One Mindanao - March 4, 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 registers P863-M investments in Q1 of 2015

AgNor joins Women’s month celebration

Eat Bulaga hosts laud Tabak division for supporting “Plastic Ni Juan” project

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Dipolog, Parnas Municipal District of Russiaink sisterhood pactBy: Mary May A. Abellon

2016 Budget Call includes 2-tier project review, less lump sums

DSWD assists families displaced by armed conflicts in Mindanao

OWWA Caraga opens 76 scholarship slots for OFW dependents

University students tap Sendong survivors for social enterprise

Unity walk, sounding of sirens kick-off Fire Prevention month in Lanao del Sur

Industrial peace council set plans for 2015

Lanao Sur dad underscores importance of barangays in fire prevention efforts

By: Aimee B. Sienes-Sajor

By: OWWA-Caraga

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By: Danilo E. Doguiles

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2831 DTI-Sarangani rolls out i-PMDP

By: Gideon C. Corgue

By: Reyna L. Tagailo

By: DSWD

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat

By: Apipa Bagumbaran & Johaniah Yusoph

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

ARMM

INFOCUS SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERNNATIONAL27 Israel calls on GPH to a dialogue on

climate change adaptationJoey Sem G. Dalumpines

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4 MARCH 4, 2015One MindanaoS

isterhood symbolizes intimate relationship between siblings for them to cling to or rely on each other for support and help.

By: Mary May A. Abellon

Dipolog, Parnas Municipal District of Russia ink sisterhood pact

5MARCH 4, 2015 One Mindanao

Sisterhood is not only present in our homes and in any organization but also between two or more local government units (LGUs) to foster mutual friendship and goodwill, and to nurture closer relationships between and among their constituents for closer social and cultural exchanges and economic ties.

Twin towns or sister cities are a form of legal and social agreement between towns, cities, provinces, regions, states, and even countries in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.

Historic signing

On January 29, 2015, a formal and historic signing of a sisterhood agreement between the city government of Dipolog and the Parnas Municipal District,

St. Petersburg, Russia came to pass. Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, pursuant to Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 14-340, series of 2014 and Aleksi Vladimirovich Cherezov, head of Parnas Municipal District signed a memorandum of agreement marking the establishment of a sisterhood relationship between the two local governments at Top Plaza Hotel, Dipolog City.

Although situated too far from each other, the two places have shared a common desire to promote and foster strong ties, mutual understanding, friendship and goodwill.

“This historic event, we make things happen as the East meets the West,” Mayor Evelyn T. Uy said.

For his part, Aleksi

6 MARCH 4, 2015One Mindanao

Vladimirovich Cherezov expressed his gratitude for establishing the sisterhood relationship with Dipolog City.

“We are thankful for the signing of this sisterhood agreement. Our cooperation will develop our cultural ties while relying on each other and exchanging our experiences,” Cherezov pointed out.

Present during the historic signing were Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy, city councilors, Armi Lopez-Garcia, honorary consul of the Russian Federation, Andrey Sapozhnikov, trade counsellor of the Russian Embassy, Elena Sergeeva, executive assistant

to the Deputy Member of Russian Parliament Elena, barangay officials, and members of the media.

Stronger ties, mutual hopes and dreams

Dipolog City and the Parnas Municipal District aim to strengthen friendships and mutual understanding through exchanges in sciences and technology, culture and arts, tourism, planning and urban development, commerce, trade and industry, education and sports development, environmental protection, public health and social services, among others of common concern.

Both governments also seek to create an atmosphere in which


socio-cultural development, business and economic growth can be implemented and strengthened through adoption and sharing of good practices of their respective places.

“This way our people can promote and showcase our history, education, culture and arts other than the economic, trade and industry and agriculture,” Mayor Uy stressed.

“Both sides can train and exchange education. In Dipolog, Russian can learn English language with our proficient teachers. On the other hand, in Russia we can learn their rich history, culture, arts, music and culinary,” she added.

“You will experience hospitality in Dipolog with love,” the lady mayor assured the Russian guests.

H o n o r a r y Consul Armi Lopez-Garcia of the Russian Federation, a Dipolognon, was responsible for making the sisterhood agreement between

the two places possible. She said that one of the reasons why Russian people adore and admire Filipinos is “our candid and genuine smiles that can be seen through our eyes,” adding “even during calamities we still manage to smile.”

Garcia also shared her views about Russia and things that capture her attention.

“The sense of culture and


history in Russia is very strong. The government focused on children’s physical activity not only in nurturing them with education,” she stressed.

“They have cultural center for children offering free training on music, arts, culture, ballet and different kinds of sports,” she added.

Replicating good governance

Through this sisterhood agreement with the Parnas Municipal District, Dipolog City is hoping that years from now it can replicate the good governance and booming economy demonstrated by Parnas.

Mayor Uy said the first project the city government of Dipolog and Parnas are going to undertake is on exchange of culture and education.

“I’m very interested in the cultural center they have for children. In fact we have 50 organizations of artists. I would like to be like Russia in preserving our culture and arts,” the lady mayor stressed.

“Let our new generations

experience our culture in order for us to be unique,” she added. Meanwhile, Garcia bared that there are employment opportunities in Russia. “And I would like to prioritize Dipolognons because we have to choose the people we know and trust since the Overseas Filipino Workers are our front liners and ambassadors of goodwill,” she said.

According to her, those who will fly to Russia will have to undergo an extensive training on Russian culture and language.

“We would like to have exchange of students to learn in Russia,” Elena Sergeeva, executive assistant to the Deputy Member of Russian Parliament said.

“I believe that this sisterhood agreement is a great start of our friendship and cooperation,” she concluded.


MANILA - The Prince and Grandmaster of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing on Tuesday presented to President Benigno S. Aquino III the symbolic key of the 700 new houses donated by Malta to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Malta’s Prince presents symbolic key of houses donated to typhoon victims


The handover ceremony was held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace following Fra’ Festing’s courtesy call on President Aquino.

The houses in Basey, Samar and Bantayan Island, Cebu were built through Malteser International, the worldwide relief agency of Malta.

Malteser International was among the few international aid agencies that were on ground zero days after Typhoon Yolanda struck central Philippines in November 2013.

Fra’ Festing said they provided medicines, food, relief goods, hygiene kits, seeds, tools for farmers, and other much needed supplies when they arrived.

“We stand by our commitment to work with your people accompanying the delivery of goods and the construction of infrastructures with solidarity and brotherhood embodied in our shared values. Our best wishes for the people who will live there in peace, harmony and security,” he said.

For his part, President Aquino said the turnover of the symbolic key illustrates Malta’s generosity.

“This complements our own government’s plan to build back better: to break the vicious cycle of destruction and reconstruction by emphasizing long-term resilience in our reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts,” he said.

The President also welcomed the news that Malteser International plans to establish a regional office in Southeast Asia.

“Its physical presence in our part of the world will certainly benefit Asian countries by allowing more effective coordination and execution of relief activities, and facilitating our increased cooperation in areas of mutual benefit,” he said.

Fra’ Festing’s official visit marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malta established in 1965. (PCOO)


Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “We are constantly building on the strengths of previous budgetary reforms so as to create a national budget that is truly responsive to the needs of our countrymen. And more than deepening the budget reforms, we are aiming to make these reforms an integral part of the national budget process.”

The Budget Call for FY 2016 (National Budget Memorandum No. 123) prescribes specific guidelines and procedures for government agencies and departments as well as Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations

(GOCCs) as they craft their budget proposal documents. As such, the National Government wants agencies and departments to focus on the following principles while preparing the 2016 National Budget. These principles include: aiming for the 5 Key Areas of the Social Contract; the disaggregation of lump sum funds in the agency budget; total resource budget; use of performance-based approaches; provision of strategic support for Private-Public Partnership (PPP) projects and activities; and program or horizontal/convergence budgeting.

To help in the preparation of

2016 Budget Call includes 2-tier project review, less lump sums

MANILA - With the release of the 2016 Budget Call by the

Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Administration plans to sustain the momentum of their reforms even as they embed the culture of good governance,

anti-corruption, and disaster risk adaptation in government

bureaucracy.


the 2016 National Budget, the DBM is implementing a Two-Tier Budgeting Approach (2TBA) introducing separate reviews for on-going/approved programs vis-à-vis new or expanded ones to give better focus on each type of program. The 2016 Budget Preparation will also aim for a lesser number and magnitude of Special Purpose Funds (SPFs) by incorporating these lump sums into the agency budgets (e.g. provisions for new positions, pensions and gratuities).

Abad said, “As we have pushed for disaggregating lump sum funds in the past, we are taking it further in the 2016 National Budget. In addition to our commitment for greater transparency, credibility, and accountability, this is in response to the clamor of civil society organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders.”

To help keep track of the new budget, the use of the Unified Accounts Code Structure (UACS) will be strictly enforced this year, especially for the actual expenditures of 2014. The National Government uses the UACS to classify appropriations, allotments, obligations, and disbursements. Likewise, the

Administration will push Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) to the next level via greater involvement of local government units (LGUs) and communities in the planning and implementation of anti-poverty and basic public projects in their localities.

Abad said, “The UACS, together with a stronger monitoring and evaluation system, will ensure better tracking of financial information that will result in improved government spending. Combine this with the participative budgeting of the BUB to strengthen the capacity of LGUs and we’ll have a national budget created by the people and for the benefit of the people.”

At the beginning of the budget preparation year, the DBM regularly issues the National Budget Call to all agencies, which includes state universities and colleges (SUCs). Aside from policy guidelines and procedures in the preparation and submission of agency budget proposals, these also include budget parameters such as macroeconomic and fiscal targets as well as the agency budget ceilings. (DBM)


QUEZON CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided a total of P4.85 million-worth of food packs, and other food and non-food items, as augmentation assistance, to the local government of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, for the families displaced by the ongoing clash between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) which started on February 27.

DSWD assists families displaced by armed conflicts in Mindanao


DSWD is assisting 2,090 families or 10,450 persons who have been affected by the armed conflict. They are now staying in the six evacuation centers set-up by the local government unit (LGU).

As of today, the DSWD-Field Office XII has a stockpile of 70,000 family food packs worth P25.2 million and assorted food and non-food items worth P17.5 million ready for distribution to evacuees when necessary.

Likewise, a standby fund of P2 million is also available for the purchase of emergency relief supplies.

Meanwhile, DSWD also continues to assist the families displaced by the ongoing clash between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and BIFF in Pangalungan in Maguindanao and Pikit in North Cotabato.

The LGU of Pangalugan received an augmentation assistance of P679,010 worth of food packs and other food and non-food items. A total of 1,820 families or 9,100 persons have been affected by the armed conflict in the said town.

Of these, 1,733 families or 8,665 persons are staying in the eight evacuation centers set-up by the local government.

In Pikit, DSWD has given P1.3-million worth of family food packs and malong to the local government. The armed conflict in this town has displaced some 3,169 families or 15,845 persons. They are now staying in 13 evacuation centers.

DSWD is working with the Social Welfare and Development Department of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in delivering the goods to the LGUs. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that DSWD-Field Office XII continues to coordinate with concerned LGUs to determine other interventions and services needed by the evacuees. (DSWD)

BFP strives for a fire-free, safe nation

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - With the theme, “Kaligtasan sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin at Isabuhay Natin,” the Bureau of Fire Protection-10 (BFP-10) conducts various activities to uphold a fire-free and safe nation as well as to observe the Fire Prevention Month 2015 that include the house to house safety information campaign, fire truck visibility, placement to heighten alert status and intensive monitoring in fire prone areas, Berong Bombero sa Paaralan, among others.

By: Recthie Tolinero-Paculba


During the Talakayan sa PIA held on March 2, here, fire superintendent Alan Aladano, BFP-10 assistant regional director for operations, shared that during the fire safety awareness campaign, they will distribute information materials, handle lectures, inspect establishments, test fire hydrants, make a fire disaster emergency evacuation plan, monitor hazard operations and identify prone areas in the Region. He also added that they will hold a drawing contest open for elementary students, poster making contest for high school students, an open for all photography contests, and singing and dance contests for the BFP personnel.Working on fire safety in the community With the sudden increase of informal settlers in the region, Aladano said that it is important that people should have drums of water especially the informal settlers, whose houses are usually made of light materials and are situated in very tiny roads that hinder the fire fighters to reach the affected area or property the soonest time possible. Furthermore, he said that the local government units (LGUs) are also helping the Bureau on the campaign for the fire preventive measures. They are also working hand in hand with the latter to enhance the organization of fire brigades in the grassroots level. With educated and concerned members of the community, Aladano expressed confidence that fires can

be easily put down, saving more lives and properties.Causes of fire and their prevention Fire superintendent Shirley Teleron, district fire marshall, BFP-Cagayan de Oro, shared some of the major causes of fire in the households and these include short circuits that root from the connection relays in the house wiring with the use of extension wires. Aladano added that these usually cause an electrical overheating and eventually leads to the melting of insulators. Once the insulation of the unit melts, the two separated wires come together that causes the circuits to fall short. Because of this, BFP strongly discourages the use of extension wires in a permanent basis. Another cause of fire as highlighted by supt. Teleron is the fondness of people in multi-tasking such as cooking meals and at the same time, washing the clothes. Fires frequently happen in this scenario just as when a household member become so engrossed in handling a different task aside from cooking. The use of candles especially during brownouts, liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs), incomplete cigarette and mosquito coil fires, unsafe playing of matches and slash-and-burn farming or grassfires are also among the major causes of fire which can be prevented by being cautious all the time. Teleron also said that leaks in LPGs can be prevented by checking


the hose from possible rat bites and smelling the unit for possible disconnections of the hose to the tank. Children should also be forbidden to play with matches and candles should be turned off prior to going to bed. In addition, Aladano said that BFP also prohibits the use of sky lanterns in various events or activities as these are considered “open flames”

that could become the cause of fire in certain areas. At the end of the program, Aladano said that being aware and informed about fire safety and hazard is not enough to guarantee a safe nation, these should be applied and put it into action until these become a way of life.

Sketch Bags is the name for the Eco bags these students are selling in their social enterprise feasibility study as requirement to their course in Business Administration. Zuein A. Guantero and Anne Felice P. Sebastian said that their motto is to join the trend in social entrepreneurship wherein they help people help themselves; they help make a change; and shift from profit-oriented to non-profit oriented type of business. They started the enterprise in

November of 2013 where they picked the Xavier EcoVille Multi-Purpose Cooperative – Women Sewing Cluster to sew and print eco-bags. In March 2014, they have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in order to start the enterprise. They admitted that at first, there was a need for training because the women lacked the precision of sewing; quality was low. So they passed their knowledge including sewing and silkscreen printing, among others. In 2014, the group has managed

University students tap Sendong survivors for social enterprise

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A group of students from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan tapped Sendong survivors residing in Xavier EcoVille to pursue their social entrepreneurship dubbed I am a Change Maker, Sketch Bags.

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat


Industrial peace council set plans for 2015

MALAYBALAY CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10), Bukidnon Provincial Field Office convened the first meeting of the Bukidnon Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (BTIPC) this year on February 5, 2015 in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

By: Reyna L. Tagailo

to earn P170,000 from selling eco-bags. They said that the proceeds went to buying more materials and that 5% per order go to the cooperative. In terms of strategy in selling these bags, they relied on sending business letters, doing meet-ups and bringing sample products for groups or organizations. Among their clients include the Polymedic Hospital, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) for their first run, Psychology and Medicine Convention, Rural Bank of Medina and they also supply online shops based in Cebu. In terms of pricing, they said that it is really competitive. But they do not want to go too low because they are also thinking of the cooperative that would be needing money for their livelihood. For 20 pcs of 16’ x 13” eco bag,

you pay P100 each. However, for bulk order like 50 to 100 pcs, price could go lower from P70-P85 each. Recently, they have also tapped the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and availed of the trainings in the Go Negosyo Center such as Market Planning, Business Plan writeshop and Entrepreneurial Development Training. They said learning is not an overnight process, these women still need trainings. Further, they intend to turn-over this enterprise to Ecoville once they finish school. Recently, they also won an award from the British Council for this endeavor and have given them a good amount wherein they also bought machines for the cooperative. These include silkscreen machine, sewing machine and heat press machine for rubberized printing.


As a fresh start for the year, BTIPC scheduled plans ahead for the year to come. The council wants to extend more their services to the whole province of Bukidnon. This meeting was led by the BTIPC chairman, Raul L. Valmores together with the vice chairman, Lemuel L. Ferrer. The council discussed last year’s accomplishments and what the body attained as well as the activities supported and schedules for this year. One of the major plans of the committee is the upcoming election of the new set of officers which will lead the members for the next two years. Majority decided to have an internal agreement with the body to suspend the monthly meeting which was stated in its Constitution and By Laws to once in every two months due to hectic schedule of the DOLE-Bukidnon as the leading agency on this council and primarily the one who

quorum the entire meeting. The set have decided to have the assembly productive and informative to its members by having a learning session depends on who and what is the individual’s preference. Overall, the Government, Management and Labor sector offers in maintaining the service they could extend to the public by participating and assisting on whatever is the strategy through this circle. BTIPC is an advisory and consultative body composed of representatives from the workers, management and government legally constituted for a common purpose. As a tripartite mechanism, it continuously works towards greater participation of sectors involved in the maintenance of industrial peace.


Maguindanao II and Lamitan City bag championship in 2015 Palarong ARMMAA

The contingents from the schools’ divisions of Maguindanao II and Lamitan City emerged as overall champions in the elementary and secondary level, respectively, of the 2015

Palarong Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletics Association (ARMMAA) held in Parang town, Maguindanao.


Maguindanao II, which garnered a total of 30 gold medals, 16 silvers and 16 bronzes, is followed by the divisions of Tawi-Tawi, Lamitan City, Maguindanao I, Sulu, Lanao del Sur II, Basilan and Lanao del Sur I. In the secondary level, Lamitan City bagged the over-all championship, garnering a total of 28 gold medals, 38 silvers and 33 bronzes. It is followed by the divisions of Maguindanao I, Maguindanao II, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur I and Lanao del Sur II. The closing ceremony was held Monday, March 2, at the Parang Central Elementary School. ARMM Education Secretary Jamar Kulayan congratulated all the athletes and the coaches who participated in the five-day sporting

event. He said they are happy that the annual sporting event proceeded without a hitch despite the tragic incident in Mamasapano. He also urged the athletes who will make up the region’s contingent in this year’s Palarong Pamabansa on May in Tagum City, Davao del Norte to practice regularly and prepare for the games. The region was able to secure 9 wins in different sporting events in the national games last year. Kulayan said they will not only aspire to bring honor and glory to the region, they will also bear the message of peace – the enduring peace yearned by its people. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM)



Unity walk, sounding of sirens kick-off Fire Prevention month in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Fire fighters and volunteers marched from Rizal Park to the Provincial Capitol Gym here for a unity walk to kick-off this year’s Fire Prevention Month observance in the province.

The walk, followed by the sounding of sirens and opening program, was spearheaded by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Provincial Office in partnership with the provincial government. In his message, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) BFP regional director Fire Supt. Adam A. Guiamad underscored the importance of fire prevention. “Once prevention is there, there is no need to do suppression, rescue and investigation operations,” he said.

Guiamad said prevention and the other aspects of a fire fighter’s duty are reflected in the theme of the observance this year which is “Kaligtasan sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin, at Isabuhay Natin.” He reiterated that fire fighters and volunteers should continue educating the public on fire safety and prevention tips. Guiamad further reminded the fire fighters in the province to stay vigilant and pro-active. “Ang mga bumbero ay hindi dapat at hindi



pwedeng umatras. Kahit gaano man kahirap ang sitwasyon, dapat sugod pa rin nang sugod hangga’t may buhay pa. Wala nang oras mag plano habang may sunog (Fire fighters should not backed away. They must continue to fight no matter how tough the situation to rescue lives and properties. There’s no time to make plans while there is fire incident.),” he

said. He also told them that they are trained to respond not beyond five minutes, “because beyond those minutes will result to uncontrollable fire,” he added.


Lanao Sur dad underscores importance of barangays in fire prevention efforts

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The important role that barangays play in fire safety and prevention was underscored by Provincial Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. during the kick-off ceremony of the Fire Prevention Month observance.

Adiong said he plans to gather the leaders of the 1,156 barangays in the entire province for a seminar and lecture on fire prevention and how to organize fire volunteers within their barangays. He said this is part of his support to the intensified fire prevention drive of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to make the province fire-free. The Governor also lauded barangay Raya Madaya in the city for being an active partner in fire safety and rescue efforts. Raya Madaya is the only barangay in Marawi City equipped with a fire truck and with volunteers.

Fire Supt. Adam A. Guiamad, regional director of the BFP in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said

the role of barangays in fire safety and prevention was recognized under Republic Act 9514. He said barangay leaders are required to organize volunteers within their respective areas.


NGCP announces improvement of power supply in Mindanao Grid

DAVAO CITY- The Mindanao Grid will have adequate power for the moment, this according to National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. Milfrance Capulong, NGCP communications officer for Mindanao guesting at Kapihan sa SM Davao last Monday (March 2) said that the Mindanao Grid enjoys a reserve of 112 megawatts (as of March 2) as the first unit of the STEAG coal-fired power plant in Misamis Oriental went online last March 2. The plants bring

additional 105 megawatts to the Mindanao Grid, Capulong said that an additional 105 m e g a w a t t s is expected to be added when the second unit of the STEAG plant will go online. The

coal plant underwent a maintenance shutdown last February 19 to March 1 (for the first unit) and February 21 to March 16 (for unit 2.) The Mindanao Grid generated 1,423 megawatts of power last March 2. Demand was recorded at 1,300 megawatts. Capulong said they have an expected 130 megawatts of excess power today (March 3). The Davao Light and Power Company instituted 2-hour rotating brownouts from February 21 to March 2 to cope with the shutting down


Israel calls on GPH to a dialogue on climate change adaptationDAVAO CITY - Israeli Ambassador Effie Ben Matityau urged for a dialogue between his government and the government of the Republic of the Philippines to come up with means of adaptation to cope with the climate change. Speaking in a press briefing at the Marco Polo Hotel he explained that Israel does not have the monopoly of ideas with regards to technology pertaining to climate despite having the experience of confronting the elements of nature all the time. He said that their country is situated in the desert with not a single drop of rain and not a single spot of green. Matityau said the country only receives 40 millimeters of rain annually, yet it is the vegetable market of Israel and the European markets. He said their motto: “necessity is the mother of invention,” prods them to think of the technology that will help the country to cope with their

situation. “There is no one solution, but a dialogue between two countries, it is where we get solutions. Both sides need to share,” Matityau said. The Israel Embassy hosted Tuesday its agricultural seminars in Davao on trends and innovations in Israeli horticulture, dairy and livestock and aquaculture at the Marco Polo Hotel. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

of the Steag Plant. Meanwhile Capulong said that the NGCP is ready to dispatch new power capacity to distributors. She said NGCP has seven substations in the Davao Region. There are two power plants under construction in the Davao Region. Therma South Incorporated

300 megawatt coal-fired power plant is expected to be online first half of this year. While the SMC Global Power Holdings 600 megawatt coal-fired power plant is being built in Malita, in the new province of Davao Occidental. (PIA/RG Alama)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 4 -- The national government through the Department of Agriculture is handing out P995.4 million worth of agriculture-based projects to SOCCSKSARGEN Region Tuesday, March 3.

Gov’t turns over nearly P1-B projects, aid to R-12 farmers, LGUsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Senator Cynthia Villar led the distribution of farm machineries, postharvest facilities, and farm equipment to farmer associations and local government units at the Tupi Seed Farm in nearby Tupi town.

The event -- the second grand distribution in the region in only four months -- also signalled the implementation of farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and other projects.

Set for distribution are P636 million worth of farm-to-market subprojects that will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways as well as Certificates for Availability of Funds worth P151.4 million for farm-to-market road subprojects that will be carried out of the Philippine Rural Development Program.

Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan of DA 12 said P50 million worth of farm machineries and other facilitieswere handed to beneficiaries under the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program, P8.1 million under Agri-Pinoy Corn Program and P6.2 million under Agri-Pinoy HVCDP.

State-of-the-art postharvest facilities such as Rice Processing Center 1 worth P6-M, Rice Pro


cessing Center II worth P16-M as well as Village-type Corn-on-Cobs Dryer amounting to P7.5-M was also be given to identified farmer cooperatives.

Other farm equipment distribute include: 28 floating tillers (P2.5-M), 25 rice combine harvesters (P38.7-M), 5 four-wheel drive tractors with backhoe (P7.8-M), 1 four-wheel drive tractor with complete accessories (P868,P000), 7 corn shellers (P1.2-M), 13 corn mills (P2.4-M), 15 cassava granulators (P2.2-M), 13 coffee dehullers (P1.6-M); and 6 multi-cultivators (P1.5-M).

Sec. Alcala and Senator Villar also formally handed to beneficiary farmer associations certificates of

turn-over for the construction Dukay Intake and Concreting of Main Canal in Barangay Dukay, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat (P8.7-M) and Improvement of Irrigation Lined Canal in Barangay Glan Padidu, Glan, Sarangani (P2.4-M).

They also distributed checks for projects that will be implemented under the Bottom-Up Budgeting program, namely: P7.5 million for Palimbang town and P6.05 million for Columbio in Sultan Kudarat Province as well as projects that will be carried out under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan: P5.5 million for Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat and P12.3 million for Maasim,


COTABATO CITY, Mar. 4 -- Barely two months into 2015, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao already boasts of P863 million worth of investments, according to its Regional Board of Investment.

Sarangani Province.After the turn-over ceremony,

Alcala and Villar proceeded to the the cassava granules processing plant of Polo Samahang Nayon Multi-purpose Cooperative in Barangay Polo, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Polo SN MPC is the lead proponent group of South Cotabato’s P39.3-M Cassava Granules Production Project

and Marketing which was tagged by the World Bank as a ‘world class’ business plan.

On October 22, 2014, Secretary Alcala led the distribution of P204-M worth of projects to more than a hundred farmer groups and LGUs in Tupi, South Cotabato. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with LMSalvo-DA 12)

ARMM registers P863-M investments in Q1 of 2015By: Danilo E. Doguiles

In its joint board and management committee meeting in Davao City last week, the ARMM-RBOI green lights project proposals of Tawi-Tawian Petroleum Trading Corporation and Chan C Mining Incorporated.Both companies are based in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi and are expected to employ at least 553 residents from the area.Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chairman and managing head of ARMM-RBOI, said the Tawi-Tawian Petroleum Trading Corporation, which is involved in importation and distribution of petroleum products will construct three oil tanks depots with a capacity of 7.6 million liters per annum at

Barangay Garing Baunoh of the said town.The project costs P121.25 million and will generate 56 jobs. More, importantly, according to ARMM-RBOI, the depots could result to cheaper petroleum products in the entire province of Tawi-Tawi that could eventually expand to Sulu province.New comer to mining operation in the area, Chan C Mining Incorporated is investing P741.8 million on mining and quarrying of nickel ore, which will be exported to China. The company’s operation is located at Barangays Karaha and Dungon


ALABEL, Sarangani, Mar. 4 – The Department of Trade and Industry – Sarangani provincial office is pushing among local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in food processing its Integrated Product and Market Development Project (i-PMDP), an enhanced business development program.

with a capacity of 1,000,000 WMT per year. Its project is estimated to create jobs for 497 individuals.Atty. Mastura emphasized that this development is contrary to the popular views that the unfortunate Mamasapano incident on January 25 could result in the slowing down of the influx of investments in the autonomous region.Despite the Mamasapano incident, investors’ confidence is still high, he said.“In fact, there are fresh investments coming in Maguindanao with a project cost of P 1.3 billion on palm oil and a P 2 billion project on banana. A multi logistic sub – an assembly auction of heavy equipment company also signified their intention to do business in ARMM,” Mastura elaborated.

Aside from fresh investments, a string of projects in the ARMM are in the pipeline this year coming from some of RBOI-registered firms, the official said.Some of these, he mentioned are the expansion of the capacity of a biomass power plant, rehabilitation of a starch factory, expansion of banana plantations, and the construction of an oil depot at the Port of Polloc in Parang, Maguindanao by Iron Blaze Corporation. Chairman Mastura expressed optimism that despite the region in a spate of the Mamasapano clash, the investments generation effort of RBOI is not affected.

DTI-Sarangani rolls out i-PMDP

Processed food cluster is one of the prioritized subsectors under DTI’s industry clustering strategy.

Engr. Nenita Barroso, DTI provincial director, said i-PMPD seeks to increase and sustain the supply of exportable-quality processed products of the province by identifying and

harmonizing a common product and market development intervention and assistance between diverse sectors of the processed food industry.

Barrosa said, the project is one of the provincial initiatives of DTI to help local entrepreneurs prepare for


the ASEAN integration.This move to regional economic

cooperation will largely benefit the entrepreneurs of Sarangani placed in a strategic area near to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, among others, she said.

The DTI provincial director likewise emphasized in her presentation that processed food products from Sarangan have so much potential in the ASEAN Market.

As such, adhering to standards for preparation, handling, and manufacturing is necessary prior to the entry of these products in the international market.

Under the i-PMDP, DTI would assist local entrepreneurs in positioning themselves and their businesses to move up to the levels of development in the export-pathways, she said.

One of the strategies of the project is to refer the submitted products of project enrollees to a certified food technologist for business and product diagnosis and capacity training.

Submission for nutrient fact study to Food and Nutrient Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology and preparation to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) New

Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) for FDA-LTO (Licensed-to-operate) accreditation are also part of the project activities.

The project has a five-stage phases that will run for six months (February to July) where project enrollees will begin on-boarding until they graduate from the program.

Abigail May Garcia, a certified food technologist, encouraged local food processors to proactively participate in the program. She promised to provide one-on-one consultancy session with associations.

On March 9, DTI-Sarangani will sign a memorandum of understanding with 15 pre-assessed MSMEs who will go through the program. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from Sarangani Information Office)


Caraganons celebrate Women’s Month, enjoy colorful fun walk

BUTUAN CITY - As the country celebrate this year’s Women’s Month, the Regional Development Council – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) Caraga spearheaded the first-ever ‘Color Fun-Walk’ on Tuesday from the city’s Guingona Park to the Provincial Capitol Covered Court.

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

Most of the participants wore white shirt, filled with different colors as they used the Holi Powder thrown in the air during the fun-walk. Despite the scorching heat of the sun and


the sweat, the participating men and women from the government agencies and private sector still smiled and showed strong support to the celebration and campaigned against violence against women and their children.

Agusan del Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan board member Elizabeth Marie Calo said that the provincial government has been supporting all the activities of the RDC-GADCC Caraga during Women’s Month. “We continuously promote the welfare of the women sector. We also continue to highlight the key roles and accomplishments of the women, and encourage more to run in public office especially for

the 2016 election,” stressed Calo. Atty. Marylin Pintor, RDC-GADCC chairperson and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director shared how the said celebration was realized and how it affected the women sector through the years.

“We would like to promote women’s participation in the field of politics, just in time with the 2016 election. We hoped to encourage more women get involved in policy-making and decision-making,” highlighted Pintor. Pintor also expressed her apology that the invited guest speaker for the said event was not able to grace the celebration. “We regret to inform you that our invited guest speaker Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, former Akbayan representative and newly-appointed PhilHealth board member did not make it today. She called me up yesterday (Monday) afternoon and informed me that her daughter was confined in a


hospital, the reason why she can’t join us today in our celebration,” she relayed. Pintor further expressed her warm thanks to all participating agencies and partner stakeholders for their support. “I am the happiest person today seeing you enjoying our kick-off activity. Thank you so much for your presence today and for your continued support to all the Juanas,” she said.

Meanwhile, in a message of former Akbayan representative Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel relayed by PhilHealth Caraga regional vice president Johnny Sychua, it was mentioned that “in building a region, women play a very important role in implementing livelihood programs, peace process and working forward for gender development and empowerment.” Brigadier General Charito B. Plaza of the AFP Reserved Force shared her wonderful life experiences. “We have been

celebrating this event for 27 years now to remind our people of the valuable contribution of women in our community and I’m very lucky of being part of it. I am more encouraged to serve with determination. As a former lawmaker, I was inspired to finish five different courses just to gain more knowledge and so I became one of the 25 women leaders in the congress. Women are gifted with so much wisdom so let’s develop more women leaders to become decision-makers,” she articulated.

Plaza also emphasized the need to educate the men and women to attain personal development, as well as contribute to the need of the society. “If we’re going to educate women, we are building a character. So it is always education and character that can produce good leaders. If men are also well-charactered, they can be good husbands and fathers,” added Plaza.


AgNor joins Women’s month celebration

BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte joined the nation in celebrating the 2015 National Women’s Month on March 3, 2015 during the opening ceremony, at the provincial capitol covered court here.

By: Aimee B. Sienes-Sajor

The event started with a parade from Butuan City’s Guingona Park participated by the officials and employees from different national line agencies and local government offices. Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, representing Agusan del Norte Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba,


OWWA Caraga opens 76 scholarship slots for OFW dependents

BUTUAN CITY - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)

Regional Welfare Office -13 is now accepting applications for Overseas

Filipino Workers Dependents Scholarship Program (OFWDSP)

for the school year 2015-2016.

By: OWWA-Caraga

gave a welcome message to the participants. The nationwide celebration brings the theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!” It was anchored on legal mandates from Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988 declaring the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day; Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988 providing for the observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month; and Republic Act (RA) 6949 s. 1990 declaring March 8 of every year as National Women’s Day.

The Philippine Commission on Women said that this year’s celebration aims to pay tribute to all women leaders who passionately led and continue to advance women’s advocacies. Their key roles and accomplishments in leadership, power and decision-making will be highlighted in order to influence and break the conservative mindset and belief that politics and leadership are not for women. The celebration will also be a perfect time to drum up the call for “Juanas” to run in public office since the last quarter of 2015 is the period of filing of candidacy for 2016 election.


OFWDSP is offered to legal dependents of active OFWs who receive monthly salaries of not more than $400 US. Overseas Workers Welfare Officer II and Scholarship Coordinator, Rodel Deligero said “76 scholarship slots are open this year for Caraganon OFW dependents. Of this number, 12 slots are intended for the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Province. While 20 slots for the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte, respectively.” Qualified applicants for the program must be 21 years old below who have no units earned yet in college. “OFW dependents or beneficiaries who wish to apply for the scholarship program must submit their documentary requirements to the regional welfare office not later than April 30, 2015,” bared Deligero. Individuals who want to avail of the program should submit an accomplished application form; two copies 2×2 pictures (studio shot/white background); proof of relationship to OWWA member (birth certificate of applicant or birth certificate of both the single OFW and the applicant-dependent and certificate of no marriage duly certified by the

Local Civil Registrar or NSO, if OFW is single, proof of OWWA membership; and form 137/High school report card. The scholarship program offers P20,000.00 financial assistance per school year leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree in a state college or university. Deligero opined that “the financial assistance covers the tuition fees of the scholars which are directly paid to the school and the remaining amount goes to the scholars upon submission of the required documents such as certificate of registration, official receipt and grades for the semester.” “In cases where a scholar has to pay in advance the school fees, they are advised to reimburse their expenses by presenting requisite documents and receipts,” Deligero added. As of this period, there are 148 scholarship grantees under OFWDSP and 23 scholars have already graduated. For more information relative to this program, Deligero urged clients to visit OWWA regional welfare office 13 at Nimfa Tiu Building II at J.P. Rosales Avenue, this city.





PAGADIAN CITY, March 4 (PIA) – The issue of Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is still the topic of the day.

RDC-9 holds consultation on BBLBy: Franklin P. Gumapon

Members of the four sectoral committees of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-9 met yesterday at the “Balay Bisaya,” Zamboanga del

Sur Provincial Government Center in Barangay Dao here to discuss the salient provisions of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).


Around 60 members of the committees on development administration, infrastructure development, economic development and regional social development came to participate in the BBL consultation called by Ms. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, RDC-9 acting chair and regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-9.

Ramos told the participants that the said activity was designed to solicit comments and recommendations from the different sectors in regard to House Bill (HB) No. 4994 or the BBL.

“We are not conducting this because we are against the BBL or the peace process, or, as our reaction to the Mamasapano incident,” Ramos explained.

She also disclosed that the RDC had already discussed the salient features of the BBL on two separate occasions – one with chief government negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and the other with Congressman Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga City. “But RDC-9 has not yet come up with a position on the BBL,” she added.

`The four committees


went over each article and provision of the BBL and drew up their comments and recommendations. They also came up with resolutions to be presented during the 150th regular RDC meeting in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay tomorrow, March 5. In their resolutions, the sectoral committees have called on the congress to review HB 4994 and to

consider the comments and recommendations advanced by the RDC members. RDC-9 is composed of the regional directors of the national government agencies, provincial governors, private sector representatives, city mayors, presidents of the League of Municipalities, academe, police and military organizations.

Eat Bulaga hosts laud Tabak division for supporting “Plastic Ni Juan” projectBy: Gideon C. Corgue


Tabak troopers led by Lt. Col. Aude Mongao, 1st Civil Military Operations Officer, personally handed on Tuesday over eight tons of empty plastic bottles and containers to the management of Eat Bulaga right in its studio at Broadway Centrum here. Plastic ni Juan project aims to collect plastic wastes to be made into tables and chairs for selected public schools that need them. Mongao also said the troopers’ participation in the Eat Bulaga program was not primarily for educational purposes but in support of GMA7’s core advocacy, which is to extend assistance to schools, which are in dire need of tables and chairs for their schoolchildren especially those in the remote barangays of the country. The Eat Bulaga management allocated 25 seats for Tabak officers and members who would come to watch the program’s segment “Juan for All, All for Juan,” where the plastic bottles collected by the troopers from

the barangays they had visited would be turned-over. Earlier, Eat Bulaga’s youngest host and child actress Ryzza Mae Dizon in her program dubbed “Ryzza Mae Show” extolled the 1st Infantry division for donating large volume of empty plastic bottles. “Maraming salamat po sa inyong mga sundalo na nagdadala ng mga empty plastic bottles dito. Tiyak na nakakatulong ito ng malaki sa mga paaralan na nangangailangan ng mga lamisa at silya,” Dizon explained. (I am thankful to the troopers for bringing empty plastic bottles here. Certainly this would greatly help the schools in need of tables and mono block chairs.) Dizon invited Tabak hospital chief Col. Arsenio Belen to be her instant guest and asked him why the troopers were in GMA7. Belen said “the troopers’ presence was a show of 1st infantry division’s strong support to GMA7’s project, which Tabak commander BGen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr. is very supportive of.”

QUEZON CITY, March 4 (PIA) – The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division’s support to “Plastic ni Juan project” of GMA7 project received accolade from the host of the popular noontime show, Eat Bulaga.


TV host Vic Sotto also thanked the division for donating empty plastic bottles during Eat Bulaga’s segment “One for All, All for Juan”. “Nagpasalamat kami sa 1st Infantry (Tabak) division na galing sa Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur pagdonate nila ng plastic bottles para sa ‘Plastic Ni Juan’ project . Sila po ay kasama natin studio ngayon,” Sotto happily said. I thanked the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division from Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur for donating plastic bottles for the “Plastic ni Juan” project and they are joining us in the studio now.)


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One Mindanao - March 4, 2015

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