One Mindanao - July 2, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive 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 ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior 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

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’Building,AntonioLunaStreetCagayandeOroCity9000TelefaxNo.(08822)72-66-83Telephoneno.(088)856-8178/729-594Cellphoneno.0928-52043050917-3084969E-mail:[email protected][email protected]:www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/FKantoMotorsBldg.,QuimpoBlvd.,NewMatinaDavaoCity8000Telephoneno.(082)297-0991/301-8580Telefaxno.(082)297-0992/304-2044Cellphoneno.0917-7053606/0918-9202950E-mail:[email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.KoronadalCity,SouthCotabato9506Telephoneno.(083)520-0249Telefaxno.(083)228-9736/228-9739/520-0100Cellphoneno.0921-6873373/0928-5204307E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)ViceMayors’LeagueofthePhilippinesBldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephoneno.(085)341-5285/360-1239Telefaxno.(085)341-2370Cellphoneno.0917-7188834Email:[email protected],[email protected],phBlogspot:www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook:PIACaragaUpdates,PIAAgusandelNorte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Cover Story

NFA ensures food security through Ugnayan

Maria Socorro S. MellomidaNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, July 2, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 291

page 4

Palace welcomes sacking of 31 DENR officials 8

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao21 NFA steps up advocacy on iron-fortified rice

25 Apipa P. Bagumbaran, ArmmGun ban in ARMM for a month

149 police recruits scheduled to take oath as trainees27300 vice mayors gather in Butuan for 3rd Mindanao Island Congress28Noel B. Najarro, Caraga Region

Mike P. Limon, Northern Mindanao13 Regions 6, 10 to hold Non-Handicapping Environment

for PWDs forum

14Pat Nano, Northern Mindanao

IPM-DA warns Mis. Occ. farmers of newly discovered pests

7 10 12 15

19 23 31

Eldie N. David, Caraga Region

Nat’l Disaster Consciousness Month kicks off w/ a thousand participants33Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

26

4 Monday, July 2, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StoryNFA ensures food security through Ugnayan

Victoria Real-Duray, Provincial Manager, said NFA is now focused on increased palay procurement, hands on training on grains classification, posting of farmers’ kiosks and post-harvest facilities in far

flung areas, conduct of farmers’ forum, help farmers in selling their produce, and intensification of Iron-Fortified Rice (I-Rice) consumption. “As one of the working hands of the Department of Agriculture (DA), we are helping small rice farmers sell their harvests on time and at a better price. Selling rice produce at NFA is now easier and faster as we are financially strengthened to procure more,” she

by Maria Socorro S. Mellomida

Keeping true to its words that it is

in every grain of rice, the National Food Authority (NFA) has intensified the “Ugnayan” program in the province aimed to ensure rice self-sufficiency and food security.

Monday, July 2, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

said. NFA buys local unmilled rice at P17.70 per kilo. Included in the buying price are the cooperative development incentive fee, drying incentive fee, and delivery incentive fee. Palay procurement made easier and faster NFA has considered changing some of its palay procurement approaches to ensure that more rice farmers will benefit from government

subsidized rice procurement.

Some of these are: 1) Walk-in farmers are now allowed to sell a maximum of 200 bags instead of 100 bags; 2) Simplified requirements for issuance of farmers’ passbook; 3) Issuance of farmers’ passbook is free of charge; 4) Unloading and re-sacking of palay shall be at the expense of NFA and shall not be charged to farmers 5) As much as possible, deliveries shall be paid on the same day. With this, farmers now have been given hope that NFA will buy palay on time and at a better price because previous reports said that the agency has historically been “too little” and “too late”. ‘Ugnayan’ is an intensified drive of NFA’s projects and programs that involves local government units and rice and corn farmers in remote areas through farmers’ forum. It simply means bringing government programs nearer to the people. While NFA is mandated to


ensure food security through palay

procurement, maintenance of buffer stocks, rice distribution to market outlets at strategic locations at appropriate time, it also has regulatory functions such as price monitoring,

licensing, and registration of persons or companies engaged in the wholesale, retail, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, packaging, importation and exportation of grain food products.


ACROSS THE NATION

The President, together with Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona, will launch the DoH’s Rota Virus Vaccine campaign and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Type Z Benefit Package.

The Rota virus vaccination campaign was first conceptualized during the 13th Asian Conference on Diarrheal Diseases and Nutrition in January this year.

The campaign will initially benefit

some 700,000 newborns from the 5.2 million families identified as “poorest of the poor” by the Department of Social Welfare and Development under its National Household Targeting System (NHTS).

The Rota virus is the virus that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting among children below five years old. It is the second leading killer of under-five Filipino children, accounting for 3,500 deaths

Aquino to lead launch of 2 key medical benefits

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the launching of the two key medical programs that will provide the much needed health benefits for Filipinos in ceremonies that will be held in

Malacañang on Monday.


annually.Ona said that the DOH

will start the campaign by vaccinating infants from the

NHTS families who will be born from April 2012 to April 2013.

PhilHealth’s Type Z Benefit Package, meanwhile, is a benefit package for cancer victims developed by various experts from sub-specialties of oncology namely breast cancer, prostate cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia in children, and kidney transplant, who attended the Oncology Summit 2012 in May.

The special health program aims to provide the victims suffering from Type Z illnesses which, according to PhilHealth, is any illness that requires lengthy hospitalization, extremely expensive therapies, or other forms of health care that would deplete a family’s financial resources, with assistance in overcoming these obstacles.

It shall be made available to all eligible PhilHealth members and their qualified dependents after its official launch on Monday. (RCK)

Palace welcomes sacking of 31 DENR officials

Malacañang welcomed on Sunday

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje’s sacking of 31 DENR officials from their posts for failing to stem illegal logging activities in their respective areas.


In a press briefing aired over government-run radio

station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government supported Paje’s move and called for an immediate investigation into the case.

“There has to be an explanation and there has to be an investigation …’yung nangyari po mga logs na ‘yon, ‘yung mga nai-transport under the watch of these officials. So, yes, they have a lot of explaining to do,” Valte said.

Paje relieved on Saturday the DENR officials for failing to comply with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s directive to stop the proliferation of illegal logging which he issued a year ago.

These are: Region 13 executive director Leonardo Sibbaluca and Region 11 executive director Jim Sampulna, Region 13 regional technical director (RTD) for forestry Musa Saruang, Region 11 RTD for forestry Hardinado Patnugo, Region 11 Forest Resources Conservation Division OIC chief Claudio Jumao-as;

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO)–

Agusan del Norte Rosendo Asunto, PENRO-Agusan del Sur Belo Udarbe, PENRO-Surigao del Sur Domingo Cabrera, Jr., PENRO-Davao del Norte Marcia Isip, PENRO-Davao Oriental Gregorio Lagura, PENRO-Compostela Valley Julius Valdez;

Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO)-Butuan City/Nasipit Vicente Sembrano, CENRO-Tubay Cabadbaran Elvin Indig, CENRO-Bayugan Ruel Efren, CENRO-Bunawan Jerome Tadem, CENRO-Loreto Alberto Bacanaya, CENRO-San Francisco Marlon Gelingo, CENRO-Talacogon Eufracio Subayno; CENRO- Cantilan Mario Tioaquen, CENRO-Bislig Ferdinand Alba, CENRO-Lianga Jose Mario Reyes, CENRO-Tandag Rogelio Montenegro;.

CENRO-Davao City (West) Napoleon Paje, Davao City (East) Melchor Ozaraga, CENRO-Baganga Robinson Camacho, CENRO-Lupon Basilio Caralos, CENRO-Mati Restituta Dime, CENRO-Manay Dioscor Gavarra, CENRO-Maco Marvin Parilla, CENRO-Monkayo Victor Billones, and CENRO-Nabunturan Antonio Inguillo. (RCK)


US-Phil. Naval exercise begins; no R & R for US troops in Mindanao

An estimated 400 American Navy and Coast Guard personnel taking part in naval exercises with Filipino troops in Mindanao

are not allowed to have an R & R (Rest and Recreation) during the nine-day joint training exercise that begins July 2, a Navy official said.

Around 400 members of the Philippine Navy (PN) and 150 personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are joining the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2012 exercises.

This is the first time US forces are holding naval exercises in Mindanao, said Capt. Robert Empedrad, CARAT 2012 exercise director.

Empedrad, also the deputy commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Command, said the US soldiers will be strictly restricted to their designated areas “to avoid any untoward incidents or anything that would violate

Philippine laws” and for security reasonsHe told MindaNews it was the US side that

sought the restriction. He said US authorities do not want a repeat of the rape case involving a US serviceman, apparently referring to the “Nicole” rape case involving US Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Luzon in 2005.

Also, allowing the US troops to stray from their designated areas may lead to “ugly encounters” that militant groups could use to lambast both the Philippine and US governments, Empedrad added.

by Bong Sarmiento


Two US vessels—the missile-guiding frigate USS Vandergrift and cutter-ship USCG Waesche—are taking part in the naval exercises in Mindanao.

USS Vandergrift arrived at around 1:05 p.m. Sunday near the mouth of Sarangani Bay and was met by Philippine Navy ship Salvador Abcede. USCG Waesche was expected to arrive an hour later.

Vandergrift arrived at the Makar Wharf in General Santos City at around 3 p.m.

Some journalists, including MindaNews, were allowed to board Salvador Abcede, a fast patrol craft, to meet USS Vandergift.

Another US ship also arrived in the country—the USNS Safeguard, a rescue and salvage ship—and docked in Manila for training exercises at the Manila Bay, said Empedrad.

He said naval exercises in Mindanao would be in the seas off Maitum and Maasim in Sarangani and in Balut Island, Sarangani town in Davao del Sur and would not be visible from the shores.

The naval exercise is within the area of responsibility of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Command.

Inland activities include medical and dental civic action program and concerts by the US Navy’s 7th Fleet Band in General Santos City and Glan in Sarangani.

Four Philippine Navy ships—corvettes BRP Magat Salamat and BRP Miguel Malvar, Salvador Abcede, and coastal patrol craft BRP Teotimo Figuracion—are taking part in CARAT 2012 while the Philippine Coast Guard is deploying the BRP Pampanga.

At-sea activities include in-port training, subject matter exercise exchanges, riverine operations training, and diving and salvage exercises.

CARAT 2012 aims to enhance combined inter-operability and capability between the Philippine Navy and United States

Navy as well as to test its personnel and naval assets’ operational readiness and ultimately, improve the defense capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The specific objectives of CARAT 2012 are: to enhance current PN and USN and USGC and PCG capabilities in naval operations; increase the level of interoperability between the navies and coast guards of both countries in the conduct of combined naval operations focused in night time operations; test and develop the combined communications interoperability between the PN and USN; and promote situational awareness and information sharing between PN and USN forces.

On the part of the PCG, Commander Joseph Coyme, spokesperson of the PCG Contingent in CARAT 2012, said the Coast Guard exercises will cover search and rescue and emergency medical situation.

The Coast Watch Stations, which are operated by the PN and being worked out to be handled by the PCG, will have a communications exercise with the American’s P3C Orion aircraft.

Militant groups are expected to hold a caravan-protest from this city to Glan in Sarangani on July 4, in time for the commemoration of the Philippine-American Friendship Day

“The forthcoming war exercises will obviously serve the US interest. US government wants to project its military force in line with its troops’ rebalancing towards Asia-Pacific and Middle East as declared earlier by US Pres. Barrack Obama. It is keen on using our shores to regain its military bases in the Philippines and eventually establish a Naval Base particularly in Sumbang Point, in Glan” Rev. Jonathan Ulanday, spokesperson of Patriotiko-SOCSKSARGEN, said in a statement.


US assists 10 Mindanao companies to meet global export standardsby Jorie C. Valcorza United States

Ambassador Harry

K. Thomas Jr. recognized 10 companies in Mindanao that obtained the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 certifications.

In a press statement, this recognition came following assistance from the United States Agency for international development. HACCP is a system that ensures food production meets safety requirements to protect public health, whereas ISO 17025 makes sure that laboratories that test products meet

certain requirements. The 10 companies were Vjandep Foods, Perfectly Natural Herbs Corp., Lucille’s Food Products, Renova Foods, San Isidro Cooperative, Lao Integrated Farms, Magpet Agro-Industrial Cooperative, Magsilum ARC Cooperative, Fast Laboratories, and Philexport Quality Control


Regions 6, 10 to hold Non-Handicapping Environment for PWDs forumby Mike P. Limon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Representatives of local government units of Regions 6 and 10 will convene in Cagayan de Oro City to attend the Forum on Non-Handicapping Environment (NHE) for Persons with Disabilities on July 4 to 5.

Organized by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the forum aims to showcase and demonstrate before the participants the implementation of NHE being piloted in Opol, Misamis Oriental and New Lucena in Iloilo Province, of their experiences and achievements in adopting the NHE project which has been started in 2008. With the theme “Making a Path to Non-Handicapping Environment,”

participants will be toured to various places in Opol with accessible facilities where they will have the chance to interact with officials and their constituents including persons with disabilities on various areas and components of the NHE project.

Laboratory. Present at the event were The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines Mission Director Gloria Steele, Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Secretary Luwalhati Antonino and Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Alicia Eusena. “By meeting the stringent food quality and safety requirements for HACCP certification, you increase the prospects of entering new export markets and selling to the world’s most discriminating buyers,” Thomas said during the awarding ceremony at

N Hotel. Since the launching of certification assistance project, USAID has successfully assisted 24 companies in obtaining HACCP and ISO 17025 certification. Total collective increase in sales of these companies is estimated at $20 million. “The U.S. government, through USAID, is enabling Mindanao firms and business support organizations to expand exports and create jobs and opportunities to help the region achieve broad-based and inclusive economic growth,” Steele said. (US Embassy Manila Public Affairs Section)


Other activities in the forum, which is also supported by the two pioneering local government units such as Opol, Misamis Oriental and New Lucena, Iloilo, include the launch of a publication entitled “Telling the Story, Sharing the Success,” which chronicles the experiences gained by the said local government units in the creation of a non-handicapping environment for persons with disabilities in the rural areas. This will be complemented with a presentation on the “Universal Design” concept by a JICA expert Dr. Yoshihiko

Kawauchi, a well-known Japanese scholar and activist on accessibility and a professor from Toyo University in Japan. Culminating the two-day Forum is the presentation of NCDA and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on the expansion programs of the NHE project and an action planning workshop and presentations of LGU candidates of the NHE expansion program on how they can best adopt the NHE project in their respective localities. (NCDA)

IPM-DA warns Mis. Occ. farmers of newly discovered pestsby Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Integrated Pest Management of the Department of Agriculture (IPM-DA) said it has discovered new pests here that could bring harm to farmlands in the province.

One of these pests is called the Rice Green Bulk, which is more dangerous than the Black Bug, according to Dr. Jesus Binamira, National IPM Program Officer. Binamira said they have no idea, yet, where the pests come from or what produces them, but that it has already infected some areas in the provinces of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, particularly the Agusan provinces. Aside from the Rice Green Bulk, DA is now looking for ways how to get rid of the pests that has infected some of the fruit trees, especially lanzones. The lastest IPM report revealed

that hectares of lanzones’ plantations of Negros, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental and Zambonga provinces have been affected, Binamira said. The IPM is continuing investigation on the pests and how to protect the lanzones trees from being infested by the pests, he added. (PIO)


Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersec-

retary Merly Cruz opens the idea of combining eco-tourism with agri-industry development to rein-vigorate the economy of Davao del Norte. Keynoting the opening of the Kadagayaan Festival held in the recent celebration of the 45th Araw ng Davao del Norte, The

DTI’s undersecretary for regional operation brought to attention the need to widen tourism industry as an area which it can bank on to further develop its economy, other than the banana industry. She pointed out the downside of depending on mono-crop production as banana export had suffered a setback due

to strict quarantine rules imposed by foreign markets particularly China. She however said that the agri-industry sector would still lead the Philippine economy as the country is basically agriculture-based, but she urged Davao del Norte to explore other

Agri-tourism to ramp up DavNor economy by Jeanevive Abangan


areas of development, taking into consideration “the strength of each of its 11 towns.” Pointing out tourism industry, she said even the average of just P1,000 a day of a visitor would create value-adding revenue for the local government of Davao del Norte. “Gagawa lang tayo ng atraksyon at dadayuhin tayo,” she said. In a separate interview, Cruz said that tourism and agriculture have been industries as major industries that can do well for the Philippine economy. “These are complementary because when you have tourist, you should have products to sell to them like souvenir items; anything that they fell could be worth buying,” she said in an interview. Developed in tandem with tourism industry, agriculture

production serves as enabling factor for local government units to promote health and wellness that tourists can enjoy in their visits. “You should also be able to serve them the right food. It’s healthy; it’s something that they can remember as they leave the place,” Cruz said. Aside from citing the presence of infrastructure and potential on top right leadership, Cruz believed that Davao del Norte would go well in developing agriculture and tourism as engines of economic growth, especially now that the Davao Region is among the priority areas for tourism development. Other focused areas are Cebu in Region VII , Palawan in RegionIV-B, and Cagayan de Oro City in Region 10, Cruz said. (PIA-11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

facts and figures

3,500 Schoolchildren-beneficiaries in Davao del Sur who were given free school supplies by hydropower generating company Hedcor.


regional gallery

The Brocka statue is unveiled last Friday (July 29) at the Davao Cinematheque near the City’s Peoples Park. The statue built under the auspices of the Film Development Council of the Philippines to the National Artist for Film Lino Brocka


DILG Secretary Robredo leadsTAPATAN CaravanGENERAL SANTOS CITY - Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo speaks before various stakeholders of Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Climate Change Adaptation from all over Region 12 during the TAPATAN Caravan Saturday, June 30, at Fam-ily Country Hotel and Convention Center. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OF-FICE)

Photo Release


DILG brings caravan on disaster preparedness to floods in Region 12

GENERAL SANTOS CITY --- The Department of the Interior and Local Gov-ernment (DILG) has pushed the implementation of another award system dubbed the seal of disaster preparedness (SDP) to floods which will mea-sure local governments’ disaster readiness.

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo on Saturday (June 30) met with some 800 participants composed of local government chief executives and other officials from all

over Region 12 during DILG’s “Magtapatan Tayo: Handa na ba Kayo?”caravan at the Family Country Hotel here.

Robredo said it’s about time to put in

place a system that will gauge the capability of local government units (LGUs) across the nation in addressing and mitigating disaster in their respective areas.

by CT Apelacio


He said the award system is designed to encourage LGUs to prioritize disaster preparedness in their list of priority programs and by doing so, the DILG shall recognize top performers with the seal of disaster preparedness.

“This is a regional caravan of DILG on disaster preparedness. We are here to remind LGUs to get ready in case they’re not and at the same time praise those who are ready,” he said.

Robredo said the seal, which was launched in April this year, shall be given to LGU that exudes satisfactory level on disaster preparedness and response before and during floods.

He said the best feature about the seal is not only the incentives to be received by top performing LGUs, but most importantly, it will enable government authorities to assess problems or gaps, monitor LGU performance status and provide policy or program direction to local governments.

Welcoming the Secretary to the event,

host Mayor Darlene Anton ino-Custod io described the SDP as good motivation for LGUs to step up their respective performances on disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation.

“Preparedness is the best remedy for disaster upheavals,” Custodio told guests and participants of the caravan.

At a news conference held early on, Secretary Robredo said the Seal has two levels of assessment. The first level focuses on disaster preparedness before a flood occurs and the second centers on disaster response during disaster occurrence.

According to DILG, LGUs’ organization of disaster risk reduction and management council (RDRRMC) and operationalization of disaster risk reduction and management office (RDRRMO); budget; disaster contingency plan such as early warning and evacuation, stockpiling and equipping, technical competency and community awareness will

comprise the first level of assessment.

“Wala ng mas mataas pa sa paghahanda ng mamamayan,” Robredo said stressing that “preparedness must not only come from the government but also the people themselves must have to get actively involved.”

A certificate of recognition will be given to local governments who passed the first level of assessment and will proceed to level 2.

The second level of assessment will give weight to local government’s capability on Search and Rescue composed of “trained personnel, response time, equipage, and zero casualty.”

It also includes good management of evacuation center showcasing “adequate temporary shelter for evacuees, power, food and water supply, health and sanitation, counseling, and trained center management personnel.”

The second level best performing local government units will be awarded with the seal including a


“ d i s a s t e r management fund” incentive.

Announcing the results of the first level assessment, DILG-12 regional director Buagas Sulaik cited GenSan with the score of 4.92 out of 5.0 total rating score; Cotabato City, 4.78;

Kidapawan City, 4.90; Tacurong City, 4.62; and Koronadal City needs scaling up at 3.60.

For the provinces, South Cotabato scores 4.56; Sultan Kudarat, 4.26; Cotabato; 4.06; and Sarangani at 3.56. The score of four and above means a

“high level” of disaster preparedness to flood.

The Tapatan caravan also paved the way for the signing of a “pledge of commitment on disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation” among LGUs. (CT Apelacio/PIA-12 General

NFA steps up advocacy on iron-fortified riceBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY-- South Cotabato’s National Food Authority will intensify its campaign to popularize consumption of iron-fortified rice (IFR), an offi-cial of the agency said.

Angelina Lucena, assistant manager of NFA-South Cotabato said, more than a year after their launch of the commodity, acceptance of the IFR or I-Rice by consumers has remained low despite the benefits that it can give mainly in reducing incidence of iron-deficiency anemia.

“Findings of several researches of schools in Luzon have indicated that iron fortification particularly in rice is beneficial to pregnant women, lactating mothers ,and children below five years old,”

Lucena said.She said these

findings coupled with the very low public acceptance led their national office direct regional and provincial offices to exert more efforts to make I-Rice popular at the grassroots and intensify activities to disseminate information pertaining to its benefits.

“This means that we have to find strategies to be able to reach wider population of children, mothers, and institutions for better public understanding of the benefits of eating

I-Rice,” she said.She explained that a

more well-thought plan is necessary because I-Rice remains out of the favor of many Filipinos which, she added, is aggravated by the common perception of that NFA rice is of low quality.

“Initially, we have decided to conduct forums at the barangay levels,” she said.

Schemes are also being devised to encourage private sector players including rice millers, which she confirmed have not yet been targeted in their


IFR campaign.Lucena believes

that once the private sectors which supplies the larger bulk of rice consumed joins the campaign and the public is made aware of the benefits of eating I-Rice, demand will likely increase.

NFA re-launched I-Rice in 2011 as a measure to ease out hidden hunger or lack of micronutrients such as essential vitamins and trace minerals like vitamin A, Iron, Iodine, Zinc, and

others in Filipino diet. It is specifically geared toward addressing iron deficiency.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world.”

In developing countries, it continues, five of every 10 pregnant women and about 40 percent of preschool children are estimated to be anemic. It also contributes to 20 percent of all maternal

deaths.“The major health

consequences include poor pregnancy outcome, impaired physical and cognitive d e v e l o p m e n t , increased risk of morbidity in children and reduced work productivity in adults.”

NFA’s recommended I-Rice formulation contains one part of iron to 200 parts of rice. This is done by adding four to five grams of iron pre-mix to every kilogram of milled rice. (DED-PIA 12)


53rd founding anniversary of Lanao del Sur kicks off with cultural eventsby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

The 53rd founding anniversary of the province kicked-off yesterday with a series of shows that depicts the rich Maranao culture.

According to Provincial Information Officer Nasser Ganda, among the cultural events that marked the start of the week-long celebration are “kataro sa lalag,” “kakolintang,” and “kasipa sa manggis.”

While the kataro sa lalag (oration) showcases the fascinating Maranao poetry, kakolintang (playing the kolintang), on the other hand, best features the traditional Maranao music.


Kolintang is an ancient form of musical instrument composed of a set of gongs arranged in a row and played by striking the gongs with two wooden beaters. It is the main instrument of the kolintang ensemble, the other gongs are debakan, agong, gandingan, and babendir. Kasipa sa manggis is an indigenous sport where a colorfully decorated, small box-like structure is strung to a rope tied to long bamboo poles. A player would be given the chance to kick the rattan ball towards the structure, and if it falls, the player gets a prize. Other cultural shows scheduled until June 29 are “kambayoka,” “kapangotiyapi,” “kasayaw sa singkil,” and “kanggarotaya.” To add fun to the festivities, sports tournaments such as basketball, badminton, tennis, golf, volleyball, marathon, walkathon, and practical shooting were also lined-up from June 26 to July 3. Line agencies in the province will also be showcasing their respective programs and projects through a booth exhibit and display within the

New Capitol Complex grounds from June 26 to July 3. A dialogue between the heads of the line agencies, the provincial government, and the regional government is likewise slated on July 1, which was declared by Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. as Line Agencies Day. Meanwhile, the Lanao civil society, spearheaded by the Lanao del Sur Peoples’ Council, will participate in the week-long celebration through

tree planting and fish dispersal in Ramain town, and a walk for Ranao on July 2, which was also proclaimed as Solidarity Day in the province. Local government units (LGUs) from the municipal down to the barangay level, including the two congressional district offices, will also take part through a special program on July 3, otherwise declared as LGU Day. On July 4, a cultural street dancing, and a culmination program with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo as keynote speaker, will cap the week-long celebration.


Gun ban in ARMM for a monthby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The 30-day gun ban that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) had imposed for the general voters registration in the entire Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) started yesterday, July 1.

Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Nasib Yasin said the gun ban that will be implemented until July 31 covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan. But aside from the ARMM areas, the cities of Cotabato, Zamboanga, and Isabela, as well as the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and North Cotabato are also covered by the ban. Yasin said the gun ban was imposed to ensure the safety of the registrants, and COMELEC personnel and equipment that will be deployed in the various registration centers and in other places in the ARMM during the 10-day registration period set on July 9-18. Last month, Senate and Congress approved Joint Resolution No. 3 that provides for the annulment of all books of voters in the cities and municipalities in the ARMM and consequently directed the poll body to immediate conduct a general registration in the said region. In line with the gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) was also directed to suspend the issuance

of firearms licenses in the areas covered by the ban. Per COMELEC Resolution No. 9479, the processing and approval of new firearm license, including renewal of license, may continue on condition that the new license and firearm shall be kept in deposit with the Firearms and Explosives Division of the PNP. The resolution further stated that firearms licenses issued in violation of this are considered null and void, without prejudice to the filing of the appropriate administrative and/or criminal charges against the holder or those responsible for the issuance of the license.


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Local government units of the province of Agusan del Norte and this city has signed a manifesto of support to strengthen the

“Biyaheng Kulambo (mosquito net)” project of the national government in support to the nationwide campaign for malaria elimination by 2020.

Agusan del Norte, Butuan LGUs ink support to ‘Biyaheng Kulambo’by Robert E. Roperos

Jimmy Egay, provincial malaria coordinator of the province of Agusan del Norte, said today’s Biyaheng Kulambo is the third leg in Mindanao, next to Bukidnon and in Cagayan de Oro City. He added same activity will be conducted in some key points in the island soon.

Among the objectives of the program are to establish local government support through renewed and sustained investments, increase community awareness for the accelerated elimination strategies, and develop stakeholder collaborations and mechanisms for linkages.


149 police recruits scheduled to take oath as traineesby Noel B. NajarroBUTUAN CITY -- One hundred and forty-nine police recruits comprising this year’s regular and attrition quota were expected to be sworn-in as trainees Today (July 2), at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, this city, a senior police official said.

During today’s ceremonial transfer of the Long Lasting Insecticide Net held at the provincial training center in Agusan del Norte, key officials of the provincial and city governments showed their support by giving their commitment to intensify the anti-nationwide malaria campaign. Provincial health officer Elizabeth Campado said that with the high incidence of malaria cases recorded in some regions in the country, the national government, through the cooperation of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, has come up with a project aimed at generating an environment of awareness and antecedent support to the elimination strategies of the malaria program hinged on firm political will and leadership, community empowerment, and organized participation and structured stakeholder roles. Campado also emphasized that in 2011, the province of Agusan del Norte was

noted to have achieved zero casualty rate in malaria. This was also supported by Egay, saying that although there were 13 cases recorded, the province was noted to have achieved zero casualty last year. He said the last casualty was recorded in 2006. He added that from 2010 to 2011, an 80 percent reduction of malaria cases was noted in the province due to the massive campaign of the provincial government to fight malaria. Egay said the province is close to its target of achieving a malaria-free area.


PSupt. Martin M. Gamba, chief spokesman of the police regional headquarters here said that there were no changes so far for the scheduled oath-taking of the police recruits by Monday next week. The recruits are expected to be transported to their regional training school at Camp George Barbers, Lipata, Surigao City right after the oath-taking ceremonies to start their six-month

Police Basic Recruit Course training. It should be remembered that DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo during his recent visit to the region said that although the Philippine National Police will intensify its recruitment processes to cope up with the police to population ratio particularly at the urban centers, yet aiming for a qualitatively trained police personnel will always be of primordial consideration.

300 vice mayors gather in Butuan for 3rd Mindanao Island Congressby Eldie N. David

BUTUAN CITY -- Some 300 vice mayors from all over the Philippines have attended the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP) third Mindanao Island Congress held at one of the local convention centers here.


The congress, which is anchored on the theme “Protect the Natural Environment, Preserve Nature’s Wonders, Promote Ecotourism,” also highlighted with the conduct of the second Regular Quarterly National Executive Board (NEB) Meeting and the Academy of Presiding Officers (Module 2) training. The event officially commenced with a press conference, which featured as panelists senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV, former senator Ernesto Maceda, VMLP national president and Manila vice mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, VMLP national secretary and Tagum City vice mayor Allan L. Rellon and Congress Director, VMLP Caraga Regional Chairman and Butuan City vice mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun. Fortun expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to the vice mayors of the Caraga Region to host the event and present what the region has to offer in terms of ecotourism. Apart from the theme, the event featured the slogan, “Discover Caraga,” which was aptly adopted for all the delegates to discover for themselves the beauty of the region wherein they were treated to a tour on the second day of the congress instead of the usual plenary sessions, said Fortun. According to Vice Mayor Rellon, Butuan City won the bid to host this year’s congress after “a very persistent Vice Mayor Fortun” was able to convince more than 90 percent percent of the

league’s members with his unique and original idea of featuring breakout sessions while travelling to the different tourist destinations in the Caraga. Simultaneous with the press conference, the vice mayors underwent the second Module of the Academy of Presiding Officers (APO), which was presented in two sessions. They listened to the lecture delivered by Atty. Benedicto Gonzales, Affiliate Legal Expert of the Center for Local and Regional Governance of the University of the Philippines-National Center for Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), on crafting high-quality ordinances and resolutions. They also got critical pointers from Provincial Director Maria Calpiza Sardua of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Zamboanga Sibugay on the rationale, principles and process of codification. After the press conference, the present NEB officers and members convened for their 2nd Regular Quarterly Meeting, in which the vacant position of former VMLP National Vice President for Mindanao Patri Chan, now the Mayor of Dapitan City, was filled in by Deputy


Secretary General for Mindanao Antonio Bendita of Surallah, South Cotabato. By succession, PRO for Mindanao Angelito Martinez of San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur became the new Deputy Sec Gen, while Deputy PRO for Mindanao Conrad Cejoco of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, was promoted to PRO for Mindanao. To give the guests a warm welcome, the Opening Ceremonies and Welcome Night opened with a “Kasi-Kasi,” a traditional way of welcoming visitors in Butuan City by drinking nipa wine or “laksoy.” Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. was applauded by the participants when, in relation to the congress’ theme, he spoke to them about the anti-illegal logging drive of the city government. A series of anti-illegal logging operations was conducted by the city government, which resulted to the confiscation of a total of more than 2,000 cubic meters of illegally cut forest products amounting to some P10 million. Other guest speakers were Agusan del Norte 2nd District Representative Angel Amante-Matba, who was represented by Ms. Miriam Pagaran, former Senator Ernesto Maceda and

Senator Antonio Trillanes, the keynote speaker of the evening. The second day was even more exciting and fun-filled for the delegates as they went on a tour to some of the different tourist destinations in the region. Among the places that they visited were the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, the Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, the Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, the Cagwait White Beach in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, the Bunawan Eco-park which houses Lolong, the largest crocodile in captivity and the Butuan historical sites. On the evening of the second day, the delegates were treated to a “mini-concert” by no less than guest speaker Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John M. Amante who wowed the crowd with his singing prowess. Agusan del Norte 2nd District Representative was also present to complete the list of guest speakers for the evening. To buoy up the evening’s excitement, prizes were raffled to the vice mayors, the biggest one of which was the round-trip package for two to Singapore, courtesy of VMLP National President Isko Moreno.


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Dipolog City Jail holds Graduation Exercises for 36 detainees by Alfonso T. Ruda

For the first time in history, a graduation ceremony was held inside the Dipolog City Jail complex at Barangay Upper Dicayas, Dipolog City.


Thirty-six(36) detainees of the Dipolog City jail who passed the Accreditation and Equivalency (A & E) Test given by the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd) in November 10, 2011 held their graduation exercises inside the jail complex last June 28. Ms. Catalina S. Barinaga, Dipolog City Schools Division BALS Coordinator said the first ALS graduates from the Dipolog City Jail is composed of 7 male and 29 female wherein ten (10) of them are in the elementary level and 26 in the secondary level. Vargas said, this is the first time that a graduation was held at the city jail. Aside from Barinaga and Vargas, other personalities who witnessed the inmates’ graduation include Ms. Ella Grace Tagupa, Dipolog City Schools Division Science Supervisor who represented City Division Supt. Victorina Perez; BALS Coordinators; Mobile teachers; friends and relatives of the inmates and residents of the city jail. Tagupa challenged the graduates to take advantages of the programs of DepEd purposely for the so-called Depressed, Deprived, and under-privileged,to realize their dreams of finishing their studies and become productive members of the society. City Jail Warden Allan Vargas, in his speech reminded the graduates to keep their certificates and use


Nat’l Disaster Consciousness Month kicks off w/ a thousand participants

it to pursue their studies (if they intend to do so) once they get out of prison. Vargas disclosed that 80% of the graduates, whose ages range from 19 to 40 years old are involved in illegal drugs. In response, Myrna Montefalcon and Antonio Montes, Jr., elementary and secondary graduates respectively, expressed

their heartfelt thanks to DepEd and ALS implementers for coming out with the program for them, as well as the all-out support and patience of the mobile teachers during the whole duration of their studies. Montefalcon and Montes promised to be reformed persons once they return to the mainstream of the society.(ATR/PIA9)

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - an estimated crowd of 2,000 actively participated in the launching and kick off activity of the “National Disaster Consciousness Month” (NDCM) held Monday morning, here.


A holy mass held 7:00 in the morning at the Pasonanca Parish Church in barangay Pasonanca open the first day of the NDCM celebration after which a motorcade immediately followed with convergence point in the same barangay. At least 60 various offices from the national and local government, AFP, PNP, to include the medical sector, academe and the private sector cheerfully participated in the motorcade. Some of the participants “showed off” their complete emergency response gear/uniform, while others displayed their emergency gadget during the motorcade which effectively caught the attention of the public during the almost two hours motorcade passing through the city’s thoroughfares. The motorcade ended at the covered court of the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative where a short program was held. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director (RD) Adriano Fuego during the program said that he is happy that the kick off activity gathered support and participation of various sector. Emphasizing on this year’s theme: “Ligtas na bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan” which underscores the important role of managing the risks involved in both natural and man-made disasters in securing economic development, Fuego said-“economic growth is not simply a question of production and distribution of goods, but rather it is a question of the maintenance of the


safety of the population, the source of the workforce, from the dangers of calamities.” He also emphasized on maximizing citizen involvement through education in order to promote awareness on hazards and safety. RD Fuego said it is better to invest in disaster preparedness and prevention rather than on response. “Preparedness and prevention is usually cheaper than response expenses, which is way beyond existing budget intended for it,” he exclaimed. The NDCM kicked off activity also emphasized on the three other activities which that are being celebrated this July-Nutrition Month, Blood Donor Month and Science and Technology Week. “this is a Four event wrapped into one,” Fuego said “We are here gathered, showing that different activities can be launched in unity, collaboratively,” he said. The program ended with the distribution of Five awards: Plaque for Biggest participation (in the motorcade) was awarded to Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Zamboanga City Chapter; award for best emergency response uniform was given to the Bureau of Fire Protection; Best emergency gadget display went to the Philippine Air Force; Most jovial troop award was aged by the PRC and most orderly group was awarded to Labuan District Hospital.(JPA/PIA9-ZBST)

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