One Mindanao - June 16, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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]

Northern Mindanao

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

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

Ground Floor 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]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

PhilSci HS scholarship for SY 2016-2017 now open

DA-XI holds workshop on info campaign for Fusarium wilt mgt

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Young PIA interns reap major awards in USAID peace journ contest

DBM releases P31.8-B to fund targeted 22,325 classrooms; promote proper implementation of K-12

Northern Mindanao Development Council supports corridors strategy

Zambo City observes Independence Day ; mayor calls for unity vs Bangsamoro inclusion

AgNor opens Agri-Trade Fair

DTI warns public on two price tags in business establishments

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By: Danilo E. Doguiles

By: MinDA

By: Dominic I. SanchezBy: Daisy Jane M. Apit

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

Cover Story

CARAGA WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

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Misamis Occidental allocates P8.86M for Provincial School Board

DSWD-10 conducts KALAHI-CIDSS National Community Driven Development Program Governors and Mayors’ Forum

By: Rutchie C. Aguhob

By: Luis T. Arquiza

By: Michael Uy

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By: Dave G. Malcampo

Contents

4 June 16, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

Young PIA interns reap major awardsin USAID peace journ contestBy: Dave G. Malcampo

About a month ago, young students from the local universities started their on-the-job training as communications practitioners at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here. The 20-day exposure was part of a program by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Engage project in

partnership with the local government, aimed at training selected students on peace journalism.

5June 16, 2015 One Mindanao

Young PIA interns reap major awardsin USAID peace journ contest

About a month ago, young students from the local universities started their on-the-job training as communications practitioners at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here. The 20-day exposure was part of a program by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Engage project in

partnership with the local government, aimed at training selected students on peace journalism.


Three students were assigned at the PIA and at the start of their training it was evident that they had very little exposure in media activities, yet showed dedication to learn. Shiela May Aquino, an incoming development communications major at the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC) was observably very timid when she was first given an assignment. Rylle Daryll Estrella, a mass communications major from the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) joined in soon after Shiela. Rylle seems to be an introvert – he seldom spoke out, and only talked when talked to. Jericho Molde, also a development communications student from ZCSPC, only arrived five days before the end of the summer journalism program.

On June 8, three young communications students were recognized for being some of the best youth journalists in the city. Rylle was awarded for having the best peace journalism story, and Shiela as one of the most productive interns. Jericho, who barely had any formal training in photography won the first and third prizes for the best photo category.

The three competed with students coming from WMSU, ZCSPC and the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU).

During the OJT, they were given assignments to cover events such as the information caravans for the internally-displaced persons, following up leads on news articles, interviewing government officials, and others. Though having little exposure in the beginning, the three learned to


take advantage of every opportunity to learn.

“It was a fun experience,

but the most I got from the

training was the learning and

how to deal with people from

different backgrounds,” said

Shiela.

Rylle, whose winning piece discussed the local tricycle issue said that he did not expect to win, but was very proud after having won the contest. “I really did not expect it, but I just did my job and submitted my work,” he said.

Their stories were published in local newspapers and in online news sites.

Jericho, on the other

hand, said that he enjoyed

the training so much that

he plans to come back next

year. “I hope I could come

back and have more training.

I have learned so much, but

I still have more to learn,”

he said.


Palace says PH prepared for MERS-CoV

MANILA - A Palace official on Monday assured that the country is ready to thwart and contain the Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus or MERS-CoV. Presidential Communications and Operations Secretary Sonny Coloma in a statement said that the government has put in place all the necessary preventive measures including contact-tracing and other infection control protocols to isolate those exhibiting symptoms of MERS-CoV.

He added that since the first quarter of 2014 when the MERS-CoV was first reported in the Middle East, the Department of Health (DoH) has conducted intensive monitoring and information dissemination campaigns among Filipino nationals especially among health workers and hospital

photo: www.metrocebu.com.ph


employees.

“It may be recalled that in April last year, the DoH conducted successful contact-tracing, and isolation when it was learned that a Filipino hospital employee who had tested positive for MERS-CoV in the Middle East had entered the country. The patient was confined at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and later tested negative. Similar cases reported in August 2014 and February 2015 were likewise successfully contained,” Secretary Coloma added.

Secretary Coloma quoted Health Secretary Janette Garin saying the Philipines remains MERS-CoV free.

It was also cited that the Philippines abides by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) advice “to continue surveillance for acute respiratory infections and to review any unusual patterns.”

WHO noted that in South Korea, it does not advise special procedures points of entry, or travel, or trade restrictions given the lack of evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Secretary Coloma further reiterated the government’s call for all Filipinos in the Middle East and those travelling to South Korea to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures, and heed local health regulations as well as observe personal hygiene measures.

“Filipinos coming in from South Korea are advised to accurately accomplish quarantine forms that will facilitate contact tracing.” (PCOO/PND)


DBM releases P31.8-B to fund targeted 22,325 classrooms; promote proper implementation of K-12

MANILA - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P31.8 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the proposed construction or rehabilitation of 22,325 classrooms nationwide as determined by the Department of Education (DepEd) to ultimately bolster the K-12 program.

photo: PPP Center


The amount of P31.8 billion will be charged against the DepEd’s Provision and Maintenance of Basic Educational Facilities—also known as the Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF)— in their FY 2014 Budget (RA 10633, Continuing Appropriations) and FY 2015 Budget (Republic Act 10651).

“Every year, we face the need to build more classrooms due to the growing number of public school students. Fortunately, we’re able to keep pace by allotting yearly increases in budgetary support for quality classrooms. With enough public funds for our education system, we can construct new school buildings or rehabilitate damaged classrooms,” said Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad.

“This takes time as the process of determining the number of targets is very exhaustive, with DepEd giving us a list of classrooms only after a

thorough assessment. But we’re confident of achieving these requirements as the success of the Administration’s K-to-12 school program depends on our efforts,” Abad added.

Of the total P31.8 billion, P3.47 billion has been charged against the P44.6-billion FY 2014 GAA BEFF. The P3.47 billion is specifically allocated to the BEFF for the “construction, replacement, and completion of kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school buildings and the construction of water and sanitation facilities,” as stated in the GAA. Likewise, this is supposed to “address remaining shortages and meet the requirements of the K-12 Basic Education Program.”

On the other hand, the remaining P28.3 billion—divided into two releases—is charged against the P53.9-billion FY 2015 GAA BEFF. The P28.3 billion is specifically allocated to the BEFF for the “construction,


replacement, and/or completion of kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school buildings and technical vocational laboratories, and the construction of water and sanitation facilities” as stated in the GAA.

Both amounts were released directly to the DPWH, which has the task of implementing the construction of the classrooms based on a list of school buildings and work program submitted by the DepEd. The following is the breakdown of the amount:

APPROPRIATION AMOUNT

FY 2014 GAA (Continuing Appropriations) P3,474,009,153

FY 2015 GAA P28,340,493,318

- Release 1 P12,794,790,574

- Release 2 P15,545,702,744

TOTAL P31,814,502,471

Majority of the 22,325 targeted classrooms will be in Regions VII, VIII, and IV-A.

The following is a breakdown of the total number of classrooms targeted per region:

REGION NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS FY 2014 GAA FY 2015 (R1) FY 2015 (R2) TOTALCAR 71 - 170 241CARAGA 239 910 481 1,630


“This fund release accomplishes two crucial things. It promotes the proper implementation of the K-to-12 program, and it creates a safe learning environment for our students under the Administration’s Build-Back-Better policy. Not only do we give our students the school facilities they need; we’re also making sure that these structures can withstand possible damage from calamities,” Abad said.

The DepEd was the top gainer in the 2015 National Budget, receiving a budget of P319 billion for this year. This was an increase of 13.5 percent from last year’s budget of P281 billion. (DBM)

NCR - - 534 534Region I 190 - 347 537Region II 155 - 291 446Region III 263 - 1,217 1,480Region IV-A 1,299 - 717 2,016Region IV-B 146 - 39 185Region V 32 - 1,660 1,692Region VI - 254 654 908Region VII - 2,530 1,144 3,674Region VIII - 1,394 1,001 2,395Region IX - 750 474 1,224Region X - 979 710 1,689Region XI - 1,243 590 1,833Region XII - 1,147 694 1,841TOTAL 2,395 9,207 10,723 22,325


Northern Mindanao Development Council supports corridors strategy

DAVAO CITY - Northern Mindanao’s Regional Development Council (RDC-10) recently expressed its support for the implementation of the Mindanao Development Corridors, citing it as an innovative strategy that responds to the development needs of the island-region.


In a resolution signed on March 19, 2015, RDC-10 members and stakeholders are enjoined to ensure complementation, synchronization, and convergence of resources with the existing development and physical framework plans, and other ongoing initiatives and emerging trends in the country that affect Mindanao.

“We are fully supportive of initiatives that promote sustainable development in Northern Mindanao, and anchoring our efforts to the Mindanao Development Corridors is one of the efficient ways of achieving our goals,” said RDC 10 Chair and Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo.

He added the Northern

Mindanao Development Corridor (NMDC) has potentials of developing into a world-class industrial and services center, owing to its public infrastructure that is suited for industrialization.

“The presence of eco-zones and the location of industrial and agribusiness enterprises in the region, coupled with a strong agricultural sector and a budding business process outsourcing industry makes NMDC a key player in Mindanao’s socioeconomic development,” said Dimaporo.

The NMDC comprises the province of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Norte. Among the major programs and projects identified under the NMDC are the Panguil Bay Bridge, which will provide uninterrupted access from Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities to Tangub, Oroquieta, and Ozamiz cities and the rest of Misamis Occidental and the Zamboanga Peninsula; the development of the airports in Ozamiz, Surigao, and Laguindingan; the construction of the Northern Mindanao High


Standard Highway, and the construction of the 1st segment of the Mindanao Railway System.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), through the Mindanao Peace and Development Framework Plan or the Mindanao 2020, adopts the Mindanao Development Corridors as a key spatial strategy aimed to improve infrastructure, establish connectivity, and spur the development of growth clusters within the island-region, allowing it to achieve balanced and inclusive growth among its regions.

The corridors approach divides the island economy of Mindanao into three development corridors namely the Northern Mindanao Development Corridor (NMDC), Southern Mindanao Development Corridor (SMDC), and Western Mindanao Development Corridor (WMDC).

“Our regional development councils and local government units know their territory better, which make them among our strongest allies in Mindanao’s development planning and in integrating the corridors initiative,” said MinDA Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino.

Antonino added the initiative also aims to position Mindanao as a single, integrated economy that is able to leverage and fully participate in economic groupings such as the BIMP-EAGA, ASEAN, and the rest of the global economic communities.

“This strategy will transcend regional boundaries in terms of commodity flow and industry integration which will make regions in Mindanao more commercially viable,” she said.

RDC 10 joins Region 9, 12, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in supporting the Mindanao corridors program. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)

OFWs honored at 20th Migrant Workers’ Day

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) showed its dedication in serving the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) through a celebration of the 20th Migrant Workers’ Day on 7 June 2015 at the 2nd level, Limketkai Center, Lapasan Cagayan de Oro City.

by Karl Glendy Joy Espares

With the theme, “Kasanayan at Husay sa Paggawa, Proteksyon ng Migranteng Manggagawa,” families and associations of OFWs in region 10 participated in the event through special numbers. OWWA administrator through Director Carmelina Velasquez, head of Fund and Investment Management Office in a message said that the government is always open and ready to help OFWs.


Misamis Occidental allocates P8.86M for Provincial School Board

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - At least P8.86 million have been allocated by the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental (PGMO) for use of the Provincial School Board (PSB), last year.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob

The programs of OWWA such as social protection, educational training and livelihood are continuously implemented and strengthened to help OFWs in their journey abroad. Velasquez also reminded OFWs to always be cautious of illegal recruitment and human trafficking. Meanwhile, DOLE Assistant Regional Director Albert Gutib emphasized the DOLE’s thrust in protecting the OFWs and migrant workers. Also present was Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) region 10 who talked about the importance of the pre-employment orientation seminar for OFWs and gave background on how to avoid illegal recruiters and illegal recruitment agencies. On the other hand, Zendy Pascual, Research Specialist of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Cagayan de Oro branch reminded the public particularly the OFW families of the Demonization Program of the

New Design Series or old banknotes of the BSP. She said that the New Design Series or the old banknotes is already 30 years old and can only be used for transactions up to December 31, 2015 only. From January 1, 2016 up to December 31, 2016, the old banknotes can still be exchanged in authorized agent banks and the BSP Cash Department. However, starting January 1, 2017, the old banknote series will be fully demonetized or without monetary value. Eugene B. Mesias, 2015 MOFYA Secretariat and Director Carmelina F. Velasquez, head of Fund and Investment Management Office OWWA Central Office awarded the 2015 Model OFW Family of the Year, Outstanding Livelihood Projects, Outstanding OWWA Scholars, Outstanding OFW Family Circles, and Various OWWA Scholarship for school year 2015 to 2016.


The amount was taken from the Special Education Fund (SEF), which was estimated to come from the province’s additional one percent (1%) of the real property taxes amounting to P7.35 million and the previous year’s unexpended balance of P1.514 million. Of the SEF, P6.824 million went to PSB’s maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), P1.34 million to capital outlay, and P700,000 to the personnel services of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in holding extension classes. Meanwhile, Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, who is the Chairperson of the PSB, said the expenditure using the SEF was prepared by Dr. Jonathan

S. Dela Peňa, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education, Division of Misamis Occidental (DepEd-MisOcc) and PSB Co-Chairperson. Among those who participated in the budget preparation of the SEF were the following members of the PSB: Simplicia Neri, Vice-Chairperson, Committee on Education, Edgar B. Adlaon, President, Misamis Occidental Public School Teachers’ Association (MOPUSTA). Alfonso T. Tare, Jr., President, Division Federated Parent-Teachers’ Association (PTA), Elma B. Gula, Provincial Treasurer and Wilson Marcellana, President, Employees Association.

DSWD-10 conducts KALAHI-CIDSS National Community Driven Development Program Governors and Mayors’ Forum

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- The Department of Social Welfare and Development Northern Mindanao recently conducted KALAHI CIDSS-National Community Driven Development (KC-NCDDP) Governors and Mayor’s Forum for the additional 44 Municipalities that comprise the Provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and some additional Municipalities of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte, held at Pryce Plaza Hotel.

by Luis T. Arquiza


The KC-NCDDP is a flagship anti-poverty program of the national government that empowers people through the community-driven development (CDD) approach. The project aims to empower local communities; reduce poverty by providing seed funds for community infrastructure, common service facilities, capability building and improve governance by providing stronger feeling of belonging and community ownership. The program is in support with World Bank and Asian Development Bank. The objective of the forum is to discuss and present the comprehensive principles of KC-NCDDP and to officially facilitate the signing of Memorandum of Agreement with the new 44 Municipal Mayors. In the program proper, DSWD X Regional Director Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo gave her welcome message with the emphasis on encouraging new Local Chief Executives to support the program by enabling Kalahi CIDSS Champion Municipalities in region 10 to showcase their best practices on Kalahi-CIDSS implementation. To date, Hon. Governor Khalid Mohamad Q. Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte and Hon. Mayor Benjie Y. Baguio of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, both shared Kalahi CIDSS positive experiences in

the ten year implementation since 2003, where Province Of Lanao del Norte was the pioneering pilot province of the region. Other highlights of the activity were the presentation of data of the 2014 Kalahi CIDSS accomplishment report, highlighting 13 municipalities (11 in Lanao del Norte and 2 in Misamis Occidental) that had completed the Kalahi CIDSS implementation, and generated a total of 112 community projects with an accumulated project cost of P15 Million. From the Yolanda affected areas, a total of 92 community projects were identified and prioritized by the seven municipalities: Mahinog, Catarman, Sagay, Guinsiliban, Mambajao in Camiguin, Malitbog Bukidnon and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, with a total cost of P101 Million and a counterpart of 4 Million pesos coming from the municipalities both cash and in-kind. The forum ended with the signing of 44 Memorandum of Agreement spearheaded by DSWD X Regional Director Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo and the Municipal Mayors concerned.

Phil. Eagle release under-scores importance of Mt. Hamiguitan

DAVAO CITY- The re-cent release of a re-habilitated Philippine Eagle in Mt. Hami-guitan in the province of Davao Oriental is a testament of the moun-tain’s importance to biodiversity. Dennis Salvador, director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation said choosing Mt. Hamiguitan as the eagle’s new home was it’s a sprawling pro-tected area of 32,000 hectares made up of for-ests. Also having been inscribed as a UNESCO

World Heritage Site makes it ideal as a wild-life haven without having to worry about human disturbance. Salvador added that the communities’ heightened awareness, local wildlife protection enforcement and local government commitment makes it as an ideal new home for Pamana, the name of the rescued eagle.Pamana, was rescued in Iligan City in 2012 bear-ing two gunshot wounds, she was turned over to PEF and rehabilitated in


the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City. The fully-recovered eagle was set free on Independence Day (June 12) in Mt. Hamiguitan Range, celeb-rity television host and anchor Kim Atienza helped unlock the cage from which Pamana flew to her new home, the untouched forests of Hamiguitan. Davao Oriental Governor Cora-zon Malanyaon said she welcomes the release of the eagle into her new home stating that there are about 10 Philippine Eagles nesting in the for-ests of the province. “The presence of the Philippine Eagle in practically all towns of the province is an indicator of the rich-ness of biodiversity in the area,” the Governor said.

The Governor also reiterated the province’s commitment in securing the eagle as the local government is doing the necessary steps to im-prove protection efforts by regulating the entry of people and prohibiting mining and logging activities in Mt. Hamiguitan. To monitor Pamana in her new home, the PEF has installed satellite and radio transmitters to follow her movements. (PIA/RG ALAMA)

facts and figures

Number of Philippine Eagles left in the wild400


DAVAO DEL NORTE- The Depart-ment of Agriculture (DA) XI is con-ducting starting today (June 16) at Big 8 Corporate Hotel, Tagum City, a Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Intensified Communications Cam-paign on Management and Control of Banana Fusarium Wilt in Davao Region. The three-day workshop assem-bles the information officers of local government unit with Fusarium-in-fected banana plantation. Regional Agriculture and Fisher-ies Information Officer Noel Provido said that workshop will establish an information network and core of ad-vocates to beef up the department’s information campaign, especially on Fusarium wilt management and con-trol. “Our region’s banana planta-tions are infected by Fusarium wilt and we need to educate our farmers on how to control and manage this disease through the information offi-cers so as to prevent more damages in the industry,” Provido said. He added that at the end of the workshop, a communication plan for the Fusarium wilt management will be drafted for implementation by the participants. The workshop discusses ses-sions on Banana Fusarium Wilt as

a major threat to country’s major dollar earning industry and the in-terventions implemented by the DA, including testimony by farmers on planting Fusarium resistant varieties. Also included in the workshop are knowledge sessions on guide-lines on Fusarium Management and Reward System for local government units and grassroots communications as tools towards intensified public awareness and education on the dis-ease. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

DA-XI holds workshop on info campaign for Fusarium wilt mgt

SOCCSKSARGEN holds anti-illegal drug summit

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, June 16 -- Hundreds of local govern-ment officials, prosecutors, law en-forcement officers and other stake-holders are here Tuesday, June 16, for a regional anti-illegal drug summit.

The Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Summit in SOCCSKSARGEN at The Farm @Carpenter Hill aims to highlight the “challenges en


countered by the imple-menting agencies in terms of drug prevention, law enforce-ment, prosecution and convic-tion, and rehabilitation,” said South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes, chairperson of the RPOC.

“The ultimate purpose of the summit is to mobilize local government units in SOCCSK-SARGEN Region to step up their campaign to eliminate illegal drug and for the LGUs to be united in the pursuit for a drug-free region,” Gov. Fuen-tes said.

SOCCSKSARGEN is com-prised of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotaba-to, Sultan Kudarat and Saran-gani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

It will also be an opportuni-ty for “an honest-to-goodness assessment” whether the ac-tions against illegal drugs have been sufficient.

“This will also be a sharing of good practices,” she added.

Interior and Local Govern-ment Secretary Mar Roxas is expected to grace the event as the keynote speaker.

Director Aileen Lovitos of the Philippine Drug Enforcement

Agency 12, and Police Regional Director PCSupt. Lester Camba will present the status of the il-legal drug abuse in the region.

Education Regional Director Allan Farnazo and Interior and Local Government Regional Di-rector Reynaldo Bungubung will also elaborate on the roles of the academe and the LGUs in the implementation of Re-public Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act 10640 (an act amending Section 21 of RA 9165).

Meanwhile, Dr. Teogenes Baluma, regional director of the Department of Health will discuss the ill-effects of illegal drugs and Executive Judge Lorenzo Balo of the Regional Trial Court Branch 24 will talk on prosecution and conviction.

South Cotabato’s accom-plishments will also be high-lighted with a report on the province’s legislative and anti-illegal drugs efforts, which will be delivered by Board Member Agustin Dema-ala, chair of the Committee on Peace and Order of the Sangguniang Panlala-wigan.

An official of the Our Lady of Refuge Dangpanan Foundation, Inc. in General Santos City


PhilSci HS scholarship for SY 2016-2017 now open By: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, June 16 -- Grade 6 pupils who are interests to join the prestigious Philippine Science High School (PSHS) may now file their application documents.

will discuss the moral chal-lenges on rehabilitation.

Gov. Fuentes stressed that total eradication of the illegal drug problem in the region is impossible “but at least those who are involved in illegal drug trade here are on the run because of our efforts.”

Apart from addressing the participants, Sec. Roxas will

also lead in the conferment of the 2015 Seal of Good Local Governance to LGU awardees and the turnover of checks for Bottom-Up Budgeting proj-ects in the region.

The summit is anchored on the theme, “Leveling Up Per-formance Against Illegal Drugs in Region XII (LUPAD DOSE). (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

The Department of Science and Technology in SOCCSK-SARGEN Region (DOST XII) an-nounced Tuesday that PSHS is now accepting student appli-cants for school year 2016-2017.

PSHS, which operates as an attached agency of the DOST, is a specialized public high school system that focuses on high quality science-based education and training, that continuously

contribute to nation-building by creating a critical mass of scien-tists and engineers.

All students enrolled in the school are government schol-ars who will likely take up sci-ence courses after completing secondary school.

Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laidan, DOST 12 said Grade 6 pupils who belong to the top 10 per-cent of the graduating class are qualified to take the competi


tive examination of the PSHS science and technology scholar-ship.

Interested students may get application forms from the PSHS-SOCCSKSARGEN Campus at Barangay Paraiso, Koronadal City, the DOST-12 Regional Of-fice in Cotabato City or the nearest Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC).

Application forms may also be downloaded from the DOST-PSHS website, www.pshs.edu.ph where information regard-ing other requirements may also be accessed.

Fully accomplished application forms in duplicate copies must be submitted on or before Au-gust 24, 2015.

DOST announced further that the national competitive examination that would deter-mine who will qualify as stu-dent of PSHS will be held on October 3, 2015.

The NCE is a scholastic apti-tude test designed to measure scientific ability, quantitative ability, abstract reasoning, and verbal aptitude of the appli-cants.

In Region 12, designated testing centers include Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC), Cotabato City; Uni-

versity of Southern Mindanao (USM), Kabacan, North Cota-bato; Sultan Kudarat State Uni-versity (SKSU), Tacurong City; Notre Dame of Marbel Univer-sity (NDMU), Koronadal City; and Mindanao State University (MSU), General Santos City.

PSHS scholars enjoy free tu-ition, free loan of text books, monthly stipend, uniform, trans-portation and living allowances for low income groups.

For more information, please contact the PSTC in Sarangani/General Santos City, (083)-554-7997; South Cotabato, (083)-228-2342; Sultan Kudarat, (064) 200-3521; North Cotaba-to, (064)248-2112; and PSHS-SRC, Paraiso, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, 09989713481/ 0947 893 5964 / 0917 711 0279. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


DENR calls support for decarbonized economy

BUTUAN CITY-- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) strongly supports and advocates decarbonizing economy by replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources of power such as hydro, geothermal, wind, solar, and bio energy in running the economic activities and by planting more trees that can absorb carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHG).

By: Johny S. Natad


In a press statement during the World Environment Day Media Conference held at DENR-13 Regional Learning Center, DENR Caraga regional director Nonito M. Tamayo said that every locality must adopt a decarbonized economy in order to have sustainable economy without degrading the environment. “World leaders from 196 nations will gather in Paris on December 2015 to primarily discuss the Earth Statement on Eight Essential Elements of Climate Action, which could be an environmental blue print for new Millennium Development Goals or MDG. Some of these essential elements include recognition of the government commitment to limit to below two degrees Celsius heat and the assistance to poor countries through overseas development assistance (ODA) for decarbonized economy,” Tamayo revealed. Tamayo said that new strategies and sources of climate finance for developing countries are needed to facilitate hasty conversion to zero- carbon and climate-resilient societies. Reflecting from the Earth Statement, Tamayo said the global carbon which

anthropogenic (human) activity can still produce in the future must be controlled to below 1000 giga tons (Gt) of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) to get chance to hold the 2°C limit. “Humankind has already emitted around 2000 Gt CO2 since the beginning of industrialization. Respecting the global carbon budget means leaving at least three quarters of all known fossil fuel reserves in the ground. With current emissions trends, the remaining 1000 Gt CO2 would be used up within the next 25 years,” Earth Statement says. According to scientist projection, decarbonizing economy will not only save the planet from dangerous level of global warming and climate change but it can help save 71 trillion US dollars by 2050. With the 2015 world environment day theme “Seven billion dreams. One planet. Consume with care,” Tamayo said the urgent need to decarbonize the economy as a very crucial decision to help save our environment and natural resource with love and action to mitigate and successfully address global warming and climate change. “We are reminded once


again that as people living in this planet earth, we have decisions but whatever it maybe, our choices shape the world around us. Whatever our decisions maybe as consumers, multiplied by millions, it has a big impact on our environment - some of them contribute to the further depletion of natural resources, others help to protect the delicate and fragile ecosystem. The choice is ours - every time we make decisions,” Tamayo said. Decarbonized economy, which is also known as low-carbon economy (LCE) or low-fossil-fuel

economy (LFFE) is an economy operated by utilizing low carbon power sources that has minimal to zero output of GHS emission into the environment biosphere. A decarbonized economy that is globally applied is expected to avoid catastrophic climate change in the Earth as a result of zero-carbon-running-economy and therefore, it reasonably help preserve every single life living with sustainable development on Earth.


AgNor opens Agri-Trade FairBy: Daisy Jane M. Apit

BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte formally opened on Monday its Agri-Trade Fair at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, this city.

The trade fair will run from June 15-18, it was learned.

Booths and exhibits were put up by the National Food Author-ity (NFA) - Agusan Norte of-fice, Department of Education (DepED)- Alternative Learning System (ALS) provincial chap-ter, Provincial Fisheries Office, DOST Caraga and local govern-ment units (LGUs). The booths

presented their best local delica-cies and agricultural and aquatic products.

One of the highlights during the opening was the selection and identification of the “pinaka” among the participating exhibi-tors like that of squash, water-melon, banana, coconut, sweet potato, and milkfish.

Agusan del Norte governor Ma.


Angelica Rosedell Amante-Mat-ba, other AgNor provincial and Caraga State University (CSU) officials visited the booths in the

morning for judging. The said event forms part of

the week-long celebration of the 48th Araw ng Agusan del Norte.

DTI warns public on two price tags in business establishments By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino Negapatan reminds all business establishments that putting two price tags on products they are selling is prohibited.

Negapatan said that the buying public should be aware that whether the payment is made in cash or through a credit card, the amount they should be paying should be the amount reflected in the price tag. If in case there are two price tags, the lowest price should prevail as basis for the payment of the product being bought. On similar incident,

consumers are encouraged to notify immediately the Consumer Welfare Desk Officer of the DTI Provincial Office through telephone number 826-6129 or cellular number 09195971199. For those interested to learn on matters about consumer rights, please feel free to visit DTI’s office located at the 2nd Floor, Simtoco Building, Burgos Street, this city.



IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Integrated Provincial HealthOffice (IPHO), Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital (ZSPH) and Dr. Ann K. Hofer’s congressional office recently spearheaded a medical and dental outreach program in barangay Malubal, R. T. Lim town and in LoocLabuan in the municipality of Tungawan, this province.

Joint medical-dental outreach held in Zamboanga SibugayBy: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

According to Dr.Arthur Luspo, ZSPH chief, a huge number of residents

of Malubaltrooped to the municipal gymnasium and even in Looc Labuan,


Tungawan to avail of free medical and dental check-up, blood pressure monitoring and medicine distribution. Barangay Malubal and Looc Labuan were chosen to be the venues of the medical mission for their impressive performance and show of support to government programs by their barangay leaders. Dr. Ann K. Hofer, Congresswoman of the 2nd district with her staff attended the outreach program while the Integrated Provincial HealthOffice (IPHO) staff came to support the activity. ZSPH

staff headed by Dr.Arthur Luspoledthe outreach activities with Dr. Sherwin Bastero, also from IPHO. Also extending support to the occasion were the security forces of 102ndInfantry “IGSOON” Brigade, and the municipal health offices of concerned LGUs. The medical mission and outreach activity is part of the continuous thrust of the provincial government to reach out to its constituents especially the poor and the marginalized sector of the community.


“Zamboanga should never be part of the Bangsamoro now or ever,” Climaco emphasized. The mayor, a member of President Aquino’s Liberal Party

maintains that “we are for peace, a just and inclusive one,” but says to “leave us out” of the BBL’s territory. The issue of the city’s

By Dominic I. Sanchez

Zambo City observes Independence Day ; mayor calls for unity vs Bangsamoro inclusion

ZAMBOANGA CITY – As thousands of residents flocked to the grounds near the city hall on June 12, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar reiterated the city’s stance against its inclusion the Bangsamoro territory.


inclusion in the Bangsamoro came after the original draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) contained an “opt-in anytime” provision, which implies that Zamboanga, being a contiguous area by water with its neighboring Basilan province, an ARMM territory, can be part of the Bangsamoro through a plebiscite. In Congress, Zamboanga City 1st district Congressman Celso Lobregat has been a staunch critic of the BBL, and his criticisms has resulted in the amendment of such a provision. The opt-in provision in the amended BBL has already ensured the city’s exclusion from the BBL, since contiguous areas that may vote for inclusion in a

plebiscite are now only within land proximity. According to Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary Jose Lorena, only three provinces, Lanao del Norte, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat are contiguous, and this “removes any presumption that Zamboanga can still join.” Meanwhile, Climaco called on the residents to never forget the sacrifices of those

who lost their lives and gave their service to other Zamboanguenos during the 2013 siege instigated by rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), who attempted to raise their flag as a “symbol of independence.”

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One Mindanao - June 16, 2015

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