One Mindanao - June 25, 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

DOLE-Bukidnon launches Job Search Kiosk, turnovers P8M BUB livelihood assistance

SSS extends AlkanSSSya to inmates at city jail

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Advocacy for “Saktong Iodine sa Asin” in Misamis Occidental continues

Philippine agriculture, fishery products showcased in international trade show

Japan reiterates support to peace process; commits to spur development in Bangsamoro

PH top chefs to grace Mindanao Culinary Festival

Gingoog allocates P6M for zero-malnourished

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By: Rudolph Alama

By: Susil D. Ragas

By: Edmar Pabia

Cover Story

CARAGA

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NATIONAL

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Investors urged to invest in Cotabato CityBy: HKSatol-Ibrahim

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By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Contents

By: Claro A. Lanipa

Surigao Norte Maritime Industry stakeholders join world celebration of ‘Day of the Seafarer’

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

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Butuan City Tourism Office to hold Annual Planning for 2016

By: Archibald S. Batica

Holcim, TESDA announce search for outstanding masonsBy: Danilo Doguiles

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4 June 25, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

Advocacy for “Saktong Iodine sa Asin” in Misamis Occidental continues

The campaign for “Saktong Iodine sa Asin (Adequate Iodine in Salt)” in region 10 took off in Misamis Occidental with a recent Media Forum held in Ozamiz City.

5June 25, 2015 One Mindanao

Advocacy for “Saktong Iodine sa Asin” in Misamis Occidental continues By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

The campaign for “Saktong Iodine sa Asin (Adequate Iodine in Salt)” in region 10 took off in Misamis Occidental with a recent Media Forum held in Ozamiz City.


“This, as Misamis Occidental, together with Bukidnon, were found to have very low household salt iodine levels, among the region’s five provinces,” Marissa Navales, National Nutrition Council (NNC) Program Officer, said.

Launched by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), NNC and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), region 10, the campaign was based on the results of an updated survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The FNRI study show that 81 percent of the households in the region are using iodized salt and only 19 percent do not use iodized salt.

However, of those using iodized salt, only 25 percent are using “adequate” iodine while

75 percent are using inadequate iodine in salt, the FNRI show.

It also shows a decrease in the median iodine level of household salt from 11 parts per million (ppm) in 2005 to 4.9 ppm in 2008, out of the international recommendation of 15 ppm, hence the campaign to use not


just iodized salt but adequate iodine in salt, Navales said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental (PGMO) has recently organized the Provincial Bantay ASIN Task Force (PBATF) to help implement Republic Act (RA) No.

8172, in the province.

An “Act Promoting Salt lodization Nationwide (ASIN) and for related purposes,” RA 8172, or the “ASIN Law,” mandates the iodization of salt for human and animal consumption.

Thus, in her Executive Order

No. 12-2015, organizing the PBATF, Governor Herminia M. Ramiro has mandated the task force to monitor the salt supply at the provincial, municipal and barangay levels.

Included among the tasks of the PBATF are the following:

establish a level of coordination between the relevant government agencies, local government, salt industry representatives and civil society groups.

Ensure the supply and distribution of adequately iodized salt within the province that will support the program initiatives


under the National Salt lodization Program (NSIP) in the effective implementation of the ASIN Law.

Formulate and manage

an annual NSIP operational plan, organize Local Bantay Asin Task Force and coordinate with stakeholders like salt producers and traders.

Pantawid Pamilya Program posts huge gains for underprivileged children

QUEZON CITY - Keeping children healthy and in school is now a reality among poor families who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the government’s flagship poverty reduction program which invests in human capital, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday said.


“Sa tulong ng programa, kaya nilang baguhin ang kanilang buhay tungo sa kaunlaran (With the program’s help, they can change their lives for the better),” DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said.

DSWD said that based on a research conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) in May 2015, “the highest increase in school attendance among children five years old and below occurred among families headed by poorly educated individuals, which proves that mandatory kindergarten, coupled with the conditional cash transfer program delivered the largest benefit to the poor.”

The PIDS study indicates that the expansion of Pantawid Pamilya significantly contributed to the increase in enrollment of pre-school and elementary students. As partner-beneficiaries, parents are required to send their 3-18 year old children to school, and they must attend at least 85 percent of the school days.

Moreover, the PIDS study showed that in 2008, only 47.2 percent of children in the poorest families attended preschool, compared to 82.1 percent of children in the upper middle-income families, amounting to a 34.9 percent difference. In 2013, the size of this difference shrank down to 5 percent because of large gains in getting children from the poorest families into kindergarten.

“By 2013, 92.2 percent of the poorest bracket families were attending kindergarten, almost equal to that of the richest at 98.3 percent. Since early education results in gains in primary school performance and beyond, the income gap results in early education gaps, which in turn results in overall achievement gaps between the rich and the poor,” the study says.

DSWD data showed that from January to December 2014, attendance of 3-5 year old children in day care centers and pre-school, and 6-18 year old in primary and secondary schools achieved a 96.3


percent compliance rate.

“This proves that given the opportunity, poor families have the capacity to rise above their situation and achieve positive changes,” Sec. Soliman added.

Pantawid Pamilya is on its

seventh year of implementation having started in 2008. As of 2015, the program has expanded to 41,519 barangays in 144 cities and 1,48 municipalities in 80 provinces with 4,424,705 registered active households nationwide.(DSWD)


Philippine agriculture, fishery products showcased in international trade show

QUEZON CITY —The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Wednesday that local agriculture and fishery products took the spotlight at the 2nd SIAL-ASEAN Manila international trade show, which attracted at least 10,000 visitors from 40 countries, making it the biggest B2B (business to business) platform for the Philippine food industry and the rest of the Southeast Asian region. “The first SIAL ASEAN-Manila held last year proved that the ASEAN market offers a tremendous potential for investment opportunities for the entire sector,” said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala during

the event’s opening on 17 June 2015 at the World Trade Center.

With 7,500 local and international buyers from 33 countries, the 2014 gathering of the members of the ASEAN

Economic Community is a force in the food and beverage industry.

Sec. Alcala urged industry players, international buyers, potential clients and exhibitors to maximize their participation in the 2nd SIAL-ASEAN Manila which offers global networking opportunities where business connections can be developed and trade transactions facilitated and completed.

“The occasion augurs well for the Philippine government as trade with ASEAN partners continue to improve with greater regional cohesion, harmony and peace,” he added.

With tariff barriers significantly eliminated in 2010, the Department of Agriculture

continues to strengthen its regulatory functions and policies as non-tariff measures remain to protect human, plant and animal health and safety with increased trade.

The government recognizes that because of regional integration initiatives, complementation is more important than competition.

“Thus, ASEAN member states continue to enhance intra-regional trade with drastic growth of trade in intermediate goods and development of cross-border value chains,” Alcala explained.

DA is determined to strengthen its collaboration with government agencies and non-government organizations,


Japan reiterates support to peace process; commits to spur development in Bangsamoro

MANILA - Japan reiterated its resolute commitment to peace and development in Mindanao, particularly to the Bangsamoro in a meeting with officials of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders in Tokyo Japan.


In a statement on Tuesday, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said this was relayed by Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida to National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary and GPH peace panel member Yasmin Busran-Lao and Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez and Al Haj Murad Ebrahim who represented the MILF during the meeting.

During the meeting, Kishida reaffirmed “Japan’s resolve to assist the Bangsamoro [peace] process and to help spur development in the area to be covered by the new political entity, through initiatives such as J-BIRD Phase II as pledged by no less than PM Shinzo Abe during his Summit Meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III in Tokyo last 4 June.”

J-BIRD, or Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development, was launched in 2006 with the objective of enabling the people and communities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and its surrounding areas to enjoy peace dividends. Since its launch, the aid program has contributed P300 million into education, health, social-services, and agriculture among others.

A new grant contract for

J-BIRD has just been signed in March this year with a list of projects that includes the provision of pre and postharvest facilities for the farmers of Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat; the provision of medical equipment and fixtures for the delivery room of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center; the construction of an outpatient building of rural health unit in Vincenzo Sagun; the construction of Classrooms for Dumadalig Integrated School in Tantangan, South Cotabato; the acquisition of two units of light hauling vehicles for the Rizal Molave Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Zamboanga del Sur; the construction of classrooms for Manglicmot High School in Alamada, North Cotabato; and the construction of classrooms for Patadon Elementary School in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

Aside from extending financial and development support, Japan also assists in the Bangsamoro peace process by being a member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the International Contact Group (ICG). It would also be remembered that the country hosted the first meeting between President Aquino and Al Haj Murad in 2011.

Lao extended her gratitude to Japan, saying international support help propel forward the


Bangsamoro peace process. “We thank the Japanese government for its solid support for the Bangsamoro peace process. We believe the peace process gains strength from such support from the international community, as it shows our neighbors’ understanding of our own peoples’ yearning for peace and development.”

Kishida also impressed on the GPH and the MILF the need to preserve the gains of the peace process, adding that the two should “exercise leadership to sustain

the ongoing transition toward the establishment of the Bangsamoro.”

The GPH peace panel member also assured the Japanese government that “despite the delay in the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), we assure our foreign partners of our government’s full commitment to pursue the peace process till we achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.” (OPAPP)

Red Tide Alert still up in Balete Bay, Mati City

DAVAO CITY- An of-ficial of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Davao Region has warned against the eating of shellfish harvested from Balete Bay in Mati City, Davao Oriental as the red tide alert in the area still prevails. Fatma Idris, direc-tor of the BFAR 11 said consumers might be poi-soned by eating shellfish from an area contaminat-ed with red tide. Red tide is a com-mon name for a phe-nomenon known as large concentrations of aquatic microorganisms that pro-duce natural toxins and is detrimental to living things which might take it for food. It is usually found in coastal areas. “Eating shellfish and other fishes from Balete Bay in Mati City, Davao Oriental is banned. It is one area of the country where a red tide alert has been issued,” she said.

Idris said shellfish and crabs are bottom-dwellers and are prone to consume or filter-eaters of red tide organisms. She said paralysis is the immediate impact of red tide intake to hu-mans. Idris said the shell-fish bulletin relative to red tide is currently an inter-agency effort. She said the occur-rence of red tide in the area is positive, so resi-dents must be wary of avoiding the consumption of shellfish there. Idris explained that since January, a red tide bulletin has been issued in the markets and with the assistance of the local government unit in the area. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


PH top chefs to grace Mindanao Culinary Festival

DAVAO CITY- Fourteen (14) celeb-rity chefs, who are members and officers of the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), Les Toques Blanches (LTB) Philippines, and Pastry Alliance of the Philip-pines (PAP) are coming to Davao to be part of the biggest and much awaited culinary competition in the region – the Mindanao Culi-nary Festival (MCF). The even will be held simultane-ously with the World Food Expo (WO-FEX) this Thursday (June 25) until Saturday (June 27) at the SM Lanang Premier. Now on its 12th run, the Mindan-ao Culinary Festival, a project of the Davao Tourism Association, will raise the bar in the culinary competition as it will be aligned with the standards and mechanics of the prestigious Phil-ippine Culinary Cup, providing even more prestige to this culinary compe-tition. With the vision of providing the Filipino chefs an internationally-rec-ognized platform to hone their skills and showcase their talents in the culi-nary field, the MCF will provide a ven-ue for friendly competition and learn-ing opportunities for those who want to excel in their career in hotel and restaurant management. It will be participated by Chefs, Apprentices, HRM and Culinary

schools, Restaurant owners, Hotel and Resort Managers, as well as the general public from Davao and be-yond. This exciting event is present-ed by the Davao Tourism Association (DATA), in partnership with the Philip-pine Culinary Cup (PCC) and in coop-eration with the SM Lanang Premier. The presence of the country’s top Chefs namely: Chef J Gamboa , Chef James Antolin, Chef Fernando Aracama, Chef Buddy Trinidad, Chef Norbert Gandler, Chef Reggie Aspi-ras, Chef Jerome Valencia, Chef Penk Ching, Chef Jackie Ang Po, Chef Dan Basilio, Chef Mike Yap, Chef Brando Santos, Chef Jem Raymundo and Chef Carlo Miguel will surely give a blissful experience to the culinary industry. (RG Alama/PR)

PRDP turns over P20 M for cassava project in South Cotabato

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, June 25 – The Department of Agricul-ture – Philippine Rural Development Program (DA-PRDP) released Monday a check worth P20 million to the provincial government of South Cota-bato.

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

According to DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, the amount comprised the first and second tranches of the P39.3-million fund intended for the implementation of the Cassava Granules Production and Marketing Project that the provincial government and local stake-holders proposed to the PRDP.

Datukan said, SOCCSKSARGEN Region is the first regional project coordination of-fice to have facilitated the approval of an initiative under PRDP’s Investments in Ru-ral Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity (I-REAP) component.

The project is being implemented by the primary component Polo Samahang Nayon Multi-purpose Cooperative (SNMPC) based in Polomolok town, South Cotabato, a pre-vious winner of the Gawad Saka Awards and Gawad Pitak Awards.


In an earlier interview, Pro-vincial Agriculturist Justina Navarrete revealed that rep-resentatives of the World Bank and PRDP were impressed by the viability and potential impact of the project to the beneficia-ries.

Approximately 1,600 farmers and farm laborers are expect-ed to benefit from the project.

The project will have a total in-vestment cost of P41.43 million and is seen to generate an av-erage annual income of P13.56 million within its six-year imple-mentation period.

During the turnover ceremo-ny at the covered court inside

the Provincial Capitol Com-pound Monday, South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes ad-mitted she had second thoughts in accepting livelihood projects but pointed out that the her desire to help improve the lives of the farmers in the province and the magnitude of the op-portunity that the province and its farmers are offered encour-aged her to fully support the business project.

On behalf of their group, Polo SNMPC Manager Karen Dagu-ro thanked DA-PRDP and the provincial government for the chance to manage a major project.


She also vowed that they will do their best to succeed, espe-cially because the entire coun-try is observing the Polo SNMPC after the World Bank called its business plan ‘a world-class en-terprise.’

The turnover of checks and the signing of the enterprise in-vestment agreement was wit-

nessed by the employees of the provincial government, Vice Governor Cecile Diel, members of the Sangguniang Panlala-wigan personnel of the Project Support Office – Enterprise Team from Davao City and DA RPCO 12.(DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with re-port from LMSalvo-DA RAFIS-12)

COTABATO CITY, June 25 -- City officials here urged potential investors to think about expanding their businesses in Cotabato City as the city is now ready to meet their expectations and re-quirements for their investments to thrive.

Investors urged to invest in Cotabato City

Mayor Japal Guiani Jr, during the recent investment forum, en-couraged stakeholders from dif-ferent parts of the region to pro-mote the city’s halal meat and aquamarine products in line with the local government’s efforts to expand market of these.

The forum aimed to help lo-cal producers to find their target market and compose mecha-nisms that will make exporting their products possible.

With the establishment of the Double A Halal Slaughterhouse in Cotabato City, he emphasized, it is possible that the city could

attract not only local investors but also foreign financiers as the Muslim population in the whole world continues to grow.

“All we need are strong link-ages to the concerned agencies so that our products will be in-troduced to different markets in different places,” Guiani said.

The only setback to this devel-opment, according to the local chief executive, is the possible increase in the price of meat and meat products due to the higher cost of fees that the slaughtering will require.


But the city government is con-fident that the people will be will-ing to shoulder this possible price increase as they are assured that the meat that they will be buy-ing is clean, halal, and with high quality.

“This will not be easy but I trust my fellow Cotabateños to help us. There is nothing impos-sible if we work together for the development and prosperity of our city,” he said.

One of the main topics dis-cussed during the forum is how to increase the supply of high quality meat and aquamarine re-sources in the city to be able to meet the demand globally.

Meanwhile Secretary to the Mayor Aniceto Rasalan also en-

couraged local food establish-ments to buy their raw meat and fish products from the city’s producers because these are as good as the ones they are get-ting from other regions.

Rasalan added that Cotabato City is now improving with its stronger and more stable econ-omy and competitive manpower.

“We are trying our best to bring down the prices of our products without compromising quality,” he said.The investment forum was con-ducted as part of the celebra-tion of the 56th Araw ng Cota-bato from June 12 until June 20. (HKSatol-Ibrahim-LGU Cotabato City/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, June 25 -- Holcim Philip-pines, Inc. and the regional office of the Technical Educa-tion and Skills Development Authority (TESDA 12) announced Wednesday the opening of the 2015 Galing Mason Award com-petition.

Holcim, TESDA announce search for outstanding masonsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Galing Mason Award, according to a press release from


TESDA 12, is “a national search for outstanding masons that flaunt remarkable pride of their profession and a trustwor-thy member of their community.”

It is open to all Filipino masons, male or female aged 20-50 years old, and a holder of TESDA Na-tional Certificate II in Masonry.

The nominee or contestant should not have any derogatory or criminal records and adminis-trative infractions. He/She must possess upright character and in sound health.

Php 150,000 awaits the grand winner. Another 10 winning competitors will receive P20,000 each.

The deadline for the submission of entries is on or before August 21, 2015 at TESDA 12 Regional Office 2F Duremdes Bldg, Gen-san Drive, Koronadal City or the nearest TESDA Provincial Office. They may also submit entries to Holcim CSR Offices in Taguig and Davao City.

TESDA 12 Regional Director Zeus P. Ampuyas urged all the certified NC II masons in the re-gion to participate in the compe-tition.

In 2013, Sonny Rebleza, a ma-son from Kidapawan City, North Cotabato won the Galing Ma-son grand prize.

“Let us make a record by earn-ing this year’s grand prize,” Di-rector Ampuyas said.

Applicants can avail of the nomination kit at TESDA Region-al and Provincial Offices of Re-gion 12.

They may also send SMS to Holcim hotlines: Smart - 0998-556-5171; Globe - 0917-866-4252; call telephone number (02) 788-7719 or send email to [email protected] . (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from TESDA 12)


BJMP-Tandag District Jail shows off feat By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) District Jail here headed by warden J/Insp. Richard Gamale bared recently its accomplishment based on four major areas of rehabilitation program since assuming post on May 11.

Citing livelihood projects, educational and vocational training, recreation and sports, and religious/spiritual activities, warden Gamale pointed out that such rehab program is continuously being carried out in order


“to eliminate the offenders’ pattern of criminal behavior and to reform them to become law-abiding and productive citizens.” On account of “inherent function of informing the public of jail operations and other matters concerning the corrections pillar of the Philippines,” the warden said “BJMP aims to keep the public abreast of information regarding jail management and penology.” Meanwhile, he said that there are 74 inmates under their

custody after releasing seven of them with “zero incident of jailbreak.” This month, BJMP is celebrating “Community Relations Service (CRS) with the theme ‘Maayos na Pamamahala ng Piitan, Kaagapay ng Bayan sa pagtataguyod at Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan,’” Gamale announced. CRS promotes community development in collaboration with our service providers, stakeholders, and civil society group, he added.

Surigao Norte Maritime Industry stakeholders join world celebration of ‘Day of the Seafarer’ By: Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte– The Surigao del Norte Maritime Industry stakeholders will join the 2015 International ‘Day of the Seafarer’ celebration on June 25.

The Maritime Industry Author-ity (MARINA) regional office 13 will lead in the celebration along with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and other stakeholders.

The activity will start with a simultaneous blowing of ships horn and floral offering at 7:30 a.m. at the city boulevard to be followed by a motorcade around the city, thanksgiving mass,


short program, testimonial, and conferment and oath taking of the Certificate of Marine Profes-sion (CMP).

Issuance of Seaman’s Book and Friendship Games will be conducted in the afternoon of the same day.

One of the highlights of the said event is the adoption and signing of Voluntary Codes of Good Prac-tices (VGCP) with the Depart-ment of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The ‘Day of the Seafarer’ was established by the Internation-al Maritime Organization (IMO) and mandated under Presiden-tial Proclamation No. 183 series of 2011 declaring June 25 of ev-ery year as the Day of the Fili-pino Seafarer.

This yearly celebration aims to pay tribute and recognize the seafarers especially the Filipino Seafarers and to raise awareness to their contributions and impor-tance to the global economy.


Butuan City Tourism Office to hold Annual Planning for 2016 By: Jennifer Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The city government of Butuan through the City Tourism Office will be holding a two-day Annual Execution Planning for the year 2016 on June 29-30, 2015 at the Balangay Convention Center, this city.

According to mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., the said activity is aimed to determine the most substantial and most doable ini-tiatives from among the many projects identified in the Butuan City Master Plan for 2015-2016.

“With this two-day activity, we will be convening the representa-tives from government agencies to solicit from them their valuable ideas which will help us formulate the initiatives to be projected for the next year. As tourism is iden-tified by law as an indispensable element of the national econ-omy, we depend much on the

support and involvement of our partner agencies and stakehold-ers in finding ways to strengthen it,” stressed Amante.

Also, on the onset, said activity is aimed to identify for the Local Tourism Management as to what measures to take for the full uti-lization of Butuan’s potential and collectively achieve its set targets along the same development di-rections.



PAGADIAN CITY – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) on Sunday, June 21, distributed relief goods to fire victims in barangay San Pedro.

LBP Pagadian distributes relief goods to fire victims

By Gideon C. Corgue

LBP employees led by Ms. Lina K. Pacio, branch manager, shared 538 pails containing 5 kilos of rice, canned goods, instant

noodles, and t-shirt to the fire victims who are temporarily sheltered at the covered court, Plaza Luz. The activity was held in front of the


Executive Function Hall, City Hall Complex. Dubbed “Baldeng Biyaya ng Land Bank para sa mga Napinsala,” Ms. Pacio said this is part of the agency’s corporate social responsibility and a manifestation of their deep concern for the fire victims. “This activity is being implemented under the Calamity Rehabilitation Support (CARES) program of LBP,” the lady banker said. She said CARES is LBP’s rehabilitation assistance program available to existing and new customers, for them to recover from the destruction brought about by calamities. It can be recalled that on June 1, a huge fire broke out in barangay San Pedro that razed 1,500 houses, mostly made of light materials and semi-concrete structures, displaced

more than 2,000 families and killed 2 residents.

Pacio said under the program, the LBP is mandated to extend assistance only to the fisherfolk sector. “We could not accommodate all of the affected families. We rely only on the list provided to us by the city government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which identified 538 families,” Pacio explained. She said the beneficiaries were all enthusiastic to receive the food packs. “Their faces gleamed with apparent gratefulness and appreciation of our endeavor,” Pacio said. “I hope that in our simple way of helping those in need, we were able to give them hope, love and joy,” Pacio concluded.


In his welcomemessage during the program launch, City Jail Warden Nathaniel Aljas said “the AlkannSSSya sa Kulungan Program of SSS is one way of extending its premium benefit

services down to grassroot level including the detainees.” “Initially, 36 detainees have voluntarily enrolled in the program, but there are still more who have expressed their

SSS extends AlkanSSSya to inmates at city jailPAGADIAN CITY – The Social Security System (SSS) Pagadian City Branch in partnership with the Bureau of Jail and Management Protection (BJMP) has launched recently the AlkanSSSya sa Kulungan Program at the City Jailat Lenienza this city.

By Claro A. Lanipa


interest to avail of the social security program of SSS,” Aljas added. He also encouraged the inmates to start with “barya-barya” until such time they are able to save the minimum monthly contribution of P330.“Spent wisely and save regularly,” Aljas quoted successful businessman Mike Seles as saying. “No one is keeping you from enjoying the fruits of your labor, but be sure at the end of the day you still have much to keep,” Aljas stressed. On the other hand, SSS Pagadian City branch head James Buckly said“the national government has not forgotten you. In fact, Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and our President EmilioDe Quiros recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)so that you will also be covered by all the

benefits SSS has to offer.” Buckly encouraged other inmates who are not yet member of SSS to grab the opportunity. You don’t have to go to our office to enrol, SSS is now at your doorstep to accept and process your registration. For the smooth implementation of the program a MOA was signed

between theSSS Branch Head James Buckly and Jail Warden Aljas, witnessed by Sheila Marie Abad, SSS assistant branch head, SJO4 Leonilo Sumalinog and SJO1 Robert Caniedo. This was followed by the ceremonial turnover of the AlkanSSSya box by BH James Buckly to Aljas. A well secured AlkanSSSya slots were established in the jail where the registered members can drop their coins and a jail officer is being assigned daily to record the amount drop by the member. The AlkanSSSYA program has for its theme, “Barya-Barya sa AlkanSSSya, Kinabukasan ay Sigurado Na.”

Agri products in Northern Mindanao post solid growth in 1QCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Production of agricultural products in Northern Mindanao fared well during the first quarter of 2015.

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region reported during a media forum last week that the region’s production of palay, corn and coconut posted favorable outputs during the first three months of the year. The volume of palay produced was registered at 180,694 metric tons (MT), 2.78 percent higher than the volume of palay production in the same quarter of 2014. Except for Misamis Occidental, all the provinces in


the region posted production growths during the period. The good performance in Bukidnon, which cornered 69 percent of the regional total, was attributed to the availability of irrigation and rainwater as well as the installation of new irrigation facility in Malaybalay City. The decrease in irrigated areas caused by the repair of NIA dike and non-cultivation of some farms in Bonifacio, on the other hand, contributed to the negative production in Misamis Occidental. Corn production also rose by 5.34 percent to 307,848 MT. Increases were more pronounced in Camiguin and Misamis Oriental for both white and yellow corn varieties. The decline in productions noted in Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental were due to intense heat during reproductive stage and usage of second generation seeds. Coconut production likewise went up during the quarter. A total of 428 million nuts and 101,899 MT of copra were produced during the period. Green nut production posted the biggest gain at 15 percent due to the increase in demand for the higher-priced buko for juice, coconut meat for buko salad, and processed

coconut delicacies such as buko pie. Meanwhile, fish production in region grew by less than one percent compared to the last year’s first quarter level of 35,822.33 MT. The increase was brought about by the good performance of the commercial and municipal fisheries which accounted for 54 percent of the total fish production in the region. A total production of 9,514.52 MT and 10,076.66 MT were registered by the commercial and municipal sectors, respectively. Commercial fishing grew by 2.79 percent due to the unloading of large quantities of frigate tuna, tulingan and Indian sardines while production in municipal fishing increased by 3.8 percent due to abundance of ‘in-season species” and good weather condition. Aquaculture production, which accounted for 46 percent of the total fish production of the region for the first quarter, decreased by 2.63 percent from 16,857.63 MT in 2014 to 16,414.30 MT in 2015. Seaweeds which contributed bulk of aquaculture production declined by five percent as a result of low salinity affecting the alvarezii variety and presence of


‘ice-ice’ disease due to incursion of sea grass in Lanao del Norte. Fish produced through marine fish-caging also went

down by 41 percent due to the damaged cages in Misamis Oriental as a result of Typhoon Seniang.

DOLE-Bukidnon launches Job Search Kiosk, turnovers P8M BUB livelihood assistance

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON -- The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10), through its Officer in Charge (OIC) - Assistant Regional Director Albert E. Gutib and Bukidnon Provincial Field Office Head Raul L. Valmores, led the turnover of P8 million DOLE- Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB) livelihood assistance which coincided with the launching of the DOLE Job Search Kiosk during the on 15 June 2015 in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

by Archibald S. Batica

The activity was attended by Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas and members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, local government unit (LGU) personnel, Civic Society Organizations’ representatives and project beneficiaries. LGU-Valencia City is one of the recipients of the Job Search information kiosk in the province of Bukidnon together with LGU-Malaybalay City. In his message, Gutib emphasized the essential coordination, commitment, and

support of the LGU, partner-agencies and beneficiaries to ensure sustainability of the projects saying, “Success of any livelihood undertaking can only be achieved through genuine partnership and cooperation among sectors involved in the implementation of projects.” The projects include Food and Meat Processing, High-Value Vegetables and Spices Trading and Marketing, Tarpaulin/T-Shirt Printing, Rice Trading, and Starter Kit Projects benefitting some


Gingoog allocates P6M for zero-malnourished

GINGOOG CITY -- Increasing last year’s budget with 12.11% for this 2015 nutrition program, the city government of Gingoog has been looking forward for a “zero malnourished city” by ballooning the recent allocation to P6 million. The allocation is now maximized to cater identified strategies to feed up various

nutrition plans, programs and projects being determined by the City Nutrition Council (CNC)

940 direct beneficiaries and their families from 12 associations based in Valencia City who belong to the poor, underprivileged and disadvantaged sector as identified by the LGU through its Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT). “These livelihood projects will not only provide greater opportunities for income augmentation and also open avenues for honing their skills and capabilities as future entrepreneurs,” mayor Huervas stressed in her message to the beneficiaries. “There is, however, a need to constantly remind them that positive work values and putting first the common interest of others rather than that of self is one of the key factors in sustaining any group endeavor,” she added.

Meanwhile, the unveiling and installation of the Job Search Kiosk in the lobby of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of LGU-Valencia City is envisioned to enhanced job seekers’ look for jobs and access to basic and relevant information regarding job recruiters, employers, and government employment programs. DOLE-X Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante disclosed, “The DOLE Job Search Kiosk is an information-provider, internet-based equipment which provide information on labor market and livelihood opportunities which is also linked with databases of companies/establishments, POEA, OWWA, DOLE, DepEd, CHED, TESDA and PRC, among other agencies.”

by Edmar Pabia


in coordination with the technical working team on nutrition spearheaded by the assistant city health officer Dr. Agnes Centino partnered by Elmer Risonar as the city nutrition action officer (CNAO). City Mayor Marie de Lara Guingona recognized their multi-tasking roles in carrying out various health-related activities to all 79 barangays. Further, for the utmost dedication for the general welfare of the people has been yielding well by the decreased record of malnutrition. Hence, this administration continually commits its full support and commitment to the program with a greater hope that the single percentage of malnourishment will be eventually eradicated in our index,” says the Red Cross-turned-mayor. In her message on the Impact of Nutrition Program, Dr. Centino relates that “in 2008, the city’s malnutrition painted a record of 12.4% which challenged us to strategize a collective program dubbed as ‘An Egg A Day To Survive’ for 120 days wherein all stakeholders were motivated to contribute for such feeding project that eventually worked effectively precisely because such record has got down to 8%.”

As the CNAO, Risonar has shared that “there is a yearly 1% decrease of our nutrition due to a fully functional nutrition council and very supportive local government with the undying force of the council members and representatives.” “With our consistent implementation on this program, our city has been awarded with Green Banner for its first year by the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH). This year our city is vying for its second stance. As our united aspiration, we are aiming for a CROWN (Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition) which displays a great honor and reasonable cash prize as its awards”, said Dr. Grace Jadol, city health officer. Recently, Gingoog has been visited for three days by the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) in tracking down the city’s Monitoring and Evaluation on Local Level in the Program Implementation (MELLPI) of nutrition headed by Marietta Deiparine as the city has been aspiring for 2015 version of Green Banner Award which can only be determined and declared by the RNET members.

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One Mindanao - June 25, 2015

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