One Mindanao - March 6, 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

DOMINIC I. SANCHEZ, 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

CONTENTSDOLE 12 welcomes new assistant regional director

DILG spearheads Operation ‘Listo’ in Surigao del Sur

Zambo. Norte’s southern towns one in fighting illegal fishing

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Children’s rights ensured in BBL – says OPAPP legal team memberBy: Dominic I. Sanchez

DA chief orders ban on California fowl products

Members of 1986 Constitutional Commission support Bangsamoro Basic Law provisions

MOU on Integrated Gold-Copper Mineral Processing Pilot Plant OK’dDTI-DILG-Kaamulan biz group forge

partnership to streamline business-licensing process80 classroom, 4 storey CDONHS building to rise in Nazareth

By: Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

By: Aimee B. Sienes-Sajor

11 By: Danilo E. Doguiles

By: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

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2425 Pets get pampered in Cotabato City

By: Alfonso T. Ruda

By: CIO

By: DTI

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

21 Compostela Valley goes musical on the first night of the Bulawan FestivitiesBy: Fe Maestre

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4 MARCH 6, 2015One Mindanao

“The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) shall take into consideration the best interest of children,” said Atty. Mohammad Al-Amin Julkipli, member of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) legal team.

By: Dominic I. Sanchez

Children’s rights ensured in BBL – says OPAPP legal team member

5MARCH 6, 2015 One Mindanao

On Wednesday, March 4, different stakeholders from the city and the neighboring towns composed of government agencies, non-government organizations, youth groups, barangay officials and the academe, including local internally-displaced persons (IDPs) converged at the Garden Orchid Hotel here to discuss the BBL in relation to children’s rights.

Atty. Julkipli discussed the provisions that promote said rights, citing that the proposed law has “indeed provisions that uphold children’s rights.”

He expounded Article IX,

Section 12 of the BBL, which states that the “Bangsamoro Government shall respect, protect, and promote the rights of the children.” Further, “Bangsamoro policies and programs must take into utmost consideration the best interest of the child, non-discrimination of children, survival and development, protection and rights of children, youth and adolescents.”

“The youth will have a representation in the Bangsamoro parliament,” Atty. Julkipli emphasized. However, the legislators deliberating the proposed law still need to decide whether to provide the youth with reserved seats. “There is


still time for the legislators to make changes and further ensure more participation from children and the youth in the parliament,” he said.

Moreover, the BBL shall adhere to all international agreements entered into by the Philippines, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). “It shall not go against any of these agreements,” Atty. Julkipli pointed out.

Thousands of children still affected by armed conflicts

Jasmine Teodoro, who represented AMIN party list Congresswoman Sitti Djalia Hataman, a PLCPD member

shared that hundreds of thousands of children have been and are still affected by armed conflicts, particularly in the skirmishes between the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and government troops.

“The Mamasapano incident claimed the life of an 8-year-old, and the parents do not even have a single photograph of the child because of severe poverty. They now only have memories,” Teodoro shared.

On the other hand, Michael Dumamba of the Mindanao Emergency Response Network told the forum participants that many children are deprived of education and other basic


services. “They are the most vulnerable sector,” he said. “Right now, 8 municipalities are already affected by the conflict between the BIFF and government troops. Scores of children are once again displaced.”

The speakers advocated that such atrocities must not continue to happen, especially since the children are the ones most sorely affected.

The Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) Foundation Inc., the forum organizer in a statement emphasized that consultations with different stakeholders on the implications of the proposed law on children’s

rights and welfare are being conducted, through a project done in partnership with the UNICEF. The PLCPD statement underscored that “everyone should do their part in ensuring that no Filipino child will be affected by armed conflict again.”

More changes needed in BBL

The PLCPD is calling for several changes in the provisions for children’s rights, particularly to emphasize their participation rights in the Bangsamoro government. They are also proposing for the inclusion of another paragraph in the provision, which protects children during armed conflicts, and prohibiting their recruitment into


armed groups and participation from hostilities.

“It is hoped that these provisions will be taken up, given careful consideration and find allies during the discussions at the Committee level and in the plenary in both House of Representatives and the Senate and among stakeholders outside Congress,” the statement read.

‘BBL does not divide, it seeks to unite’

During the forum, some participants shared their anxiety that the BBL, once approved may cause more division among other Muslim groups. “In my family, we have both MILF and MNLF ideologies. I am afraid that this law once approved may cause us to become more divided,” expressed one participant who preferred anonymity. “Please explain this, please emphasize to us that we will not be divided as a people,” she said.

Other participants have also expressed their opposition to the BBL’s passage, since they fear that only one group is favored by the proposed law.

In response, Atty. Julkipli

clarified that “the BBL does not distinguish MILF or MNLF or any other groups. It does not make such distinction.”

“We do not put any type of preference for any particular Moro group, in fact, the BBL causes a unifying identity, it seeks to unite all Bangsamoro,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the PLCPD emphasized in its statement that it “does not necessarily endorse the enactment of the BBL but recognizes the importance of engaging stakeholders in the discussion, particularly on the implications of the proposed law on children and their rights.”

“We are glad that discussions on the proposed law are being done, and we want to encourage more,” Atty. Julkipli said.


TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite - A Philippine finance official has urged member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to intensify efforts to boost trade and investment amid the uneven pace of growth across and within economies, as they seek to maintain a high growth trajectory.

Philippines calls on APEC member economies to strengthen linkages in trade and investment


During the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting held here on Thursday, National Treasurer Roberto Tan said the Asia-Pacific region is seen to be an engine of growth with the recovery of the global economy.

Citing the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Tan said the growth of the Asia-Pacific region is expected to accelerate to 4.3 percent in 2015 from 3.9 percent last year.

“The conditions are supportive for the region to maintain its growth path. Economic activity remains dynamic buoyed by robust consumer demand, particularly among emerging markets. Exports have been rising, as some economies move up the value chain,” he said.

Tan said some challenges, however, remain for the region, foremost of which is the uneven growth across and within economies.

“This growth divergence among economies necessitates greater linkages in trade and investments, such that the growth momentum may carry over throughout the region,” he noted.

As the Philippines hosts the APEC Finance Ministers’ Process (FMP) this year, Tan said the country has crafted the Cebu Action Plan (CAP), which takes into account the progress that the APEC has achieved throughout the years.

He said that with the CAP being a key agenda in the APEC FMP starting this year, the 21 Pacific Rim countries could forge an APEC community that has harmonized policies, rules and practices.

These enable and facilitate free trade and flow of cross-border investments; access to financial services by low-income households, micro, small and medium enterprises and the unbanked; and good governance that results in sustainable and inclusive economic growth, he added.

”We highly encourage you to work with us on our CAP initiatives so that we could bring about their intended benefits,” Tan said.

Aimed at building inclusive economies, the CAP will be launched during the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting to be held on September 10 to 11 in Mactan, Cebu. (PNA (ldv)


DA in a statement said, Alcala set the temporary ban to protect the health of the local livestock population and food safety in the country from the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Department

of Agriculture (USDA) reported to the Office of International des Epizooties (OIE) that there has been an outbreak of HPAI virus in Stanislaus County in California.

The USDA-APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed increased

DA chief orders ban on California fowl products

QUEZON CITY - Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala has ordered the temporary ban on the importation of domesticated and wild birds and their products including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen from California, USA.

photo: rappler.com


mortality affecting a commercial turkey farm in said county. Under this order, the Secretary specified emergency measures such as the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of application and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Import Clearance to import the aforementioned commodities from said location; and stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of aforementioned commodities from said locations, except heat-treated products. The

Secretary also stressed that the importation of poultry and meat products is subject to the conditions provided in the applicable articles of the OIE’s 2014 Terrestrial Animal Health Code. “We have been closely monitoring advisories from the OIE since we want to proactively protect the integrity of our poultry products as avian flu-free,” Alcala said.

The OIE is an inter-governmental organization that, among others, has functions of informing governments of the occurrence of animal diseases and of ways to control these diseases, of coordinating studies devoted to the surveillance and control of animal diseases and of harmonizing regulations to facilitate trade in animals and animal products. (DA-AFID)


Members of 1986 Constitutional Commission support Bangsamoro Basic Law provisionsMANILA - The Palace said on Thursday that 14 members of the 1986 Constitutional Commission have agreed that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) follows the 1987 Constitution’s provisions on human development and social justice.

photo: dwdd.com.ph

“Ayon sa pahayag ng 14 na miyembro ng Constitutional Commission na bumuo ng 1987 Constitution, naninindigan sila na ang inihaing BBL na batay sa FAB (Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro) at CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) ay tumatalima sa probisyon ng 1987 Constitution sa dalawang mahalagang aspeto, namely, human development at social justice,” Communications

Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. told reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang.

Addressing lawmakers’ doubts on the constitutionality of the BBL, Secretary Coloma explained that those who crafted the proposed law made sure that it abides by the Constitution.

“Nais nating sabihin at ulitin na isa sa mahagalang batayang


prinsipyo ng pamahalaan sa pagbuo at pagsulong ng Bangsamoro Basic Law ay ang pagtiyak na ito ay tumatalima sa mga probisyon ng Saligang Batas. Ang mga katanungan hinggil sa constitutionality ng draft BBL ay inumpisahan nang matalakay sa idinaos na iba’t ibang konsultasyon at public hearings tungkol dito,” he said.

Coloma noted that according to 14 Constitutional Commission members, “The core principle of the 1987 Constitution in mandating a special status for the autonomous regions is the human development of the people of Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras. Hence, the public conversation should not be about semantics but about people -- their needs, their aspirations, their choices -- and about empowering them with the environment and institutional framework for social justice. Social justice that calls for genuine social change is the central theme of the 1987 Constitution; and here, it

is broader in scope and intent than in the 1973 and the 1935 Constitutions.”

The 14 fully support the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, noting that the “Bangsamoro can be a model for us to do the same for the rest of the country and thereby build together a more just and peaceful nation,” the Palace official said.

Last January, 14 of the 18 surviving former members of the 1986 Constitutional Commission forged a consensus on the issue of the Bangsamoro.

They are Felicitas Aquino-Arroyo, Adolfo S. Azcuna, Teodoro C. Bacani, Joaquin G. Bernas, Florangel Rosario Braid, Hilario G. Davide Jr., Edmundo G. Garcia, Jose Luis Martin C. Gascon, Christian S. Monsod, Ricardo J. Romulo, Rene V. Sarmiento, Jaime S.L. Tadeo, Wilfrido V. Villacorta, and Bernardo M. Villegas.(PCOO/ PND (ag)

4Ps scholars become academic achievers

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries are now proving to the public that they are worth the government’s investment.

By: Oliver Badel Inodeo

Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries John Paul Ambaic, 17, and Mae Ann Ternate, 17, are among the eleven academic achievers of the 56 grantees of Expanded Student Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) who were declared by MSU-Naawan as awardees for the 1st semester of the school year 2014-2015. In a simple ceremony inside the campus’ function house, the university administrators conferred the award with the presence of all Pantawid Pamilya college scholars, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other stakeholders during the recently concluded ESGP-PA Family Day on February 27, 2015.


A spark of hope John Paul, a native of barangay Mahayahay, Manticao, Misamis Oriental and a freshman student of MSU-Naawan taking Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, major in Mathematics, is ‘thankful to the national government, especially to DSWD, for giving me a chance to achieve my dreams.” Holding his tears while talking and sitting beside his mother, John Paul disclosed that when he graduated from high school, he had doubts that we he would be able to attend college because his parents could not afford to pay for the tuition fees. Now that he is a Pantawid college scholar, John Paul said he is assured of his future. “Makatabang na gyud ko sa akong mga manghod ug ginikanan kung makahuman ko (I can help my younger siblings and parents if I finish my studies).” John Paul is the eldest of three Ambaic siblings, a fate that made him realized that he has a responsibility to finish studies and help his younger siblings finish their study as well. John Paul’s mother, Lucel, also shared that having his son finish a college degree would mean that supporting the whole family to lift out from poverty is possible. With the high expectations coming from his parents, John Paul is not only determined to finish his studies, but, determined to maintain academic achievement.No more promissory notes Mae Ann feels a sigh of relief knowing that she will no longer be

making promissory notes to the school registrar and cashier after being placed under ESGP-PA this second semester. Mae Ann, resident of barangay Gimaylan, Libertad, Misamis Oriental, disclosed that her excellent performance in academic is not guarantee her to finish her studies because her parents could hardly send her to MSU Naawan, a state university in Misamis Oriental, due to financial instability. Now that she is a scholar, Mae Ann assured her parents and MSU Naawan Board of Regents that she will finish her study with flying colors. A freshman Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Mae Ann said ‘maka-relax na jud ko, maka-focus nako sa akong pagtuon.’ (I feel relaxed and I can focus on my studies now.) Third of the four Ternate siblings, Mae Ann considers Pantawid Pamilya as an instrument of the national government to help poor deserving students achieve their dreams. “Gihimo jud nga instrumento ang Pantawid Pamilya aron makatabang sa mga pobre (Pantawid Pamilya is really designed to help the poor).” ESG-PA is a college scholarship program of DSWD, Commission on Higher Education and Department of Labor and Employment for Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. In northern Mindanao, there are 2,037 scholars under the Program enrolled in eight CHED accredited state college and universities.


DTI-Bukidnon provincial director Ermedio J. Abang, DILG-Bukidnon provincial director Bruce A. Colao, and Kaamulan Chamber president Roderico R. Bioco formally signed the MOA early this year. Under the MOU, the DILG-Bukidnon shall undertake continuous and sustained enjoinment for the compliance of all LGUs in the province; coordinate efforts among parties involved for the harmonization of policy implementation, monitoring, and assessment & evaluation; and provide technical assistance in the BPLS Streamlining standards, Revenue Codes review and updating, and the adoption and harmonization of Local Investments & Incentives Codes (LIICs). The Kaamulan Chamber, on the other hand, shall assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the compliance of LGUs, including but not limited to advocacy support for policy formulation and program enhancements, and provision of technical inputs and expertise. For its part, DTI-Bukidnon shall provide technical assistance in the

monitoring and assessment of the compliance of LGUs to the BPLS Streamlining standards, review and updating of Revenue Codes, adoption and harmonization of LIICs, and undertake other endeavors that would promote ease of doing business and competitiveness of LGUs and communities towards a more robust and productive business sector. In August of 2010, DTI and DILG launched the Nationwide Streamlining of BPLS program to build the capacities of local governments on the service standards for BPLS. Since its implementation, 18 LGUs in the province have already streamlined their BPLS. The remaining LGUs are now in the process of completing necessary requirements, and expected to be compliant within the year. Such undertaking aims to create a business environment that is conducive and attractive to investors, and to enhance the competitiveness of Local Government Units (LGUs), making them more business-friendly.(DTI)

DTI-DILG-Kaamulan biz group forge partnership to streamline business-licensing processMALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bukidnon Kaamulan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (Kaamulan Chamber) regarding the streamlining of the Business Process and Licensing System (BPLS) of the province of Bukidnon.


City mayor Oscar Moreno led the ceremony together with officials of the Department of Education, members of the Local School Board, City Hall department heads and barangay Nazareth chair Jocelyn B. Rodriguez and council. The classroom construction was approved by the Local School Board under the Special Education Fund (SEF) from the Real Property Taxes paid by the people of Cagayan de Oro. In her message, Dr. Gina Labitad, CDONHS school principal, said the classroom construction is a realization of their dream that for years the community have been longing. Rodriguez also said the construction of the initial 80 classroom building served as mayor Moreno’s “birthday gift” to the children. “This is a dream come true and we thanked mayor Moreno for his birthday gift to our children,” Rodriguez said. Meanwhile, mayor Moreno also expressed his gratitude for being an instrument in helping and improving the quality of education in molding the

youth into becoming a good leader. “What we are doing now is dedicated to the young men and women in our city in order to mold a culture of leadership and of excellence,” mayor Moreno said. The need to construct a new campus for CDONHS came after he saw the overcrowded situation of the students which is no longer conducive for learning that resulted to low performance rating in the National Achievement Test (NAT). “The deterioration seemed to be irreversible if we will not do something for our children’s education, and the current situation of our City High School is no longer conducive for learning,” mayor Moreno added. “This is the biggest school in the division of Cagayan de Oro and the city’s pride. This will redefine the future of Cagayan de Oro,” he concluded. (CIO)

80 classroom, 4 storey CDONHS building to rise in NazarethCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Another milestone in the current administration is happening after the groundbreaking ceremony of the 80 classroom, four storey building Cagayan de Oro National High School (CDONHS) held recently at its new one-hectare school campus at barangay Nazareth this city.

BIR Davao Region to intensify its tax collection campaign in 2015

DAVAO CITY- Tax officials in Davao Region will press on with the tax collection campaign given its share at P16.1 Billion from the total tax collection target at P1.7 Trillion nationwide. Atty. Glen Geraldino, director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue said their offices in the region will intensify the tax campaign “Oplan

K a n d a d o , monitoring of top tax payers, benchmarking and other activities to run after tax evaders. He said the Oplan Kandado which p a d l o c k s b u s i n e s s e s which do not pay taxes accord ing ly, has been a

very effective tool to encourage businessmen to pay the tax due to the government. “We have to collect 30 percent more of what we have collected last year,” Geraldino said. He said they will also bank on the vast and growing economy, peace and order in Davao City, the resilience of the banana industry and the entry of more investors


as boosts to the tax collection effort of government. Geraldino recalled that the overall tax collection revenue in 2014 was P12.4 Billion in Davao Region and was higher by P1.5-Million than the revenue collected in 2013. “It is only through enforcement that we can collect more from the taxpayers,” he said. Earlier, Revenue Deputy Commissioner Rene Aspe said that this year’s tax collection effort will be

affected by the two measures like the administrative measure of including P10,000 to the list of tax exempted benefits effective in January 2015 and the approval of the legislation of tax exemption of bonuses which was upgraded to P82,000. “Definitely, this will result to the reduction of revenues from P30-Billion to P40-Billion per annum,” he said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G.Dalumpines)

did you know...

that the Island Garden City of Samal or IGaCoS was once made up of three municipalities Babak, Samal and Kaputian. Republic Act 8471 enacted in January 30, 1998 combined the three local government units into one city.


Compostela Valley goes musical on the first night of the Bulawan Festivities

COMPOSTELA VALLEY- Compostela Valley celebrated the first night of its 8th Bulawan Festival and 17th Founding Anniversary from March 3-8 at the provincial capitol with songs and dances. Dubbed “DepEd Goes Broadway,” Elementary and Secondary school teachers from the 11 towns of the province battled it out to win the best Broadway rendition. It featured much acclaimed theatre musicals such as Miss Saigon performed by the Maragusan teachers, West Side Story by Compostela, Sister Act by Maco, Cabaret by Mawab, Grease by Monkayo, New York by Mabini, Chorus Line by Nabunturan, Pantukan’s rendition of Chicago, Montevista’s Cats, Nabunturan’s the King and I, and Laak’s Moulin Rouge. The musical performances, from their costumes to their routine and accompanied with appropriate VTRs as backdrop, all made the show grand and impressive—one could hardly think they were performed by teachers and not by the seasoned theater artists, themselves. The show got the nod of Gov. Arturo Uy, Department of Education (DepEd) Reg. Director Alberto Escobarte and Provincial OIC Schools Division Superintendent Reynante

Solitario. It was also a treat and an opportunity for most as not all are expose and privilege to watch Broadway shows which normally fetch pricey tickets. Though each municipality only performed a segment of the whole show, it is no less entertaining and exciting. “Lingaw man diay ning Broadway, naga-acting pud sila while naga-kanta,” one first-timer audience observed. While a Special Program for the Arts (SPA) student said “Though I have never been to a Broadway show before but this experience already gives me a glimpse of what it’s like. Wala gyud ko nagmahay mitan-aw ko.” In the end, Nabunturan’s “The King & I” bested other performances receiving P60,000 as cash prize followed by Compostela’s “West Side Story” winning P40,000 and Montevista’s “Cats” bringing home P25,000 as cash prize. Non-winners also received P15,000 as consolation prize. (Fe Maestre-PI0 Comval)

MGB 12 maintains it’s coastal erosion not sinkholeBy: Catherine T. Apelacio

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 6 -- Geologists from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 12 on Monday (March 2) conducted a site inspection at Purok Tinago, Barangay Dadiangas South here, where a suspected sinkhole was earlier reported.

For the second time, the MGB 12 team maintains “it’s not sinkhole but possibly coastal erosion.”

The team had conducted initial site assessment on February 16, a day after residents in the area reported a “sudden sinking of the coastline,” affecting then 46 households.

The sinking, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) “extends from the southern end of the wooden pier to approximately 40 meters westward” of the coastline.

The pier is used as docking area of boats by traders from Balut Island who have made General Santos City as their marketing and buying point of goods.

In an interview on Monday with RPN-DXDX here, MGB 12 geologist Melvin Sebua has downplayed the “sinkhole idea” saying it’s hard to assume since they will have to use first the aid of high-end equipment and the expert’s mind to eventually do that.

“So far we only have undertaken a visual inspection to assess the situation and basing from our observation it’s possibly just coastal erosion,” he said in Filipino.

Sebua said his team will be making a report regarding the inspection which will contain a recommendation to be provided to the CDRRM Council. This, he said will serve as basis for the


council’s decision-making whether to go on detailed study or not.

He said the MGB can recommend experts to do the specific study or the CDRRMC can request the central office to do the job instead.

The geologist said they would recommend for a “sounding survey” to be undertaken in the area. But as to the exact timeframe, Sebua said they have yet to discuss it with the CDRRMO.

A sounding or bathymetry survey is conducted to measure underwater depth and shape of ocean floor, seabed, lake, or other large bodies of water.

Asked how sinkhole occurs, Sebua explained that it is normally caused by erosion or underground water activities.

Usually it happens in area where for so many long years have limestone and other sediments deposited in it. Over time, these will be eroded by constant flow of water causing the collapse leaving a depression or hole in the ground, he further said in Filipino.

Study says “sinkholes are formed when water continually sips in between the mud, rocks, and minerals which made up the groundwater. The flow of water sometimes increases washing away the underground structure making it too weak to support the surface of the earth. It then crumbles and opens up a hole.”

It also said sinkholes can be natural or manmade.

Pending scientific assessment, the MGB team reiterated the incident be called coastal erosion.

Geologist Ariel Acosta, also from MGB 12 said that residents living in Purok Tinago’s coastline and the various pollutants littering around the area have contributed to the incident.

He said litters can increase the “acidity” of water causing the structure underneath it to wear down at the same time loosening the sand’s hold making it unstable.

Acosta explained that this may have triggered coastal erosion in the area considering that sand is of “lahar-type,” originated from a “volcanic eruption” which could break given the many serious factors.

In its earlier report submitted to CDRRMO, the MGB team said the incident may have been “due to continues undercurrent that caused the collapse of a portion of a wall at the seabed adjacent to the coastline.”

The incident has also prompted the city government to immediately relocate the most affected first batch of 38 families at Promise Land in Barangay Mabuhay here.

The rest of the affected families, according to City Social Welfare and Development Officer Rebecca Magante will be transferred soon to a three-hectare land in Purok Lanton, Barangay Apopong. (CT Apelacio/PIA 12 General Santos City)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar 2 -- The Department of Labor and Employment in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DOLE 12) has a new assistant regional director.

DOLE 12 welcomes new assistant regional directorBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

DOLE 12 officials and personnel formally welcomed OIC ARD Naomi Lyn Abellana in a ceremony at the agency’s regional office here Monday, March 2.

Prior to her assignment here, Abellana was OIC ARD of DOLE in CARAGA Region since 2013.

She first joined DOLE in Central Visayas in 1988 as senior statistician.

OIC ARC Abellana has Bachelor of Arts degree major in Economics from the University of the Visayas where she graduated with honors as magna cum laude in 1985. She also holds a master’s degree in Public

Administration from Bukidnon State University and a Diploma in Public Management Development Program from the Development Academy of the Philippines.

In response to the welcome of DOLE family here, Abellana said she is excited with her fresh assigned. She also assured DOLE 12 employees that she will support the leadership of Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo.

“I am ready to take on new challenges in this region and I hope


that I can also contribute to what you are doing. Region 12 is already ahead in using the newest technology to serve its clientele,” she said.

Abellana replaced ARD Yahya Centi who has been transferred to Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) as its ARD.

“I will never forget this great re-

gion and I am expressing my heartfelt thanks to all of you who undoubtedly supported me during my stay here,” ARD Centi before leaving SOCCSK-SARGEN Region for his new post.

Centi stayed with DOLE 12 for al-most 3 years. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DOLE 12)

COTABATO CITY, Mar 6 – Pet owners and animal enthusiasts from the city and nearby municipalities will once again assemble for the 4th Cotabato Pet Fair which will be held at the NDSAC Gymnasium on Saturday, March 7.

Pets get pampered in Cotabato CityBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

The whole day activity is in accordance with RA 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of the Philippines and in observation of the Rabies Awareness Month.

Veterinarian Geraldson Navarra said the pet fair will startwith a dog walk and parade at 6:00 a.m. from Petron Gasoline Station in Sinsuat Avenue going to NDSAC gymnasium in Quezon Avenue.

Free veterinary services including free anti-rabies vaccination, deworming/heartworm prophylaxis, castration (one pet per owner) as well as free vitamins and other freebies will be available to the participants from 9:00am-4:00pm.

Aside from the pet exhibit, a dog funmatch will also be held where pets will be awarded in categories like best in costume, best in talent, smallest dog, largest dog, and fastest eating.

Meanwhile, Navarra reminded

enthusiasts especially dog owners who will join the gathering to control their pets and be responsible owners.

“If you know already that the dog is not tame, please bring with you a muzzle or face mask for your dogs,” Navarra said.

He also advised them to bring doggie bags or plastics for proper waste disposal and to maintain the cleanliness in the event venue.

Freebies and prizes will be given to early registrants.

Several vendors with pet supplies, treats and information on grooming services will also be made available at the pet bazaar.

For more information, please contact Dr. Geraldson A. Navarra, at 09203350291.(ORVRivera-PIA12)


DA recognizes rice achievers

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to achieve its goal to attain and sustain rice self-sufficiency within the current administration until 2016 and beyond.

By: Rhea C. Abao

The goal will not be made possible without the support of the Agriculture Extension Workers (AEW), Local Farmer Technicians (LFT), and Local


Government Units (LGUs) in implementing programs for the farmers on the field specifically in improving rice production.

With this, DA-13 recognizes nine AEWs, two LFTs, and the local government unit of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur as the national awardees for the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards (APRAA) 2014 representing Caraga region. DA 13 regional director Edna M. Mabeza said that the APRAA is an annual recognition for the top performing key players in the rice industry. Its goal is to recognize and motivate AEWs, LFTs and LGUs to act as partners for the development of the agriculture sector. “The DA National Program wanted to encourage commitment and ensure excellent performance of our LGU stakeholders of their respective

functions and responsibilities,” Mabeza said. The nine AEW awardees are Editha G. Osin, Patricinio G. Moran Jr., Marion G. Martin III and Lindamar I. Nonan from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Perla P. Darang, Cecilia G. Abdulmajid, and Gertrulyn T. Natonton from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; Eulalia E. Pore from Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur and Victoria I. Roda from Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. Two LFTs in the region are also included in the national awardees, they are Violeta Alegado from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte and Elenita L. Limpag, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. The municipality of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur is one of the Outstanding LGU (municipality category), which brought a significant contribution towards the increase of rice production in the region and the country as a whole in meeting the targets under the Food Staples Sufficiency Program. Each AEW and LFT will receive P20,000 cash award while the outstanding municipality will receive P1 million worth of projects which will further boost the rice industry in their locality. Regional Rice Program


DILG spearheads Operation ‘Listo’ in Surigao del Sur By: Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial office spearheaded on Wednesday a Disaster Preparedness Dialogue dubbed as Operation “Listo” held at Shacene Pension House- Function Hall, this city.

Coordinator Edgardo D. Dahino said that the selection of awardees is based on the criteria set by the National Technical Working Group. The criteria are the following: production data in 2013 versus 2014; yield increment and production; trainings conducted and attended; internal revenue allotment allotted to the agriculture program; allocation of personnel to the rice program;

use of quality seeds; road map; number of farmers and clusters assisted and submission of reports. “Last year, many AEWs, LFTs and LGUs vied for the awards. This is a positive response to the challenge to be a rice self-sufficient nation for the year and beyond,” Dahino said.


Operation “Listo” is a campaign for local government units of a unified tool and new protocol that will institutionalize disaster preparedness and response in every community. During the morning session, a manual that is basically a local government unit’s (LGU’s) detailed checklist of early preparation for a local chief executive (LCE) was presented and discussed. It guides the LGUs in the formulation of Disaster Preparedness Plan, which enables them to assess their respective readiness to respond to disasters and let them know what they need to address to meet the minimum levels of readiness. The discussion as well as planning of the entire session

was primarily focused on the areas where the civil society organizations (CSOs), private sectors, local research institutes (LRIs), and media partners can support the local government units. Discussions and recommendations to further enhance the facilitation of the Barangay Coaching as well as the accreditation scheme for Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management office was also elaborated. Meanwhile, the participants have showed support to Operation “Listo” through the active participation in the planning workshop in relation to their commitment in building disaster resilient communities.

MOU on Integrated Gold-Copper Mineral Processing Pilot Plant OK’dBUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte will soon implement the Field-Testing of the Integrated Gold-Copper Mineral Processing Pilot Plant in Caraga Region to be specifically located at Barangay Del Pilar in Cabadbaran City, this province.

By: Aimee B. Sienes-Sajor


Agusan del Norte Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell “Angel” M. Amante-Matba was authorized recently by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Sanggunian Resolution No. 057-2015, authored by Provincial Board Member Joseph E. Tomaneng, to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of the Philippines (UP) - Diliman, Caraga State University (CSU), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the local government unit (LGU) of Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City for the implementation of the said project. This project, funded by DOST, aims to help small-scale mining communities through introduction of technologically innovative and pro-environment mineral processing and extractive methods. Under the MOU, the provincial government shall ensure the development of the people and their communities to oversee the management and administration of all social and public services for the entire constituency of the area and is solely in-charge of orchestrating cooperation among its people, either through community and citizen’s organizations as an

expression of the LGU mandate of creating community powers. Barangay Del Pilar shall be the main partner in the management and operation of the pilot plant facility, and shall ensure the identification and negotiation of the land where mineral processing pilot plant facility shall be built. UP Diliman shall serve as the central based team that will introduce the technological innovation to the small-scale mining community, while the CSU shall serve as the main academic institution partner of UP Diliman in the Caraga region for the implementation of the said project. On the other hand, the DOST-Caraga shall serve as the monitoring institution that will supervise the project implementation output and compliance with the work plan. With this project, Barangays Bayabas, Putting Bato and Concepcion of Cabadbaran City and Barangays E. Morgado, Poblacion 1 and San Isidro of the municipality of Santiago shall also participate in the field-testing project through its partnership with Barangay Del Pilar, however, their plant operation and management matters will be stipulated in a different memorandum of agreement.





Island barangay receives P1.9M infra projectsBy: Jocelyn P. AlvarezZAMBOANGA CITY – The city government unveiled on Thursday, P1.9 million worth of infrastructure projects in the island barangay of Tumalutab, in the city’s east coast.

The unveiling was led by Mayor Beng Climaco who personally took her time out to visit the island by taking first a navy boat, then transferred to two rubber boats to reach the said island.


Zambo. Norte’s southern towns one in fighting illegal fishingBy: Alfonso T. Ruda

LILOY, Zamboanga del Norte – Driven by their desire to stop illegal fishing in their municipal waters, the nine coastal municipalities of the third district of Zamboanga del Norte have recently taken the first step against illegal fishing and all forms of illegal activities in the area.This started with the signing of the Multi-Sectoral Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) creating the Bantay Dagat Kalikasan Task Force

spearheaded by the congressional office of Congressman Isagani Amatong of the province’s third district and the 10th Infantry

The lady chief executive turned-over to Tumalutab barangay officials, 3 infrastructure projects worth P1,903,890.48 in the barangay. Grateful residents also witnessed the turn-over activity.

Mr. Vic Larato of the City Information Office said the projects that were turned-over included a newly-built catwalk of 40.32-linear meter long, a comfort room and a 38.50 meter long footbridge.

He said the construction of said projects started in October 2014 undertaken by Benram Construction firm.

This project turn-over was conducted during the ‘Dia del Alcalde”, an outreach program of the lady mayor which aims to bring the city government’s basic social services to the people, especially those in far-flung areas.

Prior the unveiling, the mayor distributed PhilHealh insurance cards and 10 reading glasses to identified beneficiaries of the Tumalutab community.

An estimated 500 residents benefited from the “Dia de Alcalde” services which included free civil registration of live birth and marriage, agri-fishery and


Battalion and government agencies concerned.

Nicolas said the task force was formed after the municipal mayors of the southern municipalities aired their concern on the rampant illegal fishing in their municipal waters.

Aside from the congressional office and 10th IB, other signatories to the MOA were Vice Governor Senen Angeles, the municipal mayors of the costal municipalities as well as the representatives of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Maritime Police, Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police(PNP),

Assistant Regional Director Joseph ARD Florig of BFAR-9 said “the creation of the task force is so timely due to the excessive damage inflicted by the illegal fishing activity,” adding “unlike in agriculture wherein the farmer will have to invest first and cultivate their farm to have something to harvest, at sea one has only to prepare their fishing gadgets and go there and fish.”

He also appealed to the fishermen to observe the yearly closed season for fishing sardines from December 1 to March 1.

During the MOA signing, all stakeholders committed to support

the fight against illegal fishing and other forms of illegal activities.

In his message, Col. Jesus Manangquil Jr. commended the 3rd congressional district and the 10th IB for taking the first step toward the preservation and protection of the land and sea resources. He also assured the stakeholders of the military’s support to the undertaking.

Michael Adrian Amatong, chief of staff of Congressman Amatong lauded the support extended by the mayors and the law enforcement agencies in crafting the MOA, as he challenged them to take an active role in the endeavor.

Vice Governor Angeles, on the other hand, assured the provincial government’s support to the creation of the task force and he challenged the mayors of the southern municipalities to sustain the initiative and not just end after the MOA signing. He also cautioned the municipalities in the issuance of business permit to the fishing operators and reminded them to specify the 10.5-kilometer limit under the jurisdiction of the municipal waters.

Angeles added that the problem of illegal fishing has been the problem of the province for quite sometime and it is one of the major concerns the Uy administration is now giving a priority.


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