One Mindanao - June 15, 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

SaRNet12 pool of rescuers show off proficiency

CT ApelacioCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue...

Friday, June 15, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 280

page 4

Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy, Northern Mindanao

Aquino receives Japanese businessmen in Malacañang 9Malaybalay joins nation in celebrating 114th Araw ng Kalayaan14

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao15 Registration of the 2012 ALS A&E takers

starts June 12 - DepEd

20Carina Cayon, Southern Mindanao

DOST-XI rolls out school-based dengue traps

Shahana Joy Duerme, Central Mindanao

PUV Drivers required to undergo proficiency certification -- TESDA 1223DA 12 launches Adopt-A-Station Project25

30 Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region

Crime incidents in Butuan decrease, says BCPO

Caraga placement rate up by 21% during 2012 Kalayaan job fair32

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

DOLE-Caraga, Caraga Region

DOST accepts applications for PSHS scholarship34 Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

7 11

13

17

22

26

33

28

4 Friday, June 15, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StorySaRNet12 pool of rescuers show off proficiency

The teams, who came from national and local governments to include the private institutions, simulated five events, namely rubber boat operation, highline, hailing, victim management, and victim transport in the 2012 Search and Rescue Network (SaRNet12) Summit held last week of May here. Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) 12 regional director Lita Enok, who is also the chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) 12 said the summit was not only intended to showcase

the ability of SaRNet 12 in search and rescue but also aimed at bringing them together and forging camaraderie among them. She said camaraderie was important especially when they were going to be pool of rescuers. She said they will be mobilized and on call in time of disaster incidents regardless of location. “With this intention we need to enhance the skills and knowledge of the search and rescue teams in our area,” Enok said. She also described the

by CT Apelacio

Soccsksargen pool of rescuers showed off

their prowess in search and rescue operations besting each others in different simulation categories.

Friday, June 15, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

activity as “significant” with the institutionalization of the Incident Command System (ICS) in OCD region 12, which will harmonize standards and protocols for emergency response. Roy Dorado, OCD-12 chief of operations, said the event was an “emergency response capacity development initiative” aimed at helping disaster workers and volunteers identify needs and maximize resources that they can use in disaster operations. He said activity such as the summit also strengthens partnership and collaboration so when calamity comes there will be harmonious and smooth deployment of manpower and resources. SaRNet12, organized in 2004 has become lull. OCD-12 vowed to resuscitate the dynamics of the organization with its reorganization. OCD Administrator Usec. Benito Ramos, executive director of NDRRMC said he was amazed with the skills and capabilities that each team demonstrated. He lauded OCD 12 and the SaRNet12 saying “networking” is important to make complementing among key players such as the different LGUs, easier. Ramos emphasized that “climate system” has now changed so “awareness” by all local government units that “they have the responsibility” to safeguard the safety of their

constituents is of paramount importance. He also said “people have the propensity to blame the government but they forgot that they also have the responsibility” to look at their own safety. “Let us realize the truth before it happens,” Ramos emphatically told the pool of rescuers.After completing the five rigorous drills, the winners for the major awards in the SaRNet12 competition were announced. These were Alabel Rescue Group, 4th; Cotabato Responders, 3rd; Polomolok Emergency Response Team, 2nd; Sultan Kudarat Rescue Team, 1st; and the Sarangani Auxiliary


Volunteers for Emergency Response bagged the overall champion. Despite the lack of equipment, Sarangani team bested the others attributing their win to “teamwork and skill readiness “ of each member. Sarangani also received the “perpetual award” in which they have to defend their title for three consecutive years.

The Bureau of Fire Protection 12, Dept. of Health-Health Emergency Management Staff 12, Philippine Coast Guard, 5053rd Search and Rescue Squadron, Dept. of Social Welfare and Development-12, the Philippine Information Agency-12 and the OCD-12 comprised the evaluators and facilitators of the competition.


ACROSS THE NATION

The President said this commemoration was an opportunity to “thank” all Filipino-Chinese for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice to improving the country.

In his speech, the President said it was an honor to join the Filipino-Chinese community in remembering this significant event that showcases our Filipino-

Chinese brothers whom he said were instrumental in securing our country’s independence and nation building.

He cited General Ignacio Paua, one of many

Aquino leads commemoration of 37th Anniversary of Philippine-China Diplomatic Relations

President Benigno S. Aquino III led members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Filipino-Chinese

community in commemorating the 37th Anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-China Diplomatic Relations held at the Manila Hotel on Tuesday night.


Chinese-Filipinos who loyally fought for our nation’s place in the sun, as one who

joined and led the struggle

for the independence we now enjoy.

“Every generation since then, called to stand for God and country, has included in its ranks Chinese-Filipinos—from soldiers like General Vicente Lim, to the anonymous volunteer firefighters and entrepreneurs, who make our independence and our civic life more meaningful with their dedication to their country,” the President said.

“Today, we are given the opportunity to thank them for the sacrifices they made, and for the work they put in. I am honored to be able to remember them with all of you on this occasion, especially because Chinese-Filipinos like you are helping to

fulfill the promise of independence—a promise of prosperity. Groups like the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry are our partners in the effort to achieve the prosperity that generations of our countrymen have dreamed of,” he added.

Aside from keynoting the event, the President witnessed the turnover of FFCCCII’s P2-million donation to the Philippine National Police

Foundation, Inc. in support of the foundation’s various programs; and the symbolic turnover of 400 housing units to the victims of typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities.

This year’s celebration was made more memorable as it is held simultaneous with the commemoration of 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence as well as the 11th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day. (RCK)


Aquino receives Japanese businessmen in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III received a group of Japanese businessmen to discuss their possible investments in the country that will provide employment opportunities for the Filipinos.

Japanese business magnate Tadashi Yanai, founder and president of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. paid a courtesy call on President Aquino at the Music Room of the Malacanang Palace, Thursday morning. Accompanying Mr. Yanai were his wife Teruyo; Naoki Otoma, Fast Retailing Co.,

Ltd. chairman and chief executive officer; Katsumi Kubota, Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. chief operating officer and Teresita Sy-Coson, vice chairman officer of the SM Investments Corporation.

Also present were Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Cristino

Panlilio and DTI Assistant Secretary Fe Reyes.

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. is a holding company. The specialty retailer UNIQLO is the Group’s mainstay operation, and it has enjoyed strong growth by offering high-quality casual wear at reasonable prices based on its SPA (Specialty store


r e t a i l e r of Private label Apparel) business model, which spans product design, manufacture, distribution and retail.

First venturing into international markets in 2001, Uniqlo now has worldwide

operations that include the U.K., China, Hong Kong, South Korea, the United States, France, Singapore, Russia, Taiwan and Malaysia. In 2011, the company opened

global flagship stores in Taipei and Seoul, and in New York’s prestigious Fifth Avenue, as part of plans to grow business worldwide. As of the end of February 2012, the group boasts around 849 stores in Japan and 234 stores in other markets overseas.

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. said they are planning to open 50 Uniqlo stores in the Philippines in the coming years. A Uniqlo specialty store is set to have its grand opening on June 15, Friday at the SM Mall of Asia. (JCL)


Malacañang assures contingency measures for victims of flashfloods in Mindanao

In a regular press briefing in Mala-canang on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that all the various concerned government agencies led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Department of Social Wel-fare and Development (DSWD), the Of-fice of Civilian Defense (OCD), Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard have been focusing on their responsibilities to

attend to the needs of the victims and contain the effects of the flooding in the affected areas.

“The NDRRMC is on top of it, the DSWD has provided 350 food packs in Sultan Kudarat area… 53 food packs in Kidapawan. In Sarangani there were two people missing, and the NDRRMC has rescued 40 individuals from flooding,” Lacierda said.

He added that apart from the

Malacañang assured that the government has laid down the necessary contingency measures for the victims of flashfloods in the island of

Mindanao that was hit by an abrupt rise of water due to the continuous heavy rains last Tuesday.


assistance of the national government, the local government has also exerted efforts to help the affected residents in the area.

“Governor [Miguel Rene] Dominguez and Mayor [Victor James] Yap have provided relief goods..., the PDRRMC Sa-rangani and NDRRMC Glan together with the Office of the Civilian Defense Region 12, Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guards are monitoring the situa-tion. They have conducted ocular surveya and dam-age assessments, as well as needs analysis in the

area,” Lacierda noted.“We are on top of it, the

DSWD has prepositioned those goods as early as June 11,” he added.

In the morning of June 12, floods inundated three barangays that include Barangay Big Margus, Ba-rangay Pangyan and Ba-rangay Cross in Glan, Sa-rangani province affecting at least 568 persons and damaging a total of162 houses, while 111 were partially damaged.

The two casualties were

identified by the NDRRMC as a certain Sagapo Cab-igding, 63 years old of Purok 5, Brgy. Cross, Sa-rangani and 40-year-old Rolando Mata of Brgy Saeg Calumpang General San-tos City.

Fifteen-year-old Rani Pregoner of Kabatiol, Maasim was still missing as of this morning.

The Small Margus Bridge and Pangyan Bridge were partially damaged by the flashfloods. (JCL)


DOLE-10 encourages jobseekers to register at Phil-JobNetby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Regional Office 10 urged jobseekers to register at www.phil-job.net, the official job portal of the government.

Assistant Regional Director Crispin D. Dannug, Jr. advised applicants to open an account with Phil-JobNet and browse through the available vacancies to match their skills.

According to him, employers can also view the profile of applicants who match the requirements of the vacancy they posted in the website. An applicant, who successfully obtained a job match, will receive a notification via electronic mail or SMS, he said. In the meantime, Dannug encouraged jobseekers to join

the job fair on June 14-15 at the City Hall grounds. He also advised those already registered with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in the city to attend the Job Fair early and get the


Malaybalay joins nation in celebrating 114th Araw ng Kalayaanby Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Nearly 1,000 peace-loving people gathered at the Ereccion del Pueblo in Plaza Rizal here, as the city government took the lead in the flag raising ceremony and salute to the flag Tuesday, to commemorate the 114th Independence Day.

After the flag raising ceremony, the ‘Panunumpa sa Watawat’ (pledge of allegiance) was adeptly recited by Bukidnon National High School’s rhymesters. In his i n s p i r a t i o n a l talk during the commemorative program, Mayor Ignacio Zubiri said as the country celebrates the 114th Araw ng Kalayaan, the people should be inspired by drawing strength from the heroes who fought not only for the sake of independence but also on freedom from hunger, oppression, poverty, injustice and discrimination. “This event is not merely about

floral offerings, parades, or show of costumes. This historical event should remind us that freedom is a shared commitment and a common aspiration,” the mayor said. In line with the theme “KALAYAAN: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan,” the mayor stressed that

job they are wishing for. The two-day Mega Job Fair was organized by the city government of Cagayan de Oro as part of its commemoration of the 114th Independence Day and 62nd Charter

Day celebration of the city. The DOLE Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental West Office, on the other hand, is extending technical support to the conduct of the City job fair. (DoLE-10)


celebrating Independence Day is not because it is a significant chapter in the country’s history, but because it is a life-long commitment in the task to nation-building and development. The 21-gun salute by the 403rd Brigade of the Philippine Army, on the other hand, was offered to the country’s heroes and brave veterans who fought for the country’s freedom and liberty. Also, while the Bukidnon State University Chorale stately sung the ‘Ang Bayan Kong Pilipinas,’ hundreds of public officials, employees, school institutions, including private sectors and civil society groups offered thousands of colorful flower bouquets at the Rizal Shrine.

The sounding of sirens by the Bureau of Fire Protection and blowing of horns, followed by simultaneous ringing of church bells capped the commemoration rites. Highlighting the event was the holding of free veterinary services such as rabies vaccination, spay-neuter of pet and guard dogs, deworming of cows, horses, carabaos (water buffalo), goats, sheep, and other animals. The Malaybalay city government has earlier girded for this Independence Day commemoration as part of the weeklong celebration of Malaybalay City’s 135th Foundation with the theme “Fueled by the Past Success, Boosted to a Certain Future.”

Registration of the 2012 ALS A&E takers starts June 12 - DepEdOZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Department of Education (DepEd) has set the period June 12 to July 31 as the registration days for those interested to take the 2012 Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) Test.

Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro said those qualified to register for the ALS A&E Test are elementary drop-outs who are at least 11 years old and high school drop-outs who are at least 15 years old on or before the day of the test. Also qualified are non-passers of previous ALS A&E tests, learners/completers of the ALS Program and youths and adults, who are in-school, but over-aged for elementary level or

more than 11 years old and for high-school level or more than 18 years old. The Education Secretary said the ALS A&E Test will be conducted by the Bureau of Alternative System (BALS), both at the elementary and secondary levels in 205 schools divisions of the country’s 17 DepEd regional centers on the following dates: October 7, for Region 9, Western Mindanao-Zamboanga Peninsula, Region 10,

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


Northern Mindanao, Region 11, Southern Mindanao-Davao, Region 12, Central Mindanao-South Cotabato, Saranggani and General Santos (SOCSARGEN), Region 13, Caraga and the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); October 14, for Region V - Bicol, Region VI - Western Visayas, Region VII-Central Visayas and Region VIII-Eastern Visayas; October 21 for Region I - Ilocos, Region II - Cagayan Valley, Region III - Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); and October 28 for Region IV-A, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon (CALABARZON), Region IV-B, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan (MIMAROPA) and National Capital Region (NCR). Registrants must present on the day of the registration two copies of 2”x2” ID photos with name tags showing his/her surname, first name and middle name and original and xerox copy of any government-issued IDs. They should also bring their NBI clearance (photocopy not needed) and barangay certification with photo stating their complete name and date

of birth. School drop-outs who are not employed and not old enough to acquire the above documents must submit an authenticated birth certificate, Secretary Luistro said. Meanwhile, the extension testing centers (ETCs) will be given special considerations, such as prison camps, correctional, formation and rehabilitation centers but will still be under the supervision of the Registration and Testing Center (RTC) in the same schools division. However, the test in the ETCs will be conducted in the same manner as it is done in the RTC and shall be administered in the morning of the same testing day. Inmates who register for the October ALS A&E Test shall not be brought to the RTC of the Division and shall take the test in the designated area inside the BJMP compound. The test registration, administration, and certificate of ratings is free and no payment shall be collected by anyone involved in the ALS A&E test, Secretary Luistro added.


Mining engineers of this year’s Mining Engineers

Convention (MINECON) are en-couraged to practice and commu-nicate responsible mining. Addressing about 500 mining-engineer participants, mining consultant Rufino B. Bomasang told them to make sure that the companies they work with are applying the principles of responsible mining which he cited as similar to

sustainable development. He quoted the United Nations definition of sustainable development as development “that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.” Citing such definition, Bomasang looked at sustainable development to have three vital elements which are economic viability,

environmental compatibility and social acceptance without which a project won’t be considered sustainable. Looking at responsible mining from the viewpoint of sustainable development, Bomaslang said that absence of the three elements in a mining project would mean failure to meet the classification as responsible mining.

Mining engineers urged to practice,communicate responsible miningby Jeanevive Abangan


He admitted that some mining projects in the past to failed to meet the standards of responsible mining, and had not integrated economic viability, environmental protection and social acceptance. “I don’t blame the environmentalists for harping on these,” he said referring to a number of mining blunders in the past. However, he believed that large scale mining companies have shifted their mining practices based on the prescription of the 1995 Philippine Mining Act. He gave credit to government’s mining regulatory bodies such as the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB), the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) and even the mining companies “for setting high standards” of mining practices. Meanwhile, Bomasang asked mining engineers to communicate the responsible mining practices which have been integrated especially in large-scale mining operation. But he cautioned them to “mean what they say” and put into practice what they are claiming, and that he encouraged them to always seek for improvement of their profession as the time calls for mining engineers

to become more efficient. Bomasang discussed the essence of this year’s MINECON theme, “Mining Engineering Profession: Meeting the Challenges of the Present Society.” Meanwhile, the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSME) national board president Ceasar I. Lao-as explained that this year’s MINECON aims “to strengthen the capability of mining engineers” as they are facing present challenges anchored on complicated environmental issues. Aside from cooperation and understanding of stakeholders, players and the community, Lao-as counted education and training as among the major components to sharpen the efficiency of mining engineers to meet the challenges of times. Among the educational inputs of this year’s MINECON are Mining Policy Updates, Philippine Energy Development Program, A Review of the Value Chain Analysis of Mineral Development in Davao, Underground Mining, Electronic Detonators, The National Greening Program, Mine Rehab and Decommissioning Plan. (PIA-11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

Facts and Figures500 Mining-engineer participants fo this year’s Mining

Engineers Convention (MINECON) in Davao City.


regional gallery

Eduardo P. Tesorero, DOST-XI assistant regional director for finance and administrative services, turns over the Ovicidal-Larvicidal Trap or OL Trap kit to DepEd Davao City assistant schools division superintendent Ma. Antonia P. Diaz during the launching of the DOST’s School-Based OL Trap Roll-Out on June 13 at the DepEd Division Training Center. Also in the photo is DOH regional malaria/dengue program coordinator Engr. Antonietta Ebol. (DOST-XI)


DOST-XI rolls out school-based dengue traps

DAVAO CITY- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the region is set to roll out its dis-tribution of the mosquito Ovicidal-Larvicidal Traps or OL Traps in all 358 public elementary and sec-ondary schools in the city. DOST-XI launched on Wednesday its school-based OL Trap program in a bid to help reduce dengue cases in Davao City considered as priority area in Davao Region due to high incidence of the disease. DOST-XI Assistant Regional Director Elsie Mae A. Solidum said at least two OL trap kits, each comes with a cup, pellets and paddles, will be provided per classroom for free in a span of six months. With this target, over 10,000 OL traps are expected to be distributed last week of June this year to the city’s public elementary and secondary schools which have 3,991 and 1,367 classrooms, respectively. Solidum said the OL trap, a technology developed by DOST that reduces the development of mosquito larvae, has been proven to be effective with proper use and handling. She said this DOST program has been rolled out to schools which

are heavily populated with children who are most vulnerable to dengue disease. After the launching and symbolic turn-over of the OL traps to partner agencies - the Department of Education and the City Health Office (CHO), DOST-XI immediately proceeded on providing orientation to DepEd Coordinators. The series of orientation are slated on June 13-15, 2012 at the DepEd Division Training Center in Quirino Avenue, Davao City. After the free supply of OL traps for six months, Solidum said it will be up to DepEd to continue the project using its own fund. Ma. Antonia P. Diaz, DepEd Davao City assistant schools division superintendent, lauded and welcomed the program as she raised the project’s importance to DepEd and to the local government unit. Diaz said the OL trap project is timely with the start of classes and onset of rainy season this June, as well as the expected increase in the influx of students coming from private schools. “Adopting the technology means preventing the increase of dengue cases in schools,” she stated.

by Carina Cayon


Glan flashflood and storm surge aftermathGLAN, Sarangani, June 15 Driftwood that washed ashore due to storm surge and debris carried down to the beach from the highlands by flashfloods triggered by the non-stop heavy rain on early morning of Tuesday (June 12) make these kids ponder while looking at the mud-colored waves of Sarangani Bay Seascape that used to be clear and calm water where they used to play. This photo taken Wednesday, June 13, is the aftermath of nature’s wrath at the shore of baran-gay Big Margus. Big Margus is one of the four barangays greatly affected by the flashfloods that prompted the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) to declare the entire municipality of Glan under a state of calamity. (Cocoy Sexcion/Sarangani PIO)

Photo Release


Glan, Sarangani under state of calamityBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY -- The municipal government of Glan in Sarangani prov-ince has declared state of calamity after a flash flood affected 20 barangays early Tuesday morning.

Reports have reached PIA 12 that Maasim town has also declared state of calamity but this has yet to be confirmed.

Sarangani Provincial Information Office could not also confirm the news and added that they are still waiting for official report from the office of Mayor Arturo Lawa.

Sarangani public information officer Glan Mayor Victor James Yap called an emergency meeting with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council where they decided to place the municipality under state of calamity. This came on the heels of reports from barangay chairpersons that apart from Barangays Pangyan, Big Margus

and Cross, 17 more barangays have also sustained damages due to flashfloods.

The Provincial DRRMO reported that the flood killed two persons and affected at least 568 families.

It identified the fatalities as Segapo Cabggdeng, 63, of barangay Cross and Rolando Mata, 40, a fisherman from Calumpang, General Santos City, who both died of drowning.

The flood also left 162 houses totally damaged.

“We are proposing to give P10,000 financial assistance to families whose houses were totally destroyed,” Yap said.

Relief operations from the provincial and municipal government and other stakeholders

are continuing.This morning, the

PDRRMO reported that a total of 276 persons have been rescued or washed ashore; most of them have already returned home to Maasim town.

Captain George Ursabia, Commander of Coast Guard District South Eastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) reported to PDRRMO this morning that there were no more rescued fishermen under their care.

“All of them had been released and allowed to go home yesterday morning. Search efforts are still ongoing for the remaining missing fishermen. Now I’m in Balut Island to oversee ongoing search and rescue here,” Ursabia said.

The total number of missing persons is down to 61 from 88


yesterday. These are fishermen from Maasim who were swept away by a storm surge on June 12.

Maasim MDRRMC this morning dispatched search and rescue teams to barangay Big Margus in Glan and will proceed to Balut Island to look for more survivors.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) - 12 warned residents, especially those living near identified

calamity-prone areas to be always on alert because bad weather may persist as tropical storm “Guchol” continues its path toward the Philippines.

“Residents living along low-lying areas and mountain slopes are advised to be on alert for possible occurrence of flash flood and landslide,” OCD 12 Assistant Regional Director Jerome Barranco said.

NDRRMC’s 11:00

a.m. - June 14 advisory reported that TS Guchol has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and is now named “Butchoy.”

As of 10:32 a.m. today, Butchoy is located 880 km East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It has a maximum winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph and is moving west northeast at 24 kph. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

PUV Drivers required to undergo proficiency certification -- TESDA 12By Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY -- Beginning January 2013, all drivers of public util-ity vehicles are required to undergo proficiency standards certification, an official of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TES-DA) 12 announced yesterday.

Rolly Palencia, TESDA 12’s information officer, said their agency in partnership with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 12 met with transport owners and operators in Soccsksargen Region on June 7 to disseminate the implementation of the Department

of Transportation and Communication Order No 2011 - 25.

The order signed by Sec. Jose P. de Jesus on April 26, 2011 directs the LTFRB to include driver proficiency standards as additional requirement in the issuance of Certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs).

A CPC is an

authorization given to operators and owners to operate their facilities for public service.

The order requires that all drivers of CPC applicants be certified by TESDA as NC II or NC III certified.

Specifically, it says “Drivers of public utility buses and heavy trucks should be certified by TESDA with “Driving


NC (National Certificate) III.”

“Drivers of all other modes of public transportation should be certified by TESDA with “Driving NC (National Certificate) II,” it continues.

Palencia explained the requirement will apply to new applications of CPC, extension of validity, and sale or other form of transfer of CPC.

“With this development, a memorandum of agreement was entered into by the TESDA and LTFRB to pave the way and ensure the smooth implementation of this new undertaking,” he said.

During the regional

consultation, TESDA 12 and the transport operators agreed that the agency conduct training on defensive driving for the latters’ drivers.

These training will be free under the company/enterprise-based training scheme.

“This is to prepare public transportation drivers who, mostly, have no formal training in driving before undergoing TESDA competency assessment which is a means to obtain appropriate level of National Certificate if one is found to be competent,” he added.

TESDA 12 Regional Director Zeus P. Ampuyas told the participants of the consultation,

“ C o m p e t e n c y assessment is one way to professionalize the job of a driver. The public is assured that a TESDA certified driver is proficient and know about his duties and responsibilities.”

LTO Regional Director Arlan M. Mangele discussed law enforcement and role of the Land Transportation Office.

Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 12 secretary Jessie M. dela Cruz was also there to discuss updates on the approved wage for bus drivers.

DOTC’s order for proficiency certification of PUV drivers with TESDA is aimed at ensuring safety of commuters by ensuring that drivers are well-oriented and trained on road safety.

According to an earlier study of DOTC, 90 percent of road accidents in the Philippines are due to errors committed by drivers. Of these, 87 percent involve bus drivers. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from Rolly Palencia-TESDA 12)


DA 12 launches Adopt-A-Station ProjectBy Shahana Joy Duerme

KORONADAL CITY --The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 launched its Adopt-A-Station Project yesterday, June 13, in two of Koronadal City’s radio stations.

DXOM-Hot FM radio and DXKI- Far East Broadcasting Company were the first beneficiaries of the said project.

During the launching, a nipa hut, plastic drum, garden tools and vegetable and fruit tree seedlings from the Research Outreach Station in Tupi, South Cotabato and High Value Crops Development Program of the DA 12 were turned over to the radio stations.

In response, both station managers of DXOM and DXKI gave their full commitment for the progress of the vegetable production.

According to the project proponent and the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division Chief Nelly Ylanan, they initiated this kind of project in

radio stations because they believe that media has a great role in disseminating the importance of agriculture as planting seems to not preferred by many anymore.

Ylanan also added that they are going to extend this project in different radio stations and even in schools and other institutions with vacant areas in Region 12.

“The aims of this project is to promote vegetable gardening

to radio stations and to instill to the people the importance of saving money by gardening in their backyards instead of buying vegetables in the market.”, Ylanan said.

The launching of the Adopt-A-Station Project of the Department of Agriculture 12 ended with a ceremonial planting where participants planted vegetable and fruit tree seedlings together. (SJDuermePIA12).


Maguindanao holds 1st banana harvest festBy Perlita Changco

COTABATO CITY -- The first banana harvest festival was held on June 7 in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

The festival was held in a 35-hectare planation of the “Laka-tan” variety of the EKA Salam Farmers Mul-tipurpose Coopera-tive in Sitio Sabaduan, Kauran in Ampatuan.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) ini-tiated the festival, through the High Val-ue Crops Development Program (HVCDP), one of the banner programs of the agriculture de-

partment encourag-ing farmers to engage in the production of high yielding variety of crops such as mango, durian, coconut and banana as a source of livelihood.

National Program Coordinator Jennifer Remoquillo empha-sized that huge in-come is generated in planting bananas. She cited HVCDP’s support to farmers’ associa-tions in terms of irriga-tion, provision of qual-ity planting materials, training on proper product packaging and in market matching or


identification of po-tential buyers.

According to EKA Salam Multipurpose Cooperative chair Ebra-him Adam, 2,500 ba-nana trees are planted per hectare with the yield of 45 tons per hectare in about six to nine months after planting, generating a weekly net income of P145,000, attest-ing huge income they derived from banana production.

Remoquillo said, EKA Salam will now serve as DA’s partner in the ad-vancement of HVCDP

adding the potential of Ampatuan town to be-come one of the areas with wide and produc-tive banana plantation in Maguindanao.

Citing the need for cooperation and hard work coupled with per-severance, she encour-aged other farmers to unite and organize themselves into a co-operative, study and decide on a livelihood endeavor they agree to venture with the support of concerned agencies of the gov-ernment.

Meanwhile, respond-

ing to the calls of agri-culture officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the more than 80 farmer-members of EKA Salam agreed to share their experienc-es and transfer the ac-quired knowledge and technology to other willing and interested farmers.

The attendance of DA-ARMM officials led by Director for Field Operations Kalunsiang Dimalen, Maguindanao Provincial Agricultural Officer Salik Panalun-song, as well as P4MP Regional President Datu Yamashita Mangcop representing governor Toto Mangundadatu, municipal councilor Datu Penz Magelna, some media, EKA Sal-amam Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative and residents in the community ensured a successful harvest festival. (RAFID/ARMM/DED/PDC-PIA12 Cotabato City)


www.piacaraga.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

[email protected][email protected]

REDCOP, DOH tell public how to prevent kidney diseasesby Robert E. Roperos

Officials of the Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) and Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-

CHD) Caraga informed the public on how to prevent kidney diseases.


Ms. Delma Legaspi of DOH-CHD Caraga who is also the region’s REDCOP coordinator said drinking six to eight glass of water may help in flushing out bacteria “thus, cleaning our kidney.” Dr. Romina Rusillon, a nephrologist of Caraga region who is also a partner of the REDCOP in its advocacy campaign, agreed with what Legaspi said, saying that there is no other fluid that may be considered best to take but the water. When asked how effective coco water to be used as cleansing fluid for the kidney, Rusillon said there is yet a scientific study to prove this claim. However, he said drinking enough glasses of water daily can really help in cleansing the internal organs of our body, especially the kidney. In a related development, Legaspi said everybody should adopt healthy lifestyle. “By healthy lifestyle, it means that we should not abuse our body by taking anything that may satisfy our cravings,” she said. The officials added said since there are various causes of kidney diseases, the most important step is early recognition of the causes. To do this, regular check-ups with the doctor and at least a yearly urine examination should be done. The official added that people with diabetes are more prone to kidney disease. They added since the leading causes of end-stage renal disease are

complications of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, control and prevention of high blood sugar for diabetes and high blood pressure for hypertensives are very important to prevent or delay the development of kidney problems that usually lead to end-stage kidney failure. The officials were invited by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga during the taping of Wednesday’s episode of “Caraga in Focus” which features the National Kidney Month Celebration.


This was the statement of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) PSupt Romy Palgue, Deputy City Director, during the recent City Peace and order Council (CPOC) meeting chaired by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. Based on BCPO’s report, from the period of May 1-31, 2012, the crime incidents in the city has decreased to 46 compared to last year’s 86 crime incidents of the same period.

It was learned that the common crimes recorded are on carnapping, murder, physical injuries, robbery, and theft. “For the month of May, our office has successfully conducted four positive operations on illegal logging; arrested 14 wanted persons with warrant of arrest; conducted Firearms Proficiency Training and Basic Driving Services Training to policewomen

Crime incidents in Butuan decrease, says BCPO

BUTUAN CITY -- Butuan deserves a peaceful city.

by Jennifer P. Gaitano


through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority,” said Palgue. Palgue added that BCPO is continuously implementing Administrative Order 122, or the “No Plate, No Travel Policy and Republic Act 4136 (An act to compile the laws relative to Land Transportation and Traffic Rules, to create a Land Transportation Commission and for other purposes).

“On our Police C o m m u n i t y R e l a t i o n s ’ accomplishments, we had conducted cleanup drive, supported the campaign on Butuan City’s Clean Ground Zero Waste Program,

and other activities in the community,” Palgue said. Meanwhile, the council commends the efforts and initiative of BCPO for the establishment of police boxes in the strategic areas within the city since it has been observed that it has minimized the effects of crimes. The BCPO also said the council helped the local PNP in its missions to maintain peace and order in Butuan.


by DOLE-Caraga

Caraga placement rate up by 21% during 2012 Kalayaan job fairBUTUAN CITY-- The 2012 Kalayaan Job Fair conducted during the 114th celebration of the Philippine Independence Day here recorded a high placement rate of 21 percent, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga Regional Director Ofelia Domingo reported.

In her report to Labor Secretary Rosalina Baldoz, Dir. Domingo said that 393 out of 521 registered applicants were qualified and referred, while 362 applicants were interviewed. She also reported that 76 job applicants were hired on the spot. “There were a total of 21 local companies and nine overseas recruitment agencies that participated in the job fair. They offered a total of 26,242 job vacancies to the applicants,” Domingo said in her report. Meanwhile, as part of the job fair, Domingo said the DOLE regional office entered into a memorandum of agreement with the local government of Agusan del Norte, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and two private companies - EMCO and Equi-parco - where the latter will further train workers who do not meet the skills requirement of these two private companies, although having TESDA certifications. The EMCO and Equi-parco have been identified by the DOLE regional office as companies with hard-to-fill vacancies. “There will be 45 workers: 20 auto electrician and 15 auto mechanics for EMCO and 15 dump truck drivers for Equi-parco who

will receive the enhanced training, the cost of which will be shouldered by the Agusan del Norte provincial government amounting to some P1 million,” Domingo said. After the training, EMCO and Equi-parco assured the workers of regular employment. “This arrangement is the first of its kind in Caraga. There is no TESDA-accredited training provider on these skills in the region, thus only a Certificate of Competency (COC) will be issued to the subject trainees,” she said. “As we go along, we will identify more companies and encourage them to enter into the same arrangement,” she added, saying that the city government of Butuan has expressed interest and is willing to be part of the project, even offering the use of the city’s available equipment and an initial funding of P1 million. Baldoz, on the other hand, hailed the initiative of the DOLE Caraga in the signing of the agreement. “This is the kind of convergence and public-private partnership that could help us address the problem on jobs mismatch, specifically on skilled work,” Baldoz said.


piazampen.blogspot.comhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-WesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310 [email protected]

Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email

DTI-Zambo Norte holds consumer assemblyBy Franklin P. Gumapon

T o get firsthand information on the issues and concerns confronting consumers, the provincial

office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Dipolog Consumers’ Watch Group, Inc. conducted a consumer assembly recently.


ZAMBOANGA CITY - Graduating elementary students who wish to study in the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Science High School (DOST-PSHS) system can now avail of the opportunity to enroll at the first science high school in the Philippines. DOST IX is now accepting applications from all qualified graduating elementary students and has set the deadline on July 13, 2012. PSHS, an academic institution under the DOST is the first science high school in the country which rears students to become scientists and technologists in the future. It has a curriculum designed to prepare scholars for careers in S & T.

Performance in the National Competitive Exam (NCE) to be administered on September 29, 2012 will be the basis in the selection of qualifiers. Any grade 6 or 7 elementary pupil from a duly recognized school by the Department of Education who meets the following criteria, is eligible to apply for the PSHS NCE: 1. Belong to the upper 10% of the batch (SY 2012-2013) and

DOST accepts applications for PSHS scholarship By Alma L. Tingcang

Barangay leaders, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officers, students, media practitioners, public and private employees and other stakeholders attended the gathering and aired their specific concerns on the goods and services sold and provided by certain institutions and establishments. A participant sought the help of the Department of Energy (DOE) to probe local gasoline dealers for their failure to immediately effect price rollbacks on petroleum products despite a series of price rollbacks implemented in Manila. Another consumer complained about drugstores that refused to give discounts to senior citizens. “When a senior citizen buys his medicine,

the common alibi among pharmacy owners/attendants is that the drug is out of stock,” he said. Many have also complained on unscrupulous rice retailers and traders for selling NFA rice as commercial rice, giving them low-grade rice when buying and paying for well-milled rice and other fraudulent practices. On the part of the DTI, Consumer Welfare and Protection Division Chief Julius Salaveria assured the participants that all their issues and concerns would be collated for presentation during the consumer empowerment forum to be conducted in the third quarter of this year. (ALT/FPG/PIA9)


does not have a grade below 80 as certified by the School Principal. If the applicant does not belong to the upper 10%, he/she should have a special aptitude in science and math as evidenced by the report card, with at least a final grade of 85 in Science and Math and 80 in all other subjects; 2. Be a Filipino citizen with no pending application as immigrant to any foreign country; 3. Be born on or after June 1, 1998; 4. Be in good health and fit to undergo a rigorous academic program; 5. Be of good conduct and behavior; and 6. Has not previously taken the PSHS NCE.

PSHS scholars will be receiving privileges such as: free tuition fee, free loan of textbooks, and monthly stipend. Uniform, transportation and living allowances are also provided according to the scholar’s financial need. Application forms are available and may be filed at any of the following: PSHS Campuses, DOST Regional Offices, or Provincial Science and Technology Centers, or download them from the PSHS website, www.pshs.edu.ph. For more information, visit or call the DOST IX office at Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 991-1024 and look for Ms. Josephine B. Nohay. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)

Date post:	21-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	pia-mindanao
View:	222 times
Download:	1 times

One Mindanao - June 15, 2012

Documents