One Mindanao - March 17, 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

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. 0908-8843404E-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

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

CONTENTS

NorthCot town receives over P5M worth of infra projects

Gov’t troops score in clash with NPA rebels in Agnor

Our mother is the light of our home, says Dumalinao mayor

Zumba dance tilt caps Women’s Month celebration in Dumalinao town13

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Datu Bago Awardees 2015

Palace calls on public to conserve energy to counter looming power shortage

BBL funds prioritize lasting peace and inclusive growth

DA, LGUs partner on rabies eradication

Maritime industry stakeholders act on shipping service woes

482M infra, facility projects to rise in Camiguin

By: Cpt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez

By: Fretcher Magatao

12

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

23

1819 73rd IB officer bestowed 2nd highest

military award

By: Gideon C. Corgue

By: Alma L. Tingcang

By: Jorie C. Valcorza

By: Elaine O. Ratunil

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

42 ComVal set as Iron-Fortified Rice hubBy: James Labrigas

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4 MARCH 17, 2015One Mindanao

The Datu Bago award is the most prestigious and highest award the city gives to its residents.

The awardees are those chosen for their outstanding, exemplary and selfless contribution to the growth of the city through its greatest resources its people, The award is also given to people for their invaluable contribution to the preservation of the Dabawenyo culture.

They are chosen for their dedication to that ideals goes beyond their professional capacities. For example a doctor will not be given an award for his achievements in his field or a teacher for her noble accomplishments in the teaching profession but the award is gleamed from their selfless acts which goes far and beyond from the demand and competence from their jobs.

The selection committee has decided to confer 8 people with the award.

They are:

Darrell Dean Blatchley

Known for his D’Bone Collector Museum which he set up. The American bone collector who is currently a resident of Davao City for 15 years is at the forefront of teaching Dabawenyo and museum visitors

Datu Bago Awardees 2015

5MARCH 17, 2015 One Mindanao

the importance of environmental preservation and conservation particularly the Davao Gulf which is considered as a biodiversity hot spot with 18 species of whales. His museum located in Bucana has been renowned for its collection of bones and fossils and has been labeled as the Smithsonian of the Philippines.

Fe Ada Barobo

She is known for her work with the elderly where she founded and is currently the executive director of the Cares For The Elderly Foundation Inc. Their elderly facility, the Home for The Aged in Tugbok district is currently caring and serving their increasing elderly residents.

As a testament to her passion and commitment Ms. Fe has attended training and seminars to equip herself with the work of caring with the elderly. Her other humanitarian work (medical missions, feeding and relief activities) have mostly been in coordination with the Lions Club International, she having been once a very active President of the Davao City Sta. Ana Lions Club. She has received various awards, here and abroad among these include : Outstanding President Award of Lions Clubs Internationa; Ten Outstanding Member Award from Ugnayan ng Pilipinong Mangagawa sa Abroad; Honorary Adviser Award from the Asean World Music Museum in Chiang Hai, Thailand and others.

Amelia Bonifacio


She is currently the Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of the Philippine Women’s College of Davao.

In the Datu Bago Awards, she is recognized for her accomplishments in the field of education and development.

Formerly the project director of the U.S. Peace Corps in the Philippines, she also served with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) where the work took her to 40 countries.

Upon her return she concentrated on the upliftment of the lives of the indigenous peoples, protection of the rights of the marginalized medical patients, community services, marketing assistance for Dabawenyo artists.

She is currently in the forefront of bringing PWC Davao back to its golden age.

Lyda Canson

Is known for her advocacies in women empowerment. In fact she is considered “the grandmother of women’s movement in Davao City.”

Among her initiatives and practices is the strategy of “critical collaboration” between government and non-government organizations – that led to two landmark pieces of legislation – the Children’s Code of Davao City in 1995 and the Women Development’s Code in 1997 (in collaboration with women city councilors).

She pioneered the advocacy


of women’s rights, rights as human rights and organized WAR (Women against Rape). She was one of the founders of GABRIELA, which has now evolved into a major political party list in the House of Representatives, mandated to promote women’s welfare and women’s rights.

Ms. Canson’s activism and outstanding leadership has led to the creation of broadbased social movements in Davao City such as the Bathaluman Crisis Center, Talikala, Inc., and others. She is also considered as the “mother” and great mentor of the award-winning Integrated Gender and Development Office under the Office of the City Mayor.

Mae Conception Dolendo M.D.

Known for her project the House of Hope which caters to children with cancer, Dr. Mae is at the forefront of pediatric oncology (children with cancer).

The House of Hope, a transient home at the SPMC, where children with cancer together with their parents stay for free during outpatient therapy, with clean and caring environment that resulted in significant increased survival rates of child cancer in Mindanao. She has placed Davao City in the Pediatric Oncology World map due to her international linkages.

Virginia Montenegro M.D.

She is recognized for the Cancer Detection Clinic


(CADET) a project of Soroptimist International (SI) – Davao, in partnership with the PhiliPPINE Cancer Society and the Department of Health.

The CADET provides free pap smear and breast cancer examination to indigent women. She also worked for the permanent center (SI building) of CADET along Jacinto St. She also pioneered the project called SALVA (Saving Lives Through Vaccination) to help generate lifelong immunity from cervical cancer (which kills twelve (12) women a day throughout the world.)

To date, CADET and SALVA have benefited thousands of women in Davao City. CADET project was given an international award during the SI International Annual Convention in Ohio, USA, thus putting Davao City in the map of health care for women and young girls.

John Ryan Largo

is known for his initative “The Call to Save the Mountains of the World.” Which he founded in 2002. A historic call that has become a global movement as it gained the support of the United Nations and the world leaders like the Dalai Lama of Tibet, President Bill Clinton of the USA, President Fidel V. Ramos of the Philippines and many others.

The call traces its roots from an earlier movement he organized in Davao which has become its model the Call To Save Davao Gulf.

Mr. Largo is the founder


of the Human Development International (HDI) in 1990, a recognized NGO by the United Nations as it continues to make waves to this day all over the world with more than a hundred chapters. He continues his advocacy up to the present time focusing on the youth of Davao City. Even before the advent of communication technology (internet and computers) he has already been using the media (television and radio) as his vehicle for his various worthy causes.

Randy Halasan

perhaps the only Dabawenyo to be awarded the Ramon

Magsaysay Award in 2014, the RMA is considered as the Asia’s Nobel Peace Prize.

He is cited for his dedication as a teacher assigned in the hinterland of Marilog District to teach at Pegalongan Elementary School, Barangay Malampas– a place without being reached by essential services such a electricity, transport service and other basic amenities. The daily sacrifice that he has to endure just to reach the place would discourage a lesser spirit.

He went beyond the classroom to also reach out to the community – teaching the people to plant and make their idle lands productive. With the agricultural technologies and help of Barangay officials, he organized the Pegalongan Farmers Association. For his untiring efforts in building the school and community. The conferment rites was held last March 14 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel with no-less than the City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte leading the conferment to the city’s outstanding citizens.


QUEZON CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is urging Filipinos to once again demonstrate their eagerness to fight climate change by participating in this year’s Earth Hour, taking place on March 28 at 8:30 pm.

DENR rallies support for Earth Hour, global fight vs. climate change

Earth Hour is a worldwide annual event where participants shut off all lights and unused appliances and electronics in the attempt to show their support of international efforts to address climate change and its impacts.

“The significance of Earth Hour is rooted in the larger context of climate change. When we douse our lights and conserve energy produced from carbon fuels, we help mitigate climate change,” Secretary Ramon J. P.


Paje said in a statement.

He added: “By adopting habits and lifestyles that lessen the burning of fossil fuels, we adapt to climate change. This is the essence of Earth Hour, the global switch-off, when we embrace the dark for at least an hour, so our future may become sustainably brighter.”

Since joining the world’s largest climate movement in 2009, Paje said the Philippines not only consistently has the biggest Earth Hour participation, but also one of the countries in the world that go beyond the hour and take bold action against the global phenomenon.

Paje said no wonder Filipinos are the most active Earth Hour participants since the Philippines has been dubbed as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with impacts ranging from extreme weather events and periodic inundation to droughts and food scarcity. The environment chief said the country has been at the forefront of climate issues and its efforts to tame climate change impacts have been recognized by no less than the United Nations

Environment Programme (UNEP), the leading global environmental authority. “We have been going far beyond Earth Hour for several years now, with our initiatives in climate change mitigation and adaptation,” Paje said, referring to the Aquino administration’s vigorous implementation of the twin policy on total logging ban on natural forests and the National Greening Program, which seeks to create 1.5 million hectares of new forests from 2011 to 2016. He also cited the programs on geohazards assessment and mapping and on clean air spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Our achievements in these programs and on other fronts have been recognized. Just last month, UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner lauded our country’s leadership within the Climate Change Convention,” Paje said. Paje acknowledged the valuable contributions of DENR partners, including the UNEP, which is funding seven major environmental projects being implemented by the department.


Palace calls on public to conserve energy to counter looming power shortageMANILA - The government will continue to push for the adoption of an aggressive energy conservation measure as well as cooperate with the private sector to address the possible shortage of energy supply in Luzon this summer. The government will implement these measures as it closely works with Congress in threshing out issues regarding the enactment of a Joint Resolution to address the possible power supply shortage, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Monday.

Secretary Coloma noted that while the government calls for public cooperation to conserve energy, it will also continue to support private companies that plan to use their own generators as an alternative power source, under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Interruptible Load Program (ILP).

“According to (Energy) Secretary (Carlos Jericho) Petilla,

the DOE continues to monitor closely the supply situation, in view of the start of the annual maintenance of the Malampaya power plant,” Coloma told reporters.

“It is hoped that with the adoption of these contingency measures, and with full public support, the possibility of rotating two-hour brownouts in Luzon, projected as the worst-case scenario, may be minimized,” he added.

The Palace has been asking Congress to give the President special authority that would allow him to carry out measures aimed at averting the looming power outages that could affect the economy. (PCOO/PND (as)

However, Paje said more needs to be done to win the fight against climate change and that

requires sustained collective efforts of nations and the entire human race. (DENR)


BBL funds prioritize lasting peace and inclusive growth

MANILA - The funding support that the national government will extend to the proposed Bangsamoro region will help lift some of the poorest provinces in the Philippines out of poverty, as well as contribute to lasting peace and rule of law in the area, Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. “We must consider the prevailing conditions in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). These include the 54 percent poverty

incidence in the first semester of 2014, and the 81.5 percent simple literacy rate in 2008. These marks are one of the lowest in the country, so the region requires


strong and consistent funding support to lift it out of poverty,” Abad said in a DBM statement.

Three ARMM provinces—Sulu, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao—are among the poorest in the Philippines. Under the 2015 Budget Priorities Framework, Sulu was categorized as a Focus Geographical Area (FGA) with high poverty magnitude, meaning provinces where the poor are unable to participate in the growth process; while Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao were determined to be FGAs with high poverty incidence which means they are among the provinces with lesser opportunities for growth; generally provinces with small population, low density, and remote areas. The continuing conflict in the area has exacerbated the conditions of poverty there, with estimated damages amounting to P20 billion per year from 1970-2001, including damage to property and livelihood. Additionally, there were an estimated 120,000 human casualties between 1970 and 1996. In a recent release by the

Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process (OPAPP), GPH Peace Panel member Senen Bacani said, “For development to catch up with poverty in the Bangsamoro region, the Government sees fresh funds in rebuilding these war-torn areas as a tool for strengthening the peace.” Meanwhile, Abad said, “The Administration is working together with the people of the Bangsamoro to create a region that can take full advantage of our country’s many opportunities for growth. As such, we’re doing what we can to support the Bangsamoro and help them become a major economic hub by providing them with the appropriate budgetary support.”

The proposed funding, based on the provisions laid out in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), amounts to approximately P35 billion in the first year of the new Bangsamoro region. This amount includes a one-time-only fund of P1 billion for the proposed Bangsamoro Transition Authority towards organizing their systems and structure; a Special Development Fund aimed at rehabilitating the region, amounting to P7 billion in the first


year; and an Annual Block Grant (ABG), amounting to 4 percent of the net national internal revenue (NIR) collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) less the internal revenue allotment (IRA) of local government units (LGUs). This ABG is actually 2.4 percent of the BIR’s net NIR collection, estimated at P27 billion.

DBM reiterated that the existing ARMM regional government is already receiving an annual subsidy (P24.3 billion in 2015), but the subsidy will be called a block grant under the BBL. Likewise, this proposed block grant, while automatically appropriated to the Bangsamoro Government, will still be subject to the safeguards and transparency measures that govern other budgetary releases. Likewise, the BBL, if passed, would create an internal auditing body that shall keep track of government expenditure. This body will not diminish the Commission on Audit’s power to examine, audit, and settle all accounts.

“Any funds that the National Government would release to a new Bangsamoro government shall thereafter be appropriated by their parliament. We expect it

to be done in the same way that we judiciously craft our General Appropriations Act each year, following much preparation and deliberation, ” DBM Assistant Secretary for Budget Preparation and Execution Tina Rose Marie Canda said. Additionally, the Bangsamoro government would be entitled to 75 percent of taxes, fees, and charges collected by the National Government within the region, a 5 percent increase from the amount ARMM already receives. For a period of ten years, the Bangsamoro Government would retain the 25% share of the National Government. Abad said, “The public can rest assured knowing that, once the figures have been finalized based on the provisions of the draft Basic Law, we will make the accurate information available.” The Bangsamoro is the proposed autonomous political entity that will replace the ARMM, as provided in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed in March 2014 between the National Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). (DBM)

DOLE hands out livelihood to displaced Citra Mina workersBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 17 -- Displaced workers of tuna export company Citra Mina are set to receive livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment.

According to a report from DOLE 12, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosa-linda Dimapilis –Baldoz led the ceremonial release of livelihood check to 148 displaced Citra Mina workers at the Green Leaf Hotel last Tuesday, March 10.

In her message Sec. Baldoz empha-sized that labor standards implementation will not be compromised, and that due pro-cess will be followed to resolve issues con-cerning the affected fishermen.

“We will exhaust the 30 day mandatory conciliation through the Single Entry Ap-proach (SEnA) to resolve the conflict be-tween Citra Mina and its workers, I am directing RD Ofel Domingo to create a com-posite team involving DOLE, the National La-bor Relations Commission and the National Conciliation and Mediation Board to ensure that all efforts will be exhausted,” Secretary Baldoz said.

She added that through a proposed Joint Department Order which involves different concerned agencies, the government will put


in place a comprehensive pro-cess to resolve issues and con-cerns affecting fishing operators and fishermen. This proposal was created after many issues involving working and living conditions of fishermen, she said.

At the ceremony, some P2.04 million worth of livelihood were released through the Alli-ance of Progressive Labor (APL) as the accredited co-partner for the displaced workers’ Tuna Handline Project.

The displaced workers include the 44 repatriated fishermen with about 252 indirect benefi-ciaries, including wives of dis-placed workers.

On March 8, 2015, the 44 re-patriated fishermen filed a Re-quest for Assistance (RFA) un-der the Single Entry Approach (SEnA).

Said Filipino fishermen were repatriated in February from Jakarta, Indonesia for illegal fishing.

The Alliance for Progressive Labor (APL) through its Sec-retary General Herbert Demos coordinated with the Philippine Consulate General in Manado to repatriate the Filipino fishermen of fishing vessel KM Love Mer-ben 2.

According to Clyde Bartolate who was one of the repatriated fishermen, they were appre


NorthCot town receives over P5M worth of infra projectsBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Mar. 17 —Over P5 million worth of infrastructure projects were recently turned over by the provincial government to five villages in Magpet town.

hended on August 26 last year in Ternate, North Maluku for il-legally fishing in Indonesian wa-ters.

“We were abandoned by Citra Mina, our families also suffered because the company did not do anything to assist them, not a single centavo was given to

us. We suffered for almost six months in Indonesia,” Bartolate said.

They did not have passports or travel documents when they entered Indonesia. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DOLE 12)

The projects include a water reservoir in Barangay Bagum-bayan worth P500,000 situated particularly in Bagumbayan Na-tional High School, barangay hall worth P600,000 and a wa-ter system worth P500,000 in Barangay Sallab, and an elec-trification project worth P1.7M in Purok 2, Sitio Palo, Barangay Imamaling.

Meanwhile, Barangay Manobo received a newly constructed covered court worth P1.5M while Barangay Kinarum was given a water system costing P500,000.

Governor Emmylou Mendoza

emphasized these projects are beneficial to the residents as these would develop their re-spective villages.

She said that as a basic ne-cessity, residents must have ac-cess to clean, potable water and this is now attained by a num-ber of families residing in Ba-gumbayan, Sallab and Kinarum.

“With clean water for con-sumption, we can be assured that families are safe and away from diseases. This is what the people need most and they have it now,” Mendoza stated.

She then emphasized the big


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 17 – A rookie military officer assigned at the 73rd Infantry Battalion of the 1002nd Brigade Philippine Army was among the awardees honored during the commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy Class 2015 in Baguio City, Sunday, March 15.

change the project would do to families in Purok 2, Sitio Palo, Barangay Imamaling who have no electricity for quite some time.

“The residents, especially the students who have difficul-ties studying at night can now benefit from the project,” she noted adding that the education of students belonging to poor families is important to improve to lives.

The newly constructed baran-gay hall of Sallab building will serve different functions for the residents. Apart from meetings and assemblies, they can use it to accommodate visitors and exhibit or display area for locally made products.

On the other hand, the con-structed covered court in Ba-rangay Manobo which the local officials and residents asked last year will provide a bigger venue for their gathering as well as for housing evacuees in case of ca-lamities.

With the projects implement-ed in their areas, the chairmen of the beneficiary villages ex-tended their gratefulness to the provincial government.

Among them is Chairman Joel P. Oligario of Bagumbayan who also pledged to give more sup-port to the ‘Serbisyong Totoo’ advocacy of the provincial gov-ernment. (SJDuerme-PIA12/N.Cot. Media Bureau)

73rd IB officer bestowed 2nd highest military awardBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

President Benigno Aquino III, during the PMA Class 2015 graduation ceremony, bestowed

2nd Lt. Jerson Sanchez a Dis-tinguished Conduct Star Medal, the second highest military


award.Lt. Col. Felix Ronnie Babac,

commanding officer of 73rd IB, said Sanchez, a member of PMA Class 2014, was honored for his gallantry in action during an encounter with armed reb-els in February.

Sanchez and his team were patrolling the area on February 16 when they chanced upon 40 members of the New People’s Army in Barangay Datal Ang-gas in Alabel, Sarangani, where gunfight ensued.

The encounter resulted in the recovery of nine high-powered firearms and death of seven NPA members includ-ing seasoned communist leader Tolentino Bariquit alyas Brigol.

Five of the seven NPA fatali-ties were identified as lead-ers of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 71. Recovered from the group were 6 M-16 rifles, 2 AK-47s, and a baby Armalite.

In the succeeding days, 11 more members from the group surrendered and one of them brought with him a high pow-ered firearm.

Pursuit operation yielded an-other high powered firearm in the neighboring barangay.

Babac said, President Aqui-no’s recognition of the San-

chez in front of the graduating class sets an inspiration to the young officers to dedicate them-selves in service to the people and in securing the nation.

As the commanding officer, Babac said he takes pride of Sanchez’ achievement who will be the example of many young officers in doing their job excel-lently.

Babac further disclosed that the other soldiers involved in the same encounter were awarded with Military Merit Medal interim to Gold Cross Medal by no less than the Com-manding General of the Philip-pine Army, Lt. Gen, Hernando Iriberri.

Iriberri came to the battalion headquarters of 73rd IB in Mal-ita, Davao Occidental on Febru-ary 27 to pin the awards on the soldiers. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


DA to implement P673M BuB, PAMANA projects in 2015By: Vanessa P. Sanchez

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office XIII is set to implement a total of 155 projects under the Bottom-up-Budgeting (BuB) and 10 projects under Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) this year.For PAMANA, five livelihood projects amounting P6.5 million and five Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) amounting P464 million will be implemented. As for the BuB, project total amount is


P202,614,073 distributed as follows:

In support to the participating local government units, DA recently conducted two batches of Project Proposal Writeshop attended by the municipalities with BUB and PAMANA projects from the five provinces of the region. The participants were taught how to prepare a good project proposal and were given time to refine their current proposals. Samples of their output were then presented for critiquing and recommendations. Edelmira R. Luminarias, the Regional Focal Person for BuB and PAMANA, said that they purposely conducted the writeshop to put in place the project implementation under BuB and PAMANA for 2015. “The municipalities and

project beneficiaries should be at the same phase for faster implementation because we are obliged to implement the projects for 2015 within the year only. Replacement of projects is no longer allowed at this time and any realignment of funds should have the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),” Luminarias said. BuB is a poverty reduction program of the government while PAMANA is the national government’s peace and development framework to respond and strengthen peace building, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected areas (CAAs).

Projects No. of Projects Amount

Surigao del Sur 48 P 39,641,800

Agusan del Sur 47 81,954,173

Surigao del Norte 28 44,262,200

Agusan del Norte 20 21,121,900

Province of Dinagat Islands 12 15,634,000


Gov’t troops score in clash with NPA rebels in Agnor

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - Government troops under 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) and 13th Regional Police Service Battalion clashed with communist rebels killing a still undetermined number of gunmen in the hinter-area of Brgy. Hinimbangan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte around 8:20 a.m., Monday. An information was relayed by a concerned civilian in the area about the presence of some 30 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels believed to be members of Guerilla Front 16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee who are extorting money from the local populace in the area in preparation to support the logistical requirements

for the upcoming anniversary celebration on March 29. Ltc Adonis Ariel Orio, 29IB Commanding Officer, immediately coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a joint operation to go after the said NPAs. Upon arrival at the said area, NPAs indiscriminately opened fire against the

By: Cpt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez


DA, LGUs partner on rabies eradication

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) led the nationwide kick-off activity for the rabies awareness month.

By: Fretcher Magatao

government troops unmindful of the presence of civilians in the community. The troops managed to maneuver to a more advantage position and were able to return fire against the NPAs. Troops inflicted casualties to the NPAs. After the 20-minute gun battle, the NPAs withdrew out of the engagement area. Civilians in the area have seen the engaged NPAs carrying their wounded and dead comrades. Recovered from the area are the following: one M203 grenade launcher, three M16 and two AK 47 rifles, undetonated Improvised Explosive Devices with complete paraphernalia, backpacks of NPA casualties and subversive documents with high intelligence value. Troops also recovered one

dead NPA and is now being facilitated by the 29IB, PNP and local government unit of Kitcharao for identification and proper disposition. Ltc Orio immediately ordered his troop to conduct pursuit operation against the escaping NPAs. Major General Oscar T Lactao, Commander of 4th Infantry Division, congratulated his gallant troops together with the PNP in performing their duty in protecting the people in Kitcharao against the lawless elements. “We also would like to thank the people for giving us timely and complete information about the presence of the NPAs in their community,” he said.


Together with the LGUs in the region, a mass dog castration and anti-rabies vaccination were conducted last March 7 in different cities and municipalities region-wide. “This activity is conducted to control dog population and eliminate rabies infection in the city,” Dr. Niño Ceasar Perez said. In 2014, the city has recorded 1,800 dog-bite cases wherein Brgy. Libertad topped the highest number of cases which led to one casualty. Avoiding more fatality, the city aims to be rabies-free by 2016 through the conduct of dog castration and anti-rabies vaccination services in the city barangays. The veterinary team is also conducting regular mass dog vaccination at the City Hall every Wednesday to give convenience to pet owners instead of going to Tiniwisan where their office is located. “We have been regularly conducting anti-rabies vaccination in the barangays down to the purok level just to make sure that every dog is vaccinated,” said Dr. Perez. The same activity was conducted in Surigao City and the municipality of Santiago. A report from the Department of Health (DOH) shows that there

are 1,022 dog-bite cases last year in Surigao City leading to five deaths of rabies infection. “We have been reminding the dog owners to vaccinate their dogs since rabies infection is very alarming in the city. The office has been conducting regular information dissemination through IEC materials and lectures to the barangays in the locality,” said Dr. Maridel Zerda of Surigao City Veterinary Office. “We have prioritized the municipality of Santiago for anti-rabies vaccination to dogs for it revealed the highest number of dog bite cases among all other municipalities in Agusan del Norte last year. We would want to conduct the same operation next month in another municipality,” Dr. Belen Aruelo, Agusan del Norte Provincial Veterinarian said. Republic Act 9482 or Anti-rabies Act emphasizes on the responsibilities of the concerned agencies such as DA, DOH, Department of Education and Department of the Interior and Local Government; it also includes the pet owners with corresponding penalties. As such, the synchronized activity on mass castration and vaccination is geared toward Rabies-Free Philippines by 2020.




Government of the Philippines (GRP) Peace Panel Chair Miri-am Coronel-Ferrer was saddened that the Jan-uary 25 Mamasapano incident had revealed

that many Filipinos do not understand the peace process. “What that single [Mamasapano] inci-dent had revealed to us is basically how

Post-Mamasapano unveils peace process is ‘alien’ to most Filipinos, says Prof. Ferrer By: Rene V. Carbayas

MANILA – The bloody Mamasapano incident has brought about public interest and public discus-sions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, but this has also unveiled that many Filipinos are ‘alien’ to the peace process.


few people understand the com-plexities, the dynamics, and the mechanisms of the peace pro-cess,” Coronel-Ferrer said at the multi-stakeholders forum held last March 5 at Dusit Thani Ma-nila on the “Implications of Ma-masapano on the Peace Process: Moving Forward.” The government peace ne-gotiator said that it is easy for some sectors to say that the peace panel has not done con-sultations on the ground. “This news has been in the newspapers all the time begin-ning in 1986. Since we overthrew the Marcos dictatorship the agen-da of finding peace, seeking po-

litical settlement of the different armed conflicts has always been part of the national agenda,” Fer-rer said. For some observers, the public seems to have selective memories and occasionally talks about the peace process. But for the GPH panel this single Mama-sapano incident has jarred peo-ple’s mind and reminded them once again that there is this peace process that has been go-ing on for the longest time. Ferrer said “there is this kind of difficulty for the public to ap-preciate the complexities of the very nature of the political nego-tiation. For instance, under


standing the concept of trans-forming the MILF from an armed revolutionary group to a politi-cal group, in the hope of finding their legitimate space in the po-litical construct of the body we call the Philippines.” She noted that people seemed to forget that when gov-ernment entered into formal talks with the MILF and the subsequent signing of the Framework Agree-ment on the Bangsamoro, there have been less and less or no armed confrontations between the government and the MILF forces, until the unfortunate Ma-masapano incident. Ferrer identified some impli-cations of the Mamasapano inci-dent like how parochial Filipinos are in terms of national issues and concerns and there is a need for the nation to “go back to the basics such as understanding the Mindanao’s history and the struggle of the Moro people and their right to self-determination towards understanding the na-ture of BBL.” She said that since the in-cident, the government has also been engaging in “firefights” of the top two trending lies: the is-sue on the Bangsamoro police

and the P75 Billion for the MILF. With the delay in the passing of the BBL, the peace panel hopes that Congress could pass the law by June this year. Other speakers of the panel discussion include Congressman Rodolfo G. Biazon; Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga of the Bangsamoro Islamic Studies; and Gen. Em-manuel Bautista (Ret), for AFP Chief of Staff, Executive Director, Cabinet Cluster on Security, Jus-tice and Peace. The forum was a multi-stakeholders initiative of the In-stitute for Autonomy and Gover-nance (IAG), Local Government Development Foundation (LO-GODEF), Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID), Zamboanga Basilan Integrated Development Alliance (ZABIDA), Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), Sen-ate-Muslim Advocates for Peace and Progress and the Kennedy School of Government Alumni Association with support from the Australian Government, Kon-rad Adanauer Stiftung and UNI-CEF to help reinforce support to the peace process post the Ma-masapano incident.


In his message during the National Women’s Month Cel-ebration at Dumalinao Sports Complex on Friday, Cerilles said his administration recognizes the Filipino women who have be-come the catalysts for change displayed exceptional courage, strength, care and love for their families, adding “ our respect for women is embedded in our cul-ture.” Our mothers are women who nurtured us and gave us their ab-solute love and support through-

out our lives,” Cerilles said “Ang atong inahan sila ang iwag sa atong panimalay. Sila ang naghatag kanato ug inspirasyon aron nga kita ang mahimo nga maay-ong tawo,” Cerilles proudly said. (Our mother is the light of our home. They are the persons who inspired us to become good citizens.)

“Traditionally women were not equal with men in law and that men were the heads of the households as well as in politics,” stressed Mayor Cerilles. Cerilles said with the advent of Republic Act No. 9710 other-wise known as the “Magna Carta of Women,” they are now empow-ered, as the law is giving them equal opportunities with men in-cluding access to resources. “Tungod sa maong mahi-nungdanong balaod aduna kita’y ubay-ubay nga mga babaye nga

Our mother is the light of our home, says Dumalinao mayor

By: Gideon C. Corgue

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur – Mayor Ace William Cerilles has joined the nation in recognizing the women’s contribution to the society.


nagpakita sa ilang kusog ug lider-ato. Gani ang uban kanila napili pagka-Presidente sa nasud, Se-nador, Kongresista ug uban pa,” Cerilles opined. (Because of this landmark legislation, we now have many women leaders. In fact, some of them were elected as President of the country, senators, con-gresswomen, and others). The mayor’s mother, Aurora, was then elected provincial gov-ernor and now the representative

of the province’s second district. Cerilles said the Philippines is now looking at more oppor-tunities for gender equality and empowerment and for broaden-ing advocacy for the promotion and protection of women’s rights. He then ended his message by quoting British Prime Minister Madeleine Albright’s who said: “Women’s empowerment is gain-ing ground because so many brave women have been unwill-ing to accept anything less.”

Zumba dance tilt caps Women’s Month celebration in Dumalinao town

By: Alma L. Tingcang

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur - Over a thousand women from the 30 barangays of this town gathered at Dumalinao Regional Pilot School (DRPS) gymnasium to celebrate Women’s Month on Saturday, March 14, 2015.

This year’s theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na,” recognizes the role of wom-en in nation-building and their contribution to our economy. The celebration started with a mass after which a parade around the town’s major streets winded up at Dumalinao Regional

Pilot School gymnasium for the program. “Every day we celebrate women’s day because they are our inspiration. They raise our children well and guide them to the right path. She is the light of every home. We find women in politics, the armed forces, bank-ing and finance, technology and


other fields which we thought only men would fit in,” Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles said in his in-spirational message. He quoted the words of for-mer US Secretary of State Mad-eleine K. Albright, who was the first woman to hold the position, “Women’s empowerment is gain-ing ground because so many brave women have been unwill-ing to accept anything less. Our collective experience has shown that when women have the pow-er to make their own choices, good things happen.” Receiving the loudest ap-plause was the Zumba competi-tion among 7 groups which was the highlight of the celebration with mothers sweating it out for the first prize of P5,000 bagged by Barangay Sumadat ; second prize went to Barangay Pag-asa - P3,000; and 3rd prize – Barangay Sebucao winning P2,000. A con-solation prize of P500 each was also given to participating baran-gays. Capping the cel-ebration was the free medical check-up and feeding for children by the Department of So-

cial Welfare and Development, a forum on women’s rights, health and other issues. Prizes were given to lucky participants such as: 24” LED TV, sofa bed, cherry mobile phone, 1 sack of rice and 20 packs of 10 kilos rice. The Juanas could not contain their excitement and fun during the whole day activity. In closing, Ms. Junaflor S. Cerilles, the town first lady and president of the Women Em-powerment Movement-Rural Improvement Club (WEM-RIC) Zamboanga del Sur Federated president said, “To all Juanas, let us continue to be counted upon in nation-building and economic growth. We have a great respon-sibility on our shoulders. Let us live up to the highest ideals be-cause our children look up to us as role models.”

PIA awards top 10 winning entries in Kaligkasan Band Search

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Philippine Information Agency (PIA), region 10, will be presenting the top 10 winning entries of the KaligKasan Band Search on March 19, 2015.

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

One of the highlights of the Climate Change Advocacy Campaign of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and PIA launched in July 2014, in the different schools of the region, the search was aimed to create awareness and understanding on Climate Change, Solid Waste, Geohazards and the National Greening Program of the


The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional Office X spearheaded on March 4 a meeting to discuss the numerous complains its office has been

receiving in relation to the existing level of shipping service in the route of region 10 in maintaining the cleanliness of rest rooms and general sanitation on-board

Maritime industry stakeholders act on shipping service woes

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Maritime Industry stakeholders in northern Mindanao are addressing concerns on ships quality service standards.

By: Elaine O. Ratunil

Government. It was also aimed to provide opportunities for the young and undiscovered talents in the music industry and encourage them to compose original, environmental ly-mot ivated music, Thelma B. Oliver, regional director of PIA-10, said. Meanwhile, Oliver said a total of 22 amateur bands who have not signed up with any recording studio joined the search by submitting one original full song composition on the theme: “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago (Times have changed. It’s time to change).” Written in Filipino, English

or a combination of both, the entries were judged on the following criteria: Creativity and originality, 30 percent, lyrics, 30 percent, melody, 30 percent and overall appeal, 10 percent or a total of 100 percent. Winners will receive the following cash prizes plus plaques, each: Grand winner, P50,000, Second Place, P30,000, Third Place, P20,000, and seven consolation prizes, at P5,000, each. Oliver said the top 10 entries were forwarded to the DENR for the final selection, after which, the selected songs maybe repackaged for radio and TV infomercials.


the vessels such as those plying Balingoan to Camiguin and vice-versa. Engr. Emmanuel B. Carpio, regional director, MARINA RO X, reiterated MARINA Memorandum Circular (MC) 65/65-A sets minimum service standards for Philippine-registered interisland passenger vessels. Compliance with this set of standards will ensure acceptability quality of shipping service for passenger comfort and convenience. Under these circulars are the six areas of concern: passenger accommodation, public spaces, serving spaces, embarkation/disembarkation, conditions for the service standards and compliance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 or the Accessibility Law. However, any violation of, or failure of the operators to comply with the policies/guidelines constitute a sufficient ground for the disapproval of the application for Certificate of Public Convenience/Provisional Authority and/or suspension/revocation/cancellation of the vessel’s Authority, as the case maybe, in addition to the penalties provided under the Public Service Act, said Engr. Carpio. A Joint Sanitation Inspection Team (JSIT) will be pursued to

intensify the implementation of guidelines concerning ships quality service standards in the region. Meanwhile, concerns on the carriage of livestock in container trucks; and provisions for persons with disabilities and preparations for the forthcoming Oplan Cuaresma. The Bureau of Quarantine, being the health authority, is mandated to ensure security against the introduction and spread of infectious diseases to include the emerging diseases and public health emergencies of international concern. This include a pro-active response to public health concerns on matters pertaining to food safety, sanitation and vector control in airports and seaports of entry on conveyances, people, goods and cargoes. Cagayan de Oro Port Management Isidro V. Butaslac Jr said there will be comfort rooms for PWDs in Balingoan port. “Ligtas Oplan Cuaresma 2015” will again be implemented in this region to assist the travelling men, women and children. Related MARINA regional directives/advisories were also presented.


MC issued on February 10, 2015 was addressed to all Domestic Shipping Companies / operators and other maritime entities on the throwing of coins during port docking / undocking operations of passenger ships. This is line with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code implementation, and in order to protect and safeguard the interest of all concerned. All shipping companies/owners whose ships are operating and calling in Northern Mindanao waters and ports respectively, are hereby directed immediately to formulate and issue a policy concerning the throwing of coins through posting of notice and public address system, informing all passenger/crew onboard ships that throwing of coins to sea gypsies during port docking/undocking operations shall be totally prohibited and will be penalized if caught. For MC dated February 23, 2015 stipulates that in order to protect the interests of all concerned, notice is hereby given for all passenger-carrying shipping companies/operators to post visibly in all conspicuous places on-board the vessel, all

ticketing offices and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Passenger Terminals, a certified true copy of the MARINA Authorized schedule for the information and guidance of the riding public. Further, failure to observe the MARINA approved schedule of trips subjects the shipping company/operator to sanctions ranging from P10,000 to P50,000 plus cancellation of its Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) under MARINA Memorandum Circular No. 120. In the pipeline is the procurement of aluminum-hulled boats, according to Butaslac. For his part, Teodro D. Buenavista Jr, regional director, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), region 10, said its office is set to launch its Consumer Welfare and Protection project dubbed “Consumer Welfare Desk Sails because Government Cares,” intended to intensify its thrust for information dissemination campaign and uphold the interest of the general public. It will provide free assistance or services to the consumers on any complaints with the agencies authority by bringing always the services closer to the public.


It is expected to facilitate smooth flow of goods and services, effective farm-to-market road accessibility, as well as to improve and develop of the island’s tourist destinations. These projects also include the construction and replacement of drainage canal, bridges, and river control projects around its circumferential road;

i m p r o v e m e n t of government b u i l d i n g s ; w a t e r w o r k s s y s t e m s ; p e d e s t r i a n overpass, airport runway and Benoni Port. V a r i o u s in f ras t ruc ture projects like the construction of P64.6 million roads leading to Tuasan Falls and

soda water spring; P50 million drainage system improvement in poblacion Mambajao; P42.9 million rehabilitation of flood/river control structures and more were likewise completed last year.

482M infra, facility projects to rise in CamiguinCAMIGUIN - Staying in focus on upgrading its infrastructure convenience, Camiguin lone district representative Xavier Jesus Romualdo allocated P482.25 million fund this year, released through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

By: Jorie C. Valcorza

Coop leader feted for championing gender equality

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte- The city government of Tagum recognized on March 07 Tagum Coopera-tive Chairperson of the Board of Director (BOD) Norma “Normskie” Pereyras as Tagumpay Excellence awardee for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment. The awarding was part of the 17th Araw ng Tagum Celebration. She was among the six individuals carefully chosen by the Search

and Awards Commit-tee tasked by the city government of Tagum to identify the outstanding individuals who made substantial contribution to Tagum City’s growth and develop-

ment, bringing honor and pride to Tagumenyos. In his opening re-marks during the Tagum Excellence Awards and Recognition Night , City of Tagum Mayor Allan L. Rellon gave his salute to Pereyras “whose unpar-alleled leader ship in the country’s foremost coop-erative has empowered the women sector.” The sustained Gen-der Equality and Women Empowerment Program of Tagum Cooperative (TC) sets it apart from


other cooperatives which are now learning from the pioneering ven-tures of TC to empower women as partners in cooperative movement. Pereyras looked back at the period 1990 to 2000 when NATCCO (National Confederation of Coopera-tives) and AWCF (Asian Women in Cooperative Development Forum) started the Gender Advocacy. It was then that Tagum Cooperative joined the bandwagon to promote the rights of women and has sustained it for about 25 years now. “We pushed forward the rights of women amidst male chauvinism at that time. We made headway in our fight to empower women in decision-making, not only about household affairs but also on financial matters,” she said. She remembered how she faced male tyranny in 1995 when she was elected for three consecutive years, as the first woman chairperson of the male-dominated Board of Direc-tors (BOD)of Tagum Cooperative. “Grabe! Grabe talaga ang pag-underestimate sa kakayahan ng mga Kababaihan. Meron pa kaming male board of director na nagsabi na ‘Kay-ong mga babae, hinugot lang kayo sa tadyang naming mga lalaki!. Kayo ay inferior sa mga lalaki!’, she said in sharing her experiences during the Philippine Cooperative Centennial celebration kick-off on February 05, 2015 at Quezon City Memorial Circle. But with the sustained drive

of Tagum Cooperative to empower women and see men as their equal, Pereyras felt confident that she could answer Pope Francis when he asked “where are the women?”. “ Here we are i n Tagum Co-operative actively and intelligently participating in major decisions es-pecially in the boardroom as policy-makers who have helped strengthen our systems to make a difference,” she said. Pereyras has believed since then, that women should have a rightful and fair share of benefits and privileges “because 75 percent of the general membership of Tagum Coop-erative are women”. Noting the long-time advocacy of Tagum Cooperative to empower women, Pereyras believes that the Cooperative has substantially con-tributed to the realization of the Mil-lennium Development Goals. (News Release, Tagum Cooperative)


ComVal set as Iron-Fortified Rice hub

NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley - With the iRice Ordinance antici-pated to be put into effect soon in the province, Compostela Valley was chosen by the Food and Nu-trition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technlogy (DOST) to be the first hub of the country’s nationwide implementation of the Iron Forti-fied Rice. This was confirmed by FNRI-DOST Senior Science Research Spe-cialist Marcela C. Saises and FNRI Assistant Scientist and Food Forti-fication Program Leader Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa on March 11 dur-ing the Multi Sectoral Public Hearing of the Proposed ComVal iRice Ordi-nance at the Sangguniang Panlala-wigan (SP) Session Hall. The proposed iRice Ordinance aims to push for initiatives to reduce the number of Comvalenyos with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) due to lack of daily iron intake. Agdeppa said children with IDA usually show poor scholastic perfor-mance due to inability to compre-hend fast while most of them also get sick due to poor immune system. Agdeppa furthered adults with IDA have low productivity because they easily get tired while pregnant

women with IDA usually endanger their babies and could result to ma-ternal death. In consonance to RA 8976 or the Food Fortification Law, the pro-posed iRice Ordinance of ComVal also seeks to encourage Comvalen-yos to patronize and consume Iron Fortified Rice. On March 30, the province will hold a ceremonial launching of the Comval Iron-fortified Rice or Comval iRice at the Provincial capitol to be participated in by top DOST officials, national agencies, local officials, rice mill owners and other guests. (James Labrigas / IDS ComVal)


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