One Mindanao - May 7, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

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

Defense chief graces Taganito Evacuation Center groundbreaking ceremony

OWWA leads Zumba exercises for OFWs in Cotabato City

BIR – SurSur warns tax cheats; bares other feats

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2016

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DAR’s Credit Program helps AgNor farmers finance rice production

President Aquino leaves for Chicago, Canada

12,000 participants in Tagum for week-long Palarong Pambansa

DTI-Camiguin strengthens enforcement of fair trade laws

Gov’t. agencies, civil societies urged to help resolve security problems

NorMin towns to receive P1.3B worth BUB Projects for 2015

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By: John Glenn A. Platil

By: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

By: Julla Columba Celerina M. Pagaduan

By: Richi D. Gulle

By: Loraine C. BrillantesBy: Franklin P. Gumapon

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

24 Media’s role in sports dev’t. citedBy: Michael Uy

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OUR COVER

Contents

By: Gil E. Miranda

4 MAY 7, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story DAR’s Credit Program helps AgNor farmersfinance rice production

The Department of Agrarian Reform in Agusan del Norte through the Agrarian Production Credit Program (DAR-APCP)

in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) provided with a total of P3.1 million for rice production covering an area of 99 hectares to 61 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Agusan del Norte in 2014. This was disclosed by OIC-Chief of Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) Raul Hermoso during the discussion of the 2014 accomplishment.

By: Gil E. Miranda

5MAY 7, 2015 One Mindanao

DAR’s Credit Program helps AgNor farmersfinance rice production


The said recipients composed of two groups are New Generation Organic Farmers Producers Cooperative (NGOFPC) and Taguibo IPM Irrigators Association, Inc. in Los Angeles, Taguibo, Sumilihon and Sto. Nino Agrarian Reform Community (LATASS ARC).

Rita Gerbolingo, farmer-beneficiary who tilled the

2.75 hectares of land said, “mapasalamaton gayod ako kay barato ang interest diin moresulta kini sa dako nga kita sa pagpanguma (I am thankful because aside from low interest, my income in farming has expanded).”

“Thanks to credit assistance of DAR, some of the farmers’ needs are now met,” Gerbolingo


added.

LBP Lending Department Manager Engr. Jimmy P. Arco said that APCP intended only for ARBs indorsed by DAR whose loan amount availed by each ARB depends on the total hectare of awarded land under land distribution program of DAR.

The Agrarian Production

Credit Program (APCP) is the convergence initiative of DAR, Department of Agriculture (DA) and Land Bank of the Philippines to pool resources and expertise to help ARBs in credit, with insurance package in partnership with the Philippines Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) leading to boost farmers economic advancement.


Asian Carmakers Corporation turns over initial fleet of BMW cars to government for APEC

MANILA - The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2015 National Organizing Council (APEC 2015 NOC) on Wednesday received from Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC) a fleet of BMW vehicles to be used for this year’s APEC forum, which is being hosted by the country.


The ceremonial turnover was held at Malacañang’s Kalayaan grounds and was attended by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, APEC 2015 NOC Director General Marciano Paynor Jr., and ACC President Maricar Parco.

In his speech during the event, Executive Secretary Ochoa said the ceremony brings the government and the private sector together to showcase the economic development of the country, and that of the entire Asia-Pacific region, as well.

The Philippines’ hosting of the APEC, he said, supports the government’s efforts in driving economic growth in the Philippines and that of the region by building sustainable and resilient economies, promoting investment in human capital, encouraging the participation of

small and medium enterprises in global trade, and enhancing regional economic integration.

“May this ceremony serve as a reminder of our partnership, one which is strongly committed to becoming a driving force in ‘Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World’,” Ochoa said.

As the government partner for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meetings, BMW will provide more than 200 units of the BMW 7 Series Long-Wheelbase Sedan and BMW 5 Series Sedan and Gran Turismo to transport APEC leaders and other dignitaries.

The ACC, the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, will turn over 25 units of the luxury sedans this month. After the APEC Summit in November, the BMW vehicles will be sold to the public. A BMW 7 Series costs P5.5 million while


a BMW 5 Series is worth P3.5 million.

For her part, Parco said the formal turnover of the BMW fleet reinforces the brand’s commitment to foster economic growth, not only in the Philippines but also in the Asia-Pacific region.

BMW was named the official premium mobility partner of

the APEC Economic Leaders’ meetings through the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the government and the German carmaker in May 2014.

BMW will deploy its cars to the first high-level APEC assembly -- the Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting -- in Boracay, Aklan on May 23 to 24. (PCOO/PND (as)


President Aquino leaves for Chicago, Canada

MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday left for a working visit to Chicago, the United States, and a state visit to Canada from May 6 to 9.


In his pre-departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, the President said this trip aims to promote a more open and stronger trade relations between the Philippines and the US and Canada.

“Kukunin natin ang pagkakataong ito, para lalong pagtibayin ang pagsisikap tungo sa nagkakaisang adhikain, gayundin ang pagkalap pa ng interes mula sa mga negosyante ng United States at Canada para lalong mapalago ang pamumuhunan sa ating bansa,” he said.

During his one-day working visit to Chicago on May 6, the Chief Executive will meet with leaders of large companies grouped in the US Chamber of Commerce and the US-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Council.

“Ang US nga po ang pangatlong major trading partner ng Pilipinas, at layon nating paigtingin pa ang pangangalakal na ito. Ngayong lumalago ang mga ekonomiya ng ating dalawang bansa, ihahayag natin ang kahandaang sulitin ang bawat pagkakataon kasama nila, at higit pang ipapakita na talagang more open for business na ang Pilipinas,” he said, adding that he will also meet with the Filipino community in Chicago to convey to them the fruits of four years of reform carried out by his administration.

The President further noted


that at the invitation of Canada’s Governor General David Johnston and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, he will make his first state visit to the country on May 7 to 9.

During the visit, he will witness the signing of various memoranda of understanding and take the opportunity to thank Canada for its support to the Philippines, especially for sending military personnel and medical aid during the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda; for doubling its official development assistance to $111.95 million in grants in 2014; and for naming the Philippines as a “Country of Focus” for various forms of bilateral assistance from Canada.

“Kaagapay rin natin ang Canada sa pagsusulong ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao, bilang bansang kasapi ng Independent Commission on Policing at para sa ibang uri ng tulong nila

kaugnay ng pagpapaunlad sa kalagayan ng mga kapatid natin sa Bangsamoro,” he added.

The President is also scheduled to meet with Canadian businessmen and Filipinos living and working in Toronto and Vancouver.

The Chief Executive departed at 8:20 a.m. on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 001.

He was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Management Staff Secretary Julia Abad, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario. (PCOO/PND (ag)


12,000 participants in Tagum for week-long Palarong Pambansa

TAGUM CITY - Roughly 12,000 delegates from all 17 regions of the country who arrived in the city to participate in the premier sporting event for school-aged athletes were gathered to officially open the Davao del Norte’s much- awaited hosting of the 2015 edition of the Palarong Pambansa.

Photo Credit: Leo Timogan/CIO TAGUM

By: Richi D. Gulle


Hinged on the theme, “Breaking Borders, Building Peace”, the week-long event allows people to celebrate sports through peace and solidarity, notwithstanding a marked difference in ethnicity, religion, political leanings, and gender.

Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon, DPA, in his welcome message, stated, “Regardless of distance, we have come together for one purpose, to put significance to national sports as a tool to achieve peace as we are in constant campaign for unity beyond border and peace.”

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario, in his speech, stated, “Today, we invoke high respect in fighting together any indifference and animosity stemming out of gender, religion, politics, status, or any other prejudice. Each of us has stood up to contribute to peace and to

a better society.”

He then acknowledged the discipline and composure that were being exhibited by the gathered throng despite the inclement weather.

The heavy downpour that came in the middle of the Palaro’s opening ceremony and program on May 4, 2015 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, Tagum City in Davao del Norte, which led to Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel A. Roxas, II’s opting out of his Keynote Address and Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro to informally declare the opening of the 2015 Palaro, did not dampen the spirit of all who were present to witness and take part in the momentous event.

This year’s hosting of the May 3-9, 2015 Palarong Pambansa is a first for the province after the passing of 65 years. (CIO-Tagum)

Gov’t. agencies, civil societies urged to help resolve security problems By Franklin P. Gumapon

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – “Development can only take place when the people feel safe.”


Speaking in a program commemorating the 79th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army’s (PA) 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Barangay Pulacan here on Tuesday, BGen. Gerardo F. Barrientos Jr. underscored the importance of peace in effecting development in the community. Barrientos assured the public that the division would continue doing its role “in the preservation of internal peace and security…for progress and prosperity of our

constituents and communities.” “We are ready to respond to any threat posed by lawless elements…and any group that challenges our efforts at achieving peace will face the full might of the 1st infantry division,” he declared. He also reported that the strength of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) in the division’s area of responsibility had decreased by 28 percent as a result of Tabak’s anti-insurgency campaign. With this, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga


Sibugay and Misamis Occidental had been declared “conflict-manageable, development-ready” provinces. “We are working on Zamboanga del Sur to be declared ‘conflict-manageable, development-ready province’ within the year,” he added. To resolve security problems in the area, Barrientos appealed to government agencies and civil society groups alike to take part in this endeavor “through good governance, humanitarian activities, community empowerment and support to flagship projects and infrastructure programs.” Major General Rodolfo

Demosthenes C. Santillan, Army vice commander, came over to represent Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri during the 79th founding anniversary of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, which was established on Jan. 18, 1936 in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The said division was transferred to its present location at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur in 1987 and it is now serving the whole of Zamboanga Peninsula including the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Normin food processors conduct pasalubong fair in CDO CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Over 25 local food processors participated in the banner event of the Food Processors Association of Northern Mindanao (FOPANORMIN) for a three-day pasalubong fair that formally opened on April 24, at the Centrio Activity Area, Centrio Mall.

by Loraine C. Brillantes

The formal opening ceremonies was led by Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez together with FOPANORMIN President, Gina M. Obsina, Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Director Ma. Eliza A. Pabillore, Department of Trade and Industry Division Chief, Liza V.M. Alcantar and Department of Science and


Technology, Junelyn-Louvena Ruiz. Popular brands such as SLERS, Vjandep Pastel, Malunggay Pastel, TGO Pines, Darling Foods and Missy Bonbon were among the participants of the event. The activity was also a celebration of the 15th

anniversary of FOPANORMIN which was established in the year 2000 with the assistance of the different line agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Science and Technology.

DTI-Camiguin strengthens enforcement of fair trade laws

It was notable that some prices of the basic commodities, specifically Nestle products, had started to go down like the prices of Nescafe Coffee Refill 25g and 50g decreased by P1.05 and P2.05 respectively due to dipping prices of robusta coffee beans in the world market.

Apart from checking the prices of these said goods, the enforcement team also examined the proper labelling and price tagging of the products being sold to safeguard the welfare of the consumers.

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin -- In the drive to intensify the enforcement of fair trade laws and Consumer Act of the Philippines, the enforcement team of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Camiguin conducted its regular price monitoring of basic and prime commodities, spare parts and construction materials last April 20-21, 2015.

by Loraine C. Brillantes


NorMin towns to receive P1.3B worth BUB Projects for 2015 by Julla Columba Celerina M. Pagaduan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The amount of P1,337,017,357.50 worth of projects will be given to nine cities and 84 municipalities in Region 10 for this year implementation of projects under the Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BuB) program.

Of the 873 projects, 293 are for Bukidnon amounting to P354,500,000.00; 46 in Camiguin, P62,500,000.00; 190 in Lanao del Norte, amounting to P316,654,107.50; 155 in Misamis Occidental, P229,363,250.00; and 189 in Misamis Oriental, to P374,000,000.00. Under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2015, the funds for BUB projects are allocated through the 13

participating National Government Agencies, namely: DA, DENR, DepEd, DILG, DOH, DOLE, DOT, DSWD, DTI, DBM, NEA, NIA and TESDA. The BUB Process is a grand design of the Aquino administration in attaining the Philippine Development

Plan’s goal of inclusive growth and poverty reduction, and promoting good governance at the local level. BUB aims further to contribute in making governance responsive to the local needs and making public resources allocation more efficient and effective by engaging and empowering communities in designing the NGAs’ Budget, with needs identified at the grassroots level.


Despite rains, El Nino still on

DAVAO CITY- Despite the occurrence of heavy rains, El Nino is still in full effect. Gerry Pedrico, chief meteorologist PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomi-cal Services Administra-tion) Davao Station says are caused by weather systems prevailing in the area. He says the recent rains were because of localized thunderstorms. Other weather systems present include easterlies and intertropical conver-gence zone oscillating in the area. Pedrico says that they are expecting El Nino to subside by July or August. He says he has received queries about the status of El Nino because of the rains. Last May 4, open-ing ceremonies of the 58th Palarong Pambansa was cut short because of heavy rains in Davao.

El Nino was felt in February this year when rainfall was 36.8% of the average. March was at its lowest with 20.6% of the average rainfall, April was slightly higher at 88.9% of average rain-fall this due to localized thunderstorms. El Nino is a hot weather condition char-acterized by warm ocean temperature in Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific causing lesser than average rainfall in affected areas. Despite the pres-ence of El Nino, Pedrico warned the public to be aware as May will bring southwest monsoon or habagat which will bring heavy rains which can trigger flashfloods and landslides. (PIA/RG Ala-ma)


regional gallery

A tennis player returns a serve during the action at the Tennis court of the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex during the 2015 Palarong Pambansa Games.


Media’s role in sports dev’t. cited

DAVAO DEL NORTE - Media has made sports to what it is today. Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario emphasized yesterday (May 5) during the Media Night at the Club House, Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex that the media has a great role in the devel-opment of sports both local, national and even beyond. “Media is responsible for mak-ing sports known worldwide by means of newspaper, television and radio,” Governor Del Rosario said. Del Rosario added that the ad-vent of social media created drastic growth in terms of sports coverage. “That’s why the Palarong Pam-bansa 2015 is stepping into the digi-tal age that promises to be the most high tech and social media savvy edition,” he said. Del Rosario bared that the pro-vincial government of Davao del Norte as the host the Department of Education (DepEd) have made the coverage of the national sporting event as interactive and inclusive as possible. “We initiated the official web-site, web browser and various social media accounts such as twitter, ins-tagram, youtube and facebook,” he said.

The official website of the sport-ing event is davnorpalaro2015.com; while the official social media ac-counts are Palarong Pambansa 2015 Davao del Norte in facebook, @davnorpalaro in twitter, davnorpal-aro2015 in tumbler and flicker and DavNor Palaro 2015 in youtube. Del Rosario said that without media, the sports could have never reach the hearts of millions of people worldwide. He urged the media persons to deliver fair and accurate information to the best interest o the people. “Yours is the power to influ-ence communities. And I count on to that unique power vested upon you to spread this year’s Palaro theme: Breaking Borders, Building Peace,” he said. The Media Night was attended by around 200 media personnel from the different regions in the country. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

Koronadal City hands out educ’l assistance to elementary, high school studentsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 7 – Thousands of public el-ementary and high school students in Koronadal City are set to receive educational assistance from the city government as it continues to imple-ment its Educational Assistance Pro-gram.

Starting Wednesday, May 6 until May 25, personnel from the city LGU visit the 27 barangays in the area to distribute certifi-cates of educational assistance to students in Grades V and VI in the elementary level and all year levels of high school.

Jean Sunga, educational assistance pro-gram holder, said the city government has earmarked P10 million for the Edu-cational Assistance Program in school year 2015-2016.

Under the program, each elementary pupil who will be issued certificate will be entitled to P500 educational aid while each of the high school student-beneficia-ry is set to receive P550.

“There is no cap to the number of public school students who could avail of edu


cational assistance from the city government,” Sunga said in a radio interview, adding that their mission is to list as many qualified grantees as they could.

Even the children of fami-lies who are currently enrolled as beneficiaries of the national government’s Pantawid Pamily-ang Pilipino Program may also avail of the city government’s educational assistance, she said.

In a previous interview , May-or Peter Miguel said his ad-ministration pushed for this educational program , along

with the Iskolar ng Koronadal (ISKO) Program and Program-ang Bumasa at Matuto to “ad-dress the needs of the disadvan-taged from attending school.”

From 2010 until 2013 , some 35,589 elementary and high school students have al-ready availed of the educational assistance.

Sunga said, they have earlier coordinated with barangay of-ficials to gather possible ben-eficiaries at the barangay hall where the team will conduct orientation about the program, assess documents and issue


the certificates. Before a student could be

issued a certificate of educa-tional assistance, he or she should present original copy of Form 138 (Report Card), 2 pho-tocopies of barangay certifica-tion attesting that the holder is a resident of the barangay, and 2 photocopies of voter’s ID or certification of the parent or guardian.

The schedule of distribution of certificates of educational assistance is as follows:May 6 - Barangay Morales and Barangay General Paulino San-tosMay 7 - Esperanza and Roton-da

May 8 – Zone III and Sta. CruzMay 11 – Sto. Niño and MabiniMay 12 – Saravia and Carpen-ter HillMay 13 – Magsaysay and San RoqueMay 14 – San Jose and Caloo-canMay 15 – Avanceña and Nam-namaMay 18 – Zone IV and San IsidroMay 19 – Concepcion and New PangasinanMay 20 – Cacub and ToplandMay 21 – Mambucal and ParaisoMay 22 – Zone I and Zone IIMay 25 – Assumption (DEDogu-iles-PIA 12)

OWWA leads Zumba exercises for OFWs in Cotabato CityBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

COTABATO CITY, May 7 – Over a hundred Overseas Filipino Work-ers and their families from the city and neighboring towns of Ma-guindanao joined “Hataw OFW”, a physical fitness program held last May 2 at the Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School grounds.

The mass zumba dance exercise was spearheaded by the


Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-ARMM in line with the 33rd anniversary of the agency.

OWWA-ARMM officer-in-charge Uga Sulaiman said the program is aimed in promoting a healthy lifestyle to OFWs and their families.

Aside from the health benefits exercise provides, it also gives positive outlook for everyone to feel confident being healthy and fit, Sulaiman added.

The official also thanked the OWWA scholars and members of OFW family circles who made the activity successful.

Aside from the Hataw OFW, OWWA-ARMM also prepared simple activities as part of their anniversary.

OWWA-ARMM set up a help-desk during the opening cele-

bration of the 2015 Labor Day in the ARMM compound.

“During the Labor Day cel-ebration, we set up a booth where our employees catered inquiries about OWWA programs and services and welfare cases. We also provided free calls to 61 clients with our Libreng Tawag abroad program during the day,” Sulaiman said.

The celebration will continue up to next week. Clients who visit the regional office will be given free snacks and coffee.

OWWA aims to strengthen its services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) not only in their jobsites abroad but also here at home when they return after completing their contracts. (OR-VRivera-PIA12)


DOLE chief declares Siargao Island as labor law compliant tourism hubBy: Iris C. Asis

BUTUANCITY - Siargao Island, the country’s surfing capital, has been declared labor law compliant tourist destination by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Labor secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz along with Surigao del Norte governor Sol F. Matugas, and 1st district representative Francisco T. Matugas led the unveiling of the marker at the port of Dapa on Apr. 17, 2015.


The symbol of compliance assures foreign and local tourists and other visitors stepping ashore in the island that labor laws are being observed, hence, they can be guaranteed of optimum service. Further, investors will pour in more investments and more jobs will be created. “We aim for decent jobs with no exploitations and no malpractices. Kaya inaayos ang lahat na maging labor laws compliant tourist destination upang magkaroon ng payak na pundasyon at matamasa ang panghabangbuhay na kaunlaran,” Sec. Baldoz said. She further stated that the country is now the rising tiger of Asia with its increasing economic growth. A project like this is evidently one of the major reasons why the country will be on its sweet spot from 2015-2019. Baldoz was also joined by DOLE undersecretary Rebecca C. Chato, Bureau of Local Employment director Dominique Tutay, Bureau of Working Condition director Catherine Parado, Labor Communications Office director Nicon Fameronag, Planning Service director Adeline de Castro, and Institute for Labor Studies director Grace Riguer. During the event, DOLE

Caraga regional director Atty. Johnson G. Cañete awarded the certificates of compliance to 127 establishments in Siargao while Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Caraga board sec. Earl dela Victoria awarded Productivity Incentive Award to Isla Cabana Resort. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Caraga regional director Samuel Madrid also awarded certificates of skills training to 32 graduates of the OWWA coco sugar skills training while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga awarded the one million scholarship grant for the constituents in Siargao Island. Gov. Matugas and Cong. Matugas were overwhelmed by the services given by DOLE and its attached agencies. Meanwhile, Nancy Jacinto, National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), proudly announced the livelihood grant of Richie J. Arcular. He is one of the undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia who was repatriated with the implementation of Saudization. Jacinto turned over the mini spare parts livelihood kit for the enhancement of his existing welding shop.


Defense chief graces Taganito Evacuation Center groundbreaking ceremonyBy: John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Department of National Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin graced and fronted the groundbreaking ceremony of the Taganito Evacuation Center on April 28, 2015 in Claver town, this province. Sec. Gazmin was joined by Claver mayor Eddie Gokiangkee and first district representative Francisco Matugas, chairperson of the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Also present were Taganito

HPAL Nickel Corp president Takanori Fujimura, vice president for Operations Augusto Villaluna, and officials of Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC). The three buildings, with funding support from the Nickel

Another awardee is Helen A. Nalupa, a household services worker for eight years in Hongkong. “I heard about the SPIMS (Sa Pinas Ikaw ang Maam/Sir) through one of the Philippine Labor Officers (POLOs) and I immediately grabbed the opportunity,” she said.

SPIMS is one of the many programs of NRCO in cooperation with the Department of Education, where OFW LET passers are given a permanent position as Teacher I, provided that they return to the Philippines and serve in a government school.

Photo Credit: Liza Mazo


Asia Corporation (NAC), were built as evacuation centers for the people of barangays Taganito, Hayanggabon, Urbiztondo, Cagdianao and other constituencies of the town. Sec. Gazmin said that Clavernons are now secured and safe from natural calamities like storm surges and flashfloods because the evacuation centers are sheltered upon the hills of Taganito and under the compound of THPAL. Meanwhile, Rep. Matugas thanked the NAC officials for helping the community and for saving innocent civilians from danger of catastrophes. He also commended the company for rising to the occasion, making sure that the giant initiative would also guide

other mining companies all over the country to do their share in terms of corporate social responsibility. “This project helps the concerned barangay, the whole town of Claver and the entire province, in general,” Rep. Matugas said. It was learned, that several mining companies will be recognized by the provincial government this coming May 15 during the province’s 114th founding anniversary celebration for their actions and meritorious contributions which greatly help the people of Surigao. NAC comprises of Taganito Mining Corporation, Hinatuan Mining Corporation and THPAL Corp.

BIR – SurSur warns tax cheats; bares other feats By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY - The Revenue District Office 106 (RDO 106) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Surigao del Sur has issued a warning against taxpayers who deliberately and intentionally avoided obligation to file income tax return (ITR) until the set deadline on April 15, 2015.


Monib Dimakuta, RDO chief, said the “sifting process” is ongoing, referring to the laborious and tedious conduct of crosschecking ITR records; no tax cheat has yet been noted and found out so far, he added. Citing a high percentage of turnouts among filers, the ITR filing here was tagged as successful in general. Be that as it may, Dimakuta assured they will go after those who failed to file their ITR and everything that goes with it upon verification. Meanwhile, the said office bared the accomplishment on tax collection for the first quarter of 2015. Dimakuta admitted they have yet to exert more effort in order to hit tax goals, but was glad to note that RDO 106 has topped the tax collection in Caraga region for the entire quarter. His office has collected P183,132,028.01 of the P199,459,000 tax goal or just posted a shortfall of only P16,326,971.99 which is equivalent to -8.19 percent—the least deficit incurred among the four RDOs in the region, he said. On the other hand, the BIR chief here was quick to say that collectively the BIR regional

office has surpassed the actual tax collection of last year for the same quarter. He said that based on comparative data, the BIR-Caraga has posted a total increase in tax collection amounting to P105,554,538.22 or equivalent to 12.97 percent during the same period of the preceding year which only had P813,685,082.31. On other achievements, Dimakuta confirmed having received on April 22, 2015 the result of the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Report Card Survey of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) signed by CSC Caraga regional director Resurreccion Pueyo with a score of 90.39 percent or a descriptive rating of “EXCELLENT.” The CSC result is yet for validation by its central office, he clarified.





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