One Mindanao - January 29, 2012

2 Sunday, January 29, 2012ONE MINDANAO

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

Northern Mindanao

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN)

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Today’s issue... Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 168

Removal of ARAS benefits more than 300,000 GSIS pensioners

CARESS IX holds election of officers for 2012-2014

ECCD benefits thousand of pre-schoolers in Ozamiz City

DOH-ARMM to start rehab work on PRO-ARMM hospital

May P9 M na pondo para sa pag-aayos ng kalsada sa bayan ng Tupi – DBM

Alfonso T. Ruda,Western Mindanao

Alma L. Tingcang,Western Mindanao

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

14

16DA pours multi-million agri projects in Caraga

Aurell P. Arais, Caraga Region19

Malacañang thanks U.N. representative for positive feedback on government efforts to address flood victims in Northern Mindanao

10

Proposal to improve the Laguindingan Airport Road Interchange Project gets RDC-X nod

Northern Mindanao

Gov’t boosts nature protection drive 20

9

13

17

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

Managing Editor ……......... ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

Associate Editors ……....... NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

Copy Editors ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

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

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

EDITORIAL BOARD

Cover Story

Celebrating nature’s bountiful

wealth in Maitum’s 5th

Bangsi Festival

CT ApelacioCentral Mindanao

Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 168


CARESS IX holds election of officers for 2012-2014

ECCD benefits thousand of pre-schoolers in Ozamiz City

DOH-ARMM to start rehab work on PRO-ARMM hospital

Perlita Changco, Central Mindanao

May P9 M na pondo para sa pag-aayos ng kalsada sa bayan ng Tupi – DBM

Ac Agad, Central Mindanao

Alma L. Tingcang,Western Mindanao

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

22

24

27

page 4

DA pours multi-million agri projects in CaragaAurell P. Arais, Caraga Region


Proposal to improve the Laguindingan Airport Road Interchange Project gets RDC-X nod

Northern Mindanao

28

Gov’t boosts nature protection drive MUC, Caraga Region

22

28

32


Cover StoryCelebrating nature’s bountiful wealth in Maitum’s 5th Bangsi Festival

Maitum’s 5th Bangsi Festival offered more fun this year as it opened Thursday (Jan 26) to celebrate the bountiful wealth of the sea and

the lush forest that Mother Nature endowed to the town.

by CT Apelacio

5 Sunday, January 29, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Maitum is one of the seven municipalities of Sarangani that has advanced itself as one of the promising tourist destinations of the province so far. The event kicked off with coastal clean up at Yabes beach a day before it started, said municipal accountant and information officer Beth Ramos. According to her, the theme, “Yamang Dagat Pahalagahan, Kalikasan Pangalagaan” was timely considering the need to protect the environment nowadays. “Kung di natin protektahan ang karagatan, there’ll be no festival to celebrate anymore kasi wala ng mahuhuling bangsi (flying fish)---and this of course includes first and foremost the protection and preservation of the upland environment,” she said. Bangsi Festival is celebrated annually to “honor the fisherfolk.” Maitum’s coastal communities are engaged in fish capture mainly flying fish which is abundant in the area to eke out a decent standard of living. Ramos said bangsi is a leading product of the town. “In fact it is Maitum’s

One Town One Product (OTOP) for a long time now making the municipality a top producer of marinated flying fish, locally known as bulad, in SOCCSKSARGEN.” As OTOP area, Maitum produces in large scale the so-called “marinated and half dried flying fish,” a value-added by-product that provides lucrative income to coastal residents as the brand turned “popular pasalubong and breakfast fare” for travelers and excursionists. Ramos said almost all coastal house-holds—thousands of them “depend on bangsi industry” for livelihood. She said it’s usually the women or the wives who are involved in fish drying and marinating while their men or husbands are into fishing. In an article he wrote last year, Sarangani provincial information officer Serafin Ramos said Maitum’s coastal communities “offer high economic potential due to the abundant catch of flying fish, availability of local skills in fish processing, and unique technology on marinating fish being practiced by residents.” On Friday (Jan 27), the culmination day, residents and festival guests basked at


a ton of fresh flying fish distributed for the bangsi street grilling (Sugba-sugba sa Dalan) held at the town’s main road. Records peg the annual average catch of bangsi at 600 tons more or less. Sarangani photojournalist Cocoy Sexcion said the “guests and visitors were enjoined to grill and eat all they can for free.” Not to be left behind were Governor Migs Dominguez and Congressman Manny Pacquiao who joined town officials in the celebration, allowing themselves to be greatly enthused by festival funfare along with ordinary Maitumians. The finale even more sizzled with street dancing showdown as it was finally cued to start. Spectators---residents and local tourists alike-- crowded the municipal gymnasium just to feast on the multihued contingents performing and challenging each other for the win. The dancing troupers from Edenton Mission College, Incorporated-college department bagged the first prize toppling other contenders with their jazzy performance. The first runner-up title was awarded to the high school department of the same school. Another noteworthy highlight of the festival was the Maitum Photo Safari, now on its 8-year of capturing the rich culture and heritage of Maitum. Organizer Beth Ramos described her brain-child project photo safari contest as “stable.” “It’s already institutionalized and continuously growing with the assistance of friends from here and abroad,” she said proudly. The renowned photo contest has helped lots of emerging as well as professional local photojournalists as far as Davao City to bring out the best in them. Other notable activities of the festival included the Sand Sculpture, Lumba Bugsay/Langoy; SME’s Showcase/Trade Fair; Drum and Lyre Competition; Ms. Teen Maitum 2012; Bangsi Amazing Race;


Aquatic Dance Contest; Bangsi Cooking Contest; Slowest Drag Race; and Disco sa Kalye/Community Night. Maitum is one of the seven municipalities of Sarangani that has advanced itself as one of the promising tourist destinations of the province so far. The event kicked off with coastal clean up at Yabes beach a day before it started, said municipal accountant and information officer Beth Ramos. According to her, the theme, “Yamang Dagat Pahalagahan, Kalikasan Pangalagaan” was timely considering the need to protect the environment nowadays. “Kung di natin protektahan ang karagatan, there’ll be no festival to celebrate anymore kasi wala ng mahuhuling bangsi (flying fish)---and this of course includes first and foremost the protection and preservation of the upland environment,” she said. Bangsi Festival is celebrated annually to “honor the fisherfolk.” Maitum’s coastal communities are engaged in fish capture mainly flying fish which is abundant in the area to eke out a decent standard of living. Ramos said bangsi is a leading product of the town. “In fact it is Maitum’s One Town One Product (OTOP) for a long

time now making the municipality a top producer of marinated flying fish, locally known as bulad, in SOCCSKSARGEN.” As OTOP area, Maitum produces in large scale the so-called “marinated and half dried flying fish,” a value-added by-product that provides lucrative income to coastal residents as the brand turned “popular pasalubong and breakfast fare” for travelers and excursionists. Ramos said almost all coastal households—thousands of them “depend on bangsi industry” for livelihood. She said it’s usually the women or the wives who are involved in fish drying and marinating while their men or husbands are into fishing. In an article he wrote last year, Sarangani provincial information officer Serafin Ramos said Maitum’s coastal communities “offer high economic potential due to the abundant catch of flying fish, availability of local skills in fish processing, and unique technology on marinating fish being practiced by residents.” On Friday (Jan 27), the culmination day, residents and festival guests basked at a ton of fresh flying fish distributed for the bangsi street grilling (Sugba-sugba sa Dalan) held at the town’s main road. Records peg the annual average catch


of bangsi at 600 tons more or less. Sarangani photojournalist Cocoy Sexcion said the “guests and visitors were enjoined to grill and eat all they can for free.” Not to be left behind were Governor Migs Dominguez and Congressman Manny Pacquiao who joined town officials in the celebration, allowing themselves to be greatly enthused by festival funfare along with ordinary Maitumians. The finale even more sizzled with street dancing showdown as it was finally cued to start. Spectators---residents and local tourists alike-- crowded the municipal gymnasium just to feast on the multihued contingents performing and challenging each other for the win. The dancing troupers from Edenton Mission College, Incorporated-college department bagged the first prize toppling other contenders with their jazzy performance. The first runner-up title was awarded to the high school department of the same school. Another noteworthy highlight of the festival was the Maitum Photo Safari, now on its 8-year of capturing the rich culture and heritage of Maitum. Organizer Beth Ramos described her brainchild project photo safari contest as “stable.” “It’s already institutionalized and continuously growing with the assistance of friends from here and abroad,” she said proudly. The renowned photo contest has helped lots of emerging as well as professional local photojournalists as far as Davao City to bring out the best in them. Other notable activities of the festival

included the Sand Sculpture, Lumba Bug-say/Langoy; SME’s Showcase/Trade Fair; Drum and Lyre Competition; Ms. Teen Mai-tum 2012; Bangsi Amazing Race; Aquatic Dance Contest; Bangsi Cooking Contest; Slowest Drag Race; and Disco sa Kalye/Community Night.


President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead

ceremonies for the 2011 Gawad Pook Awards that will be held in Malacañang on Monday, January 30, 2012.

ACROSS THE NATION

He will be joined by Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Galing Pook National Selection Committee chair Rafael Coscolluela, and Galing Pook Foundation chair-person Nieves Confesor.

The Galing Pook Awards, which began in 1993, is an annual search for the best governance programs across the na-tion.

A stringent screening and

judging

process looks at positive results and impact, people’s participation and empowerment, innovation, efficiency of program service delivery, and transferability and sustainability.

This year’s Galing Pook awardees were chosen for providing innovative solutions to disaster response, community-based funeral services, increasing public participation in governance, creating model

communities, boosting an agricultural economy, e n v i r o n m e n t a l management, and improving health services.

At least 150 local government units (LGUs) have been awarded, involving more than 240 programs covering health care, peacekeeping, livelihood, housing and a variety of issues. (RCK)

Aquino to lead Galing Pook 2011 Award ceremonies in Malacañang Monday



Malacañang on Sunday thanked the special

representative for disaster risk reduction sent by the United Nations for her positive feedback on the services rendered by the government to address the plight of the flood victims in Northern Mindanao.

Margareta Wahlstrom, head of the Geneva-based UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, was quoted in a newspaper report commending the Philippine government as well as non-government organizations, church and civil society groups on what she described as “very good and prompt response” in the aftermath of tropical

storm Sendong.

Wahlstrom visited Ca-gayan de Oro and Ili-gan—the two cities that suffered the most dam-ages and casualties—last January 24 to 27 at about the same time President Benigno S. Aquino III spearheaded the shel-ter-building communities there.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte welcomed Wahl-strom’s positive remarks, saying that this shows us the value of cooperation

not only between the local and national governments but the private sectors as well.

Wahlstrom specifically cited the NGO’s plan of actions for the survivors of the flashfloods, calling it an “impressive work”.

“Ito lang po ‘yung isang example na…kapag lahat po tayo nagko-cooperate sa isa’t isa—nandiyan ang private sector, nandyan po a n g


national at local government. Kaya nagpapasalamat naman po tayo na nagkakaroon naman ng magandang feedback—hindi lang sa response ng pamahalaan kundi sa response po nating lahat,” Valte said.

In his visit to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities last Wednesday, President Aquino assured those who survived the onslaught

of typhoon Send-ong that the

govern-

ment will not stop un-til their lives are back to normal again.

“Hindi po tayo makaka-payag na laging nasa bingit ng alanganin at naglalaro sa dehado ang kaligtasan ni Juan dela Cruz. Sa tulong ng mga katuwang na ahensiya, ti-nitiyak natin na ang bawat inisyatibang ating ipinap-atupad ay hindi lamang panandaliang tugon, hin-di lamang paunang-lunas na bukas-makalawa ay isa nang problema; bag-kus mga pangmataga-

lang solusyon,” the Presi-dent said in a speech at Barangay Sta. Elena in Iligan City.

The government has allocated over P300-million courtesy of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Quick Response Fund and the National Housing Authority to subsidize over 5,000 housing units for the benefit of the flood victims. (HDC)


ALABEL, Sarangani – Board Member Virgilio Clark Tobias (2nd right), representing Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, hands over farming tools to the officers and members of Federation of Sarangani Coffee Growers in partnership with Strengthening Technological Advancement for Reforms Project under the office of the Vice Governor, Office of the Provincial Agriculture and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office. (Alvin Gler)

Farming tools for Sarangani coffee farmers

Photo Release


LGU helps upgrade state U’s laboratory facilitiesby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY-- Soccsksargen Region’s largest state university would soon be upgrading its mobile laboratories with help from the provincial government of North Cotabato.

Just recently, Gov. Emmylou “Lala” J. Tal-iño-Mendoza and Dr. Jesus Antonio Derije, president of the Univer-sity of Southern Mind-anao (USM), which has its main campus in Ka-bacan town, North Co-tabato signed a memo-randum of agreement for the upgrading of the latter’s Mobile Vet Clinic and Agriculture Mobile Laboratory.

With the MOA, the provincial commits to give P4 million to the state university for the enhancement of the said laboratories that would guarantee low cost neighborhood health clinic for animals and livestock as well as expert technical assis-tance for farmers.

The mobile veteri-nary clinic, managed by USM’s College of

Veterinary Medicine is equipped with state-of-art amenities. It is be-ing upgraded to become an outreach facility of the college and its stu-dents throughout the province and shall of-fer convenient ambula-tory clinic that provides health care services to animals, pets, livestock, and poultry.

It will also be fur-nished with necessary


tools, supplies, and equipment for animal and livestock outpatient services.

Once upgraded, the clinic will have improved capacities to provide free physical exams, vaccinations, dental care, parasite control treatments, as well as diagnostic procedures including ultrasound, blood, urine and fecal testing for animals with the same high quality and complete health-care as in a complete

veterinary clinic.USM’s agriculture

mobile laboratory pro-gram intends to provide diagnostic services for the nutritional manage-ment of oil palm, rubber and other crops.

Besides offering technical assistance to farmers regarding in-terpretation of labora-tory analyses results, it shall also educate farm-ers on the appropriate fertilizer requirement of high-value commercial crops in different soil

types.The mobile laboratory

will also provide proce-dural instructions about the production technol-ogy of crops included within the program.

While all other servic-es shall be given free of charge, laboratory anal-ysis shall be paid based on prevailing charges of the university.

Half of the amount, which will be charged against the provin-cial government’s 20% General Funds, will be


used for the veterinary clinic while the remain-ing P2 million will used for the agri laboratory.

Unless earlier re-voked, the agreement binds both parties into a partnership in provid-ing relevant services for three years.

USM is a premiere state institution of learning with a regular

enrolment of 9,000 to 12,000 students.

Besides providing instruction services, the university is also known for its research, extension and production services being home of two national research and development center: the University of South Mindanao Agricultural

Research Center and the Philippine Industrial Crops Research Institute.

It conducts research, development and extension services on agricultural crops such as rice, corn, fruit crops, rubber, palm oil, coffee , root crops and many others as well as on poultry and livestock.

DOH-ARMM to start rehab work on PRO-ARMM hospitalby Perlita Changco

COTABATO CITY- Three years after the official request was made in 2009, rehabilitation of the hospital inside the Police Regional Office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM) will finally start in February, Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, Jr., regional secretary of the Department of Health-ARMM, announced on Wednesday.

Sinolinding said, DOH-ARMM and PRO-ARMM

have signed a memo-randum of agreement

for the rehabilitation, upgrading and expan-sion of the hospital in-side the police camp at Parang, Maguindanao. This is being funded un-der the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the Department of Health.

With the initial fund-ing of P10 million, reha-bilation work will include face-lifting, upgrading of equipment as well as construction of addition-al structures to convert


the health facility into a 29-bed and second level hospital when complet-ed, Sinolinding said.

Through partnership, Sinolinding said, reha-bilitation and upgrading of government hospi-tals and health facilities in different areas is part of the agency‘s efforts aimed at improving ac-cess to basic healthcare and medical services throughout the country.

“As part of our ef-forts to access improved health care and medi-cal services sa ating mga kababayan sa re-hiyon, nakikipagtulun-gan tayo sa PNP para sa rehabilitasyon, ma-up-grade iyung equipment at paslidad ng ospital at kung kinakailangan ay madagdagan ng ibang structure upang magig-ing 29-bed at second level ito na nasa loob ng

PRO-ARMM sa bayan ng Parang,” Sinolinding said.

Sinolinding said, the MOA stipulates that the hospital will not only be open to the members of the PNP and their im-mediate family and de-pendents but would also cater and give priority to the medical and health care needs of civilians especially the indigents. (pbchangco/PIA Cota-bato City)

May P9 M na pondo para sa pag-aayos ng kalsada sa bayan ng Tupi – DBMKORONADAL CITY-- Mahigit P9 milyon pondo ang ibinigay ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM) para sa rehabilitasyon ng Cebuano-Linan- Miasong farm-to-market road (FMR) sa bayan ng Tupi sa South Cotabato.

Ayon kay Tupi Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. malaking tulong ang pondo para sa pag-aayos ng kalsadang nag-uugnay sa sentro ng bayan at sa Barangay Miasong, ang itinuturing na “vegetable bowl” ng South Cotabato.

Mahalaga aniya para sa mga magsasaka ng barangay na kaagad madala sa mga bagsakan center ang kanilang aning gulay, kung kaya’t pinasalamatan

ng punong bayan ang napapanahong paglabas ng pondo ng DBM sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) upang kaagad ding masimulan ang rehabilitasyon ng nabanggit na kalsada.

Mahigit 80% ng mga gulay na ibinibenta sa mga malalaking pamilihan at mga ‘wet market’ ng mga malls sa lalawigan ng South Cotabato at Sarangani, at maging sa Lungsod ng

Heneral Santos ay produkto ng Barangay Miasong.

Sa pamamagitan ng 24-kilometrong Cebuano-Linan-Miasong FMR ang dating halos dalawang oras na biyahe ay magiging isang oras na lamang, at ito ayon kay mayor Tamayo ay malaking tulong din sa pag-unlad ng umaabot sa 300 ektaryang sakahan ng gulay ng Barangay Miasong. (Ac Agad)


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Caraganon OFWs confident to make well-informed decisions after attending PDOS

More than 200 Caraganon-Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), especially the Household Service Workers, are ready to make well-informed decisions and are equipped with skills necessary for their work

abroad after joining the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA) 4-day Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS).

by Ritchel F. Molero


According to OFW Emily Villarin, a PDOS participant under the 7th batch, she can not deny the fact that she felt fear after she learned the realities and hardships in work-ing abroad. Neverthe-less, it wouldn’t stop her from working in Dubai as Household Service Worker. “For me, the learn-ing I gained at PDOS is a double edged weap-on. It causes me to fear but it also gives me con-fidence that in times of difficulties and prob-lems I can make well-informed decisions,” Villarin stressed.

The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar aims to guide, clarify and equip the Cara-ganon Household Ser-vice Workers abroad regarding but not lim-ited to the following: reality check, values reintegration, basic understanding regard-ing contracts, knowing your rights, HIV, STI and STD prevention, OWWA’s programs and services, language and culture in the Middle East, saving for the future, what to bring, do’s and don’ts, among others. During the past few years, it has been

observed that most of the Caraganon-OFWs were obliged by their agencies to attend PDOS in the country’s key cities like Cebu, Davao and Manila which is very costly and hassle for the OFWs and their families. In response, OW-WA-Caraga headed by Officer-in-Charge Marieta A. Lumawag, lobbied to conduct PDOS in Butuan City and has officially pro-duced 27 graduates from its First Batch of PDOS participants on September 9, 2011. Meanwhile, on January 27, 2012 an-other Thirty-eight (38) HHSW are set to receive their Cer-tificate of Completion from OWWA after finishing the 1-day Orientation Seminar and 3-day Language and Culture Training of the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar. (OWWA-13/PIA-Caraga)


DA pours multi-million agri projects in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY -- Around 35 million worth of various farm inputs and implements had been turned over by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during his regional engagement here in Caraga Region to boost production in the region.

Recipients of such inputs and implements were the five provinces of Caraga Region, namely: Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte and in-cluding the cities of Ca-badbaran, Surigao, Bayu-gan, Tandag, Bislig and Butuan. Inputs and imple-ments includes farm trac-tors, green houses, irri-gation equipment, power sprayers, small ruminants, planting materials, coffee de-huller, fingerlings and fishing paraphernalia, fer-tilizers and more.

Also included are funding support to farm to market roads, diver-sion dam, potable water system, various livelihood projects under Mindanao Rural Development Pro-gram (MRDP), counter-part for establishment of liquid nitrogen plant and computer with accesso-ries. Aside from proj-ects already turned over, some supports were pro-grammed for 2012 and 2013. The said farm inputs and implements were handed over by Secre-tary Alcala to the respec-

tive LGU chief executives during the farmers’ fo-rum which was held re-cently in Patin-ay, Agu-san del Sur; Surigao City, Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte and Agriculture and Fisheries Council Congress (AFC) here in Butuan City. Alcala during his early part of leadership as agriculture secretary devoted his time to visit all regions in the country and Caraga became one of his favorite destina-tions to reach out farmers as well as local govern-ment officials. (RAFID DA-13/PIA-Caraga)

by Aurell P. Arais


In his directive to all regional directors, city, and provincial envi-ronment and natural re-sources officers, DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, said “environment preservation and forest protection must be re-doubled and all violators must be put to jail”. Paje reiterated

again Sunday his appeal to all local government officials to revisit the geohazard maps distrib-uted by the agency and institute mitigating mea-sures to shield communi-ties from danger.He also asked the local officials to cease from further issuing small-scale mining (SSM) per-

mits as the DENR no lon-ger issues environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for SSM. Paje sounded off the appeal in the wake of the Pantukan landslide, which has already report-edly claimed 30 lives as of press time while many are still missing. “I want you to close

Gov’t boosts nature protection drive

BUTUAN CITY -- Deeply concerned regarding the series of calamities that brought flood waters and landslides, the Aquino administration, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), stepped up the government’s environment preservation and forest protection without any preservation, and also pushed the “greening” program in Mindanao.


ranks and I also want you to closely coordi-nate with your respec-tive local officials in the strict implementation of forestry laws, rules and regulations,” said Paje, in his directive to his DENR field officials. Just recently, the anti-illegal logging task force of Region Xlll DENR Regional Executive Di-rector Leonardo R. Sib-baluca apprehended 1, 723 pieces of illegally-cut logs of mix dipterocarp and miscellaneous spe-cies along the giant Agu-san river. The said seized for-est products are now de-posited at DENR Moni-toring Station in Bit-os, Butuan City, ready for

donation to Depar tment of Education (DepEd) for school materi-als. On the other hand, DENR Region-11 Di-rector Jim O. Sampulna also reported the region’s task

force confiscated a total of 4,319 cubic meters of illegally sourced or trans-ported forest products with an estimated market value of 19,652,264.97. Part of the seized items were donated to the DepED-11for the manufacture of school armchairs, desks, teach-ers’ table, and other school facilities. In another devel-opment, the Land Man-agement Service (LMS) of the DENR-11 has ap-proved some 4,964 New Residential Free Patent ti-tles covering about 81.49 hectares in the Southern Mindanao region. Following its full implementation of Re-

public Act (RA) 10023 or the New Residential Free Patent Act, LMS-11 has approved a total of 1,332 NRFPs in Davao Oriental, while 1,001 in Davao del Norte. While the approved titles in Compostela Val-ley reached to 1,429, and there were 1,202 new ti-tles in Davao del Sur and Davao City.The LMS has targeted a total of 6,627 Residential Free Patent titles for the whole region in 2012. Sampulna has in-structed Regional Tech-nical Director of Lands Management Service Of-fice to hit their target ac-cording to a time frame, and also to coordinate closely with the local government units (LGUs) regarding RA 10023. “The LGUs should help the DENR in inform-ing their constituents about this law so that whoever is qualified to apply can get their land title with a very minimum expense,” added Sam-pulna. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)


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Manila LCC Team visits Basilan for project assessment

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

T he Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) team from Manila visited Isabela City recently to conduct monitoring on the implementation of the LCC radio program dubbed “Literacy

para sa kaunlaran,” an advocacy radio program in Basilan.


Dr. Norma Salcedo , Head, Secretariat –LCC together with Dr. Milagros Ibe, consultant-LCC and two others from Philippine Information Agency (PIA) central office distributed questionnaires to selected radio listeners, guests, anchor and co-anchor of the said radio program to assess what needs to be improved or strengthened in the implementation of the LCC radio program in the area. “Literacy para sa kaunlaran” is a two hour radio program jointly implemented by the LCC and PIA region 9, aired over dxNO 97.5 FM Radio Comunidad every Sunday, 1:00pm to 3:00pm in Basilan with PIA Information Center (ICM) Manager-ZamBaSulTa, Felipo David Malcampo and Mona Rossana Muctar of Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. as program anchors. Malcampo said the radio program aims at helping bring about change on the traditional perception and understanding on the issue of literacy; on the stakeholders’ decision-making and behavior towards literacy-related concerns and to galvanize support to existing literacy-related programs and jump start the establishment and institutionalization of functional literacy programs and activities in the province of Basilan. The radio program started airing over dxNO November of last year and will have its final episode sometime in February, this year. “We are on our seventh epi-sode of the program and we hope to finish the remaining episodes by


February,” Malcampo was quoted as saying. LCC is the country’s policy making and advisory body mandated by RA 7165 to coordinate all efforts relative to the universalization of literacy in the country. LCC is continuously “burning candle,” working tough for the realization of its vision as the “lead agency tasked to formulate policies and coordinate national efforst towards the development of literacy

skills for lifelong learning in a global society/community.” An inter-agency body, it has eight members: the Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Normal University, National Economic and Development Authority, Senate, House of Representatives and the Non-Government Organization sector involved in literacy. (JPA/PIA)


www.pinoylife.jp

The ARAS which was

the requirement previously imposed by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to the pensioners to ensure the continued receipt of their pensions was removed last May 1, 2011. Because of the omision of ARAS, GSIS local pensioners need not go to the GSIS offices and line up at the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing (GWAPS) kiosks on their birth month every year.

“We don’t want to subject our local pensioners to any inconvenience given their old age and fragile state of health,” GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara. Instead of requiring the pensioners to appear in the GSIS, the pension fund has forged a partnership with the National Statistics Office and

the Local Civil Registry to determine the status of GSIS pensioners. However, Vergara, pointed out that pensioners living abroad are still required to renew their active status via video call or through Skype, a web-based software that allows users to call, free of charge, through the Internet. Along with the removal of the ARAS, the GSIS has renewed its partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) as an alternative servicing bank for its


DIPOLOG CITY - More than 300,000 old-age and survivorship pensioners have benefitted from the removal of Annual Renewal of Active Status (ARAS).

by Alfonso T. Ruda


CARESS IX holds election of officers for 2012-2014PAGADIAN CITY - The Chinese community’s observance of the water dragon year on Monday, January 23, 2012 marked the welcoming of the Committed and Active Regional Employees For Solidarity and Service IX (CARESS IX), as the duly recognized rank and file union of the Department of Labor and Employment – Zamboanga Peninsula Region held its election for the new set of officers for 2012-2014.

Jazmin “Jazz” O. Cinco won with only a small edge of victory over an old time union officer. COMELEC Chair Josephine B. Sanchez, with members Ma. Rene-lia M. Hamoy and Anavic S. Cordova proclaimed the winners together with Henry P. Tianero, Vice President-External; Maricita “Mari” J. Baird, Vice President-Internal; Dovie Wee, Secretary; Pilar T. Salazar, Treasur-er; Patrick Joseph “PJ”

by Alma L. Tingcang

members and pensioners. “Aside from the Union Bank’s Network, both our pensioners and active members now have the option to use for their GSIS transactions, LANDBANK’s nearly 1,000 Automated Teller Machines have been deployed across the country, 70 percent of which are in the provinces,” Vergara said. The GSIS has also installed nearly 500 additional GWAPs kiosks nationwide where pensioners can

check their records and apply for pension loans. In November last year, the GSIS deployed 10 kiosks inside the Robinsons Mall Lingkod Pinoy Center, under a partnership with the Robinsons Land Corporation. “The New Board and Manage-ment commit to continue to find ways so we can provide the most respon-sive service to our 1.7 million mem-bers and pensioners,” Vergara said. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)


dela Cruz, Auditor and Fort Magsayo as PIO. Outgoing DOLE Regional Director Ponciano M. Ligutom, whose new assignment will be in Region VI - Iloilo congratulated the new set of officers after the proclamation before the union members who attended the Session for the Amendments of the CARESS IX Constitution and By-Laws. The session was convened to keep abreast with changes and recent developments relevant to and among union members, as well as to bolster unionism among rank and file employees. Engr. Wesley D. Tan, Out-

going CARESS IX Union President and now OIC of Isabela City Field Office presided over the session for amendments. “Said amendments will be posted in due time for auxiliary perusal before it will be submitted for ratification,” Tan said. The despedida and turnover of the new OIC RD for Region 9 Sisinio B. Cano and OIC ARD Vir-ginia L. Bonbon was held at Zalos Restaurant and Music Bar at Camins Street, Zamboanga City. Philippine Information Agency 9 Regional Di-rector Noemi B. Edaga was among the attendees of the occasion. (JPA/ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)


Paraisong Pambata: Iligan’s biggest kids partyby Lorry V. Gabule

Around 2,500 kids from the evacuation centers and affected communities wrought by Tropical Storm Sendong celebrated Iligan City’s biggest kids party, Jan. 25.

A child about to blow his candle on the cup cake he is holding during the Paraisong Pambata event where 2,500 kids, victims of TS Sendong, celebrated their birthday in one arena at the MSU-IIT gymnasium simultaneous with the commemoration of the birth of former President Corazon C. Aquino, who fought for the country’s democracy through the EDSA People Power Revolution. (by: Irma Boza)


The children who survived the typhoon Sendong catastrophy were gathered at the gymnasium of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) in the afternoon to celebrate the day’s activity dubbed as Paraisong Pambata. “We aimed at making them feel young again as every child in the gym celebrate their birthday today,” explained Undersecretary Jose Mari Oquinena, Presidential Communication Operations Office for Special Concerns (PCOO). “Isang pa-birthday namin sa lahat ng bata na naging biktima ng Bagyong Sendong ang maranasan nila na maging bata uli, maglaro dito sa paraiso na lahat sa paligid ay mga bata (This is a birthday treat celebration to all children who survived Typhoon Sendong, let them experience to be young again in a paradise where you can find children playing around),” added Oquinena. On the same day also marked the 79th commemoration of the birth of President Benigno S. Aquino’s mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino, who took courage to regain the country’s democracy through People Power Revolution. The children were so happy holding a colorful balloon and a

cupcake with a lighted candle on it as they sang a birthday song dedicated to the late President Aquino. Each child felt the day with excitement as they blew the candle after singing. On top of the guests in the kid’s party were President Aquino’s sister, Zeil Aquino Dee, accompanied by Gina Cruz, wife of Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz. Dee greeted all the children a happy birthday and offered a prayer of thanks to all children with their families who were saved while a prayer was also offered to those confirmed 704 dead as Sendong stroke the area. Amazed by the presence of mascot characters like Jollibee, Hetty and Mr. Yum, of the Jollibee Food chain, the children nevertheless had diverted their attention from the flash flood devastation, to looking at the exotic dance performed by the mascots where they later joined in front dancing to the tune of latest hit sound. Jollibee, Hetty and Mr. Yum greeted the children warmly, gave them a hug, and children had opportune time to have photos with them. Other than food, the children were also given school supplies, the much-needed assistance as they go back to school.


ECCD benefits thousand of pre-schoolers in Ozamiz City by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - At least 3,188 pre-schoolers in Ozamiz City were benefited by the implementation of the Child Welfare Program under the Early Child Care Development (ECCD) of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD), here, last year.

These children were enrolled and attended the sessions of the Day Care Centers of the city. Ludie Salud A. Raras, CSWDO, said. Of this number, 1,275 or 39.99 percent of the children were recipients of the Healthy Start Feeding/Supplementary Feeding Program, whose funding is sourced from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), region 10. About 2,155 or 67.59 percent of them were also recipients of the Food for School Feeding Program while 1,082 or 33,94 percent of them were recognized 67 day care centers, last April 2011. Raras also said some 80 Day Care Workers were trained on the Day Care Workers Skills Enhancement on ECCD conducted in coordination with La Salle University, Ozamiz City. Meanwhile, 70 Day Care Centers participated in the National Children’s Month celebration with the theme: “Local Council for the Protection of Children Para sa Bright Child Pakilusin, Palakasin, Pagtutulongan.” Activities of the celebration included the hanging of streamers, conduct of opening mass attended by 1,030 pre schoolers and 1,080 parents/guardians, visitation to the Lanao del Norte ECCD Centers and field visits to

other ECCD centers in the province. Another activity was the Palarong Pambata and coronation of the Mr. and Ms. Universe at the DCC in Barangays Tinago, Lam-an, Labo and Gango, conduct of dental check-up and “open house” of the respective DCC’s. The Day Care Workers of Ozamiz also attended the DCW Congress at the Provincial Capitol in Oroquieta City where the following laws/topics were discussed:Children related laws and ordinance, importance of food fortification, proper nutrition, environmental sanitation and salient features of the Comprehensive Children’s Welfare Code of Misamis Occidental, Raras added.


Proposal to improve the Laguindingan Airport Road Interchange Project gets RDC-X nodTANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental – The Regional Development Council, region 10, has approved the proposal to improve the Butuan-Cagayan-Iligan Road (BCIR) Junction Laguindingan Airport Road (LAR), in Laguindingan town, Misamis Oriental.

“The proposal is actually a change in the design of the proposed LAR Interchange,” said Ozamiz City Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez, Chairperson of the RDC-X Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (RIUDC), who presented the proposal, during the RDC-X full council meeting, here, last month. Endorsed per RIUDC Resolution No. 40, series of 2011, dated June 28, last year, the LAR Interchange Project

involves the construction of 2.0 km., 6-lane road interchange to and from the Laguindingan Airport to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City. Components of the project include the road construction worth Php100 million and road right of way (RROW) worth Php50 million. Also included are the street lighting and traffic control worth Php50 million and drainage system, also worth Php50 million.(Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob)


Tagum City gives out 19, 211 chairs in 5 months, Panabo and Dujali new recipients

Eva Avira, the president of the parent teachers association

in one elementary school here displayed her biggest smile when she witnessed the unloading of school furniture fabricated by the City Government of Tagum.

On January 26, 2012, at least 286 pieces of armchairs, kiddie chairs and desks were formally turned-over by Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy to East Cabayangan Elementary School and Magupising Elementary School, replacing old


ones in which Mrs. Avira described as not suited to be used by the stu-dents. “It was a relief that finally, swinging chairs will now be replaced with old ones which really make a big impact in the learning of our chil-dren,” she said in vernacular, trying to keep her tears from falling. For School Principal Susan T. Flores, the brand new school fur-niture replacing their dilapidated chairs added weight to their de-sire to deliver quality education, as these materials will truly make their school a conducive learning place. One success factor of achiev-ing that quality education is pro-viding each student a good posture through the recommended size of their chairs or desks, the principal shared. She added that with the status of their old school chairs, that remains a dream. It was true indeed when May-or Uy’s team discovered that their chairs share a common denomina-tor with those of other schools in the region: deteriorating, too dark for an already dark classroom and most are swinging. Good thing, Mrs. Avira and Mrs. Flores muse, is that this will now be a thing of the past. All it took for them to acquire the brand-new school furniture from Tagum was courage and sweat. In two separate dates, the group which included no less than Dujali Mayor Lolita Moral heeded

the call of Mayor Uy to volunteer in sand papering and painting of some of the thousands school furniture at the city’s motorpool—the center of production of chairs made from con-fiscated logs. The workforce man-ning the fabrication section is ca-pable of producing 1,200 pieces of armchairs in a span of seven days. Aside from the two schools in Dujali, Panabo City’s Kaputian and Little Panay Elementary Schools, respectively received 287 pieces of school fixtures last January 25, 2012. Panabo Mayor Jose Silvosa was all praise for the program which he tag as a monumental effort to keep the school children concentrate in their lessons. Now on its fifth month of op-eration, the Care for School Chairs Program has now a record-high 19, 211 pieces of school furniture de-livered in schools in Davao Region as of January 26, 2011, gaining positive comments from all sectors, including to the department which greatly benefited from it. In a brief interview, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Davao del Norte hailed the City Gov-ernment of Tagum led by Mayor Uy for this “very rare and unique pro-gram,” saying that the brand-new chairs will give “convenience” to the students and will be a contributor “to make a comfortable learning en-vironment.” (Tagum CIO, photos by Edwin Lasquite)

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One Mindanao - January 29, 2012

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