one mindanao - october 22, 2015

DOH-9, partner hospitals conduct free medical-surgical mission

PSA-13 initiates 1st Caraga Secondary Students Statistics Forum

6th RDC-PSR confab highlights role of private sector in ASEAN integration

DTI 12 to showcase grander “Treasures of Region 12”

Gov’t readies corn industry for ASEAN integration

BBL is formula for peace and national

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Cover Story

National

Caraga

Northern

InFocus

Western

By: Peleta B. Abejo

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Volume 5 * Issue No.44

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26 By: Alma L. Tingcang

Philhealth supports National Serbisyo-Peace Caravan in Comval37Southern

35Gensan Mayor continues education advocacy, donates classrooms 40 38SOCCSKSARGEN

By: Nirvana Alpha Vita Fruylan

21Tandag Water District to host NorMin Natural Resources Management Council 33rd Annual ForumBy Greg Tataro Jr.

34PSA holds regional data on 2013 functional literacy

By: Rolito Maestre

30 Stakeholders’ forum on food and nutrition slated todayBy: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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

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

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

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

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

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

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSGIDEON CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EDITORIAL BOARD

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

4 October 22, 2015ONE MINDANAO

5October 22, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

DTI 12 to showcase grander “Treasures of Region 12” By Nirvana Alpha Vita Fruylan

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 12 is set to showcase next month the grander “Treasures of Region 12” where locally produced processed

products and unique handicrafts from Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) of the region will be displayed for sale in a convenient and accessible location.

Cover Story


In a press conference Wednesday, Regional Director Ibrahim Guiamadel disclosed that DTI 12 wanted to institutionalize the collective promotion of the region’s products known as “Treasures of Region 12” every month of November of every year as a branding strategy to enhance the capabilities of MSMEs in SOCCSKSARGEN to do business with less government intervention.

“We want to promote it to

the whole country so when the month of November comes they will always remember that in Gensan there will be a ‘Treasures of Region 12 Regional Trade Fair’ wherein all the products that we developed within the region will be showcased,” he explained. This year, DTI 12 has lined up nine component activities as part of the grander preparations for the “Treasures of Region 12” 2nd Regional Trade Fair and Side Events on November 11-15, 2015 which is expected to draw in some 3,000 visitors at SM City General Santos.

These activities include: Regional Trade Fair, Treasures of Region 12 Product Show, Craft Special Setting, BIMP-EAGA Pavilion of Region 12 Products, “Patok na Negosyo” Trainings and Seminars, BIMP-EAGA Forum on Halal Opportunities, Financing Fora and Advocacy on Philippines New Generation Currency, Business Matching- Supply Management thru Investments for Large Enterprises and, the S.U.P.E.R Consumer Advocacy. Leonard Flores, Chief of the Industry Development Division of DTI 12 said these component activities will help generate an


export sale of about US$1M and investments of about Php10M since last year’s activity has been successful in generating Php4.100M total sales to include cash of Ph0.520M by featuring 63 MSMEs and installing 50 trade fair booths.

“This year’s bundled activities aim to feature a hundred of Region 12’s MSMEs that were carefully selected and pre-identified as ‘Export Ready’ or ready to be marketed not only outside of Region 12 but most of all, in the international market.”Moreover, Nenita Barroso, DTI-Sarangani provincial director, is encouraging the public especially entrepreneurs and would be entrepreneurs to participate in the five days activities especially in the skills trainings which are offered for free.She said one of the highlight activities of the “Treasures of Region 12” Trade Fair is the fashion show of the best products of the region which will be presented in quality packaging and modeled by artists that will surely entertain walk-in customers and spectators.

“This is the end result of all the business development

activities that we are giving our clients like the technology transfer, product development, labeling, designs, consultancy services, and shared service facility among others which will help them come up with products that they could sell through the Trade Fair,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, Guimadel is urging the support of local buyers and consumers to patronize the regions products and craftsmanship.

He said they already sent communications to the different schools in the region to visit the Trade Fair in Gensan and make it as part of their educational tour where they could see the real treasures of Region 12. The 2nd Trade Fair Exhibit is anchored on the tagline: “Treasures of Region 12: stimulating Progress thru ASEAN Integration” and official hashtag #TreasuresofR12.


PH hosts 11th ACWC meeting

MANILA -- The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) hosted the eleventh meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) at Dusit Hotel Manila in Makati City. The 11th ACWC Meeting is part of the 2015 ASEAN Meetings on Women. The three-day meeting, which ran from October 18 to 20, finalized the Regional Plan of Action (RPA) on the Elimination

of All Forms of Violence Against Women (VAW) and Violence Against Children, following the adoption of the documents at


the ASEAN Summit.

The RPA included:

The development of gender sensitive guidelines for standard operating procedures on performance standards for service providers, Guidelines for support services for victims or survivors,The administration of justice,Establishment of regional guidelines for the collection and analysis of data on VAW, andThe development and

enhancement of campaigns on VAW through the use of multimedia and social media platforms and channels. The ACWC is an inter-governmental body which looks into the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and children in ASEAN. It is composed of 20 representatives – one for women’s rights and one for children’s rights – from each of the ten ASEAN Member States. (PCW)


Gov’t readies corn industry for ASEAN integration

QUEZON CITY-- The Philippine corn industry is gearing up for the integration of ASEAN economies with national and local government leaders pulling all stops to enable corn growers attain sustainable production of high quality grains, for both yellow and white varieties. “The Department of Agriculture (DA) has always regarded the local government

as a sturdy and dependable partners in the implementation of programs and various strategies


that would enhance agricultural development,” Assistant Secretary and National Rice and Corn Program Director Edilberto de Luna said.

Luna added that with the help of our local executives, the government is optimistic that its national programs will trickle down to the rural areas in the countryside, and benefit those who really need assistance.

In 2013, the DA launched the National Corn Quality Achievers Awards to give recognition to the invaluable role of the local government in mentoring corn farmers and stakeholders.

The LGUs have been consistent in effectively carrying out policies and projects that ultimately push for the robust production of high-grade corn.

The Search, which is now on its third year, continues to give due recognition to the unsung heroes

of the corn sector nationwide. It gives honor and prestige to what is usually unnoticed, which includes the time, effort, and passion of thousands of agricultural extension workers (AEWs) who serve as on-site teachers and provide technical assistance to corn growers from production, post-production, and marketing.

Today, the DA awards one hundred men and women who continue to perform their duties and services to uplift the local corn sector.

“Alongside, these extension workers, recognition will also be given to five provinces, and their respective provincial agriculturists and corn coordinators, 25 municipalities, as well as their municipal agricultural officers and corn coordinators,” de Luna announced.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, who will lead

12 October 22, 2015ONE MINDANAO12 October 22, 2015ONE MINDANAO

the awarding rites, expressed satisfaction at the current status of the Philippine corn sector, stressing that the steady annual production have greatly contributed to the overall growth of Philippine agriculture.

“Aside from quantity, the government has always been watchful on the quality of corn produced. As such, Good

Agricultural Practices have always been followed at all layers of the value chain,” he said.

“In addition to these, mechanization and postharvest facilities with standardized processing protocols have been strictly implemented to assure quality and competitive products,” Alcala added. (DA)


BBL is formula for peace and national solidarity

CEBU CITY – Continuing his appeal for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal highlighted that it is the solution to ending the internal armed conflict in Mindanao and promoting peace and national unity among Filipinos. “The best way to move forward is to pursue the path of peace. We don’t want war [to happen again] and we don’t

want it to continue anymore. [T]he BBL is a priority bill, nay an administration bill, that seeks to establish peace in Mindanao,”


Iqbal said in a roundtable discussion with media held Monday in this city.

“Every one of us can help because the passage of the BBL is of national interest,” he said. “After more than 42 years of armed conflict, and of 17 years of long, hard, and harsh negotiations, then the government has to [exhaust] all possible extra efforts and measures to get the law passed.”

The MILF chief peace negotiator reaffirmed the rebel group’s commitment in the peace process despite delays in the passage of the BBL as well

as its continued trust on the commitment made by Congress’ leadership to pass a law that would embody the Bangsamoro aspiration for autonomy without diminishing the current powers enjoyed by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“We never say die [in lobbying for the passage of the BBL]. Congress can do it,” Iqbal said. “[T]he role of the [Bangsamoro] Transition Commission which I happen to head has been consistently and tirelessly monitoring the progress... [of] the deliberations of the BBL in the halls of Congress.”


Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel–Ferrer stressed that the support and participation of every Filipino on the success of the Bangsamoro peace process is important.

“The BBL is not just for the MILF but for all of us. People want the peace process to be 100% risk-free, but part of it is a leap of faith out of good intentions,” Ferrer said. “Our appeal is to have the faith with us so that we will have the best results.”

Ferrer added that the passage of the BBL will lessen the problems of the next president as the proposed law will correct the structural problems within ARMM. “Our challenge to the next President, do you want to inherit a problem or the solution? Let’s give peace a chance,” she said.

Debunking ridiculous claims on the BBL The government chief negotiator noted that delays in the passage of the BBL are partly due to misinformation circulated immediately after the

Mamasapano incident.

“After the Mamasapano tragedy, political opponents of the current administration used the BBL to derail the peace process while some politicians continue to use this as a platform to bolster their 2016 election campaign,” she said.

Ferrer debunked some claims as simply ridiculous. These include conspiracy theories that the BBL caters to Malaysia’s vested interests on Mindanao particularly the claim on Sabah and that the proposed law will lead to secession led by the MILF in which Ferrer cleared that the main aim of the peace talks is to stop the war and institute the needed reforms in order to achieve national unity.

“The MILF has committed to observe the ceasefire and undergo decommissioning of weapons and combatants while other groups continue to use violent and indiscriminate means. They remain committed to the peace process despite the delay on the passage of the BBL,” she said.


She also clarified that there is nothing unconstitutional in the BBL, noting that the key features and structural changes in the draft law are all within the flexibilities of the Philippine Constitution.

Ferrer also emphasized the inclusivity of the Bangsamoro law. “The BBL is not just for the MILF. It protects the rights and welfare of all inhabitants of the prospective Bangsamoro.”

For his part, Iqbal noted that delays on the passage of the BBL can also be blamed on

on misperceptions and prejudices against Muslims.

“ [ L ] e g i s l a t o r s wanted to change the BBL because of these fears and prejudices. [This is] not only [because of] what happened in Mamasapano but also about the [the fear of giving the Bangsamoro with] a lot of authority, if given a lot of power and autonomy,” Iqbal said.

“[M]istrust, biases, and prejudices, fear and paranoia against Muslims or Moros have created much opinion on the Christian majority population including so-called intelligentsia, Church-people, media pundits, and media networks and that this bias is at the heart of the rejection of any BBL.”

Iqbal added that the “only…lasting legacy President Aquino can give to our people especially those in Mindanao is lasting peace through the passage of BBL.”


Nat’l Project Coordination Office approves P11.3B PRDP infra subprojects By: Fretcher Magatao

BUTUAN CITY -- The National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) announced during the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) I-BUILD Component 7th Assessment and Coordination Meeting in Agusan del Norte recently that with the 26.7 billion worth of I-BUILD subprojects in the pipeline, 190 subprojects amounting to 11.3 billion are already approved.


As of October 9, the cluster performance for Luzon A shows an approved 22 subprojects worth P2,099,281,097.39; Luzon B has 30 subprojects amounting to P2,224,871,089.72; Visayas has 25 subprojects amount-ing to P1,932,571,008.94; and Mindanao Cluster has a total of 113 subprojects amounting to P5,113,112,803.26. With the ap-proved 190, 69 subprojects are already under implementation and the bulk of these are being implemented in Mindanao. “I-BUILD is near the tar-get of the approved budget for subprojects nationwide. We un-derstand that there are a lot of project proposals from the LGUs that need to be approved. Still, thorough deliberation in line with the necessary requirements is undertaken before a project be approved,” said Project Support Office Mindanao deputy program director Consolacion Satorre. The four-day activity pro-vided an avenue among I-BUILD Components from all Project Clusters to assess the compo-nent’s performance in connection to its physical and financial tar-gets. This ensures that the com-ponent’s milestones are closely monitored and crucial issues and

concerns are appropriately re-solved. “Here we share all our con-cerns and the problems we en-countered in the field,” said NPCO Alternate I-BUILD head engineer Ericson Mammag. He added that I-BUILD Component in every Re-gional Project Coordination Of-fice (RPCO) should maximize its human resources since they deal both the contractors and LGUs. “We should constantly coor-dinate with other components to further enforce and enhance im-plementation mechanisms. The guidelines or process flow must be strictly observed to avoid de-lay,” Mammag added. The occassion also paved the way to improve the project staff’s capacity among the clus-ters and a result of the training needs assessment of the recent-ly conducted World Bank Imple-mentation Support Mission. The meeting was attended by the representatives from RPCOs, island cluster PSOs and NPCO. The activity included, among others, a review of the highlights and agreements during the pre-vious coordination meeting and presentation of updates from the project clusters all over the coun-try.


PSA-13 initiates 1st Caraga Secondary Students Statistics Forum

BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) here conduct-ed recently the 1st Caraga Secondary Students Statistics Forum with 60 participants from various divisions held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Multipurpose Hall, J.C Aquino, Libertad, this city.

By: PSA-13

The forum which highlighted on the “Demonetization, Statis-tical Uses and Management and Economic Performance of Cara-ga” was co-sponsored by the BSP Butuan Branch. Dr. Amelita Gi-vertz, head of the Planning and Project Research Division of De-partment of Education (DepEd) – Caraga Region together with the teachers and students actively participated in the said forum. During the opening ceremo-

ny, Dir. Beta Cervantes said that “this forum, in line with the 26th National Statistics Month Cele-bration, provides a new venue for students and teachers to channel for exchanges and cooperation in statistics and builds collaboration for future cooperation.” “With this forum, they (stu-dents) would collaborate and es-tablish a statistics cooperation platform and exchange of statis-tics data thus shaping a statis-

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tics monitoring framework that will promote economic and so-cial development of Caraga,” she added. Glizriel Rose Zarate, one of the speakers, on her talk “Know Your Money” emphasized the start of the BSP’s demonetization process for the old banknotes (New Design Series, NDS). “It is a part of the BSP’s ob-jectives to preserve the integrity of the Philippine currency. This move is in line with the provisions of Section 57 of Republic Act No. 7653, otherwise known as the New Central Bank Act, which authorizes the BSP to replace banknotes that are more than 5 years old. The NDS banknotes have been in circulation for al-most three decades,” she said. Zarate also added that the demonetization of the NDS will result in the circulation of a sin-gle currency series in the coun-try – the New Generation Cur-rency (NGC) Series. The NGC banknotes which were issued on 16 December 2010 use new and enhanced security features to protect the safety of the public against counterfeiters. Melchor Bautista, chief of the Statistical Operation and Coordi-nation Division of PSA RSSO13, during his talk on “Statistics in Good Governance,” highlighted

the little or lack of appreciation at political and policy level of the role and importance of statistics that led to under-funding statis-tical production. “Statistics in Good Gover-nance has led to the production of statistics which in turn has led to low priority and lack of de-mand for statistics making it ex-tremely difficult for data provid-ers to meet user requirements in the country,” he said. Bautistia also reported the Gross Regional Domestic Prod-uct (GRDP) of Caraga Region. He further stressed that Caraga’s economic growth slowed down from 8.1 percent in 2013 to 7.8 percent in 2014. The slowdown was attributed to downturns in Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF) and Services.


Tandag Water District to host NorMin Natu-ral Resources Management Council 33rd Annual Forum

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Tandag Water Dis-trict (TWD) is set to host the Northern Mindanao Natural Resources Manage-ment Council, Inc. (NorMin-NRMC) 33rd Annual Forum at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, this city, on October 28-29, 2015.

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

Annie Ty, TWD general man-ager, has already caused the sending of the official program and invitation for the event. With the theme “Climate Change Adaptation: Water Dis-tricts Great Challenge,” a general assembly meeting to be presided over by NorMin-NRMC chair Me-nillo Siega, general manager of Bislig City Water District, would highlight the opening day. However, by 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., a Governor’s Night would cap the affair with partici-pants required to wear “Hawai-ian Attire” as costume. Gover-nor Johnny Pimentel would give a message. On the second and final day, the opening ceremonies would start with a dramatic entrance of

NorMin-NRMC officers, guests, TWD officials, and Water Dis-trict delegations to be followed by declaration of the opening of 33rd Forum. The welcome mes-sage is set to be delivered by city mayor Roxanne Pimentel. The core part of the culmi-nation day is the technical ses-sion with Andres Ibarra, admin-istrator of Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).However, a lot of vital issues are lined up to be discussed including Mindanao Watershed Programs and Projects, climate change, and more. Secretary Luwalhati An-tonino of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) would be the guest speaker.


Php44.2 M set for El Niño interventions in SOCCSKSARGEN By Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 1 -- Some Php44.2 mil-lion have been allotted for measures that would address con-cerns of farmers over long dry spell in the coming months, an official of the Department of Agriculture 12 said.


Tripartite council for overseas employment industry organizedBy Danilo E. Doguiles

could be reduced by more than 28,000 metric tons while that of could be reduced by 128,500 metric tons.

Yield from high value crops such as banana, coffee, rubber

and mango are also expect-ed to decrease. (DEDoguiles-PIA12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 1-- In line with their ef-forts to push reforms in their sector, the overseas industry play-ers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region have united to establish an Indus-try Tripartite Council (ITC).

Composed of representatives from the labor and manage-ment sectors and the govern-ment led by the Department of Labor and Employment, an ITC primarily serves as “a fo-rum for tripartite advisement and consultation among labor, employers and government sectors in the formulation and implementation of labor and so-cial policies” as indicated in the Department Order 111-11.

Adonis Dollente, vice chair-person of the newly-organized Overseas Employment ITC vowed that the recruitment agencies will continue to sup-

port the programs and services of DOLE and its attached agen-cies for the benefit of the in-dustry.

“ We will continue to abide by the rules and regulations, and we hope that through this newly established ITC we can resolve issues affecting our labor force,” Dollente said.

Meanwhile, DOLE Regional Director Ofelia Domingo em-phasized that the establish-ment of the Overseas Employ-ment ITC in SOCCSKSARGEN Region along with the Overseas Regional Reintegration Network (ORRN), all industry stakehold


ZAMBOANGA CITY – The principal of one of the local high schools here has emphasized the importance of the Pantawid Pamilya, particularly in the education of the program’s student-beneficiaries.

By Dominic I. Sanchez

School head underscores

importance of Pantawid Pamilya in pupils’ performance


Mr. Jesus Solon, principal of Zamboanga City National High School – Main (ZCNHS) shared with officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Youth Commission (NYC) how the Pantawid has been instrumental in ensuring the pupil’s attendance and good performance in school. “The pupils have motivation to attend classes, and also motivation to do very good in their classes,” said Mr. Solon. There are approximately 800 high school students who are beneficiaries of the DSWD’s conditional cash transfer program in ZCNHS-Main. According to Ivan Salvador, DSWD information officer, there are over 14,000 beneficiaries in Zamboanga City alone. Pantawid Pamilya is one

of the flagship poverty-alleviation programs of the national government implemented by the DSWD. It believes that by ensuring children’s education, poverty will be alleviated. On October 16, the Youth Development Sessions (YDS) for Pantawid student-beneficiaries was launched at the

ZCNHS-Main. Present during the activity were NYC assistant secretaries Percival Cendana and Earl Saavedra, regional head director Raymond Domingo, DSWD regional director Zenaida Arevalo and Mayor Beng Climaco. During the program, the children shared their dreams with the officials, stressing that they desire to achieve them with


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Department of Health-IX in partnership with Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital (ZSPH), Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), Basilan General Hospital, Labuan Public Hospital and PhilHealth conducted the Kalusugang Pangkalahatan High Impact 5 (HI-5) medical-surgical mission here on October 19-23.

By Alma L. Tingcang

DOH-9, partner hospitals conduct free medical-surgical mission

government’s continuous aid and assistance. “I dream of being a nurse someday, and I believe that this is possible through hard work and with the help of Pantawid Pamilya,” said Princess, a high school student from ZCNHS. Several other students shared their aspirations, and thanked the government for the support to their education through the program. Meanwhile, Mayor Beng

Climaco, who is a teacher by profession told the students: “Always dream, and do not allow poverty or any other problem keep you out of school. Education is very important, and nobody can steal that away from you.” The YDS is an add-on strategy to the Pantawid Pamilya intended for the continuous social development of the pupils, complementing the Family Development Sessions (FDS) for their parents.

The medical mission team arrived on October 18 and attended a fellowship dinner at the new Capitol pool hosted

by Governor Wilter Yap Palma. Dr.Rolando A. Olmoguez, Dr. Arthur Luspo and Dr. Sherwin Bastero welcomed the medical


team from Zamboanga City, Basilan and Labuan. Prior to admission, interview, screening and selection to include medical tests was done at ZSPH and ZCMC. There were 124 patients who passed the screening conducted earlier this month The surgical services include: thyroidectomy, herniorrhaphy, cheiloplasty, hemorrhoidectomy, cataract extraction, breast mass excision and cleft lip/palate. For goiter and breast mass, fine needle biopsy was done at the ZCMC on October 9, 2015.Moreover, 62 patients with goiter were transported to Zamboanga City Medical Center for further treatment and operation as needed.

Dr. Romeo A. Ong, Chief of Hospital of Zamboanga City Medical Center donated 15 hospital beds to Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital while Dr. Aristides Tan of DOH-9 facilitated the delivery of 20 additional cot beds to better accommodate patients in the hospital. The Hi-5 program provides people with improved access to health care services and ensure that these services will be utilized and enjoyed by those who belong under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) and to those who live in far-flung communities.


ZAMBOANGA CITY – A Stakeholders’ Forum: Crafting the 2016-2020 FNRI Research and Development (R&D) Agenda on Food and Nutrition will be conducted today by the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) at LM Hotel here.

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

Stakeholders’ forum on food and nutrition slated today

Anchored on the theme “Responding to the Needs of every Juan and Juana for Improved Quality of Life”, the forum seeks to generate ideas, insights and perspectives of stakeholders towards the development of the 2016-2020 FNRI R&D Agenda in food and nutrition. The R&D agenda will stimulate research and the development of innovative interventions to meet the challenges of existing nutrition problems. Participants of the event will include top leaders of government and non-government organizations and partner industries as well as local government officials of the Zamboanga Peninsula region. Speakers and

facilitators of the forum will come from FNRI-Manila headed by its Director, Dr.Mario V. Capanzana. FNRI is an attached agency of the DOST, mandated to undertake research that defines the citizenry’s nutritional status, with reference particularly to the malnutrition problem, its causes and effects and identify alternative solutions for them.


BFAR opens aqua fair, tiangge

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To kick-off the 52nd Fish Conservation Week, the Bureau of fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) opened on October 19 a week-long “Aqua Fair and Tiangge” at their regional office compound.

By:Jorie C. Valcorza

A ceremonial ribbon cutting led by Philippine Nation Police (PNP) region 10 Chief Directorial Staff PSSupt Gerardo M. Rosales, BFAR Regional Director Visa Tan-Dimeren together with the fisher

folk leaders and DENR officials formally opened the event. In his message, Rosales called on for a collective and collaborative effort among stakeholders to enforce all


Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo cited this in his keynote speech during the 6th National Convention of the Regional Development Council-Private Sector Representatives (RDC-PSRs) held recently in Cagayan de Oro City. He also emphasized, “The private sector shall pursue market opportunities, participate in collaborative endeavors;

promote innovation; create brand awareness of Philippine products; and promote inclusive business models.” A total of 173 delegates from 15 regions joined the three-day activity (October 14-16) held in Cagayan de Oro City. The convention was held to strengthen the role of RDC-PSRs in the

6th RDC-PSR confab highlights role of private sector in ASEAN integrationCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A pro-active private sector in the ASEAN has to be knowledgeable, involved and vigilant.

fishery ordinances, rules and regulations. He said that an intensified anti-criminality campaign, especially from law enforcement agencies should be enforced for long-term and sustainable protection of the fishery resources through heightened monitoring, control and surveillance of the coastal waters against illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing. Meanwhile, other activities

prepped up for the celebration includes cooking and return demo, coastal cleanup, stock sampling, sports, mangrove planting, seaweed seedling dispersal and Information Education Campaign (IEC) on the emended fisheries law or Republic Act 10654, which highlights this year’s theme “Pinatatag na Batas Pangisdaan, Hakbang sa Pagkamit ng mas masaganang Karagatan.

By: Peleta B. Abejo


Regional Development Councils; enhance PSRs’ capabilities in meeting the challenges of the ASEAN Economic Integration; and improve and strengthen public-private partnership towards global competitiveness. Mayor Oscar S. Moreno of Cagayan de Oro City welcomed the participants with a note that the communities shall get involved in local governance and that private sector participation should not only be within the country but in the ASEAN as well. With the theme “Enhancing Public and Private Partnership in the ASEAN Market,” the presentations include Promoting Public-Private Partnership in the Local and National Government by Deputy Executive Director Eleazar E. Ricote of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center and on the Impact of the ASEAN Integration on Tourism by Director Maria Rica C. Bueno of the Office of Tourism Standards and Regulations. Best practices were also shared on public and private pa r tne r sh i p / co l l abo ra t i on particularly the Rocky Mountain Arabica Coffee Company-Benguet State University Partnership in Action; the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Project Implementation;

the Coordinating Roads and Infrastructure Investments for Development Project; and the STEAG Coal-Fired Power Plant Implementation. The RDC-PSRs of Northern Mindanao hosted the convention to showcase the region’s best products and places, and for participants, to get a glimpse of the region’s diverse and rich cultural heritage through the presentations of dances and rituals of the seven tribes of Bukidnon, as well as of the Maranaos. The Maranao dance further added color to the presentations as it showcased the various uses of the Malong. Adding life to the activity were Cagayan de Oro’s Kagayan Performing Arts and Bukidnon State University’s dance troupe and chorale. To culminate the convention, the participants were treated to a tourism adventure at the famous Dahilayan Adventure & Forest Parks and a closing program at the Del Monte Club House in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.


PSA holds regional data on 2013 functional literacyCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) holds a Dissemination Forum today on the results of the 2013 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS). The FLEMMS aims to gather information on basic and functional literacy status and educational skills qualifications of the population and exposure to mass media. Representatives of various

regional line agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, academe and media participate in the dissemination forum. (PSA/APB/PIA-10)


Apl de Ap donates retinal imaging machines to SPMC

Apl de Ap, founding member of the Grammy award winning group Black Eyed Peas graced the turn-over of the Retcam TM Shuttle diagnostic equipment held yesterday (October 20) at the SPMC in Davao City. The Retcam is a pediatric retinal imaging system used to screen premature babies for Reti-

nopathy of Prematurity (ROP), an affliction among premature born infants that can cause blindness if not addressed within 48 hours of birth/diagnosis. Dr. Pearl Camesis Villalon, chair of the ROP Working Group of the Philippine College of Op-thamology said that ROP us the common listed cause of visual

DAVAO CITY- Filipino-American pop star Al-lan Pineda Lindo or more popularly known as Apl de Ap thru his Apl foundation donated a brand new retinal diagnostic equipment to the Southern Philip-pines Medical Center (SPMC).

By RG Alama


impairment among blind children in the country. Thru the Apl Foundation’s The Campaign for Filipino Chil-dren , the first health initiative on addressing ROP aims to cre-ate local capacity in the medical community and also to create awareness about ROP. Among the collaborators of the initiative is the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, Children’s Hospital in Los Ange-les and WesternUnion.com as the presenting sponsor. Chairperson of the campaign is Sonia Delen of the executive committee of Apl Foundation. Villalon said that in the Phil-ippines only 26 doctors can diag-nose ROP and these are all based in Manila. The presence of the ROP machines and capacity building for doctors has enabled the three retinal specialists and three pe-diatric ophthalmologists in SPMC to diagnose and treat ROP. Apl de Ap said addressing blindness among children is close to his heart being legally blind at an early age Apl said that grow-ing up visually impaired was dif-ficult. “I cannot read what is writ-ten on the blackboard and had to play catch-up in school lessons

relying on my classmates written notes.” Apl said. His ambition to be a nurse or architect was curtailed be-cause of his eye condition thus the ROP project is a way of pay-ing forward to children like him who are visually impaired. RETCAM presents high level of optics which can provide im-aging to the eyes of newborn pre-term infants particularly its blood vessels. The machine costs about $125,000 or roughly P5-million with a maintenance cost of P120,000 a year. SPMC is the only recipient of the imaging equipment outside of Metro Manila.


Philhealth supports National Serbisyo-Peace Caravan in Comval

Lorna Permito, a resident of Sitio Mambusao, expressed her gratitude saying it serves as a good venue for them to know more about the benefits and how they can avail of the services of Philhealth. “Nalipay ko kay di nako mak-abayad kay nahatagan nako ug li-breng Philhealth gikan sa gobyerno. Daku kayo ning tabang sa amoa,” Permito said who has 6 children to a farmer husband. According to Christopher R. Molina, Chief Social Insurance Offi-cer of Philhealth LHIO-Nabunturan, in the 6 barangays alone, a total of 5,675 families were enrolled. In particular: 1,868 families enrolled in Brgy. Ngan; 1,110 families in Brgy. Mangayon; 1,114 families for Brgy San Miguel; 651 families for Brgy. Tamia; 682 families for Brgy. Osmeña; and 250 families for Brgy. Panansalan. “In addition, we have more or less 1,000 IP members situated in Brgy. Ngan who were being pro-cessed as of the moment, thru the initiative of 66IB Battalion Com-

mander LtC Gilbert Roy S. Ruiz INF (GSC) PA, to foster peace and de-velopment to the people of the said barangay,” he said. Record shows that in ComVal, the national government thru Phil-health enrolled a total of 168,000 families under the National House-hold Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). With this, the national government allocat-ed P2,400 per family or a total of P403.2M this year for the province. This is the 4th National Serbi-syo Caravan and the 17th Serbisyo Caravan for the Association of Re-gional Executives of National Agen-cies in Region XI. This is ARENA’s flagship program presently headed by DPWH Reg. Dir. Mariano Alquiza. It provides a one-stop shop where various government agen-cies gather in one venue bringing services to geographically isolated and depressed areas (GIDAS) as well as conflict affected areas.

NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley, - The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) through its Compostela Valley Local Health Insur-ance Office (LHIO) joins other national/ regional agencies and local government in bringing various government services directly to the 6 recipient barangays on October 8-9, 2015 held in Brgy. Ngan, Compos-tela.

By: Rolito Maestre


PhP40.7-M rubber processing facility to rise in North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Oct. 22 — A PhP40.7-M worth of rubber processing plant will soon rise in Banisilan town in North Cotabato, an official of the Department of Agrarian Reform here announced.

By: Dsnilo E. Doguiles


Marion Abella, provincial agrarian reform program officer II, said that DAR recently held a ground breaking ceremony in the village of Gastav, Banisilan for the first ever rubber pro-cessing plant under the DAR-Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development Program (DAR-MINSAAD).

“The rubber processing plant in Banisilan is the first project to be implemented among the 27 municipalities across three re-gions and seven provinces cov-ered by the DAR-MINSAAD Pro-gram,” Abella said.

“The project is designed to ca-ter the target expansion of the project and current production of cuplumps in Banisilan having a production area of more than 1,400 hectares.”

Abella said the project will cover 17 barangays and will be handled by the Banisilan Farm-ers Credit Cooperative as the lead people’s organization and consolidator of the 25 other par-ticipating organizations in the municipality.

Meanwhile, Herman Ongkiko, DAR undersecretary for foreign assisted projects, who served as the guest at the ground break-ing rites emphasized on the im-pact of the project on the lives

of the farmers and the commu-nity.

“DAR aims to increase the productivity and income of the beneficiaries. What we are do-ing now is part of the agrarian reform community development plan of Banisilan,” Ongkiko said.

He added that since the pro-cessing plant is within the farm-ers’ reach, there will be a reduc-tion in transportation cost.

“Every reduction in transpor-tation cost will automatically contribute to increasing their income,” he said.

Ongkiko further explained that as an organized agrarian reform beneficiary organization or co-operative, the production input could be procured in volume in which they could also lessen the transportation cost leading to an additional savings for the rubber farmers.

Ongkiko also said that DAR will continue to monitor the project until such time that ev-ery farmer will increase their farm productivity and income as a way to eliminate or reduce poverty.

The rubber processing plant has a total budget of PhP40,764,900 which was pooled from the DAR-MINSAAD with PhP31,026,540, proponent


Gensan Mayor continues education advocacy, donates classrooms

ARBO with PhP6,102,360, LGU-Banisilan with PhP2,050,000, Department of Agriculture-RFO XII with PhP586,000, and from the Co-tabato Provincial Office with PhP1,000,000.

The DAR-MinSAAD Project is a poverty alleviation initiative of the Department of Agrarian Re-form in 12 settlement areas in

Mindanao. The Project addresses poverty

issues in these areas through competitive and sustainable agriculture, using inclusive ap-proach and modalities in invest-ments that are based on value chain analysis of key agricultural commodities. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DAR North Cotabato)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY. Oct 22 – After having donated 7,000 arm-chairs, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera continues his education advocacy by building classrooms.

In partnership with RD Foun-dation Inc. (RDFI), Mayor Rivera aims to provide additional class-rooms in public schools through the Silid Pangarap program.

Silid Pangarap is an initiative taken by the RDFI after heeding the request of Mayor Rivera to aid him in assisting the Depart-ment of Education (DepEd) in filling the inadequacy of class-rooms in General Santos City.

DepEd reported that Gensan has an around 350-classroom

shortage.In each selected schools, a

two-classroom building will be given by the program.

The construction will be han-dled by the non-profit organi-zation iHome (former Habitat Home for Humanity). iHome is given two months to fully con-struct the classrooms.

Each building cost P1.2 mil-lion, following the standard classroom specifications of DepEd. The RDFI will also pro


vide 40 chairs per room.Silid Pangarap has already

built two classroom buildings: the Ondok Gawan Elementary School in Barangay San Jose and Jose R. Lansang Elementary School in Barangay Lagao.

During the ceremonial turn-over of the classroom building in Jose R. Lansang Elementary School on September 22, Mayor Rivera explained why he took the extra mile in improving the educational system of Gensan.

“I really wanted to help in the learning of our students since they will be our future leaders. I want them to have a conducive space for studying and learning. Quality and adequate facilities like armchairs and classrooms will certainly help them,” the mayor stated.

What prompted him to initi-ate this, he added is that the resources of the local govern-ment are really limited and the process to get a funding is really tedious.

“We need this now that is why I resorted in asking help from the RD Foundation and even other companies and institutions such as the PAGCOR if they can give classrooms to us,” Mayor Rivera continued.

Ryan Vidanes, executive vice

president of the RDFI, said that the foundation was thankful that the Mayor Rivera has tapped RDFI for the Silid Pangarap pro-gram.

“We are really willing to help but we don’t know how to be-cause we don’t know the real situation of our schools. Good thing, Mayor Rivera came to us and explained the scenario,” Vi-danes said.

Councilor Rosalita Nuñez and Barangay Lagao administra-tor Jonathan Blando were also present during the turnover and showed their intention to help Mayor Rivera in his educational advocacies. (IJLagare-Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA12)

one mindanao - october 22, 2015

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