one mindanao - october 28, 2011

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: hnb_r9pia

Northern Mindanao

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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

Central Mindanao (SOCSKARGEN)

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] [email protected],ph

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESIN MINDANAO

OUR COVER

ZATERSFirst ever

“Water Tubing”in Zamboanga City’s

history.

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

Managing Editor ……......... ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region

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

RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

Regional Desk Editors …... Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region

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

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

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

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA PresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

An Electronic News Magazineof the Phliippine Information Agency

Mindanao Clusters

EDITORIAL BOARD

Photo Credit: skyscrapercity.com

Vol. 1, No. 75 OCTOBER 28, 2011

N A T I O N A L

contentsCover Story :

ZATERS conduct first ever “water tubing” in Zamboanga City history

Aquino orders three cabinet secretaries to pursue govern-ment’s peace and order plan in Mindanao, provide assistance to displaced residents

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez contents

12

Aquino leads awarding of 2011 Child Friendly Municipalities and Cities

Aquino to visit parents’ grave on Monday

109

4

9

WESTERN Mindanao

26Armed men snatches businessman in Dipolog

City dad advises public to report, not tinker suspicious items

24 Catholic school launches Community Involvement Program

24

27

SOUTHERN MindanaoArmy supports ‘all-out-justice’ policy

Not all brgy. children councils functional-DILG

RDR turns over P295-T to East-MinCom for hospital renovation37

3635

35

Gov. RDR bares new BIMP-EAGA media org 38

CENTRAL MindanaoDengue cases in region 12 decline

25 indigent patients to avail of the open heart surgery in Gensan

Mekanisasyon hindi angkop sa lahat na sakahan ng South Cotabato

All systems go for the 4th National ICT Summit in Gensan 41

4039

43

39

Masaganang ani inaasahan ng South Cotabato sa Disyembre44

NORTHERN Mindanao

30

DTI’s blueprint for industry development focuses on MSME promotion

Pres. Aquino approves P72.11 billion worth of high impact projects to bolster economic growth - DBM

Region 10 maintains largest economy in Mindanao due to strong agriculture output

PNP-10 Chief calls on RLECC -10 members to “Be vigilant!”33

28

Gov. Dimaporo hands over cash counterpart for KALAHI-CIDSS34

28

31

CARAGA Region17 runners from Caraga Region qualify for 42K MILO Marathon Nat’l Finals

Nutrition survey says Iodine Deficiency Disorder decreases, households using iodized salt increase

Strengthen Security for big businesses; organize SCAA to act as guards - Military

Philippine Red Cross to conduct a Million Volunteer Run

Solon led ground breaking of multi-purpose building

1619

2021

22

16

4Friday, October 28, 2011

The Zamboanga Adventure Tourism and Eco Recreation Society (ZATERS) conducted an eco-adventure tourism that went down the history of Zamboanga as the first water rafting activity ever conducted in the history of

Zamboanga .

ZATERS conduct fiFirst ever “water tubing” in Zamboanga City’s history by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Cover Story


ZATERS conduct fiFirst ever “water tubing” in Zamboanga City’s history

W i t h 67 adventure enthusiasts ages 10 to 50’s the participant were brought to Barangay Victoria for a “water tubing” and Siete Andanas (seven stages) waterfalls challenge, an adventure they will never forget- “water tubing” is sort of a river rafting version where one has to sit or lie down and maneuver the tube while the water current cascades the tube down the stretch of the Victoria river in a one a half hour challenging and enjoy-able ride. “This is thefirst timeyatene kame ansina de grande grupo bisita na diamun baran-gay for adventure tourism” (thisisthefirsttimethatwehave this big a group visiting

our barangay for an ad-venture tourism) said Miss Jonalyn Guardacasa, ba-rangay Victoria kagawad. The active lady kagawad expressed her gratitude to ZATERS for introducing their barangay to fellow Zamboangueños as one

adventure tourism site. “Ta rindi kame gracias cun ustedes kay ya bisita ustedes diamun barangay. Porme-dio de ustedes o hala pwede kame continua man develop el local turismo aki na baran-gay” (we thank you for visit-ing our barangay. Thru you, we hope we will be able to continue to propel our baran-gay tourism). She said. Victoria Barangay Chair-man Feliciano Revillas also thank the participants for spending fathers’ day in their barangay and for conducting and participating in the ba-rangays first big adventuretourism promotion.

The Siete Andanas ( 7 stages) Falls Challenge The participants were

also brought to trek, climb and conquer the Siete An-danas (7 stages) waterfalls, (also in Barangay Victoria) using physical and mental strength. “This is one great experi-ence for all of us in the De-partment of Health (DOH) medical team. It’s the chal-lenge and the climb that made it all worth it,” said one par-ticipant. “We really had a great time. Worth it talaga ang

pain..I had so many firststhat day and one of it is jump-ing in the falls, not once but three times! Thank you so much and hope to join you in your other activities” said Net Gaganting, one of the participants. Recently, the Department of Environment and Natu-ral Resources in cooperation with the SPELEO –Zamboan-ga trained some 30 local Vic-toria folks on tour guiding and mangrove planting in a 3-day seminar that made the barangay ready to handle lo-cal visitors/adventurers. ZATERS Donate Water Tubes to Brgy Victoria Barangay Victoria got some 25 “water tubes” from ZATERS as the group’s way of helping the barangay pro-mote adventure tourism in their area. “We want to make Victo-ria as a model barangay that promotes adventure tourism activities for other barangays to fallow,” said Manny Paster, active board member of ZA-


TERS and President of SPE-LEO-Zamboanga. The water tubes donat-ed will be used for adventure tourism activity like “water tubing” sort of a river rafting version where one has to sit or lie down and maneuver the tube while the water current cascades the tube down the stretch of the Victoria river in a one a half hour challenging and enjoyable ride. “Other cities like Davao

and General Santos are also into water tubing and we are introducing it here in Zam-baonga, particularly here in Barangay Victoria so that the community may appreciate adventure tourism and how it can help their community and their economy.” Although the water tubes is not really that costly at only P250.00 per tube or a total of P6,250.00 for the 25 water tubes, “It is big deal for ZA-TERS and SPELEO that we are able to donate these tubes to Barangay Victoria because we are able to encourage the community to promote ad-venture tourism and in this way we are able to help the barangay generate income,” Paster said. Paster informed that they have trained some 30 local Victoria folks on tour guiding and mangrove planting in a 3-day seminar. “Local tourists canbeconfidentthatiftheyexplore Victoria they will be assisted by abled and trained guides,” Paster assured.

8 Friday, October 28, 2011

B a r a n g a y Victoria is nat-urally blessed with caves, falls and river. The Com-munity itself is slowly open-ing their doors to barangay-

based tourism as they recog-nized the baran-gay’s wonders, a sure potential for adventure tourism.


Aquino to visit parents’ grave on Monday

Pesident Benigno S. Aquino III and his sisters will pay respect to their parents, the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former president Corazon Aquino on Monday, October 31 at the

Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, a Palace official said on Friday.


The Chief Execu-tive and his sisters preferred to go to the cemetery the day before the All Saints Day to have quality time to offer prayers for their parents and have private moments among themselves, Presidential Spokes-person Edwin Laci-erda said during the regularpressbriefingin Malacanang on Fri-day. Lacierda said the influx of peoplevisiting their depart-ed loved ones on All

Saints Day will make itdifficultfortheChiefExecutive and his sis-ters to have private moments during the visit at the cemetery. “They would like to honor the memo-ries of their parents peacefully and quiet-ly and they feel that October 31 is the ap-propriate time to visit their parents,” Laci-erda said. Lacierda assured that concerned gov-ernment agencies started doing neces-sary preparations for the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. As part of the

Ligtas na Undas plan, Lacierda said Trans-portation and Com-munications Secre-tary Manuel Roxas III ordered the de-ployment of a contin-gency force to ensure the safety of passen-gers and adequacy of transportation alter-natives amid an ex-pected heavy influxof travelers on All Saints Day. “The Philippine National Police is on full alert. We have made the necessary preparations to en-sure peaceful and orderly observance of Undas,” he said. (JS)

Aquino leads awarding of 2011 Child Friendly Municipalities and CitiesPresident Benigno S. Aquino III led the awarding

ceremonies for this year’s search for the Child Friendly Municipalities and Cities at Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace Thursday.


The Presidential Award for the Child Friendly Municipalities and Cities was initi-ated by the Council for the Welfare of Children and is considered as a self-assessment mech-anism of the level of child-friendliness of a particular city or mu-nicipality. The award also recognizes local gov-ernment units that put in place a “child-friendly” environment and uphold the rights of Filipino children to survival, development,

protection and participation. Therearefivecat-egories for the Presi-dential Award, name-ly – 4th to 6th Class Municipality, 1st to 3rd Class Municipality, Component City, Inde-pendent Component City and Highly Urban-ized City. The five winnerswho will each receive a Presidential Trophy and P300,000 cash prize are: the Munici-pality of Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya; Mariv-eles, Bataan; Vigan

City, I l o c o s Sur; Santiago City, Isabela; and Mandaluyong City, re-spectively. In his speech, President Aquino cited the five winners forputting the children’s welfare as a top prior-ity of its governance that he said was in line with the National Gov-ernment’s efforts to protect and uplift the lives of our children. He said the


Upon orders of President Benigno S. Aquino III, three concerned cabinet secretaries of the government are presently in Mindanao to attend to a series of meetings with the peace and order councils there,

assess the situation and provide the needs of those who were displaced due to the military operations in the area.

government’s poverty alleviation programs, namely: the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Pro-gram (4Ps) and the na-tional health program Philhealth has been

steadily been receiving funding to cover more beneficiaries. He said that as of end of September, some 2.23 million Fili-pino families are now benefitingfromthe4Pswhile 5.2 million fami-lies now have health-care.

The President also stressed that the gov-ernment has made education a top prior-ity as P1-billion has been raised through the Counter-Parting for Classroom Construction Program to construct 1,300 classrooms na-tionwide. (RCK)

Aquino orders three cabinet secretaries to pursue government’s peace and order plan in Mindanao, provide assistance to displaced residents


In a press brief-ing at the Palace, Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that In-terior and Local Gov-ernment Secretary Jesse Robredo, So-cial Welfare and De-velopment Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soli-man and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita “Ging” Delez are presently in Zam-boanga Sibugay to pursue the govern-ment’s peace and or-der plan and provide assistance to the lo-cals in the affected area. “Secretaries Jes-se Robredo, Dinky Soliman and Ging Delez are presently in Zamboanga Sibu-gay and they just came from Basilan where they had a fruitful meeting with the peace and or-der council,” Lacierda said. “Secretary Din-ky Soliman gave two million pesos to the Basilan governor for

the cash for work pro-gram, as you know we are also provid-ing assistance to dis-placed citizens there,” he continued. Apart from their meeting with the peace and order council in Zamboan-ga Sibugay, Lacierda bared that the gov-ernment will also pro-vide a total of ten mil-lion pesos covering thefivemunicipalitiesfor the ‘cash for work’ program that would involve those who will be tasked to re-build and reconstruct the communities for the immediate return of the people affected in the said areas. Aside from the cash assistance, the government has also prepared at least one million food packs for the displaced fami-lies. “We are also fa-cilitating the quick re-turn of displaced fam-ilies to their places of origin ensuring that the DSWD through the LGUs that their

needs are met …that is the rea-son why we have provided the cash for work program and also the relief assis-tance,” he added. Lacierda added that government is exerting efforts to ensure the involve-ment of local gov-ernment units’ in the administration’s plan for peace and prog-ress in Mindanao. Coinciding with these rebuilding ef-forts in the affected areas Lacierda as-sured that the gov-ernment will still con-tinue to pursue the lawless elements in the area, who are not necessarily members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The past week, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched opera-tions against lawless elements and to se-cure the areas where skirmishes occurred. (JCL)

Aquino orders three cabinet secretaries to pursue government’s peace and order plan in Mindanao, provide assistance to displaced residents


P-noy Photos

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the book “Revolutionaries” from TAYO National Board of Judges chairman Senator Francis Pangilinan and TAYO Awards Foundation, Inc. president Paolo Benigno Aquino IV during the 9th Ten Accomplished Youth Or-ganizations (TAYO) awarding ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (October 27). The search for TAYO aims to recognize, reward, and encourage youth organizations all over the country with programs and projects that help their communities. (Photo by: Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO).


President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the book “Revolutionaries” from TAYO National Board of Judges chairman Senator Francis Pangilinan and TAYO Awards Foundation, Inc. president Paolo Benigno Aquino IV during the 9th Ten Accomplished Youth Or-ganizations (TAYO) awarding ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (October 27). The search for TAYO aims to recognize, reward, and encourage youth organizations all over the country with programs and projects that help their communities. (Photo by: Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO).


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

[email protected][email protected]

17 runners from Caraga Region qualify for 42K MILO Marathon Nat’l Finalsby Robert E. Roperos

A total of 17 runners from Caraga Region have qualified for the national finals during Sunday’s staging of the 35th Milo Marathon Butuan Elimination Race here.


17 runners from Caraga Region qualify for 42K MILO Marathon Nat’l Finals

According to event organizers, 16 male runners made it to the nationalfinalswhileonefemale also qualified inthe biggest marathon ever staged in the coun-try. Alvirg Busa, 24 years old topped the list in the male cat-egory who clocked at 1:15:08, which made him in a qualifying time of 1:15:00, followed by Jordan Bacong whose time clocked at 1:17:44, and with a qualifying time of 1:30:00. Completing the list in the 18-34 age group with a qualify-ing time of 1:30:00 are Dionesio Belmonte Jr., clocked at 1:18:04 (3rd rank); Jestoni Sandinao

– 1:20:49 (4th); Jonel Monsit – 1:22:07 (5th); Johnny España – 1:22:09 (6th); Ariel Bagaporo – 1:25:40 (7th); Piniel Tajos – 1:25:41 (8th); and Ryan Celeres – 1:28:19 (9th). In the 35-39 age group, only two runners qualifiedwith thequali-fying time of 1:40:00. They are Sulpico Nicolas who clocked at 1:21:00 and Rene Anarille with 1:32:47 actual time. Also, two runners havequalifiedinthe40-44 age group, qualifying time of 1:40:00. Edgardo Lapasigue and Anselmo Santiago clocked an ac-tual time of 1:23:11 and 1:39:50, respectively. Ronilo Sandinao and Marlon Rogador

both qualified in the45-49 age group. They have an actual time of 1:17:48 and 1:40:21, respectively. This group has a qualifying time of 1:45:00. In the 50-54 age group, Eutiquio Mahinay is the only runner who qualified with an actualtime of 1:33:15 over the qualifying time which is 1:50:00. Meanwhile, Jude-lyn Miranda is the lone qualifier in the femalecategory who clocked at 1:26:23. She will rep-resent the region in the 18-34 age group. Quali-fying time for this group is 1:35:00. Top ten in the men’s 3 kilometer run include: Rey Ulan-ulan,


Reyven Tanquieng, Ray-mund Lopez, Jhonber Michael Labordo, Er-vin Dagoc, Kem Win-dell Nazareno, Jhon Kic Deligero, Jemvel Villa, John Spencer Damaril-los, and Mark Roquite. For women, Joan Rose Nicolas topped the list followed by Ruby Joy Lo-pez, Arlyn Kate Cubillas, Rita Mae Aclo Azarcon, Rubelyn Gamelo, Dyna-mae Malunas, Hannah Gia Lingala, Marifel Bu-ron, Marvilyn Rogador, and Geniva Deligero. For the 5 kilometer run in the men’s catego-ry, top ten are as follows: Juanito Mahinay, Meruin Lomarquez, Chris Aclo, Miguel Reponoya, Ryan Mark Anciano, Remigo

Sili Jr., Eduardo Lape, Jumar Lumimbay, Junie-phing Tobias, and Elias Tabac. Top ten in the women division include: Manilyn Taladoc, Chen May Dagcuta, Josephine Lumimbay, Cindy Claire Maghuyop, Jelly Mae Paderes, Angelica Du-ranggo, Mery Cris Mo-ron, Candy Lipio, Anna Lauren Lumimbay, and Mitzie Pelegrin. Top ten placers in the 10 kilometer run is composed of Glen-don Sandinao, Aldrin Batac, Kim Balinton, Rico Roquite, Nilo Nico-las, Romnick Lumindas, Marvin Lubrico, Edmund Mannaloq, España Cul-tura, and Noel Honorio in the male division. In the

same category (female division), Jennifer Sagu-ran lead the five quali-fiers,followedbyFritzieCabahug, Ma. Louella Yu, Myrna Renesas, and Jp Bonnie Frances Pab-lo. On Sunday, Octo-ber 29, runners in Gen-eral Santos City will try their luck as the coun-try’s most popular and biggest marathon event willgetqualifiers in thesaid area and the neigh-boring provinces to the national level. The staging of the 35th Milo National Mara-thon will be held on De-cember 11, 2011 in Met-ro Manila.


The lady so-lon set aside some P500,000 for the construction of the said MP building. Antonio Bal-decorza, chairman of Answering the Cry of the People (ANCOP) otherwise known as Gawad Ka-linga, whose mem-bers are mostly cou-ples for Christ, said they requested the building in order to have a proper place where people can convene and dis-cuss their problems and present their ideas for the de-velopment of their

community and the government. “We are look-ing forward that this multi-purpose building that Cong. Bebs Mellana had constructed for us will serve not only the adults, but also for the children, and other people who need the shelter for the community’s benefit. Because of this, we promise to take care of the building, and take charge of any im-provement so that it can be of service for our children in the future,” Baldecorza

said. San Francis-co Mayor Jenny de Asis who were with Cong. Mellana said the ground breaking of the multi-purpose building is so timely that the children’s month is being cel-ebrated. “With this very special celebration and special proj-ect, we can all ex-pect that everything connected to this in the future will bring joy and prosper-ity to the people of Taglikid,” Mayor de Asis said.

AGUSAN DEL SUR – Cong. Evelyn “Bebs” Plaza Mellana recently led the ground breaking of a multi-purpose building in Barangay Taglikid, Bayugan 2, San Francisco Agusan del Sur in time with the Children’s Month celebration.

Solon led ground breaking of multi-purpose building by David M. Suyao


Philippine Red Cross to conduct a Million Volunteer Run by: Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton

According to Te-odoro R. Cairo, Chap-ter Administrator of PRC Agusan del Norte-Butu-an City Chapter, 2011 is the International Year of Volunteers as declared by the United Nations. Also, 2011 is the 10th anniversary of the Inter-national Year of Volun-teers and December 5 is the celebration of Inter-national Volunteer Day. With this, the MVR was

decided to be held on Sunday, December 4. Just recently, the PRC Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter Board of Directors con-vened to discuss the preparation and pro-motion of the Million Volunteer Run. The said activity will start from the Butuan City Hall going to the Agu-san del Norte Provin-cial Capitol.

The objectives of MRV are to heighten public awareness to re-duce disaster risks and vulnerability of the com-munity in the interest of saving lives; to build an army of 1+43 humani-tarian soldiers in every barangay of the country who will respond to di-sasters, donate blood, and alleviate human suf-fering; and to train and

equip the Red Cross 143 Volunteers by way of Di-saster Risk Prevention. Cairo hopes that “the MRV will break all the records as the larg-est run ever staged in the history of the world. He encourages the com-panies to join the said activity. “The Filipinos will define the face ofvolunteerism by doing something that no other country has done”, Cairo added. “Red Cross is the foremost humanitar-ian organization in the world. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Soci-eties have a 152-year history, the oldest and biggest organization in the world with nearly 100 million volunteers in 187 national societies nationwide”, said Cairo.

BUTUAN CITY – Raring to make the Philippines as the Red Cross volunteer capital of the world, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will spearhead a Million Volunteer Run (MVR).


Nutrition survey says Iodine Deficiency Disorder decreases, households using iodized salt increase

by:Czarina Teresita S. Martinez

Nationwide salt io-dization started in 1995, when the enactment of Republic Act No. 8172, otherwise known as an “Act Promoting Salt Io-dization Nationwide (ASIN)” was signed into law. The law was a ma-jor effort of the Senate and the House of Rep-resentatives of the Phil-ippines to end the pre-vailing iodine deficiency

disorders (IDD) among Filipinos. Fifteen years hence, the Philippines is reaping the positive results of the concerted action to pur-sue a common agenda for improved nutrition of every Filipino. According to Ms. Leah A. Perlas, Super-vising Science Research Specialist of the FNRI-DOST, the previous sur-vey showed that IDD, as measured by median UIE among children 6-12 years old, has signifi-cantly shifted from mild deficiency in 1998, toadequate level in 2003, and to optimal level in 2008. However, the re-sults of the 7th NNS showed that IDD still remains a public health

problem among preg-nant women, which calls for a review of programs toward the IDD control among pregnant wom-en, Ms. Perlas added. The 2002 Philippine Committee on the Rec-ommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENI) says that pregnant wom-en need 200 micrograms of iodine per day. The iodine require-ment is higher during pregnancy to provide for the needs of the fetus and to compensate for increased loss of iodine in the urine. The lack of iodine in the diet in preg-nant women may cause complications or even miscarriage. During pregnancy, IDD may develop ad-verse consequences on

The 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) revealed that the percentage

of households using iodized salt is increasing, while the median urinary iodine excretion (UIE) among 6-12 year old children is within the goal set by the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (ICCIDD).


Strengthen Security for big businesses; organize SCAA to act as guards - Militaryby Alex Cabardo

fetal development, such as mental retardation, low birth weight, and neuro-muscular abnor-malities. IDD may also de-velop among children and adults due to the lack of iodine in the diet. The most visible physi-cal manifestation of IDD among adults is an en-larged thyroid. The FNRI-DOST recommends includ-

ing food rich in iodine in thedailymealslikefish,shellfish,andseaweeds.However, the iodine con-tent of plants and ani-mals varies depending on the environment to which they are grown. Thus, iodized salt and processed food contain-ing iodized salt are also recommended as good sources of iodine. For more informa-tion on food and nutri-

tion, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Re-search Institute, De-partment of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicu-tan, Taguig City. E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

AGUSAN DEL SUR-- The first South Caraga Security Forum was convened yesterday in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur by officials of big companies, police and army top rank officers and local government officials in the province.

According to the military and police, the meeting aimed to make the officials and inves-tors understand their responsibilities in issues relating to security. Specifically,thefo-rum tackled the threat posed by terrorists and how to avoid incidents that happened in Ba-rangay Hayanggabon, Claver, Surigao del Norte

from happening also in Agusan del Sur and the rest of Caraga Region.“It is an open book and everybody knows that big companies all over the region are made the milking cow of the Com-munist Party of the Phil-ippines, the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). But because (communist

rebels) increased their demand from 3 percent to 5 percent lately, some business establishment can no longer afford to give their extortion de-mand,” Col. Romeo Gan, 401st Brigade Com-mander said. “That is the reason why they show their forc-es and burn the equip-ments in order to sow terror that will threaten


Strengthen Security for big businesses; organize SCAA to act as guards - Military

the investors so that they will be forced to give,” he said. In order to ensure the security and safety of the big companies against the threat of the communists, the military suggested that special civilian armed auxiliary (SCAA) be organized and trained in order to augment the security forces of the mining and plantation companies in Caraga region. Lt. Col. Danilo Be-navidez, Battalion Com-mander of the 75th In-fantry Battalion also made it clear that the

SCAA will not be used to sow terror and abuses because they will be un-der the direct supervi-sion of the army. “As battalion com-mander of the 75th IB, it is my duty and respon-sibility to supervise the SCAA and to make sure that our command and control over them will all the time be imposed to make sure they will not be misguided,” Col. Be-navidez said. Col. Gan also as-sured the people that the army is always alert and ready in order to safe-guard the investors, the

business sector and the Filipino people against any terroristic activi-ties of the CNN because big companies investing here will really solve the unemployment prob-lem. “We cannot set aside the security and safety of the business firms nationwide be-cause they represent the whole country. What-ever happened to them will surely affect the economy and stability of our country and that is where we are giving our focus,” Col. Gan said.


Catholic school launches Community Involvement Program

The institution’s role is not only to teach and provide the youth proper education and promote their spiritual aspect but to promote as well their

virtues of being civil servants and to share the gifts, time and blessings to their fellowmen,” said Edwin Colubio, coordinator of Community Involvement Program (CIP) of the catholic school – St. Columban College (SCC) during the program launching on Wednesday in Upper Sibatang here.

by Gideon C. Corgue

Colubio in his message said the CIP enhances communi-ty awareness among students, faculty, ad-ministration and staff, direct and motivate them toward commu-nity service and pro-vide opportunities for students to perform their role as agents of social transformation through their interac-

tion with the commu-nity. In this program, Delubio said SCC will

help improve the qual-ity of life of the people thru their programs on health, education,

environment, spiri-tuality and produc-tivity towards an integrated holistic and sustainable de-velopment.“We will initiate tree planting activity, introduce proper waste segregation,


pro-vide free

health services , dis-tribute school supplies to preschool children, conduct Holy mass, recollection and giv-ing of rosaries and religious relics, con-duct also human rights seminar and peace di-alogue, etc.,” Colubio explained. Delubio said the CIP also promotes spirit of ‘Bayanihan and hospitalty’ be-tween the SCC and the residents of the barangay. SCC president Rev. Fr. Gilbert Hin-gone encouraged the active support and co-operation of the baran-gayofficials, Elemen-tary School teachers, Gagmay Simbahan

sa Katilingban (GSK) leaders, and the resi-dents in im-plementing the program saying that the pro-gram will

not be successful without their coopera-tion. Guingone val-ues the importance of partnership between the school and baran-gay adding that the one who will benefitmost of the program are their children. Barangay chair-man Silvino Ortega thanked the SCC ad-ministration for choos-

ing their barangay as the pilot area of the program. “Nalipay kami ug dako nga sa 54 ka mga barangay sa dakbayan ang amo pa gyud nga barangay ang napili nga kapahigayonan ning maong programa ( We are grateful that of the 54 barangays in the city, our barangay was chosen to be the pilot area of the pro-gram),” Ortega happily said. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing ceremony be-tween the SCC and barangay officials fol-lowed after the short program.


Rev. Father Guin-gone, Vice President for Finance Fr. Bellstar Ediang, and Vice Pres-

ident for Academics Nora Agustero repre-sented SCC and baran-gay chairman Ortega

represented the ba-rangay council inked the singning of MOA. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Pa-gadian)

City dad advises public to report, not tinker suspicious items by Jocelyn P. AlvarezC“uriosity kills the cat,” a known saying, but who

thought it will hold true to 19 year old Lodeto Ybañez who was instantly killed after he tinkered with an

unattended package which exploded and resulted to his death while injuring several others.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat appealed yes-terday to the public to immediately report to authorities any suspi-cious looking persons, items or packages and not to tinker with it to shun from trouble or problem that might arise from it. The “call” was made fallowing the ex-plosion incident of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that rocked the “carenderia” (eat-ery) in barangay Sangali Wednesday night that

killed the young Lodeto and injured six others. Police report re-vealed, the “package” was left unattended un-der one of the tables in the eatery owned by Sangali Barangay chair-man Leopoldo Toribio. Zamboanga City P/Supt. Edwin De Oca-mpo confirmed that hismen were able to deto-nate three other IEDs in the same barangay that were found few meters apart from the blast site. City Information

Officer Sheila Covarru-bias said the mayor also reiterated his call for the public to be extra vigi-lant and alert “as he un-derscored the need for everybody’s cooperation and assistance to avert lawlessness.” Public are advise to report any suspicious looking package or items by calling or texting at cellphone (CP) number 09063680749 or emer-gency hotline 117 or 166. As the mayor made his call to public to re


City dad advises public to report, not tinker suspicious items

port such cases to the above numbers, he also plead not to overburden the authorities by mak-ing prank calls. The hotline will be

under the care of the operations center of the City Police Office underCol. de Ocampo. (JPA/PIA9-Zambo City)

Armed men snatches businessman in Dipolog

Residents got shocked by the kidnapping of a businessman here yesterday morning.

by Franklin P. Gumapon

A certain Frank Oliver Lim, 32, single and a poultry magnate was abducted by fiveunidentified armedmen when he was about to enter the gate of his poultry farm in barangay Gulayon this city. The victim and his younger brother, John Patrick, just arrived at the farm house from a bank in the city when the suspects aboard a green izusu vehicle accosted the siblings. His younger brother managed to escape

from the abductors. Provincial Director PSSupt. Ulpiano Lopez told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the blocking forces of military and police were immediately deployed to all the exit points to rescue the victim. But, as of this writing the police have no lead yet as to where the kidnappers go and bring the victim. The Lim family has not yet received any call from the kidnappers but appealed to them not

to harm the victim. This was the second kidnapping incident in the city since the abduction in the 1990s of Atty. Maridol M. Liong and her daughter who were released after several months. The incident has engendered some fear among the residents because kidnapping is an unusual thing to happen in this most peaceful place in the country. (JPA/FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)


DTI’s blueprint for industry development focuses on MSME promotion By Apipa BagumbaranT he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will further push

for the promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME’s) recognizing its important role in industry develop-

ment.

“The department will vigorously promote the tourism business, agri-business, and handicrafts which are primarily MSMEs,” announced DTI Assistant Secretary Felicitas Agoncillo-Reyes during the recent mid-year economicbriefingdomesticroadshowat the Platinum Ballroom of Mallbery Suites Business Hotel, here.

“For us to really follow the President Aquino’s directive of

inclusive growth, we will have to bring the development to the countryside, thus, one of the pipeline initiatives of the DTI is to create employment in the rural areas by focusing on the development and promotion of these enterprises,” she said.

Among the strategies initiated by DTI to develop these enterprises are the formulation of the National SME Development Plan (SMEDP) for 2011-2016 which was approved by the MSME Development Council in May, this year.

Aimed at addressing the key challenges and constraints that prevents the MSME sector from realizing its full potential and boosting the country’s industrial growth, the SMEDP lays out the overall framework to guide the formulation of action plans towards a more harmonized approach to MSME development.

In line with development of


these enterprises, DTI has implemented the Rural Micro-Enterprise Promotion Program (RuMEPP) which continues to reduce rural poverty through increased economic development and job creation for poor households.

So far, the program has served 38,726 micro enterprises as of May 31, this year, Reyes said.

Also, the DTI has created a marketing plan that would facilitate e-transactions. In the first quarterof 2011, a total of 62 MSMEs were enrolled in this platform and a complimentary web-mail is also being created to accommodate more MSMEs to join in the e-marketing initiative.

Aside from the development and promotion of these enterprises, Reyes said DTI’s blueprint for industry development also include the rebirth of the One-Town One-Product (OTOP) sector, the bamboo industry, and other industries with large scale potentials, such as, palm oil, rubber, corn and corn farming.

She, further, said OTOP promoted countryside development by assisting MSME in the production, promotion, and marketing of locally produced goods and services.

“We will also continue to push for growth in key big industry winners, such as, electronics, manufacturing industry, information and communications technology and business process outsourcing (ICT/BPO) industry, shipbuilding/ship repair/steel fabrication industry, mining and plantation, among others,” she added.

Meanwhile, Reyes has underscored the improvement in the country’s business environment.

“The favorable business environment resulted in an increase of over 70 percent in investment approval of investment promotion agencies as of end-August 2011,” she said. She further cited that the country’s exports continued to exhibit positive growth of 3.3 percent as of end-July despite the recent calamity in Japan and the weakness in the US and European markets.


Region 10 maintains largest economy in Mindanao due to strong agriculture output By: Peleta B. Abejo

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Region 10’s economy re-mained the largest in Mindanao accounting for about 28 percent of the annual gross domestic product (GDP) of the island. “This was relatively due to strong agriculture output which cushioned the declining performance of the services and industry sectors, in the crisis years,” Engr. Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), regional 10, said. Dacanay presented Northern Mindanao’s economic situation and the region’s development plans and priorities during the Mid-Year Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB)led by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), last October 24, in city.

He said while economic growth lost momentum during the crisis years, Northern Mindanao is among the few regions in the country which enabled the national economy to escape recession.

“As of the first twoquarters of 2011, leading indicators point to a modest improvement of the economy. Production in the agriculture sector mostly increased,” the NEDA-10 Director said.

Exports increased by about 26 percent, investmentinflowpickedup,increasesin tax and customs collections were sustained, energy sales made a rebound indicative of the vibrancy of the industry and business sector, and many other indicators showing positive performances.

Over the next six (6) years, the region shall continue to present itself as the most competitive, efficientand attractive transhipment hub and venue for industrial ventures.

“It shall assert its role as a gateway and industrial core and trade center in the south,” Dacanay said.Attended by more than 200


Region 10 maintains largest economy in Mindanao due to strong agriculture output

participants, the PEB focused on communicating the government’s initiatives towards good economic governance anchored on a strategic development framework of improving transparency and accountability, strengthening the macroeconomy, financialandcapitalmobilization,andfacilitating infrastructure development and the results achieved so far.

Reactors from the private sector appreciated the presentation by the economic managers on the Philippine economic situation.

However, they also called for government’s strong political will for immediate and urgent reforms on the following seven (7) concerns, among others:

Worsening conditions and stringent requirements of doing business in the country, the private-public partnership which is envisioned

to be the country’s growth driver has unexpectedly not taken off, massive bank closures. The needed structural reforms to attract new players to invest in power generation, rationalizing the terminal handling charges imposed by international shipping lines on Philippine exports, full implementation of RA 9178 otherwise known as the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act and peace and order situation in Mindanao.

Economic managers present during the PEB were BSP Director Antonio Cintura, Director Rolando Toledo of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Undersecretary Gil Beltran of the Department of Finance (DOF), and Assistant Secretary Felicitas Agoncillo-Reyes of the Board of Investment Department of Trade and Industry (BOI-DTI). (NEDA-10)

Pres. Aquino approves P72.11 billion worth of high impact projects to bolster economic growth - DBMBy Apipa Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - President Benigno S. Aqui-no III has approved the Disbursement Acceleration Plan (DAP) for around 22 programs and projects of the government worth P72.11-bil-lion. This was announced by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Director Rolando Toledo, during the recent Philippine

Economic Briefing (PEB) DomesticRoad Show held in the city initiated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).


“Implementation of these high impact projects will be undertaken in order to push economic growth in light of the global slowdown and the onslaught of recent calamities,” Toledo said.

Toledo was with five (5) othersenior officials from the country’seconomic cluster agencies during the second leg of the mid-year PEB domestic roadshow.

During the briefing, Toledoacknowledged that there was under-spending for projects, particularly, on the part of the government, due to the reforms being implemented.

He explained that the slowdown in government spending was to make sure that each of the projects that will be implemented was of good quality and of good price stressing this type ofspendingasalotmoreefficient.

He said it is a policy of the government to review again the programs and projects before it will be implemented.

As an example, he cited the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who adopted the philosophy of the right project, with the right cost, and right quality in the implementation of infrastructure projects.

“But rest assured that the government will fast-track disbursement for the last quarter of this year for the country to achieve the target economic growth of 4.5 percent,” he added.

Meanwhile, among the high-impact projects selected for inclusion in the DAP are the following:

Critical public works and agriculture infrastructure projects, rehabilitation of rail systems and additional support funding for the local government units (LGUs) projects that support peace efforts.Housing, relocation and resettlement projects, healthcare insurance for indigents, human resource development training and projects for improved weather forecasting.


PNP-10 Chief calls on RLECC -10 members to “Be vigilant!”By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – P/Chief Supt. Jufel C. Adriatico has called on the members of the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) of Northern Mindanao to maintain their vigilance in the wake of threats from the Communist Party of the Philippines/National Democratic Front/New People’s Army (CNN) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“In fact, we should not lower our guards but act as one in thwarting the moves of these groups to create havoc and prevent the occurrence of crimes in our communities,” he said during yesterday’s meeting of RLECC-10, at the PNP-10 Multi-Purpose Hall, here. It was Adriatico’s first meetingwith the committee, after more than a month in his post as Regional Director of the Philippine National Police, region 10 (PNP-10), replacing P/Chief Supt. Conrado E. Laza who retired. “I have placed PNP-10 in full alert status since I assumed office,last Sept. 23, and made it a mandate for all the PNP units in the region to strengthen their base in the localities, so that the atrocities done by the CNN and the MILF, these past few months can not be repeated,” he said. Among these atrocities were the raid of the Municipal Police Station in Medina, Misamis Oriental, the kidnapping of four (4) officers of

the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and those of the six (6) peddlers from Tubigan, Mis. Or. in the outskirts of Bukidnon, and the recent ambush of the 5th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, troops in Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) in Lanao del Norte. Likewise, he has ordered a “no nonsense” uprooting of the reported marijuana plantation in some areas of Bukidnon, which could have been the handiwork of the NPA to augment theirfinancesduetotheirdifficultyincollection of taxes from the people. Meanwhile, he has ordered the strict implementation of the “No Helmet, No Travel,” policy under the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, saying this is a “life-saving” policy that all the law enforcement agencies, and not only the PNP, need to support. He said 95 percent of fatal injuries in the road involving motorcycle riders was caused by the non-wearing of helmets.


“We would not stop at looking only at the helmets. We have to check if these helmets are fastened and worn correctly or if it meets the requirements of safe travel for these riders,” he said. Along with this are also the

policy of the “No Seatbelt, No Travel” and the “No Plate, No Travel” for all commuters, which a composite team of law enforcers from the PNP, Land Transportation Office (LTO) andthe Highway Patrol Group (HPG) will implement during the Nov.1 celebration of the “Undas,” he said.

Gov. Dimaporo hands over cash counterpart for KALAHI-CIDSSby: Noemi Marla C. CincoTUBOD, Lanao del Norte – Gov. Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo of this province has handed over Php3.15 million as provincial counterpart for the KALAHI-CIDSS Makamasang Tugon (MT) project implementation in the towns of Sapad and Salvador.

This amount actually represents 30 percent counterpart of the grant given to the said municipalities for the KALAHI- CIDSS-MT, as part of the principles of accountability towards the sub-project. “As far as the counterpart is concerned, the province is always ready to shoulder 50 percent of the total counterpart. I want to challenge all the municipalities in Lanao del Norte to implement projects to develop their municipalities,” Gov. Dimaporo said. Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan –Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services or KALAHI-CIDSS is a community driven development (CDD) project and is one of the poverty reduction projects

of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It aims to empower communities, enhance local governance and reduce poverty by providing seed funds for infrastructure projects funded by World Bank (WB). The KALAHI-CIDSS Makamasang Tugon modality is an initiative to integrate the CDD approach of KALAHI-CIDSS to the local planning and investment programming process of the local government unit (LGU). This is an incentive to performing KALAHI-CIDSS areas, making the LGU as the lead implementers of the project. (DSWD


Gov. Dimaporo hands over cash counterpart for KALAHI-CIDSS

Army supports ‘all-out-justice’ policy

Eastern Mindanao Commander Lt. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero denied re-

ports of a demoralized army following the death of the 19 soldiers in Al-Barka, Basilan last week. He, although admitted that he and his men were saddened with what happened but they rather took it as a normal feeling towards the plight of their co-soldiers. “ But we must move on. We haveamissiontofulfillandajobtodo,” this he said discrediting issues that the military is severely affected by the incident and disappointed with the “all out justice” policy im-posed by President Benigno Aquino III.

The military welcomed such policy as a good manifestation of the government to pursue peace despite the incident in Al-Barka. Contrary to some reports that the military force is one in pushing for an “all out war” policy, Tabaquero clarifiedthatthearmyremainscon-sistent to its campaign by way of peace and development efforts. An all out war is rather a contradiction to what the military and the present administration has started pushing for. “ An all out war is never a real solution. We are only after our target perpetrators, those we have identi-fiedascriminalpersonalities,”heexplained. After receiving the directive from President Aquino, Tabaquero immediately sent radio messages to his area commanders, directed them the actions to be done, and the spe-cificinformationtobegivenouttothe soldiers. “ A decision has been made by the President, we in the Armed Forc-es will follow,” Tabaquero stressed.The EastMinCom also assured the public within the area of responsibil-ity that such incident is isolated in

by Mai Gevera-Macapagat


over is not likely to happen. Commander of 602 Battalion Lt. General Cesar Sedillo believed that chances of a similar incident to happen in this area is remote as most of the fieldcommandershavebeencloselyengaging with the communities. Nevertheless, the AFP recognizes the fact that threats are present every-where and so they prepared contingen-cy measures to back up unexpected incidents. Tabaquero asked the public to help the military in this aspect by way

of gathering information that could help the authorities control potential danger from happening. Learning from the Al-Barka inci-dent last week, the AFP has strength-ened their resolve for the importance of coordination to prevent misunder-standingandconflictthatmayarisewhen they operate.T his, according to Tabaquero, could have been overlooked when the group of 19 soldiers conducted an operation in Basilan. (PIA/Mai Gevera-Macap-agat)

Not all brgy. children councils functional-DILG

DAVAO CITY - The Department of Interior and Local Government in Region XI has reported that not all Barangay Council for the Protec-tion of Children or BCPCs are func-tional. DILG Director for Davao Merilo Limbaro said that the Department has been consistent in urging the ba-rangays to strengthe their BCPCs. He said that three memorandums has already been issued by past DILG secretaries about the councils. The last memorandum was in 2006 which created the BCPC monitoring system. Limbaro said that although all barangays have BCPCs in placed in accordance with the law. There is a problem with their functionality. He said that in Davao City functioning BCPCs are found in the poblacion

area and those supported by the UNICEF Country Program for Chil-dren (CPC), which mandates that all barangays under its CPC programme should have working BCPCs. Limbaro estimates these barangays to num-ber at least 78 out of the total 182 barangays in Davao City. Among the indicators of active BCPCs include the holding of regular meetings, the appropriation of re


sources and budget for the council and the presence and designation of a focal person for child rights issues and concerns in the barangay. The BCPC is a multi-sectoral grassroots body designed to ad-dress issues and concerns regarding child rights in a barangay. Among the members of the BCPC include a child representative, the barangay chairman, A barangay kagawad pref-erably the chairman of the council’s committee on family relations, the president of the Parents Teachers As-sociation, the Sannguniang Kabataan Chairman, a Non-Government Orga-nization representative, a barangay health worker, barangay nutrition scholar and tanod (watchman) or any person deemed needed by the council. Limbaro said that the BCPC doesn’t rely on the efforts of the ba-

rangay alone but also with its mem-bers and partners. For their part, Elisa Apit of the Kamalayan Development Founda-tion, an NGO working for child rights in Davao City’s barangays they are pushing for the recognition of Baran-gay Children Associations or BCA as a body that would work for the con-tinued functioning of the BCPCs. Currently they are advocating for the institutionalization of the BCA particularly through a executive or-der that could be signed by the City Mayor. Apit said that BCAs would ad-dress children’s rights issues particu-larly those who are not yet covered by the Sangguniang Kabataan. The issue of the BCPCs is one of the pressing concerns discussed dur-ing the soon-to-be concluded Chil-dren’s Month celebration . (PIA/RG Alama)

RDR turns over P295-T to EastMinCom for hospital renovationTAGUM CITY- Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosa-rio turned over this morning P295,000 worth of cheque to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Com-mand for the renovation of Camp Panacan Hospital in Davao City. DelRosariosaidthatthefinan-cial assistance for the hospital reno-vation will do well to “better serve oursoldiers”injuredduringfirearmsencounter.

The Governor revealed that each province in the Davao Region has a designated room in the mili-tary hospital. “We have rooms there. We finallyhavebeenabletoallocateP295,000 to serve the injured sol-diers,” he said in an interview. In receiving the cheque, Col. Antonio Tayag, assistant chief of AFPEastMinComUnifiedCentralCommand for Logistics said the ren-ovation of Camp Panacan Hospital


will also be serving the dependents of soldiers. Though a military facility, the Camp Panacan Hospital can also ac-commodate civilians on case-to-case basis especially during emergencies, but it is not open to the public. Meanwhile, Tayag explained that provincial governors in the re-gion have volunteered to shell out funds for the renovation of the hos-pital which EastMinCom would like

to raise its quality of services at par with the standards of the Depart-ment of Health (DOH)-managed hospitals. “It would be much improved with full amenities. It would also be friendly especially with wheeled patients,” he said. EastMinCom has already reno-vated seven wards of the Camp Panacan Hospital, Tayay said.(PIA XI/jean d. abangan)

Gov. RDR bares new BIMP-EAGA media org

TAGUM CITY-Davao del Norte Provincial Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario has told Davao del Norte media the relevance of informa-tion exchange in the context of forging stronger cooperation in the ASEAN region. Addressing members of Davao del Norte media during the recently held Press Freedom Month celebra-tion, Del Rosario informed the Davao del Norte media that the BIMP-EAGA Media and Communicators Associa-tion (BEMCA) was formed in a Media Forum that was held on October 18 beforetheSeniorOfficialsMeetingand Ministerial Meeting hosted by the Philippines in Cagayan de Oro. He said that the media forum participants were supportive of the overall goal of promoting greater co-operation among member states of the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA)

which covers Brunei, Indonesia, Ma-laysia and the Philippines. Del Rosario revealed that BEMCA promotes state and private media partnership which is seen as important in opening up a much fre-erflowandexchangeofinformationthat is essential in building a stron-ger sub-regional cooperation and public interaction in the sub-ASEAN region. Reports of the Philippine Information Agency-X said that BE-MCA, in a joint declaration, sought to strengthen its organization by institutionalizing the organization to improve state and private media col-laboration. The BEMCA members are ex-pected to adopt common messages on food basket, enhanced connectiv-ity and eco-tourism. (PIA-11/jean-evive duron-abangan)


Dengue cases in region 12 declineDengue incidents in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region (Region 12) considerably decreased this year compared to that of last year.

In an interview in the Philippine Informa-tion Agency led Kalinga Kutawato radio program aired over DXMS-Cota-bato City, DXND-Kida-pawan City and.DXOM-Koronadal City, DOH 12 regional entomologist-designate Royfrextopher

Boholst said there are only 2077 dengue cases in region 12 from January 1 to September 24, 2011 compared to last year’s 11,190 dengue cases in the same period. Sixteen cases of deaths were re-ported, he added

Boholst further said

that in 2010, North Co-tabato had the highest number of dengue cases - 5038; second, South Cotabato - 2435; third, General Santos City -1,783; fourth, Saran-gani - 950; fifth, SultanKudarat - 612 and sixth - Cotabato City - 372.


In 2011, according to Boholst, the downtrend of dengue incidents is as follows: North Cotabato - 575; South Cotabato - 521; General Santos City - 378; Sultan Kudarat - 212; Sarangani - 204 and Cotabato City - 187.

The regional entomolo-gist - designate attributed the downtrend of dengue cases to the interven-

tions of the Department of Health, Department of Science and Technol-ogy, Department of Edu-cation, local government units and the cooperation of other sectors.

He said DOH 12 direc-tor Abdullah Dumama ordered the intensifica-tion of the information campaign on dengue prevention and control

and pushed for the mo-bilization of residents in affected barangays in the clean-up drive and improved environmental sanitation.

Boholst also noted the effective implementation of Ovicidal –Larvicidal (OL) trap system in the households of affected barangays. (OTSUDAR-IA/PIA 12)

25 indigent patients to avail of the open heart surgery in GensanBy Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, – The Heart Founda-tion of the Philippines in partnership with the General Santos City Medical Society will give support to some 25 indigent patients here for the free open heart surgery set on the last week of November in one of the collaborative hospitals in the city.

In a press conference on Thursday (Oct. 27), Dr. Edwin Valencia, a cardiac surgeon based in Gensan, said a medi-

cal team will be in the City’s Doctors Hospi-taltodayforthefinalscreening of patients.

Valencia, however,

clarifiedthatnotallpatients who will come for the pre-screening are good candidates for operation.


Hesaidthebenefi-ciaries for the surgical mission are only those patients who were seen by cardiologist in the past and were advised for surgery, but have no money.

“We will only accom-modate those who were screened for so many years, but could not afford the costly opera-tion,” he pointed out.

According to the Wikipedia, “an open heart surgery is a sur-gery in which the pa-tient’s heart is opened and surgery is per-formed on the internal structures of the heart.”

Dr. Alicia Adarna, a cardiologist for over 20 years, disclosed that a cardiovascular opera-tion costs P180, 000 to P800, 000 which is, in-

deed, very expensive.Valencia said that

there were cases at the Philippine Heart Center when patients died before their slots for a cardiac surgery is scheduled since they could not afford to get operated immediately because of the high cost.

Meanwhile, Dr. Adar-na revealed that the Heart Foundation will be bringing its Open Heart team and other ICU equipment in Gensan in time for the actual date of the surgery.

“As of now they are still inspecting the oper-ating rooms of the hos-pitalsinthecitytofindout which one is suited for the operation,” she explained.

Moreover, former City

Councilor, Dr. Orlando Acharon, revealed that the city government through Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio will also help in defraying the other expenses of the surgical mission.

“The counterpart of the city government is transportation cost in-cluding the plane tickets of the volunteer doc-tors, accommodations, and foods,” he dis-closed.

Acharon said that the mayor is very sup-portive of this kind of endeavor especially that thiswillbenefitthegen-erals.

“This free open heart surgery is really a big help especially for the less privileged in Gen-san,” he opined. (PIA-General Santos City)

All systems go for the 4th National ICT Summit in GensanBy Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY– The ICT Solutions Association of Region 12-Gener-al Santos City (ISA 12-GSC) is “all set” for this year’s hosting of the 4th Na-tional ICT Summit on November 4-6 at the KCC Convention Center here.


ISA 12-GSC chair Ronald Velasquez, who is also the summit chair, said they are expect-ing some 400-500 in-formation and commu-nications technology (ICT) enthusiasts from all the major cities and provinces in the coun-try as participants in-cluding foreign visitors from the Brunei Darus-salam-Indonesia-Ma-laysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

With eight more days to go before the start of the event, Velasquez is optimistic that the or-ganizers will be able to showcase the poten-tials of Gensan as the next ICT hub in the country especially for investors.

Meanwhile, the Na-tional ICT Confedera-tion of the Philippines (NICP) revealed that this year’s summit which is anchored on the theme: “Champi-oning Country-Wide Digital Development,” “rallies to strengthen and intensify infrastruc-tures and institutions surrounding ICT in the

country.”NICP chair, Atty. Joc-

elle Batapa-Sigue said this is one gathering of ICT councils, “sharing a common vision of trans-forming the country into a world-class global ser-vices provider.”

“The summit brings together experts to speak on improving ICT ecosystems in the countryside, updates on business process outsourcing and human capital development, and areas of collabo-ration to generate jobs and investment,” Bata-pa-Sigue disclosed.

Moreover, Velasquez is also encouraging all stakeholders of the ICT

industry to support and take part in this year’s gathering.

Batapa-Sigue said the Department of the Interior and Local Gov-ernment (DILG) has al-ready issued a memo-randum circular which encourages local gov-ernment units to par-ticipate in the said oc-casion.

The 4th National ICT Summit is supported by Microsoft Philippines, e-PLDT, ABM Global Solu-tions, Teledevelopment and BPO Career Hubs, and the City Govern-ment of General Santos City. (PGFruylan/PIA-General Santos City)


Mekanisasyon hindi angkop sa lahat na sakahan ng South CotabatoKORONADAL CITY -- Inamin ni South Cotabato Provincial Agriculturist na hindi gaanong angkop ang konsepto ng farm mechanization kung sakahan ng malaking bahagi ng lalawigan ang pag-uusapan.

Gayunman, sinabi nito na opsyon pa rin ng mga magsasaka kung gagamit sila ng makinarya sa mga pagsagawa ng mga gawaing pangsakahan.

Hindi aniya ang-kop ang paggamit ng makinarya sa umiiral na sistema ng pagsa-saka sa lalawigan dahil limitado ang pag-aar-ing sakahan samanta-

lang ang mga kahon sa palayan ay maliliit.

Maliban dito, hindi rin umano kaaya-aya ang magiging re-sulta ng mekanisasyon dahil maraming resi-dente na umaasa sa kita mula sa gawa-ing pansakahan ang mawawalan ng pag-kakakitaan kung pa-palitan sila ng mga makina.

Dagdag pa nito, may ilang lugar naman sa lalawigan kung saan maaring epektibo ang mekanisasyon.

Subalit, base sa kanilang taya, hindi umano aabot sa 20 porsiyento ng buong lupain ng South Co-tabato ang maaring gamitan ng mga maki-narya. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Ayon kay Le-gaste, bagama’t nasa tig-dalawang libong ektarya lang ang inaaning palay sa buong lalawigan sa buwan ng Oktu-bre at Nobyembre, mahigit labindala-wang libong ektarya naman ang nakat-akdang aanihing pa-lay sa buwan ng Di-syembre.

Ang ganitong ganda ng ani ay hindi pa umano nararana-san sa South Cota-bato sa nakalipas na limang taon. Inaa-sahan ding mas ma-giging mabigat ang mga butil ng aanih-ing palay sa Disyem-brekung magpapat-uloy ang ganda ng panahon nararana-san sa lalawigan sa kasalukuyan.

N a k a s i s i g u r o rin umano ang mga magsasaka sa mas matatag na presyo ng kanilang palay.

Nitong linggo bumalik na rin sa lebel ng P15 bawat kilo ang bili ng mga commercial traders sa palay ng mga magsasaka mula sa P13 bawat kilo ni-tong nakalipas na dalawang linggo.

Sakali mang ba-hagya itong bum-aba sa darating na mga linggo, nandi-yan naman ang Na-tional Food Author-ity (NFA) ng South Cotabato na kasalu-kuyan ding bumili ng palay sa halagang P17.40 bawat kilo sa “clean and dry rice.”

Dagdag pa ni

Legaste, may niluluto din silang proyekto sa pamahalaang pan-lalawigan ng South Cotabato na bumili ng direkta mula sa mga magsasaka katuwang ang isang m a p a g k a k a t i w a -laang organisasyon ng magsasakaka. Kung matutuloy ang proyekto, bibilhin ng pamahalaang panla-lawigan ang ani ng mga magsasaka sa halagang P16 bawat kilo.

Aniya dahil sa naturang mga hak-bang, mapipigilan umano ang mga commercial traders na bilhin sa mas malaking halaga ang aning palay ng mga magsasaka ng South Cotabato. (DEDogu-iles/PIA 12)

Masaganang ani inaasahan ng South Cotabato sa Disyembre

KORONADAL CITY- Malamang na magiging mas masaya ang pasko ng mga magsasaka ng South Cotabato, ayon kay Provincial Agricul-turist Reynaldo Legaste.

one mindanao - october 28, 2011

Documents

pia caraga region nora

pia caraga region richard

pia region ximanaging

pia caraga regioncopy

pia region x rudolph

edaga regional director

sudaria regional director

koronadal city