One Mindanao - January 27, 2014

Halad 2014: Unwavering devotion of Midsayapeños to Sr. Sto. NiñoOliver Ross V. RiveraCentral Mindanao

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 107

Palace hopes Congress will pass Bangsamoro basic law soonest

NATIONAL

8

OUR COVER

Today’s news...

Page 4

CENTRAL MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

NORTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

Newly-restructured CDRRMC GenSan assures readiness of service

DepEd reports 1.9M worth of damage due to TD Agaton

Tangub ends Christmas Symbols Festival 2013, notes more than 500,000 viewers

Gov. Malanyaon enumerates efforts for calamity-hit communities

TDPC essential partner in promoting peace and security, says military official

MisOr PDRRMC ensures immediate gov’t action, response

DepEd Caraga chief extols Reading Camp

14

17

26

31

35

27

18

Catherine T. Apelacio

Darryl P. Pinabacdao

Gemma C. Pullos

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Karen Lou Deloso

Gideon C. Corgue

Trevi Lorenz Espinosa

Page 7Page 10

Page 12

Page 15

Page 25

OUR COVER

COVER STORYHalad 2014: Unwavering devotion of Midsayapeños to Sr. Sto. Niño

The streets of the Midsayap were filled with chants of “Pit

Señor” and “Viva Sto. Niño” as the residents and visitors showed their unity and devotion as an offering and thanksgiving to Sr. Sto. Niño last weekend.

With the theme “AngBayangMatibayangDebosyon, Pinagpapala ng Panginoon”, the event was highlighted by the annual IndakansaKadalanan and Halad Showdown. Thousands of people turned up to watch as participants from different parts of Central Mindanao danced along the streets of Midsayap and during the showdown held at Notre Dame of Midsayap College grounds.

Different groups from North Cotabato, Cotabato City and Maguindanao participated in this year’s competition. GrupongMidyayong of MidsayapDilangalen National High School won the grand prize for the Open street dancing category. The group bested six other entries in the said category and also won the Best in Costume and Best in

Musicianship to bring home P150,000 cash prize. UpiansMeguyaya Festival of Upi, Maguindanao ranked second and won the Best in Street Dance award along with P100,000. The participants also include Tribung Manobo of Kibia High School, TriboBagongLumad of Lampayan National High School

By Oliver Ross V. Rivera

5

both from Matalam, North Cotabato. TriboMaguindanaon of Cotabato City Central Pilot School, TribongBagobo of Cotabato City Dance Troupe, T’durayLambangian ng Dr.Bernabe del Fuente Sr. National High School of Upi, Maguindanao. Meanwhile, fourteen groups including government, non-

government, socio-civic, academic and private organizations participated in the Local Street Dancing Category. Saint Mary’s Academy Grupong Marian-Ignacian won the 1st place and P50,000 cash prize while Gagmayng’ KristohanongKatilingban (GKK) Salunayan District placed second and was named as the Best in

Costume special award winner. Halad is considered to be one of the region’s most popular festivals. Local and foreign tourists also joined the Halad. Niña Dinopol from Davao City visited the town for the weekend and

enjoyed the festivities. “There’s nothing like the Halad experience. Midsayapeños really shows great devotion to Sr. Sto. Niño.” said Dinopol “I was really entertained by the great performances. This year’s festival was amazing and the costumes of the contingents were colourful and visually pleasing.” she added On the other hand, IndakansaKadalanan 2014 Chairperson Carol Tolentino thanked the participants for their efforts and showcasing their talents to make this year’s patronal fiesta successful. Tolentino also thanked the local government unit and sponsors for their unending support for the festivities. Aside from the street dancing competition, various programs were also held prior to the Patronal fiesta. Among these includes a nightly cultural show, fashion to fame, Mutya ng Midsayap 2014, Inter-Barangay Basketball tournament, boxing competition, motocross competition, fun run, Halad Festival Concert featuring Rocksteddy and All-Star Basketball game which made the week full of fun filled activities. Midsayap celebrates its 75th patronal fiesta along with 26 years of the Halad Festival. The MidsayapHalad Festival celebrated every

third Sunday of January can be likened to Ati-Atihan of Iloilo and Sinulog in Cebu.

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014 7

King Carl XVI visits projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban City

His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on Sunday distributed uniforms to members of the Boy Scout of the

Philippines (BSP) in Tacloban City during his visit here.

Across the Nation

His Majesty arrived at Tacloban airport past 9 a.m. Sunday and was welcomed by city government officials led by Mayor Alfred Romualdez and other officials from the BSP and the United Nations.

The Swedish monarch is here to see the projects of the BSP in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda

(Haiyan), and the other projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

King Carl XVI Gustaf was accompanied by Vice President Jejomar Binay in his visit here. Binay is also the current National President


of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.His Majesty is the Honorary Chairman

of the World Scout Foundation and the Guest of Honor at the Invitational Peace Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in their centenary year.

King Carl XVI, along with Vice President Binay and officials from BSP and UN, visited first the San Jose National High School where he distributed Type “B” uniforms (shirt, neckerchief and pants) to the boy and girl scouts.

The Swedish monarch also interacted with the scout members.

His Majesty dropped by at the Boy Scout Rotunda for the flag ceremonies before he proceeded to San Fernando Central School for the distribution of uniforms to the scouts.

The Swedish monarch then

inspected the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Leyte Building, which was also damaged by Typhoon Yolanda.

After his inspection of the BSP Leyte Building, His Majesty proceeded to the Leyte Park Hotel for lunch before flying back to Manila.

Vice President Binay said the BSP has 286,027 members in Eastern Visayas. And for Leyte alone, it has 28,564 members. In Tacloban City, it has 4,500 scout members.

King Carl XVI Gustaf arrived in the Philippines on Friday. This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the country.

His Majesty paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III, who is the country’s Chief Scout as mandated by R.A. 7278, upon his arrival in Manila on Friday. PND

With the last annex for a comprehensive peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation

Front now signed, Malacañang hopes Congress will quickly pass a basic law for a proposed Bangsamoro political entity.

Palace hopes Congress will pass Bangsamoro basic law soonest

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said Sunday the

next step is to craft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law and submit it to Congress.


“Umaasa tayo na sa kasalukuyang session ng Kongreso matalakay ng ganap ito para maipasa at nang maidaos ang plebisito (We hope the measure can be tackled in the present session of Congress so it can be passed soonest, and a plebiscite can be held),” Coloma said on government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma said the government is confident both houses of Congress will act on the Bangsamoro basic law soonest.

“Umaasa tayo na bibigyan ito ng naaangkop na atensiyon ng ating mga mambabatas (We are hoping our lawmakers will give priority to this),” he said.

He added the issue has a “sense of urgency,” since the aim is to not only hold a plebiscite but to elect the new officials of the Bangsamoro political entity by 2016.

The Bangsamoro entity is intended to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

10MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014

Palace: President Aquino welcomes signing of last annex in peace pact with MILF

President Benigno Aquino III welcomes the signing of the final annex paving the way for a comprehensive peace agreement between

the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Malacañang said Sunday.


Speaking on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the President congratulated the panels of both sides for the signing of the annex in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

“Malugod na ipinaaabot ng Pangulong Aquino ang kanyang pagbati at pasasalamat sa mga kasapi ng Philippine at MILF peace panels sa paglagda sa ikaapat at panghuling annex on normalization kahapon sa Kuala Lumpur na siyang magbibigay daan sa pagbubuo ng Bangsamoro Peace Agreement (The President sends his congratulations and thanks to the Philippine government and MILF peace panels for signing the fourth and final annex on normalization in Kuala Lumpur. This will pave the way for the Bangsamoro peace agreement),” Coloma said.

He said next step now is to craft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law that will be submitted to Congress. The measure will then be subjected to a plebiscite.

Coloma noted the normalization annex provides for the gradual laying down of arms by the MILF and

the decommissioning of its troops.For its part, the government will

also lessen the number of military forces in Mindanao, and help the MILF neutralize private armed groups.

The government will also implement social and economic programs for MILF members, he said.

“Ang mga pagsusuko ng armas ay pangangasiwaan ng isang third party decommissioning body alinsunod sa napagkasunduan ng dalawang panig (The surrender of arms will be supervised by a third-party decommissioning body agreed upon by both sides),” Coloma pointed out.

Meanwhile, Coloma said the government panel fulfilled Aquino’s instructions to make sure the pact is:

- compliant with the 1987 Constitution

- reflects the lessons government learned from past peace efforts

- in line with the political, cultural and economic principles of both sides

“Umaasa tayo na malaki ang magiging kahalagahan nito sa katahimikan ng rehiyon at ganap na kapayapaan sa Mindanao (We expect this will have a major impact on peace in Mindanao),” Coloma said. PND


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato– At least P324 million worth of infra-structure projects intended to boost agricultural productivity in the Sec-ond District of South Cotabato.

P324-M infra projects set for implementation in S. CotabatoBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Second District Representative Ferdinand Hernandez , during the recent inauguration of the Barangay Talisay Communal Irrigation System

in Lake Sebu town, told local farmers that P223 million worth of irrigation projects and P101 million worth of farm-to-market road (FMR)


projects have been scheduled for implementation for the province’s second district this year.

“We thank the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration because this year they have allotted P223 million intended for several irrigation projects in the second district alone,” said Rep. Hernandez.

Part of the said allocation, he explained, is the P105 M- worth of irrigation project that would extend the service area of the Allah River Irrigation System (RIS) by 2,000 hectares of rice production areas from Banga (in South Cotabato) to Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

“Once completed, the service area of the irrigation system will be expanded to 14,000 hectares,” he said.

Besides the P223-M irrigation projects, the district could also expect establishment of improved FMRs that would ensure fast and less costly delivery of farm produce to intended markets.

“We also thank Secretary Alcala for increasing out budget for FMRs. From the initial allocation of P60 million, the budget has been increased to P101 M for FMRs projects spread all over the second district,” he announced.

South Cotabato’s second district includes the municipalities of Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Sto Nino, Surallah, Tantangan, and Tboli and the city of Koronadal.

During the same event on Friday, January 17, Hernandez also pointed out that the Department of Agriculture in SOCCSKSARGEN Region has outgrown its “mediocre performance.”

“During the budget hearing I told Secretary Alcala that I am thankful to DA and its attached agencies because the projects intended for the Region are faithfully implemented and have benefited farmers in the area.”

“Under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Amalia-Jayag Datukan, DA 12 and the attached agencies have redeemed themselves because they are now performing their mandate to really help the farmers,” he continued.

In 2013, SOCCSKSARGEN Region produced almost nearly one-third of the Mindanao’s production for rice and corn.

The Region boasts of 1.34 million metric tons of production for rice, which comprised 31.89 percent of Mindanao’s total production of the commodity as well as P1.29 million metric tons of corn that contributed 32.50 percent of Mindanao’s total yield.

It also the country’s top producer of coffee and second to Zamboanga Peninsula in the production of rubber and second to Davao Region in the production of banana.

Some P3.04 billion has been allotted for agricultural development projects and programs in SOCCSKSARGEN Region. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The city government has gone extra mile to strengthen its City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) to fit in well during emergency situations.

Newly-restructured CDRRMC GenSan assures readiness of serviceBy: Catherine T. Apelacio

Dr. Agripino Dacera, CDRRMC action officer, described such action as imperative to shore up the council’s readiness of service in time of formidable crisis such as disaster occurrences.

Mayor Ronnel Rivera himself initiated the presentation of the new structure to the council members over the weekend.

Rivera said the “restructuring” is of the essence to ensure that the local government such as the city can carry out an effective measure in responding to looming crisis brought about by man-made and natural disasters without any delay or confusion.

Still headed by its current action officer, Dr. Agripino “Bong” Dacera, the newly-restructured CDRRMC is divided into four sectors, namely: Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Response, and Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery.

According to Mayor Rivera, the strengthening aims to “diversify” and expand the services of the council to address potent threats of danger and the various concerns pertaining to the four major functions of CDRRMC.

Each of the sector, Dacera explained

will be supported by a technical working group (TWG) whose members come from the City Hall departments and select government and non-government offices.

For Disaster Prevention and Mitigation sector, it will be headed by the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) while the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will lead the sector on disaster response.

The City Engineer’s Office (CEO), on the other hand, will steer into action its members being in-charge of the Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery.

Mayor Rivera maintains that such restructuring will save time and efforts from being wasted as there is already assigned department or responsible person to lead and implement a specific task when the threat of disaster comes full circle.

He stressed that it is not just important for the local government unit to exude readiness at the time of crisis but it is also equally important that the LGU concerned will still be able to lead its employees to action and give the necessary services to its constituents when highly needed. (CT Apelacio, PIA-12 General Santos City)


GK provides assistance to flood victims in Butuan City BUTUAN CITY -- The Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community Development Foundaton has engaged in relief operations by providing family packs to the evacuees who were affected by flooding due to tropical depression Agaton.

By Venus L. Garcia


The GK Caraga, in partnership with Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), has endeavored in humanitarian aid to the victims/evacuees through distribution of family packs containing 3 kilos rice, noodles and canned goods. These evacuess were from barangay Mahay who are now temporarily housed at the identified evacuation centers.

A hundred families that were assisted by the GK during the time of evacuation are now safe but the necessity for food supply needs to be addressed.

Victor Emmanuel “Butch” Ozarraga, area coordinator for GK Northern Mindanao said repacking of relief goods is ongoing and will soon be delivered for another round of distribution.

Volunteers also willingly rendered their services to speed

up the preparation of these goods.

Jerese Madriaga, member of the GK workforce, bared that GK communities in barangays Abilan and Pagatpatan have also received the goods through their relief distribution efforts since the area was submerged in floodwaters.

“This is just one among the many missions of GK to secure, protect, and promote the human welfare. We are conveying our support to our displaced brothers and sisters,” added Ozarraga.

GK which means to “give care” in Filipino has truly exemplified in action its devotion to the service of others especially in times of catastrophic events such as what happened in the region where flooding and landslides inevitably occurred.


DepEd reports 1.9M worth of damage due to TD Agaton By Darryl P. Pinabacdao

SURIGAO CITY - The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that P1,956,940.00 worth of school facilities were destroyed in the wake of Tropical Depression Agaton.

The said amount was reported on Wednesday during the Post Assessment and Evaluation meeting by the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office held at the Sangguniang Panglungsod Building, this city.

DepEd Supervisor Linda Geraldino said the damaged properties include text books,

computer and sound system and infrastructure such as sewers and drains.

She likewise identified the flood-prone schools in the city such as Caraga Regional Science High School, Surigao City High School and Mariano Espina Memorial Central Elementary School (Memces).


Escobarte expressed his appreciation to the schools’ stakeholders for propagating reading, as it is a shared commitment and responsibility with the teachers. “The support of our stakeholders from the provincial down to the municipalities manifests a shared commitment for all of us to inculcate interest in reading to our school children,” Atty. Escobarte said.

He added, “Our stakeholders apparently give value and the

complementary role of the recognition to school and community in propagating reading among our young learners.

Atty. Escobarte also stressed the importance of reading as a tool or a foundation in learning other subjects. “However, others observed that reading becomes endangered or dying habit due to the destruction of the attention or time of our children through the presence of computer internet,

By Gemma C. Pullos

DepEd Caraga chief extols Reading Camp

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga regional director Atty. Alberto T. Escobarte lauded the efforts and zeal of Surigao del Norte Division on its 3rd Reading Encampment with the theme, “Nasa Pagbasa ang Pag-asa” in Mainit, Surigao del Norte, recently.

Photo credit: homeworks-edsci.blogspot.com


television, and other ICT gadgets,” said Escobarte.

“Through this reading camp, it manifests the reinvigoration of our challenge to promote reading in our midst,” Atty. Escobarte further said.

Escobarte also emphasized the relevance of reading in life and commended the leadership of the Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Evelyn R. Fetalvero CESO VI, for her sincere desire to make the province of Surigao del Norte division an assemblage of excellent readers.

After his speech, he awarded the proponents of Project SUROY (Strategic Undertaking in giving Reading Opportunity for the Young), with a plaque of recognition and a cash donation for its contribution in promoting reading in their district.

The activity was initiated in support to Project ECARP (Every Child A Reader Program) and in line with the vision of the Provincial Government in making the Province of Surigao del Norte as a reading province in Caraga Region.

Specifically, it aims the following: to develop among the pupils and students the appreciation of reading activities as fun, and enjoyable learning experience; develop empowerment among the learners, teachers, school administrators and parents to initiate creative activities and strive for excellence through reading as vehicle to academic achievements; and to advocate the maximum utilization of the excellent

books in the existing Library Hubs in the Division particularly at Sison Central Elementary School, Tubod Central Elementary School and Placer West Central Elementary School.

The said event was also graced by Board Member Mamerto D. Galanida who came in lieu of Provincial Governor Sol F. Matugas, Vice Mayor Crisanta O. Mondano, and the Chief of Curriculum, Learning and Management Division (CLMD) of DepED Regional Office, Dr. Isidro M. Biol, Jr.

Hosted by Mainit 1 and Mainit II districts, Vice Mayor Mondano performed as the guest storyteller to a cluster of elementary pupils. Such stint received good reviews and drew positive reaction from the audience.

Amid the heavy downpour, the 13 districts of the division reveled in the various fun-filled contests namely: Read-a-Thon, Shadow Puppetry, Preparation of Instructional Materials (IM’s), Illustrating a Story, Jazz Chants and Text Twist for the teachers and administrators.

The one-day encampment was ended with the awarding of winners in the various contested events by the Division Reading Coordinator, Mrs. Jeanie L. Mativo. Mainit 1 District came out as overall champion for Elementary Level and Surigao del Norte National High School (SNNHS) became the winner for the secondary level.

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


Oro dads OK extension of biz permit renewalby CdeOSP

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Businesmen will have until January 31 to file for the renewal of the business permits.


Tangub ends Christmas Symbols Festival 2013, notes more than 500,000 viewers

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental - Some 527,673 viewers came to the Christmas Symbols Festival, here, which was highlighted with a spectacular fireworks display during its opening on Dec. 1, 2013 and ended, last Jan. 11 instead of Jan. 5.

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

On its 21st year, the festival adapted the theme “Christmas Around the World” for the second time, with symbols and arches depicting the landmarks of different countries and proceeds from the entrance fees,

during the opening, amounting to P183, 000, have been donated to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda by the city government through the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation. Atty. Philip T. Tan, Mayor of

At the regular session recently presided over by Councilor Ramon G. Tabor, the 17th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas enacted Ordinance No. 12712-2014, extending the deadline for the filing of business license renewal application from January 20 to January 31. In behalf of the members of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Promote CDO, the Misamis Oriental Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Cagayan de Oro Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce-Cagayan de Oro Chapter, Oro Chamber president Efren Uy requested for the extension of the deadline for the payment of

the business taxes and permits this year. He said this will give the city’s businessmen a little more time to settle their payments, given the significant increase in the amount of taxes they have to pay this year compared to the previous years. The request of the business sector was endorsed by City Administrator Roy Hilario O. Raagas upon the recommendation of the City Treasurer’s Office. It was also favorably endorsed by the committees on trade, commerce and cooperatives chaired by Councilor Edna M. Dahino, on finance and ways and means chaired by Councilor President D. Elipe.


Tangub said due to inclement weather, the city no longer observed the formal closing program, but proceeded with the awarding ceremony, last January 13, for the overall declared winners of Christmas symbols contest. Category A - St. Basil’s Cathedral –Pokrovsky Cathedral- Red Square Moscow, Russia, Gov. Alfonso D. Tan College (GADTC), 1st prize, Baobab –Kersfees – Tree of South Africa, Northwestern Mindanao State College (NMSC), 2nd prize, Enger Tower of Norway, City Engineer’s Office (CEO), 3rd prize, Marble Temple in Thailand, Unified High Schools (UHS), 4th prize, and Korean Bell and Belfry of Friendship, Dona Maria D. Tan Memorial Hospital (DMDTMH), 5th prize. Category B – Arches in the Highway Barangays: Pangabuan, 1st prize, Lorenzo Tan 2nd prize, Labuyo, 3rd prize, Aquino, 4th prize, and Sta. Maria, 5th prize, andin the Interior Barangay: Barangay Uno, 1st prize, Maquilao, 2nd price, Mantic, 3rd prize, Sta. Cruz, 4th prize, and Barangay Tres, 5th prize. Category C – Parols, Entry of

Highland Barangays: San Vicente, 1st prize, Villaba, 2nd prize, Guinabot, 3rd prize, Guinalaban, 4th prize, and Prenza, 5th prize. Others were Category D1, Most Lighted Public Business Establishment, Category D2, Most Lighted Private Business Establishment, Category E, Most Lighted Barangay, and Category F, Most Lighted House in the Barangay. On the other hand, winners in the regular features of the festival, Pamaskong Handog, composed of Christmas carol and pop dance contests, also among the clustered agencies of the city government, from both local and national agencies, were as follows: Christmas Carol - GADTC, 1st prize, Department of Education (DepEd)-Central District , 2nd prize, CPDO/CSWD/CBO/CAO/CCRO Cluster, 3rd prize, DepEd-Southwest District, 4th prize, and City Health Office (CHO), 5th prize and Pop Dance, NMSC, 1st prize, DMDTMH, 2nd prize, UHS, 3rd prize, DepEd-South District, 4th prize, and Tangub City National High School, 5th prize.

MisOr PDRRMC ensures immediate gov’t action, responseby Trevi Lorenz Espinosa

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – “We are not going home.”


This was what Governor Bambi Emano said to the department heads during a press briefing conducted at the Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) Command Action Center at the Provincial Capitol in preparation for Tropical Depression (TD) Lingling (Agaton) to resume its southeasterly drift across the South Philippine Sea affecting Mindanao. The governor of Misamis Oriental added that officials and employees who will be assigned to cluster areas around the province should bear in their minds that they should protect the people first, before themselves. “But also, before doing our tasks, let us also ensure that our families and relatives are in good condition. And, tell them that we will not be able to return home because we’ll protect the people,” Emano said. Meanwhile, Emano reiterated the call for residents living along hazard-prone areas are advised to take precautionary measures against flash floods and landlides.

For his part, Provincial Administrator Edmundo Pacamalan initiated the assigning of engineers, volunteers and some department heads to the five PDRRMC Clusters for Response. The following clusters are: Cluster I (Gingoog Bay Alliance or GBA) covering from Balingoan town to Magsaysay; Cluster II (MISORET)—Lagonglong to Kinoguitan; Cluster III (CLAJAVITA) Claveria to Tagoloan); Cluster IV (GALILEO)—Opol to Initao; and Cluster V (Manluna)—Naawan to Lugait. The clusters were made in order to have a comprehensive monitoring and response action to the needs of the people of the province. Equipment and emergency response teams are stationed in each of the command centers. Based from the latest report of PDRRMC, there were at least 500 families and 2,013 individuals affected by the TD. Moreover, there were three casualties reported, two civilians injured and one person missing.


Comval pushes for Disaster Learning ex-change in Albay

Legazpi City, Albay --A team of local officials and government em-ployees from the province of Com-postela Valley underwent a learn-ing visit on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRMD), com-munity-driven development (CDD)

and provincial local govern-ment unit engagement pilot from January 21-24 in Legazpi City, Albay. The team is led by SP M e m b e r s Macario Humol and Moran T a k a s a n ; E x e c u t i v e A s s i s t a n t He rmogenes M a n i n g and Romeo Celeste of the Planning and

Development Office (PPDO) with provincial offices from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Engineering (PEO) and Information Office; and from the Municipal


DRRMO from Monkayo, Compostela, Montevista, and Laak. “We highly appreciate this opportunity to learn from the province of Albay their responses and experiences in disaster risk reduction management and their zero disaster casualty scheme,” said PPDC Celeste. The activity is an off-shoot of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both provinces represented by Comval Gov. Arturo Uy, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD) last November 5, 2013 in Davao City. This is to provide the 2 provinces an opportunity to share knowledge and discuss lessons

learned and experiences from DRRMD, CDD as well as pilot testing the PLGU engagement in Kalahi-CIDSS National Community driven Development Project and formulate an action plan. The learning exchange was made possible through the DSWD with support from the Asian Development Bank. Albay Province is known for its “zero casualty” incidence in terms of disaster management and response. With its best practice, Gov. Salceda has been awarded as the first Filipino UN Sr. Global Champion for disaster risk reduction-climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA). (fe maestre/ids comval)

facts and figures

P610-million Investment of EEI Corp on their 15-megawatt peaking plant in Tagum City


Gov. Malanyaon enumerates efforts for calamity-hit communitiesDAVAO ORIENTAL—Amid the total devastation caused by the recent calamity that bombarded the prov-ince, the provincial government has mobilize all of its resources to address both short and long-term needs of these calamity-stricken communities. In a press conference in Davao City last Friday, January 24, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said that the provincial government did its best to expedite recovery and rehabilitation efforts in terms of resettlement, connectivity repairs, and livelihood, among others. In terms of resettlement, she said that strict implementation of the ‘no build zone’ policy will be imposed. This means families who have been living in areas declared by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) as danger zones will be relocated. “This is non–negotiable,” she emphasized. As Governor Malanyaon made rounds in the East Coast towns last week, she told local officials to scout for at least 5 hectares resettlement area per

barangay and further instructed them to have the lots assessed by the MGB if they qualify as build zones. She committed that the province through its provincial aid allotted per barangay will immediately be released in order to fast track acquisition of lots. Governor Malanyaon warned lot owners, who might take advantage of the disaster by overpricing their lots, that the Department of Finance through the Provincial Assessment Board has already set a fixed price for lots. “If that should happen, I might be forced to exercise my power to expropriate,” she said, noting it as a last option to provide people a safe place to live. With expropriation, the chief executive has given the legal power to possess properties, wherein the government buys the property from the owner with a price set by the valuation team. Meanwhile, Governor Malayaon admitted that the devastation caused by the incessant flooding and landslide


is worse than typhoon Pablo considering that it extends beyond the three typhoon-hit towns. “This time, the devastation expands to all east coast towns and some parts of the gulf areas where accessibility becomes a great problem due to broken bridges and impassable roads,” she said. However, as part of its recovery efforts, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) together with the provincial government and LGUs fast track its operations in restoring accessibility to the isolated areas through clearing of roads and construction of temporary bridges especially those leading to isolated villages. Meanwhile, the provincial team working together with the Philippine Army facilitates the ongoing distribution of relief to the affected areas by either airlifting goods through military choppers or ferried via boats of the Navy and Coastguard, or by land via trucks. Governor Malanyaon thanked the DSWD for providing the bulk of the relief packs as well as the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coastguard, Philippine Navy, and

the Philippine Air force for the speedy transport of goods. In terms of livelihood, the provincial government plans to plant short-gestation crops to address the residents’ short-term needs, while purchasing new batch of rice seeds to replace the ones washed out by the heavy flooding in order to catch up with the next crop season. “We have to address the short-term needs of the people before we can talk about the long-term,” she said. Meanwhile, she also made an appeal to the national government to speed up the provincial government’s request for the utilization of felled and uprooted timbers during the typhoon Pablo. This massive resource, valued at billons of pesos said Governor Malanyaon is enough to cover all the rehabilitation programs of the province. “If these can be donated to one agency that is going to dispose of it and have it all translated into cash, that would be enough resources that can cover all rehabilitation efforts in the province,” she said. ( Karen Lou Deloso, PIO)


DILG holds BNEO seminar-workshopBy Claro A. Lanipa

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – To make the newly elected barangay officials effective and efficient in performing their duties and responsibilities, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with the municipal government here and the Liga ng mga Barangay has scheduled a series of seminar-workshops to be conducted from Jan. 20-29, 2014 at the Glupa Gulian Agro-Tourism Park, Barangay Kahayagan this town.


Dubbed “seminar-workshop for Barangay Newly Elected Officials (BNEO),” the activity would be conducted in three batches of barangay leaders from the 28 barangays in the municipality with topics on effective leadership, personality development, and full disclosure policy and seal of good housekeeping. Resource speakers include Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr. who would talk on effective leadership; Emma Albarico, chief, Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) of DILG-9 on personality development; Dumalinao town Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) Johanne Rodrigo and Pitogo town MLGOO Alfredo Angon on full disclosure policy/seal of good housekeeping. The municipal government department heads are also assigned to discuss barangay budgeting, finance, treasury issues and concerns, barangay development planning, health program, barangay disaster risk reduction and management, and

solid waste management program. The participants would also be taught basic barangay legislation by Tony Amor while Dr. Minda S. Castillo of the Department of Education (DepED) would apprise them of certain education programs. The last day of the training would be devoted to the formulation of Barangay Agenda for Governance and Development (BAGAD) Formulation with MLGOO Mario Baterna of this municipality as facilitator. Barangays Bantal, Balukbahan, Balumbonan, Canoayan, Canacon, Datagan, Deporehan, Liba, Matin-ao and Sigacad made up the first batch of training participants while the second batch came from barangays Baking, Camp Blessing, Dagum, Dimalinao, Kanipaan, Matun-og, Supon, Pulang Bato and San Isidro. The third batch comprises barangays Bobuan, Damit, Depase, Depore, Dipili, Lamare, Poblacion, Salawagan and Kahayagan. (Bernadine Gabawan, MIO-Bayog)


TDPC essential partner in promoting peace and security, says military officialBy Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – “The Tabak Defense Press Corps (TDPC) is a vital partner in the promotion of peace and prosperity in our area of responsibility.” This was the statement of Capt. Jefferson Somera, outgoing Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, during the election of TPDC officers for calendar year 2014-2015 held recently at the regional office of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in this city. “Without them the programs and activities of the 1ID will not be materialized,” he said adding “the TPDC has greatly contributed to the

successful implementation of the division’s successful implementation of its programs especially the Internal Peace Security Plan or ‘BAYANIHAN’ campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).” “We are certain that the Philippine Army could not effectively implement its programs sans active support and cooperation of TDPC,” Somera said quoting 1st Infantry Tabak division commander MajGen.


Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. as saying. Somera also received a plaque of commendation from outgoing TPDC President Leah Agonoy in recognition of his unwavering and steadfast support to the organization during his incumbency as DPAO chief since April 2013. Agonoy said the TDPC commended Somera for his admirable leadership as DPAO chief and for strengthening relationship between 1ID and TDPC by providing assistance in doing coverage of various events, conducting live interviews, disseminating press releases, holding sports fest, fellowship gatherings, etc. “This is the first time that TDPC gave a commendation to DPAO chief. We hope that the award will serve as an inspiration for him to improve his performance in the Philippine Army,” Agonoy emphatically said. TFDP Director Vic del Pilar said the group was impressed with Somera’s leadership in that what he had done to the group was unsurpassed. “He always listened

to our suggestions and he acted swiftly on our problems,” del Pilar stressed. Somera has served the 1ID for about eight years and six months and is now reassigned at 5th ID at Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM). Meanwhile, the newly elected TDPC officers were: President – Ellen C. Ajijul (GMA7-ZamPen), vice president for electronic media – Jeesrel Himang (dxWO) , vice president for broadcast – Joan Guangco (dxBZ), Vice Pesident for Print - Charnyl Albararacin (Hardline News), Secretary – Gideon Corgue (PIA9) and Board of Directors: Noemi Edaga (PIA9), Vic Del Pilar (Hardline News), Albert Sumalpong (dxBZ), Audee Hampong (GMA7-Zampen) and Leah Agonoy -(City Press Bureau) The officers will take their oath on Feb. 15 before Major General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. at the 1st Infantry Tabak Division headquarters, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Date post:	10-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	pia-mindanao
View:	239 times
Download:	12 times

One Mindanao - January 27, 2014

Documents