One Mindanao - February 4, 2014

Viva Nuestra Senora de Candilaria! Agusan shines with Dagkot FestivalErwin MascarinasCaraga Region

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 112

Philippine Medical Association in Chicago thanks President Aquino for support in medical mission

NATIONAL

9

Page 4

CARAGA REGION

WESTERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

DSWD-13 continues to augment relief assistance to Agaton, Basyang-affected LGUs

Dipolog holds orientation on ‘Check My School Program’

CSC Bukidnon building soon to rise

PRO 12 commits to align with Sulong Sarangani program

Surigao Norte Solid Waste Mngt Board convenes to strengthen organizational structure

PNP opens 73 NUP positions in Misamis Occidental

IGACOS enacts anti-smoking ordinance

Over 200 NorthCot youths undergo disaster training

13 24

20 31

14

21

27

32

Jennifer P. Gaitano

Mary May A. Abellon

Jessa T. Paradillojoy R. Sevilla-Sarangani

Susil D. Ragas

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Melrose samal

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Information to Empower Filipinos

7 10 11

Viva Nuestra Senora de Candilaria! Agusan shines with Dagkot Festival

Once a year during the second day of February, Cabadbaran—a small town in Agusan del

Norte—commemorates the Dagkot Festival, which is inspired from the Catholic belief of lighting a candle for thanksgiving and lifting up one’s wishes to the heavens. The word “dagkot” literally means “to light up.”

The celebration is in honor of the Nuestra Señora de Candilaria,

By Erwin Mascarinas

5

Our Lady of the Candle. The festival started last January 27 with several sports activities and pageantry.

It culminated on February 2 with a street dancing competition and, of course, the Dagkot Festival, Caraga region’s largest and biggest candle

lighting celebration. During this time, the parish church became beautifully illuminated in the evening as hundreds of devotees gathered to pray and offer a candle to the Virgin Mother. This year, the celebration became even more meaningful since it is the first time Cabadbaran marked its fiesta as an official city and, just recently, the capital of Agusan del Norte.

7FEBRUARY 2014 | PAGE

President Aquino: Spirit of bayanihan resides in Filipinos worldwidePresident Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday hailed the spirit

of bayanihan among Filipinos worldwide, as he welcomed in Malacañan Palace a group of US-based Filipino professionals who conducted medical missions in areas hit by super Typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).

Across the Nation

In his remarks at the courtesy call of the Philippine Medical Association of Chicago, the President said it is this spirit of solidarity

that has helped Filipinos overcome the challenges in the country’s history.

“The message we sent as one people


was clear. The spirit of bayanihan continues to reside within all of us, wherever we may be in the world. It is this spirit that has helped us overcome so many challenges in our history,” he said.

He added this same spirit will help the government continue its efforts to “build back better.”

The President recalled the PMA of Chicago had for more than a generation come back every year to promote the well-being of Filipinos through medical missions.

“This is a reminder to all of us that as was the case during Martial Law and during our family’s time in exile, Filipino professionals abroad remain some of the most committed to the advancement of our people and our nation,” the President said.

But he said the group’s visit this year is particularly timely as the country welcomes all the extra help it can get to help communities affected by Yolanda recover.

“In one of our country’s darkest hours, there is unity, there is resilience, there is compassion,” he said.

The President updated the delegation on the good news for the country in the last part of 2013, including an economic growth of 6.5 percent near the end of last year, to push the Gross Domestic Product growth to 7.2 percent for the entire 2013.

He said this made the Philippines one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, second only to China.

Also, he said his administration,

with the support of the people, streamlined government spending and held erring public officials accountable.

It also fostered a business environment that rewards ingenuity and hard work over a willingness to bend the rules.

Also, the President said his administration focused on social inclusiveness, and boosted the budgets of the concerned agencies.

Because of this, he said about 3.9 million families now receive cash grants on condition that school-age children attend classes, pregnant mothers get regular health checkups, and children are immunized from diseases.

More Filipinos - nearly 77 million - are enrolled in the PhilHealth health insurance program, such that they can walk into hospitals, show their PhilHealth cards and get treatment for free.

“Make no mistake, your association had a significant part in this. Each peso and dollar you gave from your own pocket, each patient you treated in a medical mission, each small effort that you made is part of the accumulation of positivity and inclusiveness that has made our country’s turnaround possible,” the President said.

He also assured the PMA in Chicago that while there will be more challenges in the future, his administration with the backing of the Filipino people will continue its work. PND


Philippine Medical Association in Chicago thanks President Aquino for support in medical mission

The Philippine Medical Association of Chicago also gave the President an award and a memento for supporting its medical mission in areas including those hit by super Typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).

Members of the association also hoped to continue visiting the Philippines to help Filipinos who need medical assistance.

“I hope in the near future we will continue to do this because this is our passion, this is our compassion. We love our country and we want to serve our country,” the association’s president Nida Blankas-Hernaez said during the courtesy call at the Heroes Hall of Malacanang.

During their stay in the Philippines, delegates of the association held medical missions and disaster relief in areas hit by Yolanda, including Tacloban and Leyte.

They also helped several people in six towns in Marinduque province, she said

“With this, we probably helped over 1,000 recipients .... For this mission alone, we had $300,000 spent for this. We had a lot of donations,” she said.

“We are so lucky because we were able to serve the Philippines, and we love to come to the Philippines,” she added. PND

Filipino medical professionals based in the United States on Tuesday paid a call on President Benigno Aquino III in

Malacañan Palace to thank him for his support in its latest medical mission.

10FEBRUARY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Palace reiterates commitment to peace in Mindanao

Government forces are taking steps to make sure armed groups trying to fight the government do not become a major threat to peace in

Mindanao, Malacañang assured the public Monday.Presidential Communications Operations

Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the government’s goal to attain peace for Mindanao remains unchanged.

“Masinsing tinututukan ng ating Armed Forces of the Philippines, particular ang intelligence operative natin, ang sitwasyon para tiyakin na kung anumang galaw ng kaaway ng Republika hindi ito makahadlang sa proseso ng kapayapaan (Our AFP particularly our intelligence operatives are keeping tabs on things to make sure any move by the state’s enemies do not become a major

threat),” Coloma said at a media briefing.He said this includes the Bangsamoro

Islamic Freedom Fighters and followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari.

The BIFF and followers of Misuari are reportedly joining forces against the government.

Coloma said the government is taking proactive action via intelligence work, surveillance, and “decisive action pag kinakailangan (decisive action if needed).” (PNA)


PIA Caraga chief inspires Butuan Habitat homepartnersBUTUAN CITY -- “I’m glad for this privilege to stand before you to voice my appreciation to the BHFHI for carrying out its missions to the community. To all of you who are now living in your Habitat villages, I encourage you to give value and significance to the existence of your homestead.” These are the motivating words spoken without reserve by the Philippine Information Agency Caraga regional director Abner Caga as quest of honor during the 14th anniversary celebration of the Butuan Habitat for Humanity, Inc. (BHFHI) on Saturday.

By Venus L. Garcia


Caga recalled the devastation in Tacloban City as he with his team witnessed how people there suffered the physical destruction in the area where residents lost their loved ones and properties due to typhoon Yolanda.

“It is not that easy to have lost a family and a home. That’s why we should give worth to whatever we have today in our lives and be thankful for the blessings. But keep in mind that the role goes beyond by complying the duties to your neighborhood,” bared Caga.

Conveying more of his concern, Caga motivated each beneficiary to inculcate in them the mentality of helping one another. He further cited that “sustaining the strength of the community does not only rely on the homeowners’ officials rather a personal responsibility to volunteer for the transformational development of the community.”

“From my personal experience, I know what it’s like to be when you desperately need a good shelter. I challenge you to take good care of your homes. Don’t let anyone destroy the good foundation you have started with your family and with the people in your Habitat community. Each should continue to share and strive to be responsible homepartners,” he stressed.

According to BHFHI president Nora Rama, they are advocating for affordable housing. “We stand by our commitment to address

the community’s basic human rights to acquire a house with a fair housing policy,” she said.

BHFHI, a non government orgnization working on a mission to provide decent and durable shelters, has built more than a thousand houses in Caraga and its neighboring regions and is currently helping the disaster-affected families by granting qualified individuals to become homepartners.

“We encourage our homepartners to demonstrate stewardship and take the responsibility to preserve the resources entrusted to them,” Rama added.

In response, the homepartners’ from the different Habitat sites in this region have expressed their gratitude and jubilance through their meaningful choral and dance performances.

They also enjoyed the various games and raffle draw initiated by the board of directors and staff of BHFHI.


DSWD-13 continues to augment relief assistance to Agaton, Basyang-affected LGUs By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga continues to augment relief assistance to local government units (LGUs) in the region that were affected by the Tropical Depression ‘Agaton’ few weeks ago, and also those affected by the recent Tropical Storm ‘Basyang’.

According to the agency’s regional information officer Theresa Barsobia, as of 4:00 p.m. on January 31, the DSWD-Caraga Field Office has extended a total augmentation assistance of 73,640 family relief packs to Agaton-affected LGUs with the total amount of P21,236,845.27 including the P3,000,000.00 augmented by the DSWD-XI.

As of 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Barsobia bared that out of 114 evacuation centers opened in the affected provinces due to TS Basyang, 47 of which are already closed. “The other remaining evacuation centers

which are still open are closely being monitored by the field office,” she added.

Also, the DSWD-Caraga Field Office is ready to augment to provinces in the region that has been affected by the recent TS Basyang. Up to this time, the Quick Response Team is still on duty for its 24-hour monitoring.

As mandated, the DSWD continue to perform its mission to develop, implement and coordinate social protection and poverty reduction solutions for and with the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged.


By Susil D. Ragas

Surigao Norte Solid Waste Mngt Board convenes to strengthen organizational structure SURIGAO CITY -- The members of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (PSWMB) of Surigao del Norte in a bid to strengthen its organizational structure will convene on February 4, 2014 at the Provincial Governor’s Conference Room, Capitol Road, this city.

The meeting primarily aims to strengthen its existing organizational structure, functions and responsibilities, and to discuss its flagship program dubbed as “Kalimpyo Kahapsay Surigao” (clean, orderly

Surigao). The creation and functions

of PSWMB are embodied under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A 9003 otherwise known as the Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph

Surigao Norte Solid Waste Mngt Board convenes to strengthen organizational structure


Alamang from Murcielagos Bay, Misamis Occidental, now safe to eat by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – “Alamang” or minute shrimps collected from Murcielagos Bay in the boundary of Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte are now safe for human consumption.

http://www.marketmanila.com/archives/bagoong-alamang-a-la-marketman

This, after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has declared the area free

from toxic red tide contamination and delisted it from those found to be positive for the toxin, as shown in


MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) edifice will soon rise on the site next to the IBP building at the capitol compound, this city.

by Jessa T. Paradillo

CSC Bukidnon building soon to rise

CSC-10 Regional Director Ofelia Salvador said the groundbreaking ceremony, graced by no less than Governor Jose Maria R. Zubiri Jr. in early January, signaled the start of the construction of the P2.5 million office building. The Governor, in his message during the program, said this project builds partnerships and strengthen linkages in developing competent civil

servants for high quality public service in the province. With this, the provincial government offered CSC enough land area for the building through usufruct rights, the governor said. CSC or the ‘Komisyon ng Serbisyo Sibil’ is the premier overseer of the integrity of government actions and processes. It deals with civil service matter and conflict resolution.

Shellfish Bulletin No.1 and No. 2, s. of 2014, released last Jan. 2 and Jan. 13, respectively. This means that all types of shellfish and Acetes specie or “alamang” (minute shrimps) gathered from the area are now safe for human consumption and can be harvested, sold, and bought, Visa Tan Dimerin, Regional Director of BFAR, region 10, said. Meanwhile, the other areas in Mindanao, which have been declared as free from red tide toxin by BFAR are Hinatuan, Bislig and Llanga Bays in Surigao del Sur, Balite Bay in Mati, Davo Oriental and Taguines Lagoon in Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin Island. However, based on the latest

laboratory results from BFAR and the local government units (LGU), shellfishes collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Sibuguey Bay in Zamboanga Sibugay, are found positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit. Dimerin said all types of shellfish and alamang gathered from these red tide areas are not safe for human consumption. But fish, squids, shrimps and crabs gathered from red tide areas may be safe to eat, provided, they are fresh and washed thoroughly and the internal organs, such as, gills and intestines are removed before cooking.


PNP opens 73 NUP positions in Misamis Occidentalby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – At least 73 positions for non-uniformed personnel (NUP) of the Philippine National Police, Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) have been allocated for the province of Misamis Occidental.

This number actually represents 16.22 percent of 450 additional unique plantilla positions for the NUP given to PRO-10, from higher headquarters, P/Sr. Supt. Orlando A. Benas, Chief of the Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Division (RPHRDD), said. Benas said two of these NUP’s, with positions of Administrative Assistant (ADA) VI and ADA IV will be assigned to the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (PPO). Five each, consisting of one position of Administrative Assistant (ADAS) III, two Administrative Assistant (ADAS) I, and an ADA VI and ADA IV positions, respectively, to the City Police Stations (CPS) of Tangub, Oroquieta and Ozamiz. Likewise, four, each, with positions of ADAS III, two ADAS I and ADA IV will be assigned to the 14 Municipal Police Stations (MPS),

namely: Aloran, Baliangao, Bonifacio, Calamba, Clarin, Concepcion, Don Victoriano, Jimenez, Lopez Jaena, Panaon, Plaridel, Sapang Dalaga, Sinacaban and Tudela. Meanwhile, Be?as said all the NUP positions offered have a minimum educational requirement of completion of at least two years studies in college or high school graduate with relevant vocational/trade course. A Civil Service Sub-Professional (CSSP) Eligibility, First Level is required for ADAS III and ADAS I positions with one year of relevant experience and four hours of relevant training for ADAS III but none for ADAS I. However, no eligibility, no experience and no training is required for those applying for the positions of ADA IV and ADA VI, Benas added.


Zambo youth urged to emulate locally-born artists’ achievements By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Zamboanga City has its share of locally-born but internationally-acclaimed artists that the Department of Education (DepED) here is calling on the youth to let these artists serve as an inspiration for them to similarly achieve great feats in the culture and the arts.


Zambo youth urged to emulate locally-born artists’ achievements By Dominic I. Sanchez “We have dancers who have

won international competitions, known writers in the field of literary arts, recognized musicians and theatre arts performers, painters, and independent film directors,” shared Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Julieto Fernandez during the opening program for the National Arts Month in Paseo del Mar this morning. He urged the students coming from the different schools in the city who gathered there “to know about the achievements of these outstanding Zamboangueños and emulate them.” Fernandez furthered that the DepED’s K-12 program gives special emphasis to promoting art and creativity among the youth. Meanwhile, City Councilor Gerky Valesco shared Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar’s message, who commended the Association of Creative and Performing Artists of Zamboanga (ACPAZ), the activity’s prime-movers, as well as the continuous contributions of the local artists in promoting the city, especially after the crisis. “Your event is an attestation

that art is an outburst of creativity, fun and of healing, mending the social fabric that was torn during the state of events that unfolded last September,” Councilor Valesco read. “As we move forward in rebuilding our city, let us work together to celebrate arts and culture because these nourish our souls and brings life to our communities.” February is celebrated as National Arts Month with several activities lined up for the purpose. Prior to the opening program, schools within the seven-kilometer radius of the city participated in a parade downtown. The program was marked with a Latin-inspired dance by the Jambangan Dance Troupe, choral numbers by the Tetuan Elementary School Choir, the WMSU Grand Chorale, Drum and Lyre exhibitions by the Sta. Maria, Tetuan and Guiwan elementary schools, and a street dance presentation by the Zamboanga National High School-West. Some of the planned activities this month include a visual arts seminar and competition on


Dipolog holds orientation on ‘Check My School Program’ By Mary May A. Abellon

This program, which aims to promote transparency and social accountability in public schools, is designed to connect or create a link between the government and the people with the CMS serving as an overseer of all public schools by reporting to the local government unit (LGU) and DepED any problems arising in the schools like the lack of facilities, teachers, classroom and books, the need for database online record gathering and others. These problems shall then be threshed out in a “round-table discussion” with the offices and officials concerned. It was also learned that the CMS will only deliver and communicate to the responsible and accountable government officers and offices

particularly the LGU and DepEd the problems it discovered. The LGU and DepEd with the help also of other NGO like the Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents Association (ZNFePA) will directly act on the matter and formulate ways to solve certain problems. The CMS has already built a database online which some schools have been using already. This made the data gathering from the different schools in the country faster and easier. Mayor Evelyn T. Uy expressed her appreciation to the said organization, as it has contributed to the upgrading of schools, advancement of teachers and development of students in the country.

DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Check My School (CMS), a non-governmental organization, conducted on Friday an orientation on “Check My School” program at the Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School covered court.

Chabacano comics for elementary, high school and college, a vocal duet competition for elementary and secondary, and a national seminar workshop scheduled on Feb. 19-21. A cultural show to cap the month-long celebration will be held on Feb. 28 at 2p.m. at the Centro

Pastoral in Gov. Camins Avenue. This year’s theme is “Art on the Edge”, whose objective is to promote the advocacy for cultural identity, celebrate the talents of Filipinos and continue the advocacy for culture and arts education.


Ambassador Goldberg visits newly rehabilitated Compostela bridge

NABUNTURAN-These projects were constructed under the Ty-phoon Pablo Disaster Recovery Assistance Project of the USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao-3 (GEM-3) Program. Attending the turn-over ceremony were representatives

from the United States Government, H.E. Philip S. Goldberg-U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steele, and Sec. Luwalhati Antonino- MinDA Chairperson represented by


Mr. Romeo Montenegro-Director for Investment Promotion & Public Affairs Office.Gracing the occasion also were Governor Arturo T. Uy, Mayor Lima P. Bolo of Compostela, provincial and municipal officials, and GEM Program Deputy Chief Carlos C. Tan. According to Mr. Tan, in response to the Typhoon Pablo disaster, USAID provided assistance for the reconstruction of municipal infrastructure projects and supported the revitalization of local economic activities. Designed to be more robust and sturdier than the normal design structures, these infrastructure projects are expected to withstand flooding and higher wind velocity, making them functional even during extreme weather conditions (also as evacuation facilities when necessary). In addition to promoting economic growth, these infrastructure facilities also demonstrate the continuing commitment of both the Philippine and U.S. Government to fostering peace and development in Mindanao. He added, USAID’s GEM Program constructed a Trading Center building in the public

market to be used as a wholesale trading post or a “bagsakan” for agricultural products. The design safety factors are higher than the current standards for the area were adopted to make the structures more robust. The building floor level was elevated about 0.7 m above the existing ground. The Compostela Market Buildings acquired a construction cost of P3.9 Million or about US $90,700. While the Compostela Bridge Rehabilitation costed P2.9 Million or about US $67,400. H.E. Philip S. Goldberg expressed how happy he is to be there during the ceremonial turn-over saying, “I am happy to be here…all faces are smiling. All I can say is ”Mabuhay tayong lahat.” Governor Uy in his response said, “We are so happy and overwhelmed. It means so much to us. Thank you very much.” The public market in Poblacion Compostela is the center of economic activity in the municipality. Various products from the barangay and nearby areas are regularly brought to the Poblacion for trading. (Rey M. Antibo, IDS Comval)


ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SA-MAL- The City government here enforced the City Ordinance No. 2013-223 known as the Compre-hensive Anti-Smoking of the Is-land Garden City of Samal on Jan-uary 27. This new ordinance amended the ordinance no. 2012-216, making it more comprehensive which accordingly adopt the provisions stated in the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 17 and the Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2009-0010 mandating a 100% Smoke-Free Environment and Smoking Prohibition Policy within areas

encompassing g o v e r n m e n t premises. The newly declared policy p r o h i b i t s smoking in eating places such as eateries, c a r e n d e r i a s , r e s t a u r a n t s , f a s t f o o d s , snack bars and b a k e s h o p s ; accommodation a n d entertainment

establishments such as beach and inland resorts, hotels, inns, lodging and boarding houses, movie theatres, videoke bars, casinos, bars, clubs and restobars;transport services; retail shops and boutiques; medical facilities, religious institutions, schools in all level, gasoline station and other public places and structures. However, any person can smoke only in area duly designated by the management as smoking area , within the jurisdiction of Island Garden City of Samal. In an interview, City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan commended the

IGACOS enacts anti-smoking ordinance


laudable ordinance as it promotes and safeguard the health and welfare of our citizens. “This is a very good and timely ordinance because tobaccos now are very expensive, which worsen poverty of poor people and many wealthy and famous people died of lung cancer as a result of smoking more so the poor individuals.” Antalan encouraged healthy lifestyle just as he encouraged city employees to plant and eat chemical-free vegetables, to go into sports and have regular exercises. He said the ordinance was timely for authorities to control and abolish smoking so that our citizens will be happy, strong and physically fit. Likewise, City Vice Mayor Al David Uy announced the enforcement of the anti-smoking ordinance during the Monday convocation of the city officials and employees last Monday, January 27, encouraging the employees to follow the city ordinance.“Ordinansa man kini so kinahanglan magbantay gyud nga dili ma-violate ang atong anti-smoking ordinance”(This is an ordinance, so let’s make sure that we will not violate our anti-smoking ordinance), City Mayor Al David Uy said. City Health Officer Dennis Carlos Flores revealed second hand smoke are more dangerous thus he

called all smokers to carry out their habit in designated areas and spare the non-smoking people from its deadly effects. Flores reiterated the pronouncement made by Vice Mayor Uy during the Monday convocation that is to abide with the law or face the consequences. The City Health Office and City Engineering Office identified the designated areas in the City Hall for smokers so as to protect non-smokers from the pernicious effects of tobacco smoke. Violators of the ordinance will face the following penalties: First Offense – Fine of P1,000.00; Second Offense – P2,000.00; Third Offense –Fine of P3,000 or imprisonment for not less than three (3) days but not more than six (6) days or both, Fourth Offense – fine of Four thousand (P4,000.00) Pesos or imprisonment of not less than three months, but not more than six (6) months or both; Fifth and succeeding Offenses- Maximum penalty of Five thousand (P5,000.00) Pesos or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than one (1) year or both at the discretion of the court. The city government may order the closure of a public place that violates this ordinance. (Melrose samal cio)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - A Korean engineering firm is inter-ested in investing around US$90 million to build a 35-megawatt hydro-power plant in Lake Sebu, this province.

Korean firm eyes building of 35-MW hydropower plant in South CotabatoBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


Roger Acosta, program manager of the Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance (AVLDA) confirmed that officials of the DongJoo Engineering Co., Ltd (DJE) visited to province two week ago to explore the possibility of constructing an electric generation plant in Takbu River in Barangay Lamfugon, Lake Sebu.

During the said visit, he sais, DJE representatives met with local government officials and the sought endorsement of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

“They have yet to visit the actual area,” Acosta said, “but based on the data we provided, they have expressed willingness (to pursue the project). They are only waiting for the endorsement from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.”

Once the SP issues its endorsement, DJE would proceed with the conduct of a feasibility study.

The DJE team has committed to come back to work on other details of the venture, he added.

Acosta explained that DJE’s interest on the construction of a power generation facility in Lake Sebu is a result of the Tourism Investment Conference (Tourism ICon) in October spearheaded by AVLDA and the local government units of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

AVLDA is local government-led environment body that oversees the management and protection of the Allah Valley landscape, specifically

the critical Allah River and its watershed areas.

Its strategy in driving growth involves sustainable use of the natural and cultural resources as strategic capital for ecotourism and by preparing the ground for competitive private and public ecotourism investments.

The long-term goal is to generate jobs leading to the reduction of poverty among the disadvantaged sectors, while sustaining environmental resources and addressing social problems such as peace and order.

During the Tourism ICon, AVLDA, in partnership with the Department of Tourism 12, presented several “big ticket” projects, including P2.1 billion worth of investment proposals for mini-hydropower plants in different areas in South Cotabato.

Local power distributor, South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO 1) has identified Takbu River as a potential source of hydroelectric power for the province.

SOCOTECO 1 General Manager Santiago Tudio said the cooperative’s board of directors is seeking for investors that would build a hydropower plant in the said river to be imbedded into the cooperative’s power distribution line.

He added, completion of such project has the potential of producing sufficient supply of cheaper electricity in the area. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


ALABEL, Sarangani – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 is aligning its programs and activities in Sarangani province with the local govern-ment unit’s Sulong Sarangani advocacy.

PRO 12 commits to align with Sulong Sarangani program

Police Chief Inspector Joefel Remudaro, head of the Police Community Relations (PCR) of PRO 12 said at the recent Provincial Joint Peace Security Coordinating Committee that the Philippine National Police ensures activities for Sarangani will be congruent to the LGU’s flagship program.

Sulong Sarangani is an initiative of Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon which aims to increase development in the area through education, economy, infrastructure, health, tourism, peace and order, social welfare, environment and social diversity.

“One of our plan this year is to align with the programs of the LGU of Sarangani. We will ensure that we can join in the activities of the province in promoting the Sulong Sarangani program,” Remudaro said.

He said PRO 12 can be part of Sulong Sarangani program by partnering with

the local government in its efforts to promote its battlecry in which they can take part.

“We can join the LGU in its Sulong Kapayapaan or Sulong Karunungan programs by conducting lectures to different police stations in the province,” he said.

Sulong Kapayapaan is one of Sulong Sarangani pillars focusing on peace and development, while the Sulong Talino pillar focuses on education.

Aside from the Sulong Sarangani program, Remudaro added that the


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato—Over 200 student leaders from different high schools and colleges in this province particularly in the 1st district re-cently participated in a three-day youth responders training tagged as ‘Ban-tay Kalamidad, Sagip Buhay’.

PNP has also started in helping the province’s tourism industry.

“We have conducted lectures in police stations across the province,” he said. “Our objective is for every police personnel in the province to be familiar with the background, location, direction and other details of the different tourist spots here, so that every police whom visitors would ask could immediately provide information,” he explained.

PRO 12 also plans to strengthen its coordination with its partner agencies to ensure that they provide the needed services to the constituents.

Meanwhile, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said that the Police Community Relations (PCR) program plays a big role in securing government projects.

He commended the PNP and AFP for organizing the joint peace security coordinating center meeting which intends to discuss issues and concerns pertaining to the maintenance of peace security towards the development of Sarangani.

“You should have a regular interface, you need to increase fellowship

through fusion, because you play a big role in securing government projects,” Solon told the personnel of the PNP and AFP, who also participated in the meeting.

Police Senior Superintendent Edwin Minion, PNP provincial director, on the other hand, said that the highlight of the meeting was the signing of Joint Implementing Plan between the Sarangani Province Police Office (SPPO) and the 73rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

An agreement on how PNP and AFP can intensify its programs in the maintenance of peace and development in the province is included in the implementing plan.

Police Superintendent Ricky Rebua, PNP deputy provincial director for operations (DPDO), said that part of the implementing plan is the specific division of labor of PNP and the AFP.

“We came up with the implementing plan to discuss the assignment of the 73rd IB,” he said. The plan also includes implementation of pro-active measures against threat groups. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/Joy R. Sevilla-Sarangani Information Office)

Over 200 NorthCot youths undergo disaster trainingBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme


The event, held at the Dilangalen National High School in Midsayap town was aimed at sharing to the youth the knowledge on environmental protection and disaster preparedness.

“The youths, especially when trained, can do better in times when natural and man-made calamities hit our place,” Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) center head Cynthia Ortega said.

Under Rule 10 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 10121, she said, DRRM Councils from the national down to the local level shall encourage community, specifically the youth to participate in disaster risk reduction and management activities.

During the training, school-based disaster preparedness management, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, as well as the importance of first-aid and basic life support and evacuation center management were tackled.

Student leaders underwent

drills and simulation activities, Ortega added.

She revealed that the provincial government has allotted P698,000 for the event and has partnered with the Action Contra Famine (ACF) which also contributed P100,000.

Aside from the PDRRMO and ACF, the Department of Education (DepEd) in the province as well as the North Cotabato Emergency Response Team also took part in the said training.

Meanwhile she noted that the same training will be conducted on February 6-8 in Magpet National High School to cater youths from the 2nd district and on February 13-15 in Kidapawan City National High School to accommodate youths from the 3rd district.

On the other hand, Governor Emmylou Mendoza emphasized that the training is also a part of empowering the youths by strengthening their participation in the community. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)

Date post:	26-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	pia-mindanao
View:	216 times
Download:	0 times

One Mindanao - February 4, 2014

Documents