One Mindanao - June 11, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern 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 MindanaoGraces’ 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

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 ……… 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

Cover Story

Asik-Asik Falls: North Cotabato’s new tourist destination

Dani DoguilesCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue...

Monday, June 11, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 276

page 4

CT Apelacio, Central Mindanao

President Aquino generally satisfied with the outcome of UK-US visits9DOH-CHD 12 backs call for 100% smoke-free environment 15

Aida Agad, Central Mindanao18 LGU Esperanza, DOH Red

Orchid Awardee

21Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Armm

Phl Dragon Boat to join Sarimanok Boat Race in Lake Lanao

Susil D. Ragas, Caraga Region

Surigao del Sur population up by 1.12%25MARINA leads 2nd Maritime Shipping Forum26

29 Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western Mindanao

Philhealth to subsidize kidney transplantation

Cagayan de Oro prepares for Independence Day 32

Nida Grace B. Tranquilan, Caraga Region

Northern Mindanao

7 11

13

19

22

28

31

35

Lanao del Norte to host PBA Governor’s Cup anew 33 Vincent N. Labial, Northern Mindanao

4 Monday, June 11, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StoryAsik-Asik Falls: North Cotabato’s new tourist destination

These are only few of the so many descriptions accorded to the Asik Asik Falls, North Cotabato’s newest tourist attraction which has until recently remained hidden to the public eye. Asik-Asik Falls, situated in the remote sub-village of Dulao in Barangay Upper Dado, Alamada town is very small as compared to the likes of Katibawasan Falls in Camiguin or the second falls of the Lake Sebu’s Seven Falls as it only drops a few meters. But what is more unique about Asik-Asik Falls is that the falls – tens of very small water drops – come out of a cliff at the edge of flattened hill, which does not even a stream or a canal. As such, water gushes out of cracks on rocks on the cliff and

literally sprinkles unto a river below. That portion of the cliff looks like a a very large green wall highlighted with tens of white diaphanous curtains. “Asik,” by the way, is the Hiligaynon equivalent of the English word sprinkle. Ilonggo residents in the area gave the falls its name. Iranons in the area call it “Panguranan” which means rain or drizzle. Its water source has remained a mystery. The area surrounding the falls is a dry agricultural upland planted mostly to corn and a number of other upland crops. The nearest body of water, Lake Baranibud, is approximately ten kilometers from the site toward the boundary of North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur. Its discovery was also

by Dani E Doguiles

Amazing, one-of-a-kind,

mesmerizingly beautiful, marvellous, Southeast Asia’s most beautiful falls.

Monday, June 11, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

accidental. Residents that live and come to the area have known that water is flowing from that side of the hill but were not quite sure of its form as the area was covered by a thick vegetation. Alamada Mayor Bartolome Lataza reported that a series of events led to the discovery of the hidden treasure, starting with a fire that razed some of the vegetative covering of the area followed by a landslide that carved out part of the hill and uprooted some trees, bamboos and a large “balete” tree. In December last year, Jun Miranda, a village councillor visited the area and discovered the falls. “I found this very beautiful and amazing view, which I immediately reported to the barangay council,” Miranda said, “which led the village council to conduct a site inspection.” Thanks to Facebook and other social networks, blogging by some enthusiasts, and a report by a national TV network, Asik-Asik Falls has become a sensation. A report from the local government unit said that they used to collect a meager P3,000 toll fee from motorists plying the area. This summer, after the news of the new tourist destination became a wildfire, toll fee has

dramatically risen to at least P20,000 per day. Lataza said, visitor that came to the area on weekends could easily exceed 1,000 despite some hurdles going to the place.


For one, the site is 20 kilometers from the Poblacion and most common mode of transportation is the infamous “habal-habal” motorcycle that could carry as many as five persons in one trip across a bumpy dirt road that turn mushy during heavy rain. After the motorcycle ride, visitors need to walk more one kilometer of footpath across rolling hills to reach the falls. Mayor Lataza considers the discovery of the natural wonder a heavenly gift and vows to protect the destination’s pristine environment. “Because of this, local government in coordination with the Sangguniang Bayan is now working on establishing policies that would develop as well as protect the site,” the local chief executive said. “We would like to give emphasis to social responsibility. Every individual should be part for the improvement ,protection and preservation of

nature.” Recently, several tree planting activities have been conducted in the vicinity by some civil society groups and students as an initial move to develop the area. M e a n w h i l e , North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza has created a technical working group whose sole responsibility is to

assure the implementation of a sustainable eco-tourism project in the area in coordination with the village residents and the local officials. Ralph Ryan Rafael, executive assistant to the governor and tourism focal person of the province confirmed, Gov. Lala has allotted P1.5 million as initial funds for the development of the eco-tourism site. He said, the provincial government aims to promote the Asik-Asik Falls as Southeast Asia’s most beautiful spring falls. A warning to visitors though: you need to wait until end of August to be able to visit North Cotabato’s upcoming premier destination for nature lovers. This is because Asik Asik Falls was closed to public beginning June 4 to give way to site development as well as creation of policies to would its use sustainable.


ACROSS THE NATION

The President made the announcement upon arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City Sunday morning.

He said half of the total investment pledges came from Rolls-Royce, Asea Gaz Asia Ltd and

commodities trading giant Glencore, owner of the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR), all of which are based in the UK.

Glencore plans to expand its smelting capacity by investing

$600 million; Gaz Asia will work with Aboitiz Equity and invest $150-million to develop plants that will convert organic waste materials into liquid bio methane; and Rolls- Royce has signed a P280-million service contract with Cebu Pacific for the

President Aquino back from UK, US trips with $2.5-billion investment pledges

President Benigno S. Aquino III announced on Sunday that he had secured $2.5-billion worth of investment pledges from businessmen he had met during his weeklong trip to

the United Kingdom and the United States last week.


purchase and service of new airplane engines.

The other half of the investment

pledges will come from

US-based businesses namely: GN Power Limited, which plans to put up two 300-megawatt coal plants in Bataan worth $1-billion; U n d e r w r i t e r s Laboratories Inc. which will invest in a global technology research center in Manila; and the Citigroup and USAid which have proposed a mobile financial inclusion program that will bring the benefits of mobile banking to the rural areas.

“Sa kabuoan po, ang halaga ng kalakal na papasok mula sa mga kumpanyang n a k a p u l o n g

natin, sa Britanya at sa Amerika: Hindi bababa sa dalawa’t kalahating bilyong dolyar, o humigit-kumulang 100 billion pesos,” the President said.

He added that aside strengthening Philippine economy by providing jobs and livelihood, these investments further strengthen the ties and relations the Philippines

has with UK and US.“Trabaho po ang

katumbas ng mga numerong ito; trabahong magdadala ng pagkain sa mesa ng Pilipino. At kasabay po ng magandang balitang ekonomiko, nagbunga rin ng mas malalim pang pakikipagkaibigan ang ating pagbiyahe sa UK at sa Estados Unidos,” the President said. (RCK)


President Aquino generally satisfied with the outcome of UK-US visits

President Benigno S. Aquino III said he was ‘generally

satisfied’ with the outcome of his six-day official working visits to the United Kingdom and United States of America that he cannot wait to bring home all the good news to Manila in time for the celebration of the national Independence Day on June 12.

A sense of fulfillment could be traced on President Aquino as he gamely answered questions from the members of the Philippine media delegation who sought for details on the various meetings he had attended back in Washington, D.C.

“We had a lot of talks on the movers and shakers especially in the business community… We are talking of very, very senior guys from some of the most

established firms even in the financial sector who are gung ho about the country,” the President said.

President Aquino, however, politely declined to disclose the total number of investment pledges he managed to secure from his UK and US visits, saying that he would rather reveal this information once he gets home as part of his arrival statement.

He only went as far as describing the figure

“substantial” with the possibility of even having it increased.

The President had at least two official business meetings in Washington, D.C. including discussions with power generation firms GN Power, Sithe Global, and Denham Capital last Thursday about their plans to expand operations in the country.

P r e s i d e n t i a l C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Development and Strategic


P l a n n i n g Secretary Ramon Carandang in an

earlier interview said GN Power is going to put up two

300-megawatt coal plants

in Bataan using coal combustion technology.

These two plants are estimated to cost about a billion US dollars and are expected to be operational by about 2015. Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia, Jr. earlier stated that this will be beneficial to the country especially since the demand for power continues to grow.

President Aquino also met with executives from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Inc. an independent product safety certification organization established in the US since 1894 and he said he’s “excited” about its coming to the Philippines.

Carandang said the President is “very keen” on this type of knowledge-based investment because

it may provide some kind of knowledge transfer to local workers.

President Aquino on Friday also received officials from Citigroup and USAid last Friday to present their mobile

financial inclusion proposal. They are encouraging the use of mobile banking in rural areas that do not have access either to the internet or have a limited number of internet users. (HDC)


Govt agencies sign up for MindaNOW Program

The MOU formally declared the com-mitment of agencies to collaborate in the planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluation of the MindaNOW: Nurturing Our Waters Program.

The MindaNOW Program is a concrete response of MinDA to calls for ensuring sustainable economic development and ecological integrity of Mindanao. It also seeks to fulfill the vision of sustainable

development under the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan.

MinDA Chairperson Secretary Luwal-hati R. Antonino sees the MOU as sig-nificant in coordination work that cuts across geo-political boundaries.

“This will ensure a continuing coor-dination across sectors and across river basin units. We will have to organize our

In a move to firm up support to environment advocacies in Mindanao, several national line agencies forged recently a memorandum of

understanding (MOU) for the implementation of a flagship program of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).


coordination flow in a way that can provide focus on each unique requirement of every basin while en-suring convergence across watershed units,” she said.

The MindaNOW Program aims to enhance the poli-cy environment for har-monized policies, plans, programs, and structures; facilitate the integration of plans and programs; and harmonize approaches and processes to rational-ize resources, programs, projects, and mechanisms for the development and management of river ba-sins and watersheds in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lory Tan, Chief Executive Offi-cer and Director of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in the Philippines lauded the firming of Mindanao col-laboration.

“For the longest time, too many people have looked at environmen-tal concerns in a “stand-alone” manner. This think-ing is outdated. Current thinking looks at the phys-ical environment, and the ecological services that come from it, in a cross cutting manner,” he said.

“The opportunity is to establish climate smart, economic convergence at meso-scale. If natural ecosystems are used as

development anchors, this strategy will probably in-volve multi-regional zones defined by economic con-sonance,” he added.

The Mindanao-wide mechanism will be co-ordinated by MinDA and the Department of Envi-ronment and Natural Re-sources (DENR), being the lead agency responsible for the government’s en-vironment and natural re-sources programs.

Under the MindaNOW program, MinDA will coor-dinate the implementation of MindaNOW projects and activities in collaboration with the technical units of partner agencies to effec-tively coordinate project implementation, monitor-ing and evaluation.

The participating agen-cies will also provide tech-nical service support to the river basin manage-ment units which, in turn, will coordinate the various local resource councils and local government unit alli-ances for the sustainable management of their re-spective watersheds.

Signatories to the MOU were Sec. Antonino, Sec. Mary Ann Lucille Sering of Climate Change Commis-sion, Sec. Prospero Alcala of the Department of Ag-riculture, Usec. Demetrio Ignacio of DENR, Usec. Benito Ramos of the Of-

fice of Civil Defense, Asec. Dimas Suguilon of Public Works and Highways, Dir. Anthony Sales of the De-partment of Science and Technology, Asec. Abdul-lah Salic of DOST-ARMM, Dir. Art Boncato of the De-partment of Tourism, Dir. Ma. Lourdes Lim of the National Economic Devel-opment Authority, Com-missioner Santos Unsad of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Dir. Francisco Jose of the Interior and Local Govern-ment, and Asst. Dir. Fe delos Reyes of the Depart-ment of Education.

The MOU signing was one of the highlights of the MinDA-led two-day summit dubbed as the Mindanao Economy and Environment Summit held earlier this week at Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City.

The summit carried the theme, Building Con-stituency, Managing River Basins: Achieving Green Economy. It concluded with the presentation of the workshop outputs of various river basin-based groups, sharing best prac-tices and citing steps and suggestions for way for-ward in addressing issues within their respective riv-er basin units across Min-danao.

The summit also coin-cided with the celebration of the World Environment Day.


Nearly 17,000 IPs, indigents get medical attention in S. Cotabatoby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Nearly 17,000 indigents and indig-enous people in South Cotabato were served in the provincial government’s Halad ni Gov. Dodo: Barangay Health Improvement Program.


Rudy Jimenea, execu-tive assistant to the gov-ernor, reported that from April 10 to June 1, a total of 16,953 indigent resi-dents -- including lumads -- received free medical services.

Jimenea said that this year, “A total of 5,423 were circumcised, 7,385 received free tooth ex-traction, and 4,145 were given eyeglasses.”

The 2012 mission cov-ered all 10 municipalities and lone city of the prov-ince where the Barangay Affairs team set up medi-cal missions in 92 baran-gays.

Fourteen barangays were visited in Banga, five in Tampakan, 16 in Polo-molok, 10 in Norala, sev-en in Surallah, seven in Tantangan, four in T’boli, eight in Lake Sebu, six in Sto. Niño, seven in Tupi, and eight in Koronadal City.

Residents of villages near these mission sites were also served.

Halad ni Gov Dodo is a regular free medical-den-tal mission spearheaded by Governor Arthur Y. Pin-goy Jr., held every sum-mer. Vice Governor Elmo Tolosa, who is an eye doctor joined the medi-cal team to offer free eye

care services.Whenever he finds

time, Gov. Pingoy who is also a doctor by profes-sion, joins the medical team. His wife, Anna-belle, helps in the delivery of services together with their daughter Arianne Diana who is also a den-tist and private nurse.

For Remedios Pas-cual, a resident of Rizal in Banga town, the medical mission was a real treat, “especially for us who do not have the capacity to medical and eye check-up or go to the dentist for tooth extraction.” She hopes that such services will continue.

During one airing of the provincial govern-ment’s “Si Gov. Dodo kag ang Katawhan” radio pro-gram, Gov. Pingoy said the activity was imple-mented “as a response to an earlier finding of the DILG that residents in re-mote barangays of South Cotabato are not regu-larly reached by medical missions.”

He emphasized, “this medical mission is above and over the health servic-es we deliver to our con-stituents such improve-ment of our hospitals, distribution of PhilHealth cards, and improvement

of the capabilities of our health employees.”

Besides providing med-ical-dental and eye care services, the event is also a time for local residents and officials to discuss their immediate concerns with the provincial gov-ernment officials as well as opportunity for the provincial government to report accomplishments and disseminate the pro-grams and projects of the LGU.

Gov. Pingoy also an-nounced that the provin-cial government is now preparing for another major medical mission later this year.

“On October 25, about 40 Belgian nationals will come to South Cotabato for a dental mission,” he said.

About 5,000 to 8,000 indigents could receive free dental services dur-ing the event and around 1,000 could be fitted with new dentures.

He added that the provincial government is now screening poor residents with cleft pal-ate for the said mission because Belgian doctors have planned to operate at least 50 cleft-palate cases. (DED-PIA 12)


DOH-CHD 12 backs call for 100% smoke-free environmentby CT ApelacioGENERAL SANTOS CITY-- The Department of Health-Center for Health De-velopment (CHD) 12 is backing the call for 100 percent smoke-free environ-ment seeking support from different sectors and stakeholders in the region.

Supporting the no smoking advocates’ battle cry, “Tobacco industry is dangerous to your country’s health,” the DOH-CHD 12 insists that smoking is the root cause of many diseases.

It said a stick of cigarette has an equivalent of five-minute reduction to life longevity.

DOH-CHD 12 Regional Director Dr. Marlyn Convocar said there is enacted law in the Philippines that supports the no smoking advocacy citing Republic Act 9211 otherwise known as the “Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.”

She then called for unity among stakeholders to win the campaign for 100 percent smoke-free

environment. Convocar stressed smoking has become a culture rather than just a habit, thus, it needs a strong and concerted effort from various sectors to be able to control if not suppress it.

Convocar added that changing the behavior of people is “the key to making this fight successful.”

She also lauded the support of President Benigno S. Aquino III in the agency’s campaign against smoking.

With the passing of House Bill 5727 which levies a higher excise tax on cigarettes and liquors, advocates for no smoking are expecting a downturn in the number of smokers in the country.

The bill aims to lessen the number of

smokers discouraging people especially the minors from buying the products due to high cost.

“Tobacco is the only legal consumer product that can kill anyone,” said regional coordinator for Tobacco Control Program Estella Ilagan in last week’s media forum celebrating the World No Tobacco Day.

According to Ilagan, one person dies every six seconds because of smoking and to date, there are already six million deaths worldwide.

In 2009-2010, Philippines ranked first for having 28.3 percent smokers for that period followed by China with 28.1 percent and Vietnam with 23.8% percent.


A study of Philippine Global Youth Tobacco Survey conducted last 2007, 17.5 percent of youth aged 13-15 are into smoking. Of the total, 12 percent are reported to be girls. Statistics also shows that one out of five students is smoking.

Non-smoking activist and pulmonologist Dr. Virginia Sulit described smoking “not only an individual issue but a public health concern.”

“We have to protect people from smokers…and we offer help for them to quit tobacco use,” she said.

She also pointed out smoking will lead ultimately to the development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) that can be life-threatening.

World Health Organization (WHO) defines COPD as “lung ailment that is

characterized by a persistent blockage of airflow from the lungs. It is an under-diagnosed, life-threatening lung disease that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible.”

Aside from secondary smoking inhaled from a puffed out cigarette’s smoke and which poses more damage to health, Dr. Sulit also said there is such thing as “third-


hand smoking” that stuck to one’s clothes, curtains or even food and has the tendency to be unconsciously inhaled or eaten. She said the latter is more dangerous to children as it can make them very ill.

According to 2006 and 2010 US Surgeon General report, second-hand smoke causes 600,000 deaths annually. It also increases the risk of asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and otitis media or fluid in the middle ear.

Smoking can also cause other non-communicable diseases or NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and can lead to other respiratory complications. Recent study shows, 63% of all global deaths are due to NCDs.

In addition, “Cigarette smoking can make tuberculosis or TB more prevalent,” Sulit told the SocSarGen- base media practitioners.

According to DOH-CHD, a stick of cigarette contains 7,000 chemicals. 70 of which can cause cancer.

Aside from nicotine, other chemicals present in cigarettes are found to be toxic which include arsenic used for rat poison; acetic acid for hair dye; acetone found in paints and nail polish remover; ammonia used as household cleaner; benzene for rubber cement; cadmium present in batteries and artist’s oil paint; carbon monoxide, carbon tetrachloride, ethanol, butane, among others.

To promote the no smoking campaign and generate support from the local government units (LGUs), DOH has come up with awards and incentives in different categories such as the Red and Pink Orchids awards.

This year’s Red Orchid awardees include the local governments of Tupi and Tantangan, South Cotabato; Alamada,

Cotabato Province, and Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat. The municipalities of Tantangan and Alamada are second-time red orchid awardees having complied 100 percent implementation of no smoking in their respective areas.

Another red orchid awardees are the 68th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division based in Mlang, Cotabato Province and the second time winner Cotabato Regional and Medical Center.

Jenny Ventura, DOH-CHD-12 information officer said the center for health development regional office 12 is this year’s hall of famer. “It’s the regional office’s third time.”

The agency also posed a challenge to other local governments in the region to come up with their own versions of ordinance regulating the use of cigarettes especially in public places. (CTA/Santos City)


LGU Esperanza, DOH Red Orchid AwardeeBy Aida Agad

LUNGSOD NG KORONADAL -- Nakamit ng bayan ng Esperanza sa unang pag-kakataon ang 2012 Red Orchid Award mula sa Department of Health (DOH) dahil na rin sa pagtutulungan at multi-tasking ng iba’t-ibang sangay ng lokal na pamahalaan ng bayan ng Esperanza, ayon kay Municipal Health Officer Dr. Gilson Laspinas.

Naging maganda aniya ang bunga ng tulung-tulong na pagsisikap ng Sangay ng Ehekutibo, Lehislatura, Health Office, at ilang sektor na malinis ang bayan sa mga “communicable diseases” gaya ng kanser na dulot ng maruming usok at hindi malinis na kapaligiran, paliwanag ni Dr. Laspinas.

Ito umano ay isa sa mga batayan kung kayat n a s u n g k i t ng bayan ng E spe ranza ang Red Orchid Award at namukod-tangi sa mga bayan sa lalawigan ng Sultan Kudarat.

N a g i n g mahigpit din

umano ang pagsunod ng Esperanza sa mga batayang nakasaad sa “MPOWER” (Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies; Protect people from tobacco smoke; Offer help to quit tobacco use: Warn against dangers of tobacco; Enforce bans on

tobacco advertising and Raise taxes on tobacco) sa pamamagitan ng pagpasa at pagpapatupad ng mga probisyon ng Anti-Smoking Act, dagdag ni Laspinas.

Noong katapusan ng buwan ng Mayo ay tinanggap ng mga

opisyal ng bayan na pinangunahan ni Mayor Helen Latog ang parangal kalakip ang P100,000 na halaga para sa mga proyektong ipatutupad ng municipal health office at ng lokal na pamahalaan para sa kalusugan ng mga residente at kalinisan ng k o m u n i d a d , pahayag ni Laspinas. (DED/ACA-PIA 12)


Lanao ready for Dragon boat raceby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Preparations are well underway for the holding of the first-ever dragon boat exhibition and clinic in the Lake Lanao on June 16-18 this year.

The municipality of Ganassi, under the leadership of Mayor Al Rashid Macapodi, in partnership with the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation is

spearheading the three-day exhibition and clinic dubbed “Sarimanok Boat Race.” With the theme “One Paddle for


Peace, One Race for Ranao,” the event aims to promote the sport among the people in the province considering the important contribution of sports in upholding peace and unity in this part of the country. The Sarimanok Boat Race also seeks to develop Lake Lanao as a water sports and adventure destination and dragon boat capital of Mindanao. Lake Lanao is the second largest freshwater lake in the country and one of the 17 ancient lakes in the world. In the meantime, organizers of the event are inviting members

of the media to be their partners in promoting this first-ever boat race in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. A press conference is scheduled to be held at Brewberry in Cagayan de Oro City this Saturday, June 9.


Phl Dragon Boat to join Sarimanok Boat Race in Lake Lanao http://lifestyle.inquirer.net

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Fifteen members of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation will be arriving here in the province on Friday, June 15, for the holding of the “Sarimanok Boat Race” in Lake Lanao.

The Federation partnered with the municipal government of Ganassi for the conduct of a three-day seminar clinic and exhibition on dragon boat racing at the cove of the lake in Ganassi, disclosed municipal administrator Noroddin M. Maguindanao in a press conference held on Saturday at Brewberry Cafe in Cagayan de Oro City. According to Maguindanao, the event is dubbed as “Sarimanok Boat Race” because participating boats will have the traditional ‘Sarimanok’ head instead of the dragon head and they will be decorated with ‘okir’ on the sides rather than dragon scales. He said it is expensive to buy and transport the original dragon boat to Lanao, thus, Mayor Al Rashid Macapodi handpicked skilled boat makers to construct the boats and make the paddles that will be used for the event. The seminar clinic and exhibition which is anchored on the theme, “One Paddle for Peace, One Race for Ranao,” aims to introduce and promote the sport among Ganassi constituents.

“Most importantly, we hope to deliver a message on the present situation of Lake Lanao, its importance to the Maranaos and the need to protect and preserve it,” Maguindanao said. He stressed that activities and events like the Sarimanok boat race is needed to support the battle cry of saving Lake Lanao. Maguindanao disclosed that as of press time, 10 teams, excluding those coming from the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police, have already registered for the event.


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Sec. Robredo investigates illegal logging in Butuan todayby Robert E. Roperos

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo is here in the city today to conduct an

investigation on the confiscation of logs last June 3, 2012.


Earlier report from the city government said elements from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the city government here intercepted Sunday night, a large volume of illegal logs which were being

towed by 14 pumpboats along Agusan River in the vicinity of Barangays Maguinda and MJ Santos. On Monday morning, June 4, Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. inspected the seized logs before they were transported further for proper turnover. Meanwhile, in the press release of DENR-

Caraga, they reported that the joint operatives were able to intercept about 3,000 pieces of illegally-cut logs being towed down the Agusan River at Barangay Maguinda, this city, possibly to conceal them through the tributaries to evade confiscation and sell them


at opportune time. DENR-Ca raga Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca said this could be the largest volume of illegal logs of lauan species intercepted by the government operatives on Agusan River over the past five months of intensive operations by the DENR this year. With this development, Sibbaluca commended Mayor Amante for extending his all-out support to the operations. A press conference was scheduled this afternoon at the City Mayor’s Conference Room where Sec.

Robredo will be the guest panel with officials of the city and DENR-Caraga, it was learned. This morning, the officials were in the area for an ocular inspection where the illegally-cut logs were apprehended. The moratorium on the cutting

and harvesting of timber in natural and residual forest under Executive Order No. 23 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino II on February 2, 2011 is still in effect, the DENR here said.


In a written statement released by the NSO-Surigao del Sur provincial office, there is one person added per year for every 100 persons in the population. As of the May 1, 2010 Census of Population and Housing, Surigao del Sur has a total population of 561,219. It was higher by 59,411 than the population count reported in year 2000. According to NSO records, the

total population in 1990 was 452,098, while it was 501,808 in 2000 census report. Meanwhile, the NSO reported that there are approximately 123 persons occupying every square kilometer area on the average, if the latest total population were equally distributed to a provincial total land area of 4,552.2 square kilometer. This is higher by 13 persons compared to the figure reported in 2000.

Surigao del Sur population up by 1.12%by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur-- The population count for the period of 2000 to 2010 in Surigao del Sur increased by 1.12 percent, the National Statistics Office (NSO) here said.


MARINA leads 2nd Maritime Shipping Forumby Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY–- The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) - Surigao del Norte field office spearheaded on Wednesday, June 6, the 2nd Maritime Shipping Forum at the 3rd Floor of Doña Eva Macapagal Building, Philippine Ports Authority, Port Area, this city. MARINA - Region X and XIII Regional Director Engr. Emmanuel B.Carpio in his opening remarks said the main purpose of the forum is to open the line between the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), MARINA, boat owners, captains and operators, and to

Monday, June 11, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 27prov ide

proper venue for all stakeholders to clarify some issues and concerns. Carpio said they are also planning to conduct a familiarization seminar for dangerous and flammable goods to all boat captains and

operators to ensure the safety of their passengers. During the said forum, Surigao del Norte PCG Commander Joel Simo-ag appealed to all boat captains and operators to strictly comply with the Maritime pre-departure requirements to avoid delayed and inconvenience of departure.

Meanwhile, PPA Manager Engr. Isidro V. Butaslac said this office, together with the PCG and MARINA, are always there to serve the needs of the people in the shipping industry and as the President said, “Kayo ang Boss namin.” Attendees of the forum were representatives from city and provincial local government, national line agencies, socio-civic organization, maritime industry stakeholders and some local media.


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The group will assemble outside Land Bank of the Philippines, Pettit Barracks at 6:30 AM on Friday and will proceed to the area at 7:00 AM.

Mr. Raymond B. Domingo, NYC Regional Head said RAC member-agencies agreed to conduct the mangrove planting in support to the National Greening Program (NGP) of

RAC to conduct Mangrove Planting in support to the National Greening ProgramBy Alma L. Tingcang

The Regional Advisory Council (RAC) of the National Youth Commission (NYC) is scheduled to conduct a Mangrove Planting activity on June 15, 2012 together with some

youth organizations at Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City.


the government and in time with the celebration of Environment Month this June. The NGP is a government priority program which intends to pursue sustainable development for poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation. It aims to plant some 1.5 billion trees covering some 1.5 million hectares for a period of 6 years from 2011-2016 in the following areas of public domain: forest lands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservations, urban areas under the greening plan of the local government units (LGUS) , inactive and abandoned mine sites and other suitable lands. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)

Philhealth to subsidize kidney transplantation by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Good news to all Philhealth members! Starting this month, the government’s premier health insurance institution will be subsidizing kidney transplantation to help bring down its costs.


Dr. Michael Abutazil, chief nephrologist of the Western Mindanao Medical Center (WMMC) said during the launching of the PIA Media Forum here that Health Secretary and Philhealth Chairman Dr. Enrique Ona had earlier announced that funds would be provided to subsidize costs of kidney transplantation. “We’re very glad that effective June, we will be receiving P628,000.00 subsidy coming from

Philhealth for each transplanted kidney,” Dr. Abutazil said. Abutazil explained that the subsidy will cover at least 70% of the total costs of the operation, making it extremely affordable for patients to undergo renal transplant. “In our area, the Western Mindanao Medical Center, the cost of the package is P850,000.00. If there is a subsidy of P628,000.00, then roughly, the patient will just be shelling out about P160,000.00 including the medications to be used for the transplantation,” he said. Abutazil also stressed that this is part of the national government’s goal to make renal transplantation accessible to the Filipinos.

“The Department of Health, together with other partner agencies, is really putting this into a reality, making treatment for our renal patient more accessible”, he added. Dr. Abutazil led the group of Nephrologists in successfully conducting the first-ever kidney transplantation in Western Mindanao in October last year. Another patient was operated on just last March, with two more scheduled operations in line. “We are happy to inform you that so far our patients are on their way to full recovery. They are still under observation but everything is doing well so far. Our next operation will be on the 25th of this month, then, another one is set next month (July), although there’s no specific date yet,” Abutazil said. (MVC/PIA9-ZBST)


DOE, DTI warns on risks of refilling cylinders with AutoLPG, recycling canistersby Jorie C. Valcorza

The Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Product Standards (DTI-BPS) and the Department of Energy (DOE) recently warned the public on proliferation of illegal liquefied

petroleum gas (LPG) and AutoLPG dispensing stations

DOE Chief for the Oil Industry Management Bureau, Zenaida Monsada revealed, during the Mindanao LPG Summit held in General

Santos City, Tuesday, that refilling of butane canisters with LPG gas is now becoming rampant in Davao and some parts of Region 12.


Cagayan de Oro prepares for Independence Day

This developed after City Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Y. Emano recently organized a special task force, in which he appointed Councilor Adrian Barba as Chairman, specifically for the purpose of planning and implementing a sequence of activities in accordance with the celebrations. Liga ng mga Barangay President and Councilor Dometilo Acenas is the appointed Vice Chairman while Councilor Alexander Dacer, City Administrator Atty. Leon Du M. Gan, Jr., City Accountant Wilma Rugay,

City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Isidro Borja, Officer In-Charge (OIC) City Treasurer Juliete

Atty. Genaro Jacob of DTI-BPS explained that butane canisters are disposable and designed for single-shot use only. He said pressure requirement of both gasses differs. LPG is a mixture of propane and butane and would naturally demand higher pressure requirement. “Butane canisters are now refilled at a cost of P30.00 to P40.00, affordable yet not economical,” Jacob noted. Monsada, likewise, raise the alarm on the unauthorized refilling

of household cylinders at AutoLPG dispensing stations, noting it is not fit for household use. “Another risk for this, is that the cylinders will not anymore undergo the regular inspection for leakage as it normally does at the LPG refilling station,” she said. Considering such issues, it was agreed during the summit for the DOE to release circulars that will serve as basis for the local government units in enacting local ordinances that declares ban on such practices.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The city government’s preparation is in full swing as a series of major celebrations approaches including the 114th Philippine Independence Day Celebration on June 12, the 62nd Charter Day Anniversary of the City of Cagayan de Oro on June 15, and the 151st Birth Anniversary of the National Hero Gat Jose Rizal on June 19.


Glenda Valmorida, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Sunshine Mae Obsioma, Acting City Information Officer Cheryl Moncay, Public Employment Services Office Manager Juvy Paza, and City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Myrna Castaños are its members. Anchored on this year’s theme, “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan,” the celebration will begin with a Flag Raising and Commemorative Rites at Kiosko Kagawasan, in Divisoria. There will also be a 3D Art Museum Opening and ‘Pista sa Nayon’ on the same day. On June 13, there will be a cultural night, tree planting, solid waste seminar while on June 14, the city will conduct mega job fair and ‘Blood Summit.’ During the charter day celebration on the 15th, it will be opened with Flag Raising and Commemorative program, civic-military parade, mega

job fair, concert at the park and Asian Business Cabletow Cooperative Academy (ABCCA) Calaanan Opening Rites. The celebration will be capped with a tribute for the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal on the 19th.

Lanao del Norte to host PBA Governor’s Cup anew by Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - Alaska Aces to face TNT Tropang Texters in Lanao del Norte game.

Two formidable teams with vast championship experience are set to do battle on June 16, 2012 at the ‘Home of the PBA’ here in Mindanao – the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) gymnasium in the capital town of Tubod, this province. With both teams hungry for a win

in the on-going Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors Cup, this out-of-town game surely has the makings of another exciting game showcasing the fast-paced brand of the PBA. Despite struggling in the early part of this conference, the two


teams are expected to improve their standings as the season continues. The Aces will once again rely on the teamwork of their local squad to complement the offense of their import Jason Forte, while the Tropang Texters will be counting on the firepower of Jason Castro and import Paul Andrew Harris to get another line in their win column. It can be recalled that the MCC gymnasium located in the province of Lanao del Norte has been declared by PBA Commissioner Chito Salud to be the ‘Home of the PBA’ in Mindanao early last year. With its 1-1 (win-loss) record, the Alaska Aces is currently ranked fourth in the league, but with its zero win and two losses Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters is at the bottom of the team standings and ranked ninth overall. PBA fans in Northern Mindanao will be cheering for their very own Cyrus Baguio who hails from Iligan City. He is with the Alaska Aces Team. As to which team is more hungry for the win, this question will soon be answered on game

day, June 16. “We want to give the people the best entertainment possible especially now that we’re celebrating our 53rd Araw ng Lanao del Norte. And when it comes to basketball, PBA clearly delivers the best brand of entertainment. Everyone is invited to join in our celebration”, Governor Khalid Dimaporo said. For tickets and reservations, contact telephone number: 063-341-5310. (PIO)


Over a thousand Overseas Filipi-no Workers (OFWs) and their

families in Davao City were treat-ed today in a day of fun, entertain-ment and skills demonstration in celebration of the Migrant Work-ers’ Day 2012. Ma. Elvira Ador, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-XI) regional director, said the Migrant Workers’ Day Fair held at NCCC Mall, Davao City was a way of recognizing the significant contribution of the OFWs to the country’s economic development. Ador told the media in today’s special edition of the Kapihan sa PIA at NCCC Mall, that 30 government agencies, private sector, non-government organizations, and individuals joined in the celebration with the migrant workers. She said the agencies provided services during the fair such as information and dissemination, lectures on business and livelihood opportunities, and other programs.

She cited the City Health Office to have given lectures on reproductive health and the National Statistics Office that accepted applications for birth certification during the event. There was also an awarding of two checks to OFW beneficiaries who availed of OWWA’s “2B Livelihood Loan” OFW Reintegration Program, Ador bared. In the afternoon program of the fair, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided skills demonstration, while the Bank of the Philippine Island shared a short talk on financial wellness. Ador disclosed that there have been 55,210 OFW members registered at OWWA in the region since the last five years up to the first quarter of 2012. This year’s Migrant Workers’ Day celebration carried the theme: “Serbisyo at Oportunidad para sa OFW at Pamilyang OFW.” (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

Davao OFWs observe migrant workers dayby Carina Cayon


regional gallery

Mr. Mike Smith of Yangwha Global based in Australia demonstrates the proper usage of the KNIFE-SETTER as Mayor Rey T. Uy looks on. The said equipment along with a cut-resistant gloves (worth almost 1 thousand Aus-tralian Dollars) made of aluminum was donated by Australian Meat Compa-nies to Tagum City Slaughterhouse last May 18, 2012. The turn-over hap-pened during their courtesy call with the Chief Executive at Tagum City’s Motorpool. Photo by Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum

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One Mindanao - June 11, 2012

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