pia mindanao - july 7-8, 2016 issue

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#ResiliencePH: Preparing for disasters everybody’s duty

New peace adviser vows continuity, inclusivity in the peace process

Education Secretary Briones to bring Alternative Learning System (ALS) to more learners

Senator Angara pushes for Magna Carta for PNP to help cleanse police ranks of drugs

Drug test of police in South Cotabato yields zero

DOLE conducts small business, financial management to Camiguin OFW

PIA, private media groups team up to enhance public info delivery in Zambo

DPWH-12 is now ISO certified

PH Air Force awards Xavier PAF-ROTC anew

NEDA IX accepts nominations for SOV until July 30

Almost 400 drug dependents surrender in Zamboanga del Norte

OFW reintegration center awards livelihood starter kits

ARMM to focus on poverty alleviation, terrorism, illegal drugs

153 illegal drug pushers, users surrender in Panabo

Military on alert vs lawless elements

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DidYouKnow

NationalNews

MindanaoRound Up

THELMA B. OLIVERREGIONAL DIRECTOR

PIA NORTHERN MINDANAO

Preparing for disaster is a continuous and integrated process with a wide range of risk reduction activities and resources. It requires the contributions of many different areas—ranging from training and logistics, to health care, recovery, livelihood to institutional development.

The observance of 2016 National Disaster Consciousness Month in Northern Mindanao carries the theme, “ Kahandaan at Pagtugon sa Sakuna, tungkulin ng bawat isa.”

The active participation of Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City, started with the relief operations, Oplan Tabang Sendong in December 2011.

XU in partnership with the local government and other significant partners established Xavier Ecoville Project, in Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City. It is reputed as the first university-led resettlement project in the world where the commitment of the movers of the resettlement project has been inspired and guided by fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality of the Red Cross, Red Crescent Movement.

Each one of us has a duty to play in building safe and resilient communities by delivering both life-saving and life-changing information, before, during and after disasters.

We can be instruments in making communities knowledgeable and connected through communication and information as regards access to services and resources.

Community participation is nothing new but there is an exciting new dimension that brings new momentum and opportunities. But it’s not about technology alone. It’s about how we use them, and our network of volunteers, to really put power into the hands of the people for them to make informed decisions.

The challenge to each one of us: How do we make disaster preparedness a way of life of our communities?

THELMA B. OLIVERREGIONAL DIRECTORPIA NORTHERN MINDANAOPHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY

NORTHERN MINDANAO (Region X)Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna St., Cagayan de Oro CityContact no. (088) 856-8178 Email: [email protected]

Given that the Philippines is lashed by some 20 strong storms per year, the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month puts the spotlight on instilling disaster preparedness not merely the government’s duty but as everybody’s responsibility.

#ResiliencePHPreparing for disasters everybody’s duty

Anchored on the theme, “Kahandaan at pagtugon sa sakuna, tungkulin ng bawat isa (Readiness and response to crisis, everybody’s duty),” various stakeholders took part in the celebration in Cagayan de Oro City. OfficeofCivilDefense- Region X DirectorAna Cañeda and XU

academic vice-president Fr. Rene Tacastacas SJ frontlined the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the static exhibit of DisasterRisk Reduction and Management (DRRM)-related information materials, programs, and equipment from various government agencies. “ [ D i s a s t e r

preparedness] is not just government’s effort, but the whole nation’s responsibility,” Cañeda said in her message. “All of us must work together proactively, from the community down to the household level.” She added that with the new administration, under President Rodrigo

Duterte,OCDismandatedto strengthen its programs to underscore the importance of climate change adaptation and DRRM initiatives,particularly in vulnerable barangays. Under Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reductionand Management Act of 2010, local government units, particularly the barangays must take the lead in disaster risk reduction, as well as disaster management and response. B e a r i n g “#ResiliencePH,” the said exhibit was divided into four parts: mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation, which reflect the“comprehensive DRRMplan” of the government. Blood-letting activities also formed part of the event at XU. Tacastacas also drummed the role of academic institutions in the region to complement public programs by keeping the community informed on why DRRMis an individual and community responsibility, and teaching the youth to be involved in disaster planning. Besides XU’s relief operation, Oplan Tabang Sendong in December

2011, Xavier, the local government and different partners established Xavier Ecoville as the resettlement village for the victims of TS Sendong (Washi), which rendered thousands of families homeless. Today, Xavier Ecoville stands as a testament to the resiliency of the families who survived the calamity. The Xavier Ecoville Project, a special resettlement project located in Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City, is reputed as the first university-led resettlement project in the world. It serves approximately 2,800 people from different barangays of Cagayan de Oro. The community currently has 568 permanent houses, chapel, multipurpose hall, multipurpose cooperative, basketball court and other facilities for its residents. The project also works with different stakeholders for effective and sustainable partnerships: the Xavier Ecoville community, government agencies, especially the barangay local government unit; Xavier University; and private organizations. XU is also an active member of the Regional Disaster Risk Reductionand Management Council

(RDRRMC) through itsEngineering Resource Center, which serves as a think-tank in Northern Mindanao on the science of disaster and climate change. Held every July, NDCM activities, namely,information education communication (IEC) exhibits, disaster planning workshops, and community drills are part of the precautionary measures as the country enters the typhoon season. The mandated observance aims to bolster the awareness of Filipinos on natural and man-made disasters. On his first day atwork, newly appointed NDRRMC executivedirector Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad called on all sectors to unite to build resiliency throughout the country. According to Jalad, This year’s theme highlights the core intention of this annual observance: To make our people own DRRM as apersonal responsibility; that surviving, outlasting the ravages of any hazard, and making communities resilient, is a duty of every Filipino. (Xavier University)

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“There will be a change of command but let me assure everyone that there will be no transition as they use to call it. We would like to use the word ‘continuity’,” Durezasaid. “We build on every brick on the ground. There is so much that has been done already.”Durezaadded.“The

message is continuity, and this is for the Filipino people. Enabling peace is a work for a lifetime. It is a continuous work.” Former OPAPP Secretary Teresita “Ging” Quintos Deles turned overto Dureza and his team aterminal report detailing what the OPAPP has

accomplished in the last six years with regard to the fivepeace tables—theMoroIslamic Liberation Front (MILF); the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF); the Communist Party of the Philippines/News People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF); the Cordillera

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza emphasized to continue previous commitments, including the implementation of signed agreements from past administrations, in pursuing peace and development in the country.

New peace adviser vows continuity,inclusivity in the peace process

National News I July 7-8, 2016 7

Bodong Administration–Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA); and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA/ABB)—aswellastheprograms/projects handled by the agency, namely: Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS); and Conflict-Sensitive and Peace Promoting (CSPP) paradigm. The new peace adviser also recapped parts of the inaugural speech of President Rodrigo Dutertethataresignificanttothisadministration’s peace policy. In his speech, President Duterteunderscoredthecontinuedimplementation of all signed peace agreements in conformity with the constitutional and legal reforms. At the same time, there must be an inclusive roadmap, which takes into account all stakeholders, particularly the indigenous peoples. “These are our marching orders and we will work in that direction,”Durezaunderscored. The new peace adviser stressed the importance of development efforts relative to peace-building, as these will sustain peace on the ground. Dureza called on all peacestakeholders to persevere on what they are doing so that the strides of peace will be “one step forward from where these are today”. “We like to invite you to continue being with us. There are a few changes but, definitely, wewill continue what the previous Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process has done because Secretary GingDelesalsobuiltontheworkofprevious peace advisers,” Durezaconcluded. (OPAPP)

RETURNING PEACE CHIEF. Two-time Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza interacts with the media after the formal turnover ceremony of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process from its previous administration. (OPPAP)

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Herself a product of informal basic education during World War 2, Briones said her passion for ALS is shaped by the advocacies of a non-government organization Social Watch Philippines where she was Lead Convenor, as well as her own life experiences. Social Watch’s main thrust is increasing people’s awareness and participation in promoting social development concerns with government. Briones said that one can get educated in a non-traditional way. “The DepartmentofEducationhadnot invented ALS then but my own experience showed that one can get educated without formal schooling,” she recalled. She shared that when the Japanese came to invade the Philippines, a university in Southern Philippines founded by American missionaries closed its facilities and its American and Filipino faculty fled tothe hills. The teachers set up a jungle university and continued to teach the mountain communities. Amidst the war, they never lost sight of the fact that

they were primarily school teachers. She said that her family also escaped to the hills where her mother, a teacher, gathered the children from the mountain villages and taught them how to read and write. “My mother, who was a teacher, did not let the horrors of war deter her from teaching,” she explained. Her students used banana leaves with their natural lines as writing pads and sharpened bamboo sticks as their improvised pen. She was then three years old and listened to the lessons which her mother imparted. When the war was over, children were tested to determine their grade equivalences. “The district supervisor tested me and decided to promote me by two grades. And I was not even enrolled!” Briones enthused. ALS is a kind of education delivery in a non-formal setting. Learning space can be a covered court, barangay hall, church yard or any other common area in a community where the learners are. The ALS facilitators deliver lessons

based on the capability of the learners. ALS is open to all learners and does not discriminate against age, gender, or ethnicity. Graduates of ALS’s who passed the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test can get either an elementary or high school diploma and proceed to formal schooling if they so choose. (DepEd)

Newly-sworn in Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor M. Briones is pushing for a more vigorous implementation of Alternative Learning System (ALS) to bring education to more learners across the country.

Education Secretary Briones to bring Alternative Learning System (ALS) to more learners

National News I July 7-8, 2016 9

“They should definitely be investigatedbecause the prospect of having high ranking police officials in bed with thedrug trade is truly horrificand frightening. We need to pass the Magna Carta for PNP that will provide bigger allowances and benefits forour policemen in order to help them resist possible temptations provided by illegal syndicates,” Angara said. Angarahasbeenfilingthe Magna Carta for PNP since his days in the House of Representatives, and has once again filed a versionthis 17th Congress as one of his top priority measures. The bill seeks to establish a separate salary scale for the PNP, distinct from the other agencies of the government, to attract more qualified andcompetent law enforcers in the country. It further provides for additional benefits suchas cost of living, clothing, quarters and subsistence allowances, longevity pay, reasonable leaves and retirement programs. “The Magna Carta codifies and strengthensexisting rights and benefitsprovided for in various

laws, resolutions and other circulars concerning PNP. It seeks to put dignity into the country’s premiere police force,” the senator said. Uniformed PNP personnel who accepts assignments in remote areas or isolated situations, and is exposed to hardship and combat situation or other hazard unusual to peacekeeping, crime prevention and investigation activities, will be compensated with a remote assignment allowance and special hardship allowance, similar to combat pay of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Meanwhile, families andbeneficiariesofmembersof the PNP, who are killed in the line of duty, will be granted special financial,scholarship and employment assistance. To foster a highly efficient and competentpolice force, the bill also aims to develop a holistic PNP development program which includes provisions on merit promotions, performance evaluation, in-service training, overseas and local scholarships, training grants, incentive award system, among others. Meanwhile, the

lawmaker has also filed abill that aims to establish a national integrated program to strengthen the drive against illegal drugs. The measure seeks to put up an exclusive fund, to be called the Anti-Illegal Drug Campaignand Research (AIDCARE)Fund, which will be used to 1) establish a nationwide education and awareness program on illegal drugs; 2) implement a mandatory training for local government unit personnel involved with the enforcement, research, and policymaking on illegal drugs; 3) conduct a nationwide study on the nature and extent of drug abuse; 4) put up a national helpline for drug abusers; and, 5) create a public registry of drug dealers, pushersandtraffickers. “We must acknowledge that while the government has declared war against illegal drugs in order to maintain peace and order, it must also provide an opportunity for drug abusers to reform their lives, as they are merely victims as well of drug lords who control the massive illegal drug trade in the country,” he added. (Senate)

After President Rodrigo Roa Duterte named top police officials allegedly protecting drug syndicates, Senator Sonny Angara has reiterated his call for the passage of the Magna Carta for the Philippine National Police (PNP) that will help rid the police force of scalawags involved in corruption and illegal drugs trade.

Senator Angara pushes for Magna Carta for PNP to help cleanse police ranks of drugs

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - No one among the police personnel who underwent test for illegal drugs here on Tuesday (July 5) tested positive, a high ranking official of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office confirmed.

Drug test of police in South Cotabato yields zero

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“The results of the mandatory drug test of our police personnel came out negative and we are very thankful for that,” Police Provincial DirectorPSSupt. Franklin Alvero said in an interview. On Tuesday, Alvero ordered about 200 police officers , including 11police station chiefs, to undergo drug test to be supervised by personnel from the Regional Crime Laboratory and witnessed byahumanrightsofficer. “The mandatory drug test of police personnel is being done in police stations across the country in support of the anti-illegal drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte,” Alverosaid. In a press conference regarding the security plans for the South Cotabato’s 17th Tnalak Festival and 50th foundation anniversary, Psupt. Benito Seron, deputy provincial director for operations, said the police personnel had no idea that they were to

undergo drug testing when they came to the provincial headquarters on Tuesday morning. “They only knew that they were to go through a drug test when they came in the conference room and were asked to urinate on a container. No one was allowed to get out of the room during the process,” Seron narrated. Alvero said among those who were required to undergo the test were officialsattheprovincialheadquarters and the public safety command , commanders and individuals suspected to be using illegal drugs. Alvero also went through the test himself. “The test was done in a way that the individual would immediately know whether he tested positive or negative,” he said. Each test kit, according to Seron, costs around P300. Alvero added that personnel from the Regional Crime Laboratory will visit police stations

across SOCCSKSARGEN region to conduct unannounced drug tests. SOCCSKSARGEN is comprised of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat. Last Monday, July 4, South Cotabato PNP joined the launching of Project DUTERTE (DrugUse and TraffickingElimination Through Rehabilitation, Training and Enforcement), an initiative of the Police Regional Office 12 fora more comprehensive response to the illegal drug problem. South Cotabato also launched its own illegal-drug campaign “Oplan Bato.” As of July 4, over 4,200 individuals involved in drug use and trade have surfaced in South Cotabato, following an intensified anti-druginformation drive. These individuals, including some minors, have pledged to do away with their illegal activities. (DEDoguiles)

COTABATO CITY - Following a fresh mandate to govern the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the next three years, Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman vows to pursue continuing reforms his government initiated when he was appointed as OIC in 2010.

ARMM to focus on poverty alleviation, terrorism, illegal drugs

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While pursuing reform initiatives anchored on good governance, transparency and accountability, Hataman vows to ensure ongoing enhanced implementation of various programs and projects as well as the timely, responsive and efficientdelivery of basic frontline services to areas under the autonomous region. This year, Hataman said, as part of his commitment to the reform agenda, his administration will undertake reorganization within the regional government under the rationalization program of the government in the first one hundreddays hinting to pursue a minor change in the membership of a new cabinet. Hataman said ARMM’s main thrusts will focus on poverty reduction in many rural communities through strengthening and enhancement of capacity of frontline agencies in the lower level - provincial and municipal down to the barangay, and for ARMM officials and departmentheads to go down and make regular dialogue and consultation with rural villagers. “Basically, pinaka-thrust namin ngayon is kung paano ayusin

at iaangat ang rural economy kasi ang paniniwala namin ito iyung pinakasusi upang ma-a l l ev ia te / reduce ang poverty incidence sa buong rehiyon. Alam naman natin na mataas ang poverty incidents sa ilang prubinsiya. Una alam natin more than 100 percent ang itinaas ng poverty incidence sa Sulu at pangalawa ang Lanao del Sur kahit na bumaba mataas pa rin”, Hataman said (Our main thrust is how to improve and enhance rural economy since we believe this is the key to alleviate and reduce poverty incidence. We know poverty incidence in Sulu is high with Lanao del Sur in second that has very little improvement but poverty incidence remains high.) Hataman cites agricultural and fisherydevelopment programs - micro enterprise development, intensify efforts to attract investments to generate job and employment opportunities, and livelihood for both farming and fisherysectors seen to boost economic activities in rural communities. Alongside with the poverty reduction thrusts, Hataman stressed to confront peace and security threats facing

the region in support to Pres.Duterte’saspirationfor a stable and secure country. “On the issue of security, in BASULTA (Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) there is the Abu Sayyaf at in the mainland we are facing massive problem on illegal drugs. Terrorism, illegal drugs, narco-politics at common crimes are our focus,” Hataman said. Hataman said, he would convene the ARMM’s peace and order council to discuss approaches to solve and address the peace and security issues citing plan ofactiontofightterrorismand illegal drugs. Hataman said they would send a formal request for an audience with Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to personallyhear the President’s policy direction for ARMM particularly on the issue of peace and security. “This is a great opportunity, considering that our President and most of his Cabinet members are from Mindanao. I believe Mindanao, including ARMM, will be given preferential attention,” Hataman said. (PBChangco)


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Noemi B. Edaga, PIA regional director said that the agency endeavors to bring together representatives from the national government and members of the press in a weekly “Kapihan” program, which aims to discuss timely, relevant and public interest issues in an open forum. Jayvee Francisco,

president of the Zamboanga City Press Club, Inc. (ZPCI) expressed his support to the undertaking. “We need such a program to be able to address prevailing issues in the city,” he said. “This project was borne out of its need by the public. The public has to have a regular venue where they can learn about government programs,

and basically learn of the services that government offers,” Director Edagasaid. The project is currently in the planning stage and the press club, including Sky Cable and Mindanao Cable have expressed their support to help realize the Kapihan. (Dominic I. Sanchez)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here is teaming up with the private media, local cable providers and the Garden Orchid Hotel to promote transparency in government through regular government-media engagements starting in August, this year.

PIA, private media groups team up to enhance public info delivery in Zambo

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DOLE-10 RegionalDirector Raymundo G.Agravante said the one-day Small Business Management Training

and Financial Awareness Seminar is a training intended to assist OFWs and their families with financialliteracyrelativeto

their overseas employment and to encourage them in putting up a small business enterprise for self-employment.

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10 together with the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) conducted a Small Business Management and Financial Awareness Orientation Seminar to some 35 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW)- returnees in Mambajao town, Camiguin.

DOLE conducts small business, financial management to Camiguin OFW

The call was issued following the gunning down of Datu Ruben Labawan,an Ata tribe leader of PaquibatoDistrictandhiscompanion Romeo Tanio while riding a motorcycle byfivemenwhowerealsotailing them on board two separate motorbikes at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the national highway, Barangay Credu, Panabo City,DavaodelNorte. Labawan was a staunch-anti-communist IP leader and was ambushed three years ago in Paquibato Districtby heavily armed men but survived. Colonel Ricardo

Nepomuceno, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade called the act as treacherous. He also questioned the sincerity of the communist movement in the resumption of the peace talks. N e p o m u c e n o expressed concern over the possibility of a “pangayaw” or retaliatory attack by the victims’ family members against the perpetrators and their families. However, he said, the military would take appropriate action to avoid further bloodshed among the members of the

indigenous community. Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the10thInfantryDivision,also expressed his sorrow on the death of DatuRuben. “Datu Ruben hadbeen actively working with the government in identifying programs which could help alleviate the socio-economic condition of our ‘lumad’ brothers andsistersinDavaoCity,”he said. The 1003rd Brigade dispatched soldiers to conduct hot pursuit operations and alerted all its units to tighten security measures. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

DAVAO CITY - The military leadership has urged the soldiers and supporters to heighten their guard against assassinations perpetrated by lawless elements.

Military on alert vs lawless elements


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Since the program began in 2011 up to the end of 2014, more than 55,000 OFWs and their families have attended to the training. “This activity is an opportunity for you to learn and this knowledge will be your tool for your future project/business,” Agravante said. DOLECamiguinFieldOffice headArlynZ. Baelsaid this activity will be their (OFWs) stepping stone to avail the livelihood assistance of the NRCO. She said that the National Reintegration Program of the department

promotes the delivery of responsive, productive, and sustainable reintegration services to OFW returnees that will enable them to maximize the gains of overseas employment, mitigate the social costs of migration and cushion the impact of forced repatriation due to unexpected events. OFW returnees can access the services of NRCO like enterprise development, counseling, wage employment referrals, skills training and assistance to distressed OFW. Likewise, Randolf Rio,

OWWA 10 representative talked about the Small Business Management Orientation Seminar. Financial Awareness topic was also discussed. To avail the packages OFW-returnees may visit their nearest DOLEProvincial Field Officesor thru its focal person, Marry Gil Damasing atthe DOLE-X RegionalOffice, ground floor ofMonte Carlo Building, RER Subdivision Phase I, Kauswagan National Highway, Cagayan de Oro City. (Jovelyn V. Perez)

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The move was in response to the nationwide anti-drug campaign, which is the main advocacy of theDuterteAdministrationand in compliance with Department of Interiorand Local Government’s (DILG)memorandumNo.2015-03, revitalizing the BarangayAnti-DrugAbuseCouncil (BADAC) andits role in drug clearing operations. The city government here through the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council(CADAC) together withthe City Anti Illegal DrugSpecial Operating Task Group(CAIDSOTG)ofthe

Philippine National Police (PNP) challenged the barangay constituents and the BADAC to neutralizethe drug-related illegal activities in their respective areas of responsibilities. First to respond was Barangay Gredu following Davao City’s“TOKTOKHANGYO” with a slogan “Bawal ang IllegalnaDrogasaGredu,Durugin and Dorugista,”prompting 153 drug pushers and users to voluntarily surrender and join the CAIDSOTGbriefingandsigningofthepledge. Barangay New

Visayas and Cagangohan also joined the said campaign while some of the barangays here are ready to follow suit. Present during the pledging were CAIDSOTG(PNP) head, PSI Maricar P. Bornea, CADAC Head,Judith G. Lee, and Brgy. Captain Reynaldo P. Ginsola, Gredu BADACHead. Likewise, Barangay Consolacion conducted the same activity, which resulted in the surrender of nine drug pushers and users. (Renel Balsabas)

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte - One hundred fifty three illegal drug users and pushers turned in last June 20 at Gredo Barangay Hall here and pledged not to use and push illegal drugs anymore.

153 illegal drug pushers, users surrender in Panabo

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The Quality Management System of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) -12 is now compliant to international standards.

DPWH-12 is now ISO certified


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ThisaftertheDPWH12 was awarded ISO 9001:2008 certificationfollowing an expansion audit of DPWH officesnationwide. According to a report from the DPWH PublicRelations and Information Office, DPWH 12 wasrepresented by the Regional Office basedin Koronadal City and the SouthCotabatoIIDistrictEngineering Office inGeneral Santos City. Said report noted that it took bothofficesfour months to comply with the technical and

management system requirements of three audit teams: the Internal Audit System (IAS-DPWHManila),theDevelopmentAcademy of the Philippines (DAP) and finally, theAnglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars, Inc., the external audit team. DPWH 12’scertification is valid fromJune 23, 2016 to March 2018, during which the officewillhavetoundergosurveillance audit to ensure its ISO compliance. To ensure compliance, a regional internal quality audit team

was constituted to monitor continuous compliance to international standards in the workplace. In his message, DPWH 12 RegionalDirectorReynaldoTamayoexpressed gratitude to the officialsandemployeesofboth the regional officeand South Cotabato II DEO for getting throughthe challenges of the assessments. He also thanked the former DPWH SecretaryRogelio Singson for restoring the dignity of the whole agency. (DEDoguiles)

DIPOLOG CITY - A few weeks before President Rodrigo R. Duterte took his oath of office as the 16th president of the Philippines, illegal drug users and pushers all over the country surrendered to police authorities.

Almost 400 drug dependents surrender in Zamboanga del Norte

In the recent “KapihansaDipolog”heldat Sunburst Fried Chicken, Hotel Camila 1 here, Police Chief Inspector Robert

Agda of the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office reported thatalmost 400 illegal drug users and pushers have

already surrendered to the different municipal police stations in the province. Agda said majority of them come from the

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municipality of Labason. However, due to lack of rehabilitation facilities in the province, Agda said police authorities were forced to get only the names of the surrenderees for record purposes. Agdaalsoconfirmedthat one police officerinvolved in illegal drugs is presently re-assigned at the PNP regional office-9while attending to the complaint filed againsthim in Zamboanga City. The police officer

admitted that they were surprised of the latest development on the issue, but attributes this to earlier pronouncement of President Duterte tofightagainstillegaldrugs,criminalities and corruption in the government. “Thisisthefirsttimein the history of the entire country that this thing happened, that drug users and pushers surrender to the police before we could launch an operation against them,” Agda said.

Agda said with the assurance of all-out support from the commander-in-chief to the law enforcement agencies, the morale of the PNP is very high. In his inaugural address,PresidentDutertereiterated his strong campaign against illegal drugs and corruption in the government. He assured that he will provide funds, logistics and protection of law enforcement agencies. (Alfonso T. Ruda)

President Rodrigo R DuterteonJuly5,ledtherecognition of outstanding PAF personnel and units on the occasion of the service branch’s 69th anniversary held at Clark Air Base in Pampanga. Besides President Duterte,DefenseSecretaryDelfin Lorenzana, AFPchief of staff Lt Gen

Ricardo Visaya, and PAF commanding general Lt Gen Edgar Fallorina, presented the plaques of recognition and streamers to the units and individuals who have contributed to the accomplishment of the Air Force’s mission. In September 2014, theOffice of the Chief ofStaff of the Armed Forces

of the Philippines (AFP) also awarded Xavier as the country’s “Top ROTC Unit of the Year” during their 35th National Reservist Week Celebration at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. XU received the same award from the AFP in 2013. (Xavier University)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - For the third consecutive time, the Philippine Air Force has recognized Xavier University’s PAF-ROTC, officially known as the 801st Department of Air Science and Tactics (DAST) group, as “PAF Ready Reserve DAST Unit of the Year.”

PH Air Force awards Xavier PAF-ROTC anew


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DOLE-10 RegionalDirector Raymundo G.Agravante awarded P10,000 each OFW returnees worth of starter kits as start-up business projects. Agravante said that the NRCO’s Livelihood DevelopmentAssistance Program (LDAP) was establishedin 2011 through the Administrative Order No. 77 Series of 2011and aims to provide grants for livelihood assistance

to returning OFWs. Formerly known as the 10K Livelihood Assistance Program, the Livelihood DevelopmentAssistance Program (LDAP) has beenreformulated in 2014 to cater to undocumented OFWs. Agravante said that LDAP has reachedmore than 15,000 beneficiaries nationwidein 2011 to 2014 and provided livelihood projects such as sari-sari

stores, beauty parlor, rice trading, machine shop, furniture making, among others. Nimfa Amora, a resident of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon and used to work as a household worker in Dubai, was a victim ofmisfortune events and padlocked twice by her former employer. She found hope when she was granted by DOLE-10 various goods for a sari-sari store.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10, through its National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) awarded various livelihood starter kits to three undocumented Pinay OFW returnees at the DOLE-10 Worker’s Organization Development Program (WODP) Training Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

OFW reintegration center awards livelihood starter kits

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“Umuwi po ako ng walang-wala at baon pa sa utang. Akala ko wala na akong pag-asang makakita ng mapagkakitaan ko. Maraming-maraming salamat po sa DOLE-NRCO at dahil sa ibinigay nila na sari-sari store ay maipagpapatuloy ko na ang aking paghahanapbuhay, (I came home with no money and in debt. I thought I could not have any source of income anymore. I am so thankful toDOLE-NRCOfor giving me a sari-sari store so I can continue with my livelihood),” Amora said. Likewise, Charalyn Tolentino, a household worker from Dubai,though did not have any major encounters while working abroad, was also an undocumented worker. She thanked all the government agencies especially DOLEandNRCOforthesari-sari store livelihood project she received. According to her, she will now be able to revive her previous i n c o m e - g e n e ra t i o n in her hometown of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. Bhilcen Padero, a resident of Opol

town, Misamis Oriental, tearfully recalled her sad experience as household worker in Singapore. “I was threatened by the strange actions of the son of my former employer for when we were left alone in the house, he did not want me to lock my bedroom at night, and I got paranoid,” Padero said. Her misfortune did not end there. Upon her return to Opol, she and her husband met an accident. This forced her to stay in the country and look for jobs to sustain her family. “I am so thankful for the Rice Trading Livelihood Project of DOLE-10and Ipromiseto let it grow,” she said. Agravante said he is moved to hear the beneficiaries’aspirations, in spite of what they had gone through abroad. He hopes to see them in the next six months with successful livelihood projects. According to him, any undocumented OFW who has returned to the Philippines can avail himself/herself of this program. U n d o c u m e n t e d OFWs are those who acquired their passports

through fraud or m i s r ep r e sen t a t i on , possess expired visa or permits to stay, no travel documents whatsoever, who have valid but inappropriate visa, or those employment contracts which were not processed by the POEA or subsequently verified and registeredon-site by Philippine Overseas Labor Office(POLO), if required by law or regulation. Q u a l i f i e d individuals shall submit their requirements to the DOLE RegionalOffice based on thelocation of their planned business. The beneficiarieswillreceivea business enterprise start-up kit worth P10,000, consisting of the materials of their proposed business. All availees of the LDAPare required to finishthe Small Business Management Training and Financial Awareness Seminar to prepare them in managing a small business enterprise. “We at the DOLEare your companion in uplifting your lives,” Agravante concluded. (Marry Gil A. Damasing)


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SOV aims to highlight the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in helping people and communities and recognize the role of volunteerism in development and nation-building. “Through the search, PNVSCA acknowledges the significantroleofvolunteersas indispensible partners of both the government and the private sector in their development efforts to uplift the lives of the people, especially the marginalized. It also serves as a platform to promote and share best practices in volunteerism,” PNVSCA Executive DirectorJoselitoC.DeVerasaidinastatement. Since 2001, 129 volunteers and volunteer organizations have been recognized by the national government through the SOV. This annual centerpiece event culminates with the awarding ceremony during the celebration of the National Volunteer Month (NVM)inDecember. NEDA IX RegionalDirector Teresita Socorro

C. Ramos encourages everyone to participate in the search. Volunteerism is the manifestation of an individual’s selflessmotivation to help uplift the lives of the most helpless and wanting, without counting the cost, she said. Zamboanga Peninsula is proud of the achievement of Ms. Velia Santos Ebol of Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay, who was chosen by the National Selection Committee (NSC) as one of the three national awardees of the 2011 Search for Outstanding Volunteers – Individual Category. The award was conferred for her untiring and dedicated pursuit of public volunteer service especially for the benefit of the mostvulnerable groups. The search is open to the following individuals and organizations currently providing volunteer assistance in the Philippines. Individuals of Filipino citizenship – Filipino or local chapters of foreign/international non-profitorganizations; and Filipino

or local chapters of foreign/international corporate organizations are entitled to join the SOV. Nominations are accepted for the following categories: National Outstanding Volunteer Award (individual and organization); Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (individual and organization) and Special Citation award will also be conferred to outstanding volunteers who do not qualify under the regular SOV categories but are deemed equally meritorious in accomplishment. Nomination for volunteers and volunteer organization in the region can be addressed and submitted to the Regional DirectorofNEDA9atPres.Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City. For more information and details, visitwww.pnvsca.gov.ph, www.facebook.com/innovatecorporateinspire, or nro9.neda.gov.ph. (Claro A. Lanipa)

PAGADIAN CITY – In support to the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency’s (PNVSCA) nationwide Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV), the National Economic and Development Authority Region IX is now accepting nominations for exemplary volunteers based in the region until July 30, 2016.

NEDA IX accepts nominations for SOV until July 30


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pia mindanao - july 7-8, 2016 issue

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