jr, Gov. Plaza said his administration is very glad and proud that children are given the opportunity to reign the provincial government every year as mandated in the Provincial Ordinance No. 16, series of 2002 otherwise known as the Children’s Code of Agusan del Sur. “For almost decade now, we

have been practicing this children’s governance in Agusan del Sur and I am very elated and proud that as young they are, these children are sincere and honest in rendering services to the people, and I feel, they will become good and effective leaders in the future,” the message of Gov. Plaza said as read. Vice Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. also relinquish his post as presiding officer


Children took the reign of governance in the provincial government of Agusan del Sur

of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in favor of the elected young Vice Governor, who presided the SP session today, with elected members of the young SP members. “Upon assumption of her office, I invited the young Vice Governor in my office and gave her the briefing of the things she saw inside, and the things she should do when she preside the session. I vacated my seat in her favor and I and the members of the SP sat at the sala set in front of the young Vice Gov. as I introduced them to her. I am very glad, that when I looked at her, she feels very confident reading the topics that I prepared that they will take up during the session. How proud I am to see a very young Agusanon young lady carrying in her shoulder my responsibility for the day,” Vice Gov. Santigao Cane said. Elected young Governor was Adrian Carmona from Lapaz while Hannah Maries Telia Mate Tuso from

Bayugan City was the young Vice Governor. Elected members of the Sangguaniang Panlalawigan District 1 are: Tierney Jane Poliga from Talacogon, April Krishna Cueno from Bayugan City, Angel Baybayon from San Luis and Mary Joy Buhoy from Esperanza. For the second District, elected SP members are: Rodel Ramos from Bunawan, Joy Noval from Trento, Xianne Faye Dacula from Trento, Christine Jean Tablo from Veruela and Carl Sanchez from San Francisco. Elected PCL Provincial President is Harold Paler while the Liga ng mga Brangay President is Daffodil Pepito and Jacquiline Ildefonso took the seat of the SK Provincial Federation President. Not only the elected officials were replaced for one day but also the 57 chiefs of offices. The replaced officers only act as observers and supervisors.


Tesda, LGU empower youth affected by declining wood industry in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY -- Young people from families who are affected by the declining wood industry in Caraga Region where provided opportunity to gain skills that would help them to be gainfully employed.

by Danilo S. Makiling

A total of 75 scholars will be undergoing training on the course of Shield Metal Arc Welding NC II and 20 scholars will take the course of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Each scholar will be given P10,500 to fund their 34 days of training at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Scholars will also receive National Certification of National Competency Assessment and they will also undergo through a Registry System under PESO for them to qualify for the local and overseas employment. Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand

Amante Jr. and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) held an orientation for the participants of the Training-for-Work Scholarship, in line with the program of local government of Butuan to address the needs of the families affected by the declining wood industry in region. With the initiative of Amante, through Tesda Secretary Joel Villanueva, the national government has released P3.8 million to fund the program. Meanwhile, the rest of the fund will be used for the second batch of scholars under the course of heavy equipment operator, masonry and electricity.


Treasury bureau briefs Oro investors on retail treasury bonds offeringby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bureau of Treasury (BTr) in Northern Mindanao conducted a general investors’ briefing today at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, here.

The briefing aims to update prospect investors, government eligible dealers and heads of the various government agencies on the public offering of 25-year retail treasury bonds (RTBs) scheduled October 9-22. The public can subscribe to the RTBs through the selling agents during this designated period, the BTr said. The RTBs form part of the government’s program to make government securities available to small investors.

It caters to retail investors such as individuals and corporations who are looking for a safe, affordable and high-yielding investment for their savings. According to the BTr, the RTB is considered risk-free because it is a direct, unconditional and general obligation of the Republic of the Philippines. It is affordable since it is available for as low as P5,000 and it offers a more attractive return as compared to other financial instruments.


Misamis Occidental joins Nat’l Hand Washing Day by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Misamis Occidental Schools Division (MOSD) participated in the celebration of the National Hand Washing Day on October 15.

All public schools in the division held the hand washing drill, after the flag-raising ceremonies, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Jonathan S. Dela Peña said. Dela Peña said MOSD has always been actively promoting hand washing with soap to the school children and their families since 2008, to raise their awareness, about the importance of hand washing with soap.

He said the drill aimed to transform the roles of their families and their community as major stakeholders in the prevention of illness among children. Pursuant to the 2008 Declaration of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly of October 15 every year as the Global Hand Washing Day, the Department of Education (DepEd) joins the National Hand Washing Day


Liceo de Cagayan, LNNCHS bag cheerleading championshipby Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - Facing stiff competition from top cheering schools, Liceo de Cagayan University and Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School emerged regional champions in the college and high school categories respectively in the recently concluded north Mindanao regional qualifiers of the National Cheerleading Championship (NCC).

celebration on the said date. In 2009, this activity was incorporated in the DepEd Essential Health Care Program (EHCP), a school-based flagship health program that teaches simple and cost-effective health interventions to prevent illness among public schoolchildren through the practice of daily hand washing with soap, daily tooth-brushing with fluoride, and bi-annual de-worming. DepEd institutionalized the EHCP in schools, setting up the necessary facilities and providing guidelines for the prevention of influenza (HINI) virus, among school children.

Likewise, DepEd entered a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), and the Fit for School Inc., for the EHCP implementation. Dela Peña said the health and nutrition units and adopt-a-school program coordinators in all the school districts of MOSD, in coordination with other government offices and non-government organizations, took the lead in planning, implementing and monitoring the activities in their respective jurisdictions.

The two-day event held October 13 to 14 at the sprawling Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) Sports Complex was participated by seven schools from northern Mindanao. The first day included a basic safety and spotting workshop, stunts and tosses drills, motions and jumps exercises, and private coaching techniques. The second day was the actual competition day where

participating schools battle for the top spot in the two categories. The regional contest was sponsored by the provincial government under the “Kabataan Sigurado” program of Governor Khalid Dimaporo. The event was also jointly sponsored by Representative Imelda Quiberanza-Dimaporo through the initiative of Aminah Dimaporo. The cheerleading regional


competition was conducted by the National Cheerleading Championship (NCC) headed by its President, Carlos Valdes III. NCC is an affiliate of the Internal Cheer Union through the PCA (Philippine Cheerleading Alliance). Among this year’s regional winners in the collegiate level were Liceo de Cagayan University, 1st place; Tagoloan Community College, 2nd place; and Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, 3rd place. The winners in the secondary level include Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School – Wildcats,1st place; Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School – Panthers, 2nd place; and St. Joseph Community High School, 3rd place. The top three schools in the two categories are qualified to compete in the NCC national championships

scheduled for next year. Other participating schools include MSU-Maigo School of Arts and Trade, and Lanipao Catholic High School. The NCC will conduct the Central Luzon Regional Qualifiers at SM City-Clark on November 24 to 25; South Mindanao Regional Qualifiers at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University on December 8 to 9; and the NCR Regional Qualifiers come February 2 to 3. Last September 22 and 23, the provincial government and the 1st congressional district office of Rep. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo conducted the first-ever cheerleading camp in Lanao del Norte which was participated by more than 350 high school and college students from this fast-rising province.


South Cotabato officials laud peace framework agreementBy Dani DoguilesKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Officials in South Cotabato see the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro as a forward move to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.

South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said he welcomes the initiative between the government peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“This would not mean an instant solution to the peace that we have been longing for,”he said. “But we remain hopeful that this is the right direction to achieve lasting peace for Mindanao.”

The provincial government supports the Framework Agreement, he added.

Board member

Jose Madanguit who also chairs the local monitoring team described the signing of the framework as


Photo by: http://www.skedsearch.com/

of the best highlights in the effort to achieve peace in the region.

“This is the very first time that a peace initiative has received a very positive response,” he said.

“Although there are some who disapproves of the framework, majority – both Christians and Muslims -- support this.”

M e a n w h i l e , Koronadal mayor Peter Miguel urged city residents “not to overreact” to the signing of the GPH-MILF agreement based on other people’s negative comments and interpretations

supposedly regarding its provisions.

“This is just the beginning of the peace initiative of the government, please do not overreact,” he said, adding that this has yet to go through a long process that will end in a plebicite.

“Let us support this initiative for the peace that we aspire for,” he said.

He also clarified that Koronadal is not included in the localities covered by the new Bangsamoro juridical entity.

At the Regional Development Council meeting last week,

Miguel encouraged the public and media to refrain from commenting on the said initiative before thoroughly reading and understanding the Framework Agreement.

The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed in Malacañang Monday afternoon between the GPH and MILF panels.

The historic signing was witnessed by President Aquino, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, and MILF chair Al Haj Ebrahim Murad, among others.

SK-KC celebrates Columbus Day with tree plantingBy Edgar V. dela Cruz

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Almost five hundred bamboo seed-lings were planted by members of the different councils of Knights of Co-lumbus in the province of Sultan Kudarat.

After a meeting on Sunday, KC members planted the bamboos in the river bank of Allah River along Barangay Bambad of capital town

Isulan. The planting activity

is also part of the celebration of Columbus Day.

The tree planting

activity was in coordination with the Barangay Council of Barangay Bambad under the leadership of chairman Rogelio


Buendicho, the Columbian Squire and the different councils of Knights of Columbus of Sultan Kudartat province.

Knights of Columbus is a catholic organization of faithful catholic men, vanguard of the catholic faith and creation of God, spreading all throughout the catholic countries of the world, following the virtue of Christopher Columbus, a navigator, explorer and colonizer and behind the spread of Christianism during the Spanish colonization.

Planting of bamboos is in line with the National Greening

Program (NGP) of the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, and the commitment of the said Catholic organization to be a vanguard of God’s creation, at the same

time as a livelihood opportunity of the people living near the river bank.

These bamboos will also serve as protection of the riparian zone of the said barangay.

Barangay Bambad is situated along the bank of Allah River. Every year the area experiences overflowing and and sometimes flashfloods whenever heavy rain-water from the upper valley overflows in the barangays near the bank of the river, including Bambad.

Barangay Bambad chairman Rogelio Buendicho, said that they have prepared seedlings of different


kind of trees, bamboos and vitiver grass purposely for river bank protection and livelihood opportunity of the stakeholders.

He also thanked the Knights of Columbus and other concerned agencies for their concern for the protection of environment and in helping Barangay

Bambad and choosing it as a planting area.

The Bambad barangay government is also hoping that more help would arrive and help them in riparian protection and livelihood opportunity.

The municipal government of Isulan in the past also planted bamboo, vitiver grass and other trees for

the environmental protection program at the bank of Allah River.

The Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance (AVLADA), is also undertaking activities to protect the riparian zone of Allah River, which extend from the provinces of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Govt HR practitioners in Region 12 gather in confabBy Jenny Rose de GuzmanGENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez said the greatest role of personnel officers in an organization is “Maintaining the morale, the values, and the enthusiasm of each personnel.”

This, he said during the 9th Regional Council of Personnel Officers (RCPO) Annual Conference which ended Friday (October 12) after three days of bonding, sharing opportunities, and promoting stronger relationship and camaraderie among human resources practitioners in Region 12.

Governor Dominguez said personnel officers are not only tasked with the payroll, or deducting

the debts of employees from their salaries but also to boost the values and keep the drive for work alive.

He pointed out that “The worth of any country lies in the intellect and the soul, intellect is easy but the soul is the most important in creating identity and values in the organization.”

The conference was attended by 435 participants from Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato City, South Cotabato,

North Cotabato, and S a r a n g a n i - G e n s a n (SarGen) chapters.

The conference held at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center was hosted by SarGen Council of Personnel Officers (CPO).

This year’s conference theme, “HR Practitioners: Cornerstone of Excellence,” underlines the importance of raising knowledge and improving the skills of human resource practitioners being key models in


shaping individuals in the organization.

“We have to rise into excellence by building high performing teams and in capacitating the least responsive,” said Sittiehawa Marohomsalic, CPO SarGen president.

RCPO president Johnny Balawag opened the plenary session on day one while City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez welcomed the participants.

R e p r e s e n t i n g Mayor Custodio, city administrator Atty. Jose Mariano Gonzales

noted that employees of Gensan have been serious in internalizing the pledge of a civil servant, which they recite every Monday’s flag ceremony.

He said conference participants should be “thinking or putting into reality (and) in practice what we are saying every flag ceremony.”

Reading further Custodio’s message, Gonzales, said: “A Filipino employee has leveled up in terms of knowledge that he has been acquiring from the cyberspace and in terms of how he deals with his life whether at

home or at work.” The mayor also

challenged personnel officers to “level up in terms of the services” they can offer to their co-employees as well as their employers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Allan Farnazo, Sarangani schools division superintendent, told HR practitioners to be proud of their ranks as they are not just clerks but “number one asset of an organization.”

Next year, the CPO South Cotabato will host the 10th RCPO Annual Conference.


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PHIC gears up for Philhealth Run 2013By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Banking on the success of this year’s Philhealth Run: “The Mindanao Run for Hope” last February 5, the country’s premier health insurance corporation is now gearing for a bigger Philhealth Run come February 17, 2013 that is sure to benefit a lot of hospitals not just in Mindanao, but nationwide.


Philhealth IX Regional Vice President Romeo Alberto, during the Philhealth Run Media Launch this morning said this year’s activity dubbed “Philhealth Run 2013: Nationwide Run for Mother and Children Protection”, will be conducted simultaneously, nationwide. “Next year’s activity is an offshoot of the success we had last February which was only Mindanao-wide. For next year, it will be a nationwide event in time also for our 18th anniversary as a corporation,” Alberto said. Alberto pointed out that with next year’s activity now nationwide, the number of hospital-beneficiaries will also increase. “For this year, our beneficiary is the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao. Our main beneficiary in Zamboanga City is the Zamboanga City Medical Center, specifically for the new Children with Cancer ward. We are now focusing on providing protection for mothers and children. Every region will have its own beneficiary with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center’s Cancer Center as the national beneficiary”, he said. According to Alberto, the expansion for next year’s activity was a result of PhilHealth top management being inspired by the impact of the previous activity for the members, health enthusiasts, and also publicity for the corporation. The activity will be held in 18 key areas from Luzon to Mindanao, 12 more that this year’s areas, also in

consonance with their 18th anniversary. Alberto is confident that they can beat their target of 3,000 participants. “Obviously we can really meet our target. For this year alone, we had over 5,000 participants here in Zamboanga”, he said. The Philhealth Run is an annual event designed to be progressive in nature, which started as a local event in Iligan City in 2011. It was expanded last year covering the entire Mindanao, held in six areas, one per region, with Zamboanga City as the host city in region 9. This activity is also in support to the Health Agenda of President Benigno Aquino III, and the Department of Health’s Kalusugan Pangkalahatan, with the aim of achieving Universal Health Coverage by next year. For Region 9, Philhealth has already achieved 75% coverage, and with more improvements made by Philhealth 9, they hope to beat their target next year.


DOLE holds seminar to strengthen labor relations, boost productivityBy Alma L. Tingcang

“Every year, we offer learning sessions to refresh our minds on the rights and responsibilities of workers and management. This is a very vital aspect,” DOLE Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon said. Bonbon said, “the department aims for a zero-strike not only in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region but in the country as well so we our doing our best to assist labor and management. We want a peaceful resolution of conflicts, and reach a win-win solution so that there would be no filing of cases which involves emotions, even affecting the financial aspect of labor and management.” Among the topics discussed during the seminar were: Labor-Management Cooperation; Strengthening Voluntary Modes of Dispute Resolutions/Arbitration/Conciliation-Mediation and Department Order No. 107-10

which is the Single Entry Approach discussed by NCMB-9 Director Marjuc A. Jumrani. Dr. Sonny Bala, President of the Southern Mindanao Colleges (SMC) Teachers Association said, “I am very grateful to DOLE and NCMB for sponsoring this 2-day seminar attended by employees of the private sector which is aimed at solving disputes among labor and management without bringing it to court. This is a great help to us since it tackled provisions of the Labor Code and other important issues.” It was indeed a laudable and fruitful activity. Other speakers were Atty. Annalyn R. Costanilla of the Public Attorney’s Office who discussed Labor Relations, and Mr. Joel M. Ijirani of RTWPB-9 with the topic Human Relations and Productivity.

PAGADIAN CITY – In its effort to strengthen labor and human relations as well as boost productivity, the Department of Labor and Employment in cooperation with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) sponsored a 2-day seminar for the purpose held recently at Springland Resort here.


DOLE holds seminar to strengthen labor relations, boost productivity

In a report, Sulu information officer Sonny Y. Abing III disclosed that Governor Tan sought Misuari out amid concerns that Misuari’s earlier call for war in media may break out first in Sulu Province, the traditional

center of power of the MNLF, and its 7,000 forces. “I was misunderstood. What I said was the framework (of peace) might be a recipe for a crisis which may include war,” Misuari was

MNLF leader dismissed war rumor amidst GPH-MILF peace pact By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – “If I want war, why will I give away the element of surprise?” This was the statement of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari during a meeting with Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan recently.


to have said during a meeting with Tan. MNLF Chairman Misuari has assured Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan that the MNLF will not go to war even as Misuari insists that the new peace deal between the Aquino Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) may lead to war. “If I want hostilities to resume, why would I announce it? A person who understands war knows that the element of surprise is very important; I would have kept silent if that was what my intention was. In fact, I am running for ARMM governor this coming May 2013 polls. I am a politician now, we only want what is good for our people,” Tan quoted Misuari. Abing revealed that Tan left Sulu to meet with Misuari at the latter’s residence in Barangay San Roque in Zamboanga City

late Saturday after receiving reports that MNLF commanders have been “making their rounds in some parts of Sulu” and feared that this might be a prelude to war. “Jolo and other populated areas of Sulu are always the first to feel the brunt of war from the MNLF. We must recall that Sulu was the center of the MNLF uprising in 1969 and Jolo was totally burned down in 1974 during the fiercest battle between the MNLF and the military under the Marcos Administration. We have done so much to bring progress and stability back to Sulu and I can’t allow that to happen again,’’ Tan said. During the meeting, T a n ,


who is known to be close to President Aquino, assured Misuari that the Aquino Government will be taking much effort to explain and consult with the people in Mindanao about the new peace framework. “An information campaign on the Framework Agreement will be mobilized so that our citizenry will understand what this agreement is all about and decide competently for themselves if they want this to be part of the future of the Bangsamoro People,” Tan relayed to Misuari. However, Tan revealed that Misuari was still apprehensive about the outcome of the latest agreement between GPH and MILF as the 1996 agreement has yet to be fully implemented. “I feel insulted about the government entering into an agreement with such a small group,” Misuari told Tan about the MILF that broke away with the MNLF years ago. Gov. Tan said that he imparted to Misuari the fact that President Aquino is determined not to ram

the new deal down the throat of the Mindanao people, with the final agreement being submitted to the people for ratification. “What is important to me is the constitutionality of the agreement and its potential to attract investments in the region to spur economic growth by resolving the question of providing a climate of good governance in the scheme of things,” Tan told Misuari. According to the Sulu governor, he reiterated his appeal to Misuari to let the peace process take its course and see where it will go, adding that “we must support all peace efforts as the only way to finally bring stability and progress in Mindanao”. Tan said that he got Misuari’s assurance to keep peace in Mindanao, more so in Sulu. Abing said that last week, Misuari and Habib Mujahab Hashim, the MNLF’s Islamic Command council chair, raised strong objections to the government’s signing of the new peace accord with the MILF and threatened to return to war footing.

one mindanao - october 17, 2012

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