One Mindanao - March 18, 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

GIDEON C. CORGUE, 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

ARMM initiates one million signatures for peace campaign

COA auditors present audit findings to TESDA-13 personnel

PIA, press club hold women-in-media forum

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23

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16

Davao Oriental honors Army, Police heroes

DOTC, LTO to bare list of delinquent car dealersshortage

Pablo survivors in Compostela Valley get permanent homes

Tandag City DepEd chief tells school heads to keep grad rites simple

Misor industries cited for best labor practices

Hold graduation rites in solemnity, not as a political forum, DepEd-MisOcc tells school heads

By: Robert E. Roperos

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

8

By: Bureau of Public Information-ARMM

By: Bureau of Public Information-ARMM

14 3132 ARMM to spend P12M per week on

food assistance for IDPs

By: Dominic I. Sanchez

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Jerome R. Soldevilla

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

ARMM

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

36 Philhealth records now accessible onlineBy: Kleah Dublin

By: PIO DavNor

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4 MARCH 18, 2015One Mindanao

It was a peaceful Sunday evening last February 15, until 50 New People’s Army guerillas disguised as Army Soldiers stormed the Mati Police Station. However alert policemen averted the guerilla assault with a gunbattle, the NPAs fled the scene leaving a dead comrade behind. Meanwhile reinforcing army troops hit a landmine which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers. An army soldier detailed at the Provincial Capitol was killed when he was accosted at a rebel checkpoint. Because of their gallantry top officials from the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army gave honors to hero policemen and soldiers at the City of Mati Police Station in ceremonies held last February 24 in Mati City. PNP Regional Director PCSUPT Wendy G. Rosario led the awarding to thirty nine PNP personnel, under Provincial Director PSSUPT Jose Carumba, who successfully defended

the Mati Police Station in a fierce gun battle with more than 50 lawless armed group last February 15. Meanwhile, 16 soldiers of the 701st Brigade of the Philippine Army under the command of Col. Bienvenido Datuin, Jr., received the Military Merit Medal for their valiant bravery and great courage in pushing reinforcement to the policemen during the firefight.

Davao Oriental honors Army, Police heroes

5MARCH 18, 2015 One Mindanao

The Philippine Army’s Eastern Mindanao Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad and 10th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Eduardo M. Año awarded these medals to the soldiers who put their lives at risk during the reinforcement operation.

The soldiers’ fallen comrades, who under the heat of the battle took extra step of courage and bravery in executing their duties, were also given honors. “It would have been tragic and different news had you wavered in your courage even for a fraction of a second in the face of unprovoked aggression, but you did not. Instead you were able to hold your line and repelled the attackers,” she told the police awardees. Moreover, she congratulated the decorated military awardees. She also lauded the military’s unfailing quick responses and hard work that they always extend whenever there is a crisis, noting its role at the height of super typhoon Pablo in 2012.

Military Police Coordination

The Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines cited the coordination between the Army and the police as one of the reasons why the New Peoples Army attack at the Mati Police Station was repelled.

Lt. General Aurelio Baladlad, EastMinCom chief said that Army intelligence shared to the police allowed the Philippine National Police to beef up its forces in Mati. According to intelligence sources

the NPAs units from the Pulang Bagani Command 3 and 6 operating in Compostela Valley were planning to attack several targets in Davao Oriental, among these targets included Mati City.

The PNP were able to send reinforcements from its Regional Public Safety Battalion to the Mati Police Station because of the intelligence reports. (PIO DavNor with reports from RG Alama PIA)


QUEZON CITY - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P8 billion to the National Housing Authority (NHA), as

part of the National Government’s continuing rehabilitation and recovery of areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda last November 2013.

P8-B housing fund to support ongoing Yolanda rehab

The amount is part of the P19 billion approved by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) as funding requirement for resettlement projects in Yolanda-affected areas. The P8-billion fund will be charged against the 2014 Supplemental Appropriations for the construction of permanent housing for victims of Typhoon

Yolanda.

“The 2014 Supplemental Budget fortunately enabled us to fast-track the implementation of the Yolanda rehabilitation plan instead of having to wait for the next fiscal year. What’s more, with the help of Congress, we had the budgetary space to address high-priority needs that couldn’t wait for the turnover to the next


national budget, ”Secretary of Budget Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

The NHA’s Yolanda Permanent Housing Program was created to address the housing needs of 205,128 families in Regions IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, and Caraga as approved by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and

Recovery (OPARR). Prior to this release, the DBM had released P11 billion last October 2014 charged against the NDRRM Fund under the FY 2014 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The following is the breakdown of the provinces to be provided with housing assistance:

Abad said, “Creating the budgetary support for the NHA’s permanent housing program for Typhoon Yolanda victims is just part of the National Government’s thrust to ‘Build Back Better’. By incorporating prevention and preparedness in our rehabilitation efforts, we’ll be able to safeguard settlements throughout the country against

future tragedies.”

Though the DBM has released the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO), the Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) will only be released upon the submission of the NHA’s report of its utilization of available cash as per National Budget Circular No. 556. (dbm.gov.ph)

PARTICULARS AMOUNTRegion VI P4,063,988,000Aklan P89,335,000Antique P629,735,000Capiz P768,570,000Iloilo P1,224,614,000Negros Occidental P1,351,734,000Region VIII P3,935,990,000Biliran P477,720,000Eastern Samar P359,974,000Samar P971,256,000Leyte P1,342,654,000Ormoc City P122,725,000Tacloban City P661,661,000TOTAL P7,999,978,000


DOTC, LTO to bare list of delinquent car dealers

MANILA - The Department of Transportation and Communication and the Land Transportation Office will release list of delinquent car dealers who deliberately misinform their customers as to the status of their license plate applications. “The public deserves to know if their car dealerships are shortchanging them. We will release lists of delinquent dealers in the coming weeks to show which ones aren’t fulfilling their promises to their customers,” said Tuesday. Abaya said the problem is that the delinquent dealers tell their customers that the LTO

does not have new plates, when in fact, the car dealers are the ones not fulfilling their services.

“They let months pass despite knowing fully well that the plates are ready—and they even mislead their customers about it,” Abaya explained.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Alfonso Tan Jr on the one hand


said that license plates for first-time motor vehicle registrants are available-on-demand. “Yet many of these plates remain unclaimed from LTO offices,” Tan said.

The DOTC and the LTO will release the lists of delinquent dealerships in the coming weeks, to better inform the public as to which dealerships actually deliver the services they offer to their customers, and which ones are shortchanging them.

“For owners of new motor vehicles whose dealers tell them that the LTO is not ready with new plates: come to our offices so you can claim them yourselves. Your license plates are ready at your place of registration,” Tan said. Vehicle dealerships are

regulated by the LTO, which can suspend and even revoke accreditation when warranted.

The new plates are part of the LTO’s License Plate

Standard izat ion Program, which will phase out the nine (9) existing designs currently in use, over the next two (2) years. They sport a sleek b l a c k- o n -w h i t e design, which improves visibility and can be seen from different angles. The new plates contain

various security features such as tamper-resistant locks, reflective sheeting material, and a “third-plate” sticker.

These third-plate stickers replace the windshield stickers currently issued as proof of annual registration. Similarly, registration stickers attached to license plates will no longer be issued for new license plates.(dotc.gov.ph)


Pablo survivors in Compostela Valley get permanent homes

MANILA - Some 3,086 families in Compostela Valley left homeless by Typhoon Pablo recently received their permanent shelters from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the provincial government through the Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP).


Under the MSAP, the construction of the shelter units was funded by DSWD, while the provincial government took charge of the site development, land preparation, and engineering requirements.

DSWD Undersecretary Angelita Y. Gregorio-Medel, representing Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, led the turnover ceremony with Compostela Valley Governor Arturo T. Uy, Vice Governor Manuel Zamora, and First District Representative Ma. Carmen Zamora.

The turnover ceremony was one of the highlights of the 17th Founding Anniversary of

the provincial government and the 8th Bulawan Festival.

Happy with their new homes

A farmer and father of 11, Nicanor Y. Magnaong Jr of Purok 1, Barangay Pasian, Monkayo is overjoyed with his new home.

“Nalipay mi nga nakadawat og balay. Hayahay na among pamati. Salamat sa Ginoo ug sa nagdumala. Dili na mi matuloan. Sa una naghigda lang mi sa trapal. Ang among gipuy-an tent (We are happy to receive the shelter. We feel better. Thank God and thanks to the implementers. We won’t be soaked anymore when it


rains. We used to sleep on tarpaulins as our previous shelter was a tent),” Nicanor said.

Walter G. Beniga, 49, also of Barangay Pasian shared, “Pasalamat mi kay dili na barong-barong among balay. Lipay pud ang mga bata ug mga silingan kay duna nay kapuy-an (We are thankful because our house is not a makeshift anymore. My children are also delighted as well as my neighbors).”

Governor Uy assured the beneficiaries that the permanent shelters are of good quality. He assured that all ‘Pablo’ survivors who lost their homes will be provided with permanent homes.

Usec. Medel cited the unity and cooperation of the people in bringing Compostela Valley back to the road of progress and development.

“ComVal is shining now because you have collaborated and cooperated in its development,” Usec. Medel said.

She added that the real treasure of the province is the people’s pakikipagkapwa (relating with people), paglilingkod

(service), at pagmamahal sa isa’t isa (and love for one another).

“Saludo ako sa nagawa at naabot ninyo (I salute every one of you for what you have achieved).”

Rehab program

The MSAP in ComVal is part of the P2.6 billion shelter assistance program for the hardest-hit towns of Boston, Baganga, Cateel, Caraga, Tarragona and Manay in Davao Oriental; Montevista, Compostela, Monkayo, New Bataan, Laak, Nabunturan, Pantukan, Mabini, Maco, Mawab, and Maragusan in Compostela Valley; and New Corella and Tagum City in Davao del Norte.

To date, 4,714 permanent shelters had been completed in ComVal, 14,619 in Davao Oriental, and 33 in Davao del Norte.

Apart from DSWD, the National Housing Authority (NHA) and private companies are also building permanent homes for ‘Pablo’ survivors in the worst-hit areas.


Caraga army brigade chief seeks continued public support vs. NPA By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY - Col. Alexander Macario, 401st Infantry Brigade commander of the Philippine Army (PA) has called on the public to always keep in touch with any of the police and army in case of menacing presence of New People’s Army (NPA) in their locality as the 46th anniversary of the rebel groups on March 29 draws near. The army official admitted that NPA activities in his area of responsibility (AOR)

have stepped up; in fact as he speaks early today while being interviewed, Macario


bared at least five construction equipment owned by Madyaw Construction and Development Corporation in La Paz town, Agusan del Sur have been burned. He said that Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur are still under the “security responsibility” of his brigade, adding that anytime within this week or a week later, the latter will already be fully “realigned” to the 402nd Infantry Brigade, which is under Col. Isidro Purisima, who just assumed post early last month. Moreover, he stressed that 402nd Brigade’s AOR is going to

be solely Surigao del Sur, which is home to four army battalions at present.Transition is currently ongoing, Macario remarked. It can be recalled that news of putting up an army brigade in Surigao del Sur has already been made public recently by Governor Johnny Pimentel.Meanwhile, the brigade commander said that despite the increased sightings of insurgents as reported by civilians in his AOR, the situation remains relatively normal, hence there is no cause for alarm.

COA auditors present audit findings to TESDA-13 personnel By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY - Audit team of the Commission on Audit (COA)-Caraga has recently met with key personnel of the different operating units of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga to report the annual audit findings during the previous year.


This was learned from TESDA Caraga regional director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. saying that this activity supports the flagship program of the national government which is Transparency and Accountability, in line with the directives of TESDA Sec. Joel Villanueva. In her opening statement, Finance and Administrative Services Division (FASD) chief Emma De Villa emphasized that the activity provides input to the finance matters of the agency so that everything will be put in place or systematically considering that TESDA-Caraga is already certified internationally through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The official is hoping that with the conduct of the activity, financial and operational transactions will be improved not only in the regional and provincial offices but as well as the TESDA Technology Institutions (TTIs). During the event, OIC-Regional Supervising Auditor Maritess Odtojan who is the team leader presented the annual findings. Recommendations were also presented where concerned TESDA personnel were given the opportunity to raise queries on every issues and

concerns raised. Odtojan further said it is imperative for both the auditee agency and auditors to have a clear understanding of what the management had done to attain its goal of accomplishing 100 percent of its mandated programs and projects. Likewise, this undertaking is for the management to understand how and why the auditors had come up with the findings. De Villa further said before these audit results will be finalized, auditors shall seek first the comments of the management regarding the outcome of their audit. The exit conference served as venue for both parties to give their comments and insights on the audit findings. Section 41 of Presidential Decree 1445 stated “The Commission shall submit to the President, the Prime Minister, and the National Assembly not later than the last day of September of each year an annual report of the financial condition and results of operation of all agencies of the government which shall include recommendations of measures necessary to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these agencies.


Tandag City DepEd chief tells school heads to keep grad rites simple

TANDAG CITY - The Department of Education (DepEd) Division Office, this city, has issued a memorandum reminding all concerned school heads to keep the “2015 graduation rites” simple.

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

Dr. Gregoria Su, schools division superintendent, pointed out that no contribution should be collected for graduation purposes or anything for that matter. “Expenses relative to the graduation rites should be charged to the school Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) under the 2015 Budget,” she said quoting DepEd Order No. 3 dated February 26, 2015. However, Su clarified that Parent-Teachers Associations

(PTAs) are not barred from giving donations in whatever form. Su also said that graduation schedule should be set either on March 26 or 27, adding, however, that other dates that fall within the same week can be considered especially in far flung areas. This year’s closing exercises carry the theme “Saktong Buhay: Sa De-kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday,” it was learned.



PAGADIAN, March 18 (PIA) – All women should carefully craft their decisions to ensure a bright future for their children, according to Ms. Junaflor Cerilles, federated president of the women Empowerment Movement-Rural Improvement Club (WEM-RIC) of Zamboanga del Sur.

Women’s decision crucial for children’s future, says WEM-RIC prexy By Gideon C. Corgue


This year’s women’s month celebration carries the theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!” A five-minute video clip entitled “A mother, A daughter and A pineapple,” which featured an extremely poor, uneducated and single mother selling pineapple to feed her only child, was shown on a giant screen before the participants. The story told of a mother who taught her daughter how to peel and cut the pineapple before she would sell it in the market. The daughter was also

taught certain strategies to make her pineapple saleable like making a pineapple ice cream. The mother also advised her daughter to observe marketing techniques of fellow vendors in selling their products. Cerilles then told the audience of the three important lessons from the story: first, the mother was setting herself as good example; second, she taught her daughter on how to be resourceful, creative and innovative; and third, she taught her child to solve her


own problem. “I hope that you will internalize the message of the video for you to replicate what the mother did for her child,” Cerilles appealed. “As mothers, it is our decision to give education and proper nutrition to our children for them to become responsible and productive citizens of our country for whatever the future of our children be mainly depends on our decision today,” Cerilles stressed “We need to teach them little and basic things. We will let them experience, explore and solve their own problems to gain confidence and that when we are no longer living in this world they’ll be fine,” Cerilles concluded. Zumba dance contest and the search for Miss Local Council Woman 2015 also highlighted the said activity.


PIA, press club hold women-in-media forumZAMBOANGA CITY, March 18 (PIA) – The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here and the Zamboanga Press Club, Incorporated (ZCPI) on Friday (March 13) held a forum for women-media practitioners.

By Dominic I. Sanchez

Dr. Grace Rebollos, the guest speaker opened up an array of discussions on issues confronting women. The participants themselves shared their experiences while working in the mass media. “The Philippines is a pioneer

in women’s rights advancements,”

declared Rebollos, a civic leader

and a peace advocate. However,

she emphasized, “There is still a

long way to go to fully empower

women in society.”


According to Rebollos, who was the former president of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), “gender and development has overwhelming support (from the government), but society is still male-oriented.” Rebollos cited that this issue is best illustrated in employment. “Many employers prefer men over women,” she said. Given the fact that the country has had already two women presidents and now two women leading the peace process, still “across the landscape, men still dominate.” “Women will have to keep talking for a long time, to keep on drumbeating for women’s rights. When will the day come when we will stop advocating? Maybe it will never come, but we have to keep on doing it,” Rebollos explained. Rebollos meanwhile cited the women in media for their outstanding contributions to society. “By yourselves, you can wage peace or war by the stroke of your pens,” Rebollos told the participants. She exhorted the women in media by “showing what they were made of especially during

the Zamboanga siege,” and encouraged them to do more, contribute to society and be recognized as women of caliber. Dave Malcampo, PIA Zamboanga Infocenter Manager said that March, as women’s month has to be celebrated with women’s triumphs and achievements “to encourage more women to achieve.” On the other hand, Press Club President Jayvee Francisco recognized the women-media practitioners’ contributions to having a free, objective and fair media in the city. “Your role in media not only provides the people with information, but inspires more women to take up this challenging task in journalism,” he said.

Hineleban Coffee in Bukidnon: a taste of Arabica in Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Arabica coffee is known to be the supreme of all coffees, the good news? It’s here in Mindanao.

By: Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) region 10 gave the local media in Cagayan de Oro a chance to check one of their assisted groups in Bukidnon, the Hineleban Foundation Inc. Located in Kalugmanan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, DTI has granted the foundation, through its Shared Service Facility (SSF)


program, P3,635, 480 worth of equipment including one unit coffee roaster, mechanical dryer, coffee grinder and band sealer to increase value of the coffee produced by its farmer beneficiaries. According to Renee Araneta Perrine of Hineleban Foundation Inc. that 100% Arabica is grown up in the mountain. Bukidnon highland tasted good, it’s called sweet coffee, she said. However the Indigenous People (IP) needed livelihood, so they came up with the idea of “transformational partnership” where they provide technology, inputs and value formation classes and courses. The foundation have about 600-700 coffee farmers. In fact, coffee was their first livelihood and it’s been their sixth year of harvest this year, 2015. Further, the company buys back the berries at 300% more than any trader would buy from them. They simply cut the traders that go between and buy directly from the community. Perrine said, “We’ve been building the processing facility through the help of DTI grant such as the roasting machine, grinder and sealer.” And this is the only farm in the

entire Asia that has from seedling, to harvesting, to processing to roasting, to packaging and sales, she added.For a greater cause Together with the efforts of local farmers in the foothills of Bukidnon, Hineleban Foundation Inc. has pioneered the first Philippine Consumer Supported Agriculture program. Under the flag name of “My Personal Farmer,’ these farmers have successfully produced and marketed naturally and organically grown produce with the goal of having sustainable livelihood through natural and organic methodology that heals the earth, the farmers and its consumers. Hineleban Foundation is also gearing towards greening the mountains. Launched in April 2013, they have their Sip and Reforest Campaign where they plant a tree for every (500gms) bag you buy. In 2014, there had been 30,000 forest tree planted. To see and monitor growth of the tree, simply register the bag’s tree code on their website’s map at hineleban.org.Its future and market Its link with the market has taken Hineleban’s coffee at high


Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz conferred the DOLE Certificate of Compliance to Steag and other Phividec locators during the recent launch and declaration of PIE-MO as Labor Laws Compliant Economic Zone. Secretary Baldoz said that the award is an affirmation of DOLE’s recognition of the companies’ adherence to the general labor standards, occupational safety and health performance, and

good labor relations. Baldoz said that Phividec’s 76 locators and service providers are now certified compliant with the country’s labor standards. The Certificate of Compliance has a validity of two years and exempt establishments from the DOLE’s annual assessment. “This also means that the 3,177 workers in the Industrial Estate have been provided with, and are enjoying their rights and

Misor industries cited for best labor practices

VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental - Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) cited power-producer STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) and other industry locators at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental for responsible labor practices and for distinctly being proactive in voluntarily complying with the country’s labor standards and codes of best practices.

By: Jerome R. Soldevilla

demand making its coffee project a viable endeavour for the IP, its beneficiaries. According to DTI regional director Linda O. Boniao, the foundation has been producing roasted and ground coffee for a while now and is in the process of tapping the export market. The provision of the equipment will

not only make its processing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliant but will enable them to meet the required volume and quality required in the export market as well. Right now, their coffee can be checked at all Healthy Options stores nationwide.


“Graduation rites should be conducted in an appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the

graduating pupils/students and their parents and shall not be used as a forum to discuss political

Hold graduation rites in solemnity, not as a political forum, DepEd-MisOcc tells school heads

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Department of Education, Division of Misamis Occidental (DepEd-MisOcc) has reminded the schools not to use the 2015 graduation rites as a political forum.

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

benefits in accordance with our labor laws. And being a labor laws compliant eco-zone, Phividec will continually be provided by DOLE with technical assistance to maintain its status through the DOLE’s toolbox of programs and services,” Baldoz added. Through the years, Steag has consistently demonstrated its commitment to proactively promote the welfare of its workforce. Beyond compliance, SPI ensures that it sustains a work environment that is safe, secured and conducive to the employees’ professional and personal growth. Since start of its power generation business in 2006, SPI has sustained

more than four million safe man hours with zero lost time due to accident and zero occupational-related illnesses. SPI has been a recipient of the DOLE’s Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK) Award and the DENR’s Official Seal of Approval for superior environmental performance. SPI’s 210 MW (net) coal-fired power plant is located at the PIE-MO in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental and considered as one of the most modern in the island. It has produced more than 11.5 billion kWh of electric power representing about a 5th of Mindanao’s total electric power supply.


campaigns,” Dr. Jonathan S. Dela Peňa, superintendent of DepEd-MisOcc, said. Meanwhile, in his memorandum to Education Program Supervisors (EPS), Public School District Supervisors (PSDS), Elementary and Secondary School Principals (ESP/SSP) and School Heads (SH), Dela Peňa also reiterated the “no contribution policy” of Dep-Ed Mis Oc. for the graduation

rites. “No DepEd-MisOcc personnel is allowed to collect any graduation fee or any kind of contribution, relative to the conduct of 2015 graduation exercises,” Dela Peňa, said. However, Parents and Teachers Associations (PTA) may give donations, in cash or in kind, and contribution for the annual yearbook, if any, should be on a voluntary basis.


Food bazaar showcases entrepreneurial skills of Lanao women

L ocal bakers and chefs showcased their talents in baking and cooking during 1st Food Bazaar and Exhibit at the Provincial Capitol Tuesday, March 10.

by Johaniah N. Yusoph


The 1st Food Bazaar and Exhibit in this province was organized by the Provincial Government in coordination with the Rotary Club to give local bakers and chef an avenue to market their products. Rotary Club chairperson Raifa Rakiin-Adiong said the activity was intended to help entrepreneurial women promote their own products. “Lanao del Sur constituents don’t actually need to go to other cities to buy cakes and pasta. We have many local bakers and chefs who are highly competitive. As you can see, they have delicious products,” she lauded. The bazaar and exhibit was the first of its kind in the province. It was conducted in line with the celebration of the National Women’s Month with the theme “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na!” ARMM Vice-Governor Haroun Al-Rashid Lucman lauded both the provincial government and exhibitors for forwarding women empowerment

and for showcasing their uniqueness in baking and cooking, respectively. “It’s great to see women as forefront entrepreneurs because indeed they are important in the concept of modern development,” he said. Lucman boasts that the products are delicious and all well-made. AnakMindanao Representative, Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, also graced the bazaar and encouraged all women to use their passion, talents and skills in money-making. She emphasized that March is not the only month for women to celebrate their rights and talents. “It is only a reminder that throughout the year, we deserve the care, support, love, attention, honor, and the recognition of our rights” she shared. The 14 exhibitors garnered hundreds of visitors and buyers. The exhibit happened simultaneously with the 1st Lanao del Sur Women Council Orientation.

ARMM initiates one million signatures for peace campaignMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will gather at least one million signatures to enlist the support of people nationwide to the call for peace in Mindanao.

Lawyer Rasol Mitmug, the ARMM governor’s chief of staff, said the signature campaign dubbed “I Value

Life, I Sign for Peace” will be launched during the region’s commemoration of the Jabidah massacre on March 18


in Corregidor Island and will run for three months. He said it signifies the people’s struggle to attain a lasting peace and end the armed conflicts in Mindanao. The campaign aims to generate at least one million signatures from individuals, organizations and institutions nationwide in support to the ongoing peace process and to underscore the call to end all wars in Mindanao. “Kailangan nating maiparating na maraming mamamayan sa buong Pilipinas, lalo na sa Mindanao, ang nagsusulong ng kapayapaan,” Mitmug said. He said the “I Sign for Peace” campaign also aims to counter the call by some sectors for a full-blown military offensive against Moro rebels in Maguindanao following the unfortunate incident in Mamasapano.

Isa Tom del Monte, Coordinating and Development Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (CDO-BYA) director, is spearheading the campaign. “Gusto nating bigyan ng mukha ang nanawagan ng kapayapaan ay hindi lamang isang tao, hindi lamang dalawa, kundi milyon-milyon. Ipakita natin sa buong Pilipinas na marami tayo na nananawagan ng kapayapaan kaysa sa mga taong nananawagan ng digmaan,” said Del Monte. The “I Value Life, I Sign for Peace” campaign is being supported by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), Anak Mindanao (AMin) Partylist, religious organizations and educational institutions in different parts of the country. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

ARMM to spend P12M per week on food assistance for IDPsMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) would be spending at least P12 million a week on food packs to support families displaced in the ongoing military offensive in Maguindanao, which have been growing since fighting started in February 25. ARMM’s Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART) reported a total of 14, 517 displaced families or 72, 585 persons in the eleven affected towns in the

province as of 10 March. Affected towns include Mamasapano, Datu Salibo, Shariff Saidona Mustapaha, Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Talayan, Datu


Anggal, Midtimbang, Guindulungan, Datu Unsay, Talitay and Rajah Buayan. The ARMM has already carried out two humanitarian missions to bring food and medical assistance to the thousands of evacuees, who rely mainly on relief assistance for food. Amir Mawallil, executive director of ARMM’s Bureau of Public Information, said each food pack, which contains rations of rice, sardines and noodles, costs P450 and sustains a family for three days. A family of evacuees, he said, needs at least two food packs a week to get by.

Mawallil said this means that the ARMM government would need to spend at least P12 million on food assistance alone to support 14, 517 displaced families. The figure does not take include the cost of other forms of assistance and the logistics. The region’s first relief operation on 03 March catered a total of 9, 434 displaced families. On Wednesday, all 14, 517 displaced families were targeted for relief.(Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

10th ID on heightened alert amidst offensive vs. BIFF

DAVAO CITY-Military authorities assured that the city’s safety and security will not be af-fected even with the offensive operations in Maguindanao. Colonel Macairog Alberto, commanding officer of the Task Force Davao said the unit is fully aware of all pos-sibilities as soldiers pur-sue the members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the province. He said they keep watch on the possible enclaves where terror

cells might take refuge if ever they would come to the city. Alberto said the TF Davao is coordinat-ing closely with the local leaders of various com-munities to detect im-mediately group of indi-viduals who might sow trouble here as soldiers intensity the operations against the rebels in Ma-guindanao. “A terror cell needs the support of a commu-nity to attain its objec-tives that is why we are coordinating closely with the community leaders and the police who


will help us deny them any haven in Davao City,” he said. Major General Eduardo Ano, commander of the 10th Infantry Di-vision said that security is also inten-sified even in areas close to Maguin-danao. He said the tight security yield-ed the arrest of Mohammad Ali alias Tambako, an alleged former deputy leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and founder of the Justice for the Islamic Movement and his five cohorts 9:00 pm, March 15 in Barangay Calumpang, General

Santos City, an area under the 10th ID. Ano said a follow up operation in the group’s safe house in March 17 also resulted to the recovery of detonating cords, blasting caps and other paraphernalia for an impro-vised explosive device. “We are prepared to deal with them in the event they try to seek refuge in our area of responsibility,” he said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Da-lumpines)

did you know...

That Davao City is composed of the former Municipality of Davao (Mayo) and the Muncipal District of Guianga. The two were combined to form the City Government of Davao on March 1, 1937 by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 51


Philhealth records now accessible online

DAVAO CITY, Mar. 18 – Philhealth members now have the conve-nience to access their membership and contribution records through an online member inquiry facil-ity made readily available in the agency’s website. With the build-up of global net-work linkages where millions now have access to the internet, many private and public agencies, includ-ing Philhealth found the apparent need to provide its clients an elec-tronic gateway to its services. Using their unique Philhealth Identification Number (PIN), mem-bers will have to register and come up with a password which will serve as reference once they log in to their individual records. The facility allows members to view pertinent information found in one’s Member Data Record (MDR) such as their address, date of birth, dependents information and even history of contributions. PCEO Alexander Padilla said this encourages members to update their MDRs when necessary in order to facilitate a hassle-free availment of benefits. Aside from the member inquiry facility, members can also search and view the amount of their Phil-

health benefits based on the Case Rate payment scheme or fixed pack-age rate per medical condition or procedure. With the Search Case Rates toolbar, members will only have to type the description or code of the illness or procedure to view the amount of the benefit and the dis-tribution of the hospital and profes-sional fees. According to Philhealth, this e-innovation is part of another mile-stone as it celebrates its 20th year in the health care industry. Both the member inquiry facility and case rates toolbar can be found in the homepage of their website, www.philhealth.gov.ph. (PHIC-11/Kleah Dublin)


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One Mindanao - March 18, 2015

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