one mindanao - october 19, 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

“Artsada” Artists donate Artworks to City Government of Cagayan de Oro

Northern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Friday, October 19, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 47

page 4

Palace hopes to immediately settle issues with Senate over sin tax proposal 12

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Siapno leaves DENR 12, Saikol takes over as regional executive director 23Philhealth 12 launches PhilHealth run 2013 25 Aida Agad, Central Mindanao

BI sets qualifying exams in 11 testing sites, nationwide, on Oct. 24

Oroquieta Dad joins BSP-Mis. Occ. Prov’l Exec Board

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Zambo PWD elected PBU president 28 Sheila Covarrubias, Western Mindanao

NSCB-9 spearheads tree planting in support to the National Greening Program 29Felipo David G. Malcampo, Western Mindanao

Police dismantle carnapping group in Davao RegionJoey Sem Dalumpines, Southern Mindanao32

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

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ICRC, PRC Butuan to conduct Media Workshop Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region35Butuan’s PESO earns top Regional Performer Recognition Maria Diana Luisa Dianah Z. Generalao, Caraga Region36

Friday, October 19, 2012 4 ONE MINDANAO


The new group started its maiden art exhibition during the Kagay-an festival in August 2012 entitled “Artsada” to emphasize the beauty in Kagay-anon art since the group felt the need to push art awareness and appreciation of the public for local arts in the city. Artsada is composed of selected promising young artists in Cagayan de Oro City who posses the gift of creativity by bringing into their canvasses or frames artistic ideas that arouse the viewer’s appreciation of the Kagay-anon art, culture, heritage and history. The term “Artsada” stems from the words Art and Tsada (a word exclusively used by Kagay-anons

which means “beautiful”). From these terms, the word Artsada is coined which aptly captures the true depiction of the Kagay-anon art which conveys beauty. The Local Government of Cagayan de Oro City headed by Vicente Y. Emano, through the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs, supports Artsada in the promotion of the local talents and the city’s culture through visual arts. The

A young group of Kagay-anon artists donated art works to the

city government of Cagayan de Oro as an act of appreciation for the support which the city government has provided them in recognizing their talents and supporting their campaign for Kagay-anon art.

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Friday, October 19, 2012 5ONE MINDANAO


main goal is to stimulate the public’s interest and draw more appreciation from the viewers of the Kagay-anon’s culture and heritage knowing that it is through the community’s culture that truly brings in tourists. Artsada art represents a positive identity not only of the city’s culture but also of the spontaneity and creativity of the local artists who paint from raw emotion and state of mind to express their true feelings and moods through their own design, choice of colors and composition. The artists possess the exceptional skill of creativity in various art forms or media. In its humble beginning, Artsada started off through an art exhibit showcasing distinctive forms of visual arts including coffee painting, papercut art, watercolor

painting, modern / contemporary art through acrylic, oil and pastel painting. The artists have truly shown distinct abilities or line of concentration in art leaving Artsada art exhibits no space for boredom and sense of rivalry. The City Government of Cagayan de Oro through the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs headed by Imma Rae Gatuslao is confident to push the promotional activities for Artsada since it truly stood by its name where each “obra” is outstanding, beautiful and brilliant.

Artsada is composed of the following artists with specific medium used in art:

• Bo Daclan – contemporary artist• Brixrey Guegue – coffee artist• Gieward Hulagno – watercolorist• Darryl S. Redondo – papercut artist• Marigold Cherie Ramos-Garrido – acrylic/oil and pastel artist


Bo Daclan Modernist

Christopher Daclan, more popularly known as Bo, was born in Cagayan de Oro in March 30, 1976. As a young boy, Bo began to show interest in drawing or sketching

figures and landscapes. He joined many arts group during his school years and learned more essential facts in visual arts or painting which helped him determine his own unique form of art which is contemporary art. He’s a college drop-out during his 3rd year with Business Management course at Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro. He had his first solo art exhibit in 2007 entitled “/32 a Bo Daclan Solo Art Exhibit” and 2nd Solo Show last 2011 titled “Space” and numerous group art show. On top of his love for arts, Bo also developed his interest in events coordination and photography which complements his love for painting because he believes that photos depict the reality and which can be further interpreted creatively through painting.

Brixrey Guegue Coffee artist

Brixrey belongs to a family of artists. His siblings and relatives are involved in arts such as music, painting, and performing arts.


Brix is a multi-talented person. He was into performing arts before he did serious painting in 2010. He is also into events coordination particularly dance contests and beauty pageants. After taking BS Architecture in Cagayan de Oro College (COC), he began painting murals often commissioned by schools in the city. He later entered into performing arts and consequently was often tapped to judge in dance contests and art competitions. But his love for painting never ceased, so he found himself back to painting using acrylic paint and water color. Most of his subjects are about animals and nature. He started painting using coffee after he watched on television a Manila-based young artist who demonstrated painting using coffee and since then he spent a lot of time studying the techniques. After a few months, he is known as a coffee artist in the city. Brix is a member of a local arts group in CdeO and has participated in several group art exhibits. He also joined the Philippine Arts Festival in February 2012 as one of the regional delegates.

Gieward Hulagno Watercolor artist

Born in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur on December 12, 1986, Gieward, at a young age, was already earning recognition in various art competitions. He is a watercolorist and his key interest is to travel around places to capture the essence of nature and landscapes to his paintings. At such a young age, Gieward’s intense passion in


watercolor painting yielded major recognitions in various art contests such as the ECCA-AAP national painting competition, AFP –AAP national painting competition, and many other prestigious art contests. His major awards received include:• Semifinalist 2007 and 2008 Artpetron National Student Art Competition;• Semifinalist 2008 and 2011 Metrobank Art And Design Excellence• 2010 Third prize AFP-AAP National painting competition• 2011 Second prize ECCA-AAP National painting competition• 2012 1st Prize Araw ng Lanao del Norte Annual painting competition.

Despite the recognitions he earned at the local and national art milieu, Gieward remained humble and demonstrated altruistic undertakings by sharing his gift in painting to art enthusiasts and fellow artists through art workshops.

Darryl S. Redondo Papercut Artist Darryl hails from a loving and closely-knit family of the Redondos. His mother is a teacher and his father is a businessman. Darryl is the second child of the three siblings. Dudui, as he is fondly called by many, is a self-taught artist since he was a kid. At such a young age, he developed his skills in sketching by drawing funny faces of his friends. He started joining poster making contests not to win the contest but to exchange deal with his teacher for an exam. Dudui is a vibrant young man, full of witticism and gags that he considers art


as something fun and enjoyable. His talent in papercut art was discovered in July 2011. Within a short period, Duidui gained admiration and appreciation from the public. He was often invited by local TV media to share about his art and eventually marked a name in the local art scene. His recent TV interviews include ISYU KARUN (GMA NorthMin), PAMAHAW ESPESYAL, TV PATROL NORTHMIN and MAG TV na ato ni. These public

appearances helped Dudui gain popularity and he’s considered as the only papercut artist in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. On top of his loaded schedule as a student in Xavier University, Darryl successfully managed his time for study and art. He held his first solo exhibit on papercut art at LDCU exhibition area. This was followed by a solo art exhibit at Limketkai Center last May 17-24, 2012. He also participated in “Artsada” @ CdeO Tourism Showhouse last August 13 -31, 2012 and recently helod Oro Best Expo 2012 Art Exhibit @LKK last Oct.2-4, 2012. Dudui says “Paper cut allows me the unique opportunity to be an ingenious artist. I love to do it everyday and I am passionate about it.”

Marigold Cherie Ramos-Garrido Oil/Acrylic/Pastel Artist

Marigold Cherie is a self-taught artist who began to paint only in 2010. Her artistic inclination was uncovered upon her move for soul searching and since then the surge of her creative juices seems inexhaustible. Her subjects mostly depict personal interconnection with many individuals and sceneries. She is a passionate artist that is exemplified in her choices of colors and bold strokes. Her paintings characterize her inner self, sensitivity and her coming


to terms with life with extraordinary emotional depth and sensitivity. A true visionary, Marigold Cherie was never tired of exploring and studying the different styles, forms and medium in art. She joined several art exhibitions both at the local and national scene to establish her network with other artists and gain more knowledge from their sharing and exchange of ideas. She uses oil paint, acrylic paint and pastel colors and currently learning other art media. Her paintings posted online receive many accolades from foreign artists She is considered as the ringleader or the prime mover of the Artsada group and has been an inspiration to many budding artists. Apart from being an artist, Marigold works as a government employee and received several recognitions for her exemplary performance and deep sense of loyalty to public service. Marigold Cherie’s shout out : “Life is like art and you are the artist, hence, make bold strokes, add brilliant colors and make your life the most meaningful oeuvre or beautiful masterpiece that is ever formed.” Artsada’s vision is to form a unified Cdo-based art group that helps the city government promote art that is uniquely Kagayanon. For them, linkaging and massive promotion for Kagayanon art are simple but effective strategies to achieve this vision. The group’s activities set for the year include a series of healing art workshops for Sendong victims, children with artistic inclinations/potentials and art caravan or mobile exhibit. It is Artsada’s aspiration to increase the awareness and stimulate appreciation of the public about Kagay-anon art and culture. Kudos to the Artsada team and may the force be with you.

Friday, October 19, 2012 11

ACROSS THE NATIONAquino swears in Abaya, Cacdac in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III swore in Thursday former Congressman Joseph Emilio Abaya as the new Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and

former Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Dir. Gen. Arturo Cacdac Jr. as the new head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Abaya was appointed by the President as DOTC head following the death of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo last August.

Former senator Manuel Roxas II

moved to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Abaya filled the position vacated by Roxas. Roxas and Abaya were confirmed by the

12 Friday, October 19, 2012

Commission on Appointments last September 19.

Born on May 28, 1966, Abaya is the great-grandson of the first President of the Philippines, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. He is also a relative of the revolutionary hero Isabelo Abaya. His uncle, Gen. Narciso Abaya, served as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Abaya went to the University of the Philippines to study engineering. He also entered the Philippine Military Academy and later trained at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.

Abaya was elected as representative of Cavite first district in 2004 and three years later he earned a law degree from Ateneo de Manila University. He won two more congressional terms, in 2007 and in 2010. He is the current chair of the House committee on appropriations.

Abaya is married to Rowena Abesamis, a pediatrician. The couple has three children.

The new DOTC chief isn’t a stranger at the Palace. He served as aide-de-camp to former President

Corazon Aquino when he was a young lieutenant in the Philippine Navy.

President Aquino appointed former Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr. as the new head of PDEA. Cacdac replaced Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez Jr.

A member of Philippine Military Class 1978, Cacdac was the second most senior official of the Philippine National Police. He bowed out of the service on October 11, triggering a top-level revamp in the police force.

Cacdac was the PNP’s deputy director general for administration when he retired. PND (as)

Friday, October 19, 2012 13

Palace hopes to immediately settle issues with Senate over sin tax proposal

Malacañang expressed hope that the Executive Branch and

the Senate could soon agree on a compromise on the sin tax collection proposal for the benefit of the people.

Citing the position of the Department of Finance, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing on Thursday that the administration is open to ironing out the sin tax issue as long as it addresses the health and trade issues wanted by the Aquino administration.

Lacierda said it would be a victory for the people if the government could get the P60-billion annual collection from sin taxes since it will address the healthcare coverage in a particular number of years.

Lacierda also explained that the Department of Finance prefers the original P60-billion version but the department is also willing to accept a lower amount of P40-billion provided that the other objectives of the bill

such as the health and the WTO issues are addressed.

Asked if the administration got an assurance from the senators on a particular amount that they could work on, Lacierda said, legislators are amenable in figures between P40 billion to P60 billion.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee recommended last week a measure that will raise P15 billion to P20 billion in additional tax revenues per year. The House of Representatives, on the other hand, approved last June its sin tax version, which is expected to raise P31.35 billion in the first year of implementation.

The Palace proposal is pegged at P60 billion a year. PND (as)

Friday, October 19, 2012ONE MINDANAO 14

Ex-AFP top brass who saw action in Mindanao war support Framework Agreement signing

A number of former top brass of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who saw action at the height of the conflict in

Mindanao have welcomed the historic signing this week of the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as a bold step to end permanently the 40-year conflict in southern Philippines.

Among the former AFP officials who joined the bandwagon in lauding the signing of the framework agreement on the formation of the Bangsamoro region were retired Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and retired Gen. Eduardo Oban, both former AFP chiefs of staff; retired Lt. Gen. Romeo G. Padiernos, former commanding general of the

AFP Southern Command; retired Lt. Gen. Loven Abadia, former chief of the Philippine Air Force; Lt. Gen. Raul Urgello, retired chief of the Intelligence Service of the Philippines; retired Maj. Gen. Resty Aguilar, a seasoned combat officer whose last assignment was part of the government peace panel; and Army retired Col. Delmar Teves who

Friday, October 19, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 15

was assigned in Mindanao for many years and is now the secretary of the Kampilan Peacekeepers Association, a non-government organization based in Metro Manila.

They made their individual comments during a random interview by this writer on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Esperon, who had nine combat assignments in Mindanao in his 35 years in the active service, including as commander of the 602nd Brigade of the Philippine Army who led his troops in the capture of Camp Rajamudah, a major camp of the MILF during the all-out war in the summer of 2000, was beaming with pride when the framework was signed in Malacanang last Monday.

“It is good for us (the whole country),” Esperon told the Philippines News Agency in a phone interview.

It may be recalled that Esperon was once the secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) during the Arroyo administration.

It was during his stint at OPAPP that the signing of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) was aborted in August 2008 after the Supreme Court declared it as unconstitutional, the consequence of which was the outbreak of heavy fighting between government forces and MILF rebels in Central Mindanao.

Esperon said that the forging of the framework agreement “comes as a result of the 16 long years of off-and-on negotiations between the two sides towards forging a peace agreement.”

Esperon likened the negotiations the past years as building blocks that enabled the peace panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF to reach a consensus that led to the signing of the framework agreement, saying “it did not just come from a vacuum.”

On the other hand, Oban lauded the signing of the framework as good for the country that would level the life of the people, particularly in Mindanao.

Oban, seasoned combat pilot, saw action in many encounters in Mindanao, supporting AFP troops against MILF rebels.

He expressed the hope that the conflict in southern Philippines will stop permanently so the entire Filipino people will enjoy the God-given resources in the region.

For Gen. Padiernos, whose active military service was mostly in war-torn Mindanao when fighting broke out in 1973 between government forces and the then Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the original Muslim armed group who initiated the rebel movement in southern Philippines, he likewise welcomed this new development with the hope that peace will eventually come in Mindanao, called by many as the


“Promise Land” because of its vast untapped natural resources.

“I have an open mind on the signing of the framework but there is a need to reconcile this agreement with other agreements signed by the government and the MNLF before. You cannot ignore that,” Padiernos said. “A balancing act is needed.”

As a young officer, Padiernos recalled the infamous burning of Jolo in February 1974 when his unit, the 14th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army headed by then Col. Salvador M. Mison, defended the capital town of Sulu against MNLF forces of Nur Misuari.

The 14th IB recaptured Jolo after a long battle with Muslim rebels, Padiernos said.

Gen. Abadia, who was a combat pilot in 1973 supporting government on the ground battling the MNLF, said he supports the framework but said there is a need for the MILF and MNLF to reconcile among themselves the problems they have to attain a genuine and lasting peace in the region.

The same sentiments were stressed by Gen. Urgello who for 17 was assigned in southern Philippines fighting the insurgents knew the culture in the region in his finger tips.

Urgello said he is all-out for peace, especially for the soldiers who will be at the frontline whenever fighting breaks out.

Gen. Aguilar, who was involved in

the peace process before he retired last year, said he looks forward that a lasting peace will finally be achieved to settle the long-drawn conflict in Mindanao.

Aguilar cited the sincerity of both the GPH and MILF peace panels during the tough negotiations the past years.

“For example, in more than 100 instances during my stint with OPAPP, AFP and MILF forces over the years jointly conducted operations to arrest wanted terror suspects and other armed groups operating in the areas occupied by MILF forces,” Aguilar said in a phone interview with PNA.

He also said there had been many occasions that the MILF turned over criminal elements to the military and police.

Aguilar said these gestures of the MILF helped a lot in promoting the peace negotiations.

Like other former AFP officials, Col. Teves also hailed the signing of the document which he said is good for the country, particularly the people in Mindanao as economic development will come to the region.

Teves saw action in Mindanao in the early 1970s as a young lieutenant assigned with the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

Meanwhile, Bangasamoro, Lumad and non-governmental organization leaders from across the country called on the people to give peace


a chance.Datu Migketay Victorino Saway,

a Talaandig tribal chief from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and a member of the Mindanao People’s Caucus, in a statement he sent to the PNA said he was happy over the signing ”because it signals the start of trust of our Moro brothers and sisters in our government.”

“We IPs (indigenous peoples) are supportive of this agreement that will usher peace in our homeland and benefit all,” added Saway. He related that last March 8 in Bukidnon, Bangsamoro people and IPs reaffirmed their kinship covenant done by their forefathers, reliving their commitments on mutual recognition and respect, mutual sharing of information, cooperation, mutual protection and preservation of life, and mutual obligation to help the needy.

Zabra Yu Siwa, a Bangsamoro peace advocate based in Manila, said that he was moved by the signing of the peace pact. “We now begin the new chapter of our history. There is more work to do to sustain and effectively implement the framework agreement. The greater challenge is for all of us Filipinos to make peace in Mindanao happen and be lived by our people. Allahu Akbar (God is great)! Let’s give peace a chance,” he said.

The Framework Agreement would serve as a roadmap in creating

an autonomous region called Bangsamoro which will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). A 15-member Transition Commission (TC) will be formed by President Benigno S. Aquino III through an executive order.

The TC will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law which will be certified as urgent bill by the President to be passed by Congress.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said once the bill becomes a law, it will go through a plebiscite for ratification by the people in the proposed Bangsamoro areas.

The GPH and the MILF peace panels will resume their negotiations in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the draft details and annexes of the agreement.

Present in the signing ceremony in Malacanang were President Aquino, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen, and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal. Also present were Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu, foreign envoys, international agency representatives, local and national officials, civil society groups, and indigenous peoples, among others.


Government offers 25-year retail treasury bonds by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- The government, through the Bureau of Treasury (Btr), is issuing for the first time a 25-year retail treasury bond (RTB) to help investors in their search for investment instruments for long-term savings.

It will be offered to the public from October 9 to 22 for as low as P5,000 and with additional amounts in multiples of P5,000.

The current offering, having a maturity of 25 years, will be issued on October 24, 2012 with quarterly interest payments at a rate of


percent per annum. The RTBs are part of the government’s savings mobilization designed to make government securities available to retail investors and promote savings-consciousness among Filipinos, said BTr Northern Mindanao Director Rogie S. Gadian during the General Investors’ Briefing held yesterday at Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, this city. RTBs are direct, unconditional and general obligations of the Philippine government. As such, they are generally considered safe and relatively risk-free investments. The 25-year RTB is the sixteenth tranche of the Peso-denominated RTB offering of the government. Gadian said the RTBs were launched in 2001 aiming to raise funds from an alternative source – retail investors who would want to diversify their investments in risk-free securities. The first RTB issue raised P38 billion. Eventually, the appeal for

the RTBs grew as proven by the increasing demand from the market, she further said. The BTr issued RTBs with three, four, and five year maturities in earlier tranches. It offered the seven-year tenor in 2009, 10-year tenor in 2010, and 15-year tenor in 2011. Earlier this year, it introduced the 20-year RTB. To date, the RTB program has generated more than one trillion for the national government, she added. The BTr-10 stressed that investors should not be overly concerned that their hard-earned funds will be tied-up for 25 years. Gadian said investors can liquidate their bonds anytime because there is a secondary market for RTBs. “You don’t need to wait for 25 years to get back your investment because, at any given point in time, you can sell the security at the secondary market,” she said.


BI sets qualifying exams in 11 testing sites, nationwide, on Oct. 24by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will be conducting a qualifying examination in at least 11 testing centers, nationwide, on Wednesday, October 24.

Qualified to take the examination are Bachelor’s Degree-holders with Career Service Professional Eligibility, who are less than 36 years old and willing to undergo intensive training. Documentary requirements to be brought to the provincial testing sites include the following: Application letter addressed to Siegfred B. Mison, Chairperson, BI Personnel Selection Board (PSB) indicating the position applied for. Resume/ Personal Data Sheet, Proof of Civil Service Eligibility, clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and proof of academic qualifications, such as, diploma and Transcript of Records (TOR). In Mindanao, the test will be conducted in Capitol University (CU), Cagayan de Oro City, from 9:00a.m. to 12:00 noon, on Oct. 24, simultaneously, with the following testing sites: University of Cebu Banilad Campus, Cebu City, John B. Lacson Maritime University, Molo, Iloilo City, and University of Nueva Caseres, Naga City. BI-Batangas District Office,

Barangay Bolbok, Batangas City, Tarlac State University, Tarlac City, St. Paul University, Tuguegarao City, and CNS International Language School, Baguio City. In Manila, the test will likewise be conducted on the same day, Oct. 24, from 8:00a.m. to 12:00 noon in three (3) venues: DOJ Multi-Purpose Building, Padre Faura, Manila, BI Main Office, Magallanes Drive, Intramuros Manila and Philippine Chamber of Commerce Building, also in Intramuros, Manila. Meanwhile, BI Commissioner Ricardo A. David, Jr., said some 200 positions for Immigration Officers (IMG0) 1, with Salary Grade 11, will be filled-up in BI, this year. He said the preliminary panel interview will be done immediately after the qualifying exam and that only those who will pass both the qualifying exams and the preliminary interview will be considered for final deliberation of the PSB. For further information, those interested may contact Danilo M. Lopez, Chief, Personnel Section at Tel. Nos. 527-32-78 / 527-63-40 or KL So Chan at Tel. No. 338-4536.


BI sets qualifying exams in 11 testing sites, nationwide, on Oct. 24

Oroquieta Dad joins BSP-Mis. Occ. Prov’l Exec BoardOROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The chief executive of this city has been elected Member of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Executive Board- Misamis Occidental Council.

Mayor Jason P. Almonte was elected by a province-wide delegates of scout masters, executives and coordinators during the 2012 Annual Council Meeting held at the Oroquieta Town Center, recently, Almonte will serve the BSP Provincial Council as Executive Board Member for three years. Congressman Jorge T. Almonte of the First District of Misamis Occidental, who is also the BSP-Provincial Executive Council Chairman, who formally opened the meeting, emphasized the virtue of leadership specially among young boys. He further challenged the delegates to promote scouting in their schools and further develop scouting as a good training ground for future leaders. Last year, 247 boy scouts from Misamis Occidental joined the 1st Mindanao Scout Jamboree held in Pagadian City. Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Misamis Ocidental has revitalized the scouting movement, pursuant to DepEd Order No. 76, s. of 2012, issued by Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro. This, as scouting’s main objective coincides with DepEd’s mission to develop every boy and girl into well-rounded individuals with exemplary character worth the emulation of school

children, Misamis Occidental Schools Division (MOSD) Superintendent Jonathan S. Dela Peňa said. As such, membership in boy/girl scouting programs, projects and activities is highly encouraged and supported in schools, Dela Peňa said. Dela Peňa, however, clarified that membership to the BSP/GSP, is voluntary and will not be made a condition of enrolment, transfer or clearance of pupils and students. On the other hand, schools may organize units of Kid, Kab, Boy, Senior or Rover Scouts following these membership rates: Scouts, P50, Unit Leaders, P60, and Institutional Representatives/ Coordinators, P100. (SIDLAK)


DILG names Tacurong as national Gawad Pamana ng Lahi finalistBy Jeezreel Billano & Dani DoguilesKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Tacurong city’s local government has been shortlisted among the Top 5 National Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (GPL) finalists for the city category.


Mayor Lina O. Montilla said she received a letter from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) dated October 15 informing them of this good news. She added she was invited for a panel interview by the GPL National Board of Judges today, October 18.

Said interview, that focuses on local good governance and innovations, is the final step in the process of selecting the GPL national winner.

“To be recognized as one of the most excellent units is a great blessing for the City of Goodwill. I salute everyone in the LGU and all Tacurongnons for a job well done,” Montilla said.

On-site national validation was conducted by Cresencio Velasco, dean of the Open University, University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City.

At his visit to the city, Velasco said he was impressed by the LGU’s compliance to the Full Disclosure Policy, system of governance, innovations, and its people.

Other finalists in the GPL City Category are Vigan City, Santiago City (Isabela), San Fernando City (La Union), and Makati City.

According to DILG, Gawad Pamana ng Lahi is a total award concept designed by the department and is conferred to the most deserving provincial,

city, and municipal governments for reason of exemplary in Administrative Governance, Social Governance, Economic Governance and E n v i r o n m e n t a l Governance.

Among the criteria are: Local Government P e r f o r m a n c e Management System (LGPMS) score; national and international awards; record review of core outcome indicators (NSCB on poverty incidence, DOH on health, BLGF-DOF on financial status, etc); and result of on-site validation. LGPMS assesses LGUs’ institutional capacity in various areas of governance.

Siapno leaves DENR 12, Saikol takes over as regional executive directorBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Barely four months after taking office as regional executive director (RED) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – 12 here, Dr. Adeluisa Siapno is leaving Soccsk-sargen Region.

She will assume the position as RED of DENR

in Western Visayas Region (R-6).

On Tuesday, Siapno turned over


r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s to Environment Management Bureau (EMB)-12 regional director Datu Tungko Saikol in a ceremony witnessed by employees and officials of DENR and attached agencies.

In her four-month stint in Region 12, Siapno was known for introducing innovations in the regional office.

A report from the agency’s Regional Public Affairs Office said she implemented effective financial management system that resulted in the declaration of DENR 12 as the “Most Improved Region” in the country last month.

She also enforced an anti-corruption measures that terminated ghost travels of employees.

Employees also recognized her for good housekeeping, conduct of weekly executive committee meeting, and strong advocacy for good governance and collaboration with other government agencies.

“I have given my heart and soul to improve the performance of this region. We’ve made this region number 1 in

the entire country from being the number 16 in performance,” Siapno said at the turn-over rites.

“I take this opportunity to thank every who have joined me in my journey to a place where everyone is working hard to make a difference in the lives of the people of South Central Mindanao.”

In response, incoming RED Saikol said: “I would like to continue what RED Siapno has started, because I’ve witnessed how she has transformed this office,

especially her exemplary financial integrity.”

Forty-four year old Saikol has been head of EMB for 11 years. He is a graduate of Communication Arts from Ateneo de Davao University.

Meanwhile, regional technical director Geronimo Sequito for Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Management Service is also transferred to Sultan Kudarat as provincial environment and natural resources officer.


Philhealth 12 launches PhilHealth run 2013By Aida Agad

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Following the overwhelming success of the 1st Koronadal City-leg PhilHealth Run 2012, a PhilHealth official said they are gunning for the Guinness Records as the PhilHealth Run 2013 is of-ficially launched here today.

In colorful ceremonies attended by partners, local media and other stakeholders, Regional Vice President for PhilHealth 12 Ramon F. Aristoza, Jr. led on Wednesday, the unveiling of the PhilHealth Run 2013 logo at EMR Center, this city.

The nationwide s i m u l t a n e o u s launching in 18 different sites all over the country also signals the start of the preparations for the February 17, 2013 nationwide running

event for mother and child protection.

Aristoza said that this year’s PhilHealth Run done last February 5, is a good start to sustain the yearly run for a cause , and vowed to seriously push the program not only to raise funds but also because of the health considerations.

This running event, he said is also part of their agency’s thrust to draw national attention and support to their mission of providing

every Filipino access to quality health care through social insurance.

The Koronadal City-leg 2013 running event is targeting 5,000 participants who will run in the different categories: the 3-kilometer run, 5k, 10k and 18k.

Part of the proceeds from registration fees and pledges from sponsors will be donated to region 12’s local beneficiary, the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) located at Koronadal City.

RSCC is a residential facility under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 catering to the needs of abandoned, neglected, abused and exploited children aging 0 to 6 years old.


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Medical Center chief urges birth deliveries in health facilities By Claro A. LanipaPAGADIAN CITY – To ensure the safety, health and life of a mother and her child, delivery at the Facility Based Delivery (FBD) and delivery attended by Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs) is highly recommended, Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center chief Dr. Ma. Rovel Blancia said.


“Delivery at the facility is very important as well as delivery attended by skilled birth attendants, rather than delivering at home which is handled only by a ‘hilot’, Blancia said. “Giving birth at home is extremely discouraged,” Dr. Blancia emphasized. Dr. Blancia said , under the Millennium Development Goal (MDG), the Philippines is targeting that by 2015 maternal mortality be reduced to at least 52 per 100,000 live births or maternal mortality. The 2011 statistics show there are about 162 per 100,000 women who died due to pregnancy and child birth, Blancia informed. To attain this goal, trainings on Basic Maternal Obstetric and Neo-Natal Care (BMONC), were provided to BMONC teams of all the Municipal Health Office (MHO) of the 26 municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur, Blancia reported. “A BMONC team is composed of a doctor, a midwife and a nurse who are capable of handling normal deliveries in their respective areas of assignment,” Blancia explained. Meanwhile, the lady doctor disclosed that maternal deaths in the province his decreased. “In 2010, the ratio of maternal death was recorded at 146 per 100,000 live births while for 2011 it decreases to 90 over 100,000,” Blancia was quoted as saying. “Let us take care of our mothers and newborns in order to save lives, so that by 2015 we will be able to achieve our MDG goal on maternal death,” Blancia emphasized.


Zambo PWD elected PBU president By Sheila Covarrubias

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Teddy Kahil, head of the Persons with Disabilities Unit of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) was elected president to the Philippine Blind Union (PBU) Inc. during the organization’s annual general assembly in Manila. PBU is the only national federation of the blinds that is a member of the World Blind Union (WBU) and has been in existence for a decade now. Kahil, dubbed as the ‘Helen Keller’ of Zamboanga expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence given to him by PBU members to lead the visually impaired sector in the country. “My profound gratitude to the visually impaired persons representing their organizations all over the country for giving me the trust and confidence to lead the Blind Filipinos.” The newly-elected PBU president considers the responsibility to be a tough one as it is national in scope. Nonetheless, he said he is motive to perform his mandated duties with the support of the Chairman Emeritus Capt. Oscar Taleon, former Commissioner and PBU Chairman-elect Michael Barredo as well as the members of the Union’s national directorate. “I feel so honored and privileged to be the first completely blind

person from Mindanao to assume the national leadership of the Union”, Kahil stressed. He likewise expressed gratitude to the visually impaired leaders from 17 regions of the country for electing him as Council Member for Blind Filipinos of PWDs Council under the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) during a gathering held October 17-19 at the Holiday Inn in Manila. “Let us be united for the social and economic advancement of our sector”. Kahil finished his Master Degree in Social Work in 2009 at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU). The PBU’s 2012 annual assembly was held at the Bayview Hotel in Manila recently. Elected along with Kahil was retired Police Gen. Elesio de la Paz, as PBU Executive Vice President and Michael Barredo was elected first nominee of the Pilipinos with Disabilities Inc. (PWDI) which recently got COMELEC approval to participate in the May 14, 2013 elections for party-list movement.


NSCB-9 Regional Head Mewchun Pamaran said the activity aims to convey three important objectives to the public. “We did this activity, first, in support to the government’s National Greening Program (NGP), second is to inculcate in the minds of the public that saving mother earth is the concern of everybody, even us statisticians, and with the climate change really affecting us. The third reason is, it’s our way of responding to the call of time”, Dir. Pamaran said.

At least 500 personnel from the Philippine National Police, different government line agencies, and students from the Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology planted 800 mahogany and narra seedlings in an area adopted and cared for by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-Zamboanga City Branch (BSP). BSP-Zamboanga Branch Head Mr. Melodino Patiño, in his previous statement, said BSP is zealously advocating for the protection and conservation of the environment,

NSCB-9 spearheads tree planting in support to the National Greening ProgramBy Felipo David G. Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The National Statistical Coordinating Board-9 (NSCB) led at least 500 individuals in a tree planting activity this morning inside the Pasonanca Natural Park as part of the National Statistics Month celebration in support to the National Green Program of the government.


thus, they adopted the area for their tree planting and environmental protection activities. He said they want to set the best example to others on cooperating and participating in environmental protection and conservation. Dir. Pamaran thanked Mr. Patiño for partnering with them in the activity and to oversee the maintenance of the newly-planted seedlings. “I would like to thank Mr. Patiño for being our partner in this activity. He even told us not to worry about the maintenance of

the newly planted seedlings since they have people who work for them in maintaining their adopted area and that the new seedlings will be taken cared of”, Pamaran enthused. Pamaran added that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will help in monitoring the progress of the project to ensure high rate of the seedlings’ survival. She also thanked the Philippine

National Police, where most of the participants came from, employees of various government line agencies, and the students who took part in the activity. “We thank everybody who came and shared their time and effort making our activity a success”, she said. Pamaran pointed out that tree planting activity will now be a permanent fixture in the list of activities to be conducted

during the National Statistics Month celebrated every October.


TAGUM CITY-“Saging: sa bawat kagat, sustansya ang katapat” goes the slogan that won for high student Clark Marvin Tan of the Tagum National Trade School in Davao del Norte, the first prize in the recently concluded Region-wide Banana Slogan Contest. “The Contest is a side event of the First Mindanao Banana Congress (scheduled in the city from November 7-9 this year) and is aimed at promoting the nutritional benefits of banana,” Department of Trade and Industry XI Regional Director Marizon Loreto said. The contest was participated in by nine school division in Southern Mindanao. The second prize went Brexel Blanco of the Sto. Tomas National High School while the third prize went to Jelord Paracueles of Barayong National High School in Davao del Sur for the slogan “Saging Huwag Ismolin Dahil sa Nutrisyong

Hatid na Super Galing.” Banana exporters in the region are pushing for the creation of the Mindanao Banana Council during the Congress as it will pave the way for stronger coordination with the Department of Education for the promotion of bananas. Loreto said banana is very healthy for both school children and adults and the various entries during the slogan contest depicted the nutritional value of banana. Banana exporters in the city lamented the lack of focus on banana especially when compared to rice and corn, when banana can also be used in the schools’ feeding program. Research shows that banana is a good source of Potassium, Vitamin C, Dietary Fiber and Vitamin B6. It is also very low in Sodium, Cholesterol and saturated fat.

Banana’s nutrition value highlighted in slogan contestby Lovely Carillo


DAVAO CITY-The Davao City Police Office announced the dismantling of a carnapping group that had been pestering the city since No-vember 2011 following the arrest of four of its member one by one since Monday Oct. 15. Senior Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa, director of the DCPO said residents can now sleep soundly with the arrest of HermieTahom, Eddie Lopez, Jerry Paulino and Diego Macatimpag in separate locations. He said Tahom who hails from Tandag City turned in his three other cohorts in Davao City after he was apprehended first Monday riding a stolen gray Toyota Innova in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. The vehicle was reported carnapped Monday dawn by an executive of a banana plantation in the city. De la Rosa said the vehicle was

traced by the authorities through its global positioning system. He attributed a total of 21 carnapping incidents to the group in Davao Region where 18 and 3 incidents happened in the cities of Davao and Tagum, respectively.De la Rosa said the arrests also led to the recovery of five cars comprising one Toyota Innova, Hyundai Tucson, Honda Fit, Kia Carens and one Toyota Grandia van. He said investigators are now looking for the alleged mastermind of the group identified by his cohorts as Ryan Yu alias Baktin. De la Rosa said based on preliminary investigation, the group would conduct their modus operandi between 12 midnight to 2:00 o’clock in the morning. He said investigators have the reason to believe that the perpetrators have contacts with a car firm since through its leader, they can easily open target vehicles without breaking car doors and windows. “City residents can now sleep soundly with the arrest of this group,” De la Rosa said. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio urged the victims of carnapping to cooperate in the filing of charges against the perpetrators and congratulated the police for a job-well-done.

by Joey Sem Dalumpines

Police dismantle carnapping group in Davao Region


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PRC, Wetlands Int’l pass assessment report of PfR areas in Agusan del Surby David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR --- Climate, erosion and siltation, water quality conversion of marsh land into agriculture, dwindling of fish stock and other animals and the crocodiles were reported root causes of disaster in Agusan del Sur. This was contained in an assessment report of the partnership for resilience (PfR) areas in Agusan del Sur by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)

and the Wetlands International as initial move to implement the special project on disaster risk reduction and management program financed by the


Netherlands. The main objectives of the project assessment by the Wetlands International represented during the assessment by Marianne Rense and Merjin van Leeuwen are to learn the way PRC and CARE work and communicate with communities in the project areas; do rapid assessment to identify the root causes and drivers for disaster and the state of the ecosystem most relevant to livelihoods and disaster mitigation and; developing joint insights within the partnership in land use-ecosystem-livelihood-disaster relations through learning by doing, joint field visits, interviewing community representatives and linkages between ecosystem and livelihoods aspects and discussing root causes of disaster. The 2011 Pag-asa findings consider the Agusan River Basin as the Type IV are, with rainfall more or

less evenly distributed throughout the year. The rainfall varies from a monthly 190 mm in the “dry” March – August period to 230 mm per month in the “wet” December to February period. Erosion and siltation are other causes of disaster, whose silt originates from the hills and mountains surrounding the river basin. The increase of silt are caused by mining, large scale logging and agriculture not suited for slopes. Because of siltation, riverbeds to fill up, causing water levels to increase. And because the rivers are shallower than before, the current increase caused fast erosion of river banks. Another cause of disaster is water quality. Water quality has gone down because siltation is making the water muddy. It is also noted that there is an increase of nitrogen and phosphate contents on the over use of chemical fertilizers. Water quality also deteriorate by exotic species, like water hyacinth and janitor fish that make the water low in oxygen levels during hyacinth massive die-off. The concentration of cadmium and mercury in the water are related to mining activities upstream. Another is the conversion of marsh land to agriculture. Logging in marsh area continue, and converted into agricultural fields. Because of this, the system loses its function as sponge serving as water catchment during floods and slowly releasing water during drought season. It also serve as filter, improving the water


ICRC, PRC Butuan to conduct Media Workshopby Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY --The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), with the support of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Chapter, will be holding the Media Workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Humanitarian Reporting on October 20, 2012 at the Dotties Place Hotel, this city. Reporter or correspondent per media outfit in Caraga region covering issues related to the armed conflict will be participating in this one-day event. In a press statement, ICRC Head of Mindanao sub-delegation - Mr. Philippe Beauverd said that the objectives of

said workshop are the following: 1) to increase awareness of IHL and ICRC activities in the Philippines, including its partnership with the PRC; 2) to enhance knowledge of humanitarian reporting; 3) to increase awareness among journalists on basic first-aid; and 4) to establish and

quality and act as the major source of commercial fishes. Dwindling of fish and other animals like crocodiles turned out as another cause of disaster due to over fishing and hunting, and the conversion of flood forest and marsh habitat into agriculture. To date, DENR superintendent of the marsh said there are only 20-30 animals left on 40,000 hectares of marsh area.

Possible actions were unveiled by the assessing team and the first consideration is understanding where the problem is coming from. The team has also drafted long- term solutions, suggesting the eradication of siltation and pollution by stopping logging of the remaining natural forests. After stopping the supply of silt, they recommend dredging of the Agusan river.


strengthen the professional relationship between ICRC and media practitioners in Caraga. “Since 2010, the ICRC has done eight media workshops in the National Capital Region, Visayas and Mindanao, to increase, among journalists, awareness of international humanitarian law or the law of armed conflict, and to promote

responsible reporting of the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict,” said Beauverd. The ICRC is a neutral and independent humanitarian organization that aims to assist and protect victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It has been working in the Philippines for over 60 years.

Butuan’s PESO earns top Regional Performer Recognitionby Maria Diana Luisa Dianah Z. Generalao

BUTUAN CITY -- Butuan LGU’s Public Employment Service Office has been given the Top Regional Performer award during the 12th National PESO Congress and Awarding Ceremony in Baguio City on Oct 11.

This adds to the growing list of recognitions Butuan LGU has received. The Butuan LGU has also been awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping for its programs on good governance and earned the third place in the recent 2012 National Literacy Awards for Highly-Urbanized City Category held in Baguio City. Butuan City has previously won in the Regional Levels for Highly-Urbanized City Categories in the 2012 Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards, the 2012 Search for Child-

Friendly Cities and the 2012 Gawad Kalasag for disaster preparedness, qualifying in the national levels in all three award-giving bodies with which the results are to be announced before the year ends. Earlier this year, Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. received the award for Butuan City as one of the Top 50 Outstanding Municipalities/Cities of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards for 2011 dubbed “Mga Bosing ng Palayan” at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Butuan’s PESO earns top Regional Performer Recognition

one mindanao - october 19, 2012

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