One Mindanao - November 27, 2011

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.com Facebook: PIA Region-IX

Northern Mindanao

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

2/F 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]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN)

Provincial Capitol Compound 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]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESIN MINDANAO

OUR COVER

features the

PIA-Caraga’s Family Day

Executive Editor ……......... EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor ……......... ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

Associate Editors ……....... NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors …... Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA PresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

An Electronic News Magazineof the Phliippine Information Agency

Mindanao Clusters

EDITORIAL BOARD

In ThisIssue...

Sunday, Vol. 1 No. 105

Cover StoryPIA-Caraga’s Family Day: Work and adventure combined

24 Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Persons forum set in Butuan

WESTERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

Brgy. Sta Catalina gets P1.9M Fire sub station

Cong Cerilles key notes 1st Mindanao Scouts Jamboree

“Uyap” from Murcielagos Bay, Mis. Occ., still not safe to eat – BFAR

BIR urges public to demand receipts as Christmas shoppers surge

DENR donates lumber for Davao City fire, calamity victims

Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy Region X

Bing Cordova, Region XI

Jerylle Anne O. Rivera, Caraga Region

Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Region IX

Region IX

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, Region X

27

28

30

31

32

page 22

page 26

page 28

page 32

page 35

David M. Suyao

Nat

iona

l

Coloma says Aquino government has sufficient funds for Christmas bonus of state workers.....................................................

18

page 4

Singson orders DPWH officials, employees to disclose family members doing business with DPWH.........................................

2025 High-performance liquid chromatography

found practical for fructooligosaccharides analysis of yacon

Jund Rian A. Doringo, Caraga Region

Gov orders 24/7 monitoring of Digos-Cotabato highway project

Dani Doguiles, Region XII 37DSWD head vows continuous support to poverty alleviation projects

Region XII38

DavSur guv enjoins LGUs, NGAs for a green province

Nilda S. Aninon, Region XI33

4 Sunday, November 27, 2011ONE MINDANAO

PIA-Caraga’s Family Day: Work and adventure combined

Cover Story

by David M. Suyao

It was dim and damp outside. Thick rainclouds in the skies continue pouring heavy rains that can turn anything dull and idle. But that situation and threat of nature never discourage nor took away the

eagerness and excitement of PIA Team Caraga from packing important personal things and equipment, load them to the waiting Toyota Revo, ready to go, and pursue the three-day activities set in Surigao City. It is the team’s “Family Day”.

5 Sunday, November 27, 2011 ONE MINDANAO

PIA-Caraga’s Family Day: Work and adventure combined

The team left PIA Regional Office at 11:00 in the morning, hoping that the rain would cease, but it never. After an hour trav-el, the dark surround-ings along the way to Surigao City became brighter. The rain had stopped falling! Silver rays of the sun began to spread its glory and blessings to the trav-elling team, sending a promise of a fine and fruitful day ahead. An-other hour later, the team end-ed the journey at the Pope John Paul XXXIII Pastoral Dormitory where the team will stay during the whole duration of the three-day trip. It was almost 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon when the team took lunch at a seafood restau-rant at the heart of Surigao City. When the team settled down to

take their lunch, jokes and laugh-ter began, forget-ting the ordeal of the more than two hours travel. Then, exotic sea foods were served, filling every empty stom-ach with satisfying Surigao delicacies. It was the start

of the exciting and challenging combined-purpose trip. The Mabua Pebble Beach

In a distance that hu-man eyes can reach and see are white, oblong and round-ed pebbles adorned along the seashore, stretching kilome-ters away, will amuse anybody while wondering how these hard, shiny things in uniform sizes were spread along the


shoreline of Barangay Mabua, a few kilomers away from the heart of Surigao City. While the silver rays of the afternoon sun reflects upon the bluish deep-ness of the sea, the team filled their eyes with that wonder of nature while asking each oth-er and the people around how one can fully enjoy the whole place. “Beautiful, wonderful, but dangerous”. That was what we got. “Few meters away from the seashore, no ama-teur swimmer had ever mea-sured the deepness of the sea, plus the strong current at the bottom that seems to pull anybody who gambles to invade its deepness,” said Mang Carillo, a resident of the

place. But many, with full cau-tion, still enjoy swimming and looking at that wonder of na-ture in Mabua Pebble beach.

Birthday celebrations at the SEC swimming pool The sun has fully set when the team returned to the dor-mitory. Knowing the excitement that awaits us that evening, ev-erybody looks alive, not minding


the body pains caused by long hours travel. After picking up the necessary things and equipment, the team headed to Surigao Ed-ucation Center (SEC) Laboratory building where a standard-sized swimming pool lies. With soft, mellow music background, the team started to unpack, set up the computers, and change attires, from travel-ling to swimming. “Splasssshhh!” An invit-ing sound of the pool water that made all heads turn around! It was regional director Abner Caga who threw himself into the pool, full of energy and excitement. “Come on! The water is warm! It’s our family’s night! Let’s make every minute worthy!” shouted RD Abner.

Right after RD Abner’s yelling in-vitation, lighted fountains at the side of the pool begun to sprin-kle up above, falling towards the center of the pool, spread-ing warm waters. At a wink of the eye, everybody dive into the pool, yelling and laughing with excitement. The exploited sound of pool waters and the laughter of PIA Caraga family filled the undisturbed silence of the place for 30 minutes. Going back to the tables af-ter the 30 minutes swim, Robert, Gerie and Richard opened their computers to gather news articles from other regions and started the lay-out of the day’s issue of “One Mindanao”. The rest, open-ing their notes,


started writing their news items to be included in the day’s pub-lication. Silence again filled the air, and the merry atmosphere turns business. “Hey! The foods are ready. Let’s not wait that they become cold before we attack them!” It was again RD Abner laughingly inviting everybody for dinner! A roasted pig lay on the table surrounded by sea foods. Before anybody picks any of the food, a “Happy Birthday” song filled the air. It was Susil, Robert, Robes and Gerie’s joint birthday cele-bration. Then the eating tourna-ment began. The night at the pool was spent with work, swim and din-ing, while jokes and laughter with video-k background made the atmosphere merrier. It was around 11:00 in the evening when Richard declares the “One Mindanao” was uploaded to oth-er regions. It was time to rest and recharge for another day’s event. Second Day Adventure Moderate rainfall at 4:00 o’clock in the morning greets the team bound for Barangay Hayanggabon, Claver, Surigao del Norte. Taking a van and the PIA Revo, it took the team an

hour travel. It was still raining when the team arrived in Ba-rangay Hayanggabon. Breakfast was served, while waiting for the pump boat that will navigate the team to the seven islets, known to be top tourist destinations. First target: the Sohoton Cove. Wonders of Sohoton Cove

While navigating towards the reception cottage to register be-fore proceeding to Sohoton cave, the rain miraculously stopped. The rays of the morning sun took over, making the broken waves sparkle like silver. Jokes and laughter again filled the air. It was still cold when the team reached the Snorkling Cave. With everyone wearing life jackets, one by one, the team members drop into the crystal clear blue water around three to four meters deep. Looking from


the outside of the cave, it was so dark inside that anybody would think it is impossible to see any-thing inside. Slowly, while float-ing with the use of life jackets, the team entered the cave, and was surprised that it was not so dark at all inside. Sparkling fragments of stalactites above and at the sides of the cave plus the waterproof flashlights of the tour guides made it possible for everyone to see the beauty and the uniqueness of the cave. It is really a wonder that only nature can offer. Just a few meters away, the team had to stop for a dive. Here, before anybody will dive from the diving platform, seven me-ters above, he must crawl inside a cave in going up, where he can see different shapes of rocks, beautifully sculptured by nature. But because of the heavy chal-lenge, only three courageously crawled to take the challenge, and appear at the platform above, waving their hands as a sign of triumph. Wow! They are Gerie, Dandy and Pauline, member of the swim team of Surigao City. The rule was reversed, because instead of “ladies first”, the two gentlemen jumped first before Pau. Lazy birds were stirred, fly-ing without direction because of

the yelling and applauses of the whole PIA Caraga family members. After boarding, the journey continues. Destination: back to the tourism cottage to get the packed lunch. The Tiktikan Lagoon Boarding the bigger pump boat that brought the team to the tourism cottage earlier that morning, the team dropped by

a white beach on our way to la-goon Tiktikan where the team took lunch, in order to take a few


minutes swim to freshen up the hotness they feel that the burn-ing sun brings. Again, jokes and laughter filled the air of the un-disturbed paradise. It was almost 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon when the team docked at the small wharf to be-gin a few minutes hike to where the Lagoon Tiktikan lies. Taking the mountainous foot trail, we enjoyed looking at the Magkuno trees (iron wood trees) that only grow on surface and segments of rocks below and at the sides of the mountains. After few minutes hike, we were amazed to see a cottage, as if hanging above la-goon Tiktikan! The serenity of the place seems to take away the heat and the body pains that we feel. Hun-

gry and tired, we spend no time anymore. With the delicious food set in front of us, silence took place when every mouth became busy. After a hefty meal, the ex-citement came back: The target: The crystal side by side with the bolitas (pebble) cave. The Bolitas Cave As we navigate along the way to the crystal and bolitas cave, we filled our eyes looking at the mysterious white walls of towering rocks that hold waling-waling and other ornamental plants hanging on the branches Magkuno trees. The trail to crystal and boli-tas cave is narrow, with stairs made of rocks. The two caves have only one main entrance,


splitting below, into two. While at the mouth of crystal cave, one can see broken-like crystal walls, that when hit by the flashlight, they produce the color of the rainbow. Reaching the end, are solid crystals, pasted on walls of rocks will greet the visitors while giant stalactites at the sides and above us look like hanging stat-ues. At the center of the cave stands a crystal statue, around six feet tall, shining delicately. Opposite the mouth of the crystal cave is the mouth of boli-tas cave. It is so small that one must crawl all the way to see the small pebbles at the end, extravagantly scattered all over its rounded sala of about eight feet in diameter. Only seven of our team members ventured to enter, while bringing samples of the stones for us to see when

they return. Then the journey continues. This time, sight-see-ing of the wonders of the sea and the wealth hidden by the forests along the way to different pres-tigious resorts scattered on the seven islets surrounded by white sand and crystal blue sea wa-ters.Enjoying the non-toxic jelly fish


While looking and touching the non-toxic jelly fishes below our pump boat in one of our stop over, we were surprised by the loud flapping of wings above us

and when we look up, big bats were hovering, disturbed by our presence. Looking at the trees at the side and at the top of the rocky mountains, hundreds of bats are still hanging, waiting for the night to fall. We were all oc-cupied with joy that we almost forget, it’s time to go back to Su-rigao City. After taking one last swim and bidding goodbye to the won-ders of nature that we dated for a very short time, we proceed-ed to Hayanggabon wharf where our service vehicles are waiting. Without changing our wet swim-suits we boarded, and travelled back to the pastoral dormitory. It was already dark when we arrive at the dormitory. After


refreshing, many of us lay down on our beds, looking above while savouring the joy and we had for the day. But it did not end that way. After dinner, we again faced our computers and work for an-other publication of “One Mind-anao”. Home sweet home! These

are the words that filled our minds that early morning after the ex-citement we spent the previous day. Looking back while on our way to Butuan City, I said to my-self, “I have taken my share from that majestic and mysterious gift of nature. I wish someday, I can have them again.”



Coloma leads ‘Pilipinas Natin’ Pampanga launch

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr. underscored the important role of cooperation between the national and local government as partners in nation-building as he led the Pilipinas Natin launch

here.


Speaking before a huge crowd of Ka-pampangans during the formal launching of the Pilipinas Natin program of the Aqui-no administration at the Dr. Emigio Bon-doc Convention Center Saturday, Coloma stressed the need for teamwork and the participa-tion of vari-ous sectors

t h r o u g h v o l u n -

t ee r -ism

in promoting reforms in the country. He said that such efforts are part of the Pilipinas Natin prog-am targeting all Filipi-nos from all the prov-inces in the country. “Ang layunin po natin dito ay pagtibay-in ang pagkakaisa ng national at local gov-ernment kasi iyan po ang magka-agapay sa pagtatatag ng ating bansa… simula nung sa Ultra nagdaos tayo sa Davao City, Cabi-ao, Nueva Ecija, Ca-marines Sur at ngay-on naman dito sa San

Luis, Pampanga,” Coloma said. “Mayrong com-mon themes or ele-ments, isa na diyan yung teamwork be-tween national gov-ernment and local government, pan-galawa ang youth volunteerism… ha-los sa lahat ng lugar ang nangunguna ta-laga ang kabataan

at pinapakita nila na yung bagong ap-proach natin sa de-velopment, hindi na yung gobyerno lahat ang pinanggagalin-gan ng biyaya, ang mga tao na mismo ang nagkukusang loob na mag-kumpu-ni ng mga nasira at solusyonan ang kanil-ang mga problema,” he added. Coloma added that these positive traits, that are inher-ent among Filipinos, should be promoted through the said proj-


ect based on the Phil-ippine Development Plan, the formula for national reforms. “Sa aking palagay iyan ang diwa na dap-at nating palaganapin sa marami pang lugar sa ating bansa sa pa-mamagitan ng Pilipi-nas Natin… ang tema ng Philippine Devel-opment Plan na road-map ng ating bansa sa economic, social and political development ay inclusive growth na ibig sabihin ay kasama ang karamihan,” Colo-ma said. “Iniaangat natin yung mga nasa ilalim na siyang pinakamahi-rap, 23 per cent Class C at 67 per cent na Class D, ang buhay nila ang pinabubuti natin,” he added. These are through the government’s Pan-tawid Pamilyang Pili-pino, Conditional Cash Transfer and jobs gen-eration programs that

are focused on these classes in our society. Some 1,100 volunteers and 2,000students from Pampanga -based schools and communi-ties from several cities and municipalities in-cluding San Fernando, Angeles, Macabebe and nearby provinces like Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, Nueva Ecija and Metro Manila convened and showed their con-cern to the country through mobilization and efforts to repair and rehabilitate the typhoon-stricken pub-lic school buildings in the area. The two-day re-furbishing activity ex-emplifies the values and mission of the Pilipinas Natin pro-gram. Also present dur-ing the event were San Luis Mayor Asyong Macapagal, PCOO Un-dersecretary for Op-

erations George Sylinagco and Ms. Maria Montelibano of the Edsa People Power Commis-sion, among oth-ers. Apart from his encouraging mes-sages, Coloma also led the “Panata sa Pilipinas Natin” fol-lowed by various performances from participating youth-oriented groups and organizations. The event was organized in partnership with the Ten Out-standing Stu-dents of the Phil-ippines (TOSP) for the “iTayo Na! School Rebu i ld ing Challenge.” (JCL)


Coloma says Aquino government has sufficient funds for Christmas bonus of state workers

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr. assured that the Aquino government has allotted sufficient funds for the Christmas bonus of all government employees especially

now that the yuletide season has started.

In an am-bush interview during his at-tendance to the “Pilipi-nas Natin”

launch-i n g ,

here, Satruday, Coloma said that the much an-ticipated extra income by the civil servants will surely be re-leased at a most proper time to

provide addi-tional support to their needs this Christmas sea-son. “Sa pag-kaalam ko po ay mayroon na-mang nakalaan


Coloma says Aquino government has sufficient funds for Christmas bonus of state workers

na pondo para di-yan, hindi naman po ipagkakait iyan… tiyak na sa takdang panahon ay ipagkakaloob sa kanila (govern-ment employees) ang mga biyayang nararapat lamang na matanggap nila lalong-lalo na sa kapaskuhan,” Coloma said. When asked when the bonus will be released, Coloma said the probability is within the second

week of Decem-ber. “Kung ang pagbabatayan ay iyong nakara-ang taon, siguro bago sumapit ang kalagitnaan ng buwan (De-cember) mata-tanggap na yan,” Coloma noted.

Prior to the interview, the PCOO chief led the launching of “Pilipinas Natin” a developmental nationwide pro-gram of the Aqui-no administra-tion focusing on further enhanc-ing the partner-ship between the national and local government in nation-building. The program pro-motes the spirit of volunteerism in

every Filipino especially the youth sector. P i l i p i nas Natin also aims to uplift the lives of the people, specif-ically the un-derprivileged comprising the classes C and D of the society. The Pilipinas Natin program, spearheaded by the PCOO is based on the Philippine Development Plan of the government, the formula for national r e f o r m s . (JCL)


Singson orders DPWH officials, employees to disclose family members doing business with DPWH

Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson orders DPWH officials and employees to disclose family members doing business with DPWH within the last five (5)

years.

According to Secretary Singson, his directive is in line with the policy of the government to promote trans-parency & high standard of ethics

in public service as provided for under RA 6713. “This is also in compliance with the objectives of the Integrity Pledge or Commitment to

Ethical Business Practices and Good Corporate Gov-ernance, where DPWH is a signato-ry,” Secretary Sing-son said. The disclosure


Singson orders DPWH officials, employees to disclose family members doing business with DPWH

statement is duly sworn and shall be filed with the DPWH Central Records Management Divi-sion not later than April 30 of every year starting 2012. Secretary Sing-son added that his directive is one of the control efforts to reduce corrup-tion in the depart-ment. The Integ-rity Pledge was launched in De-

cember 2010 and signed by chief ex-ecutives of various companies in the country who be-lieved that corrup-tion has been one of the biggest im-pediments to eco-nomic growth and prosperity in the Philippines and has been eroding the moral fiber of this

society. The man-agement of DPWH up to Regional Di-rectors and Bureau heads signed a sim-ilar Integrity Pledge at the recently held values formation workshop in Baguio City. Signatories to the Integrity Pledge acknowledged re-sponsibility to lead by example in the fight against cor-ruption and to op-

erate their busi-nesses ethically and with integrity. They also vow par-ticipate in the cre-ation of key mea-sures and control activities intended to ensure transpar-ency, integrity and ethical business practice. The integrity initiative is spear-headed by the Makati Business Club (MBC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, with the support of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Asian Institute of man-agement, Coalition Against Corruption, and the Manage-ment Association of the Philippines. (DPWH)


Barangay Binicalan in San Luis to receive gifts from OPAPP

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

[email protected][email protected]

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has declared a P4 Million approved budget for Barangay Binikalan, San Luis, Agusan del Sur and one of the projects is the construction

of a tribal house during a project consultation forum held at the Provincial Training Center on Wednesday, November 23.

by David M. Suyao


According to Brgy. Binikalan Barangay Cap-tain Nelson Pantadon, the tribal house will be utilized as the official meeting place of the tribal leaders coming from the differ-ent neighbouring baran-gays and sitios and will also serve as their resting place when they cannot return to their respective areas after the meeting. “The tribal house will become a landmark in Brgy. Binicalan, where we will settle our tribal dis-putes, with the interven-tion of the different gov-ernment agencies who at stake, the army and the police, and the local gov-ernment units. When it is impossible for our lumad brothers and sisters to go back to their areas, they will spend the night at the tribal house for them to have a good rest for an-other travel the following day back to their respec-tive places,” Brgy. Captain Pantadon said. During the consulta-tive meeting, the OPAPP, some 30 tribal leaders, youth and women’s rep-resentatives from Brgy. Binikalan, LGU San Luis and the provincial gov-ernment representatives with different govern-ment agencies who are

stakeholders of the pro-gram also discussed the economic, social, asset reforms, security and in-frastructure issues that are prevalent in the area. On economic issues, the unavailability of ag-riculture technology was given importance but was immediately addressed by the provincial and munici-pal agriculture office when they committed to send planting materials and agriculture technicians to attend to the needs of the local residents. The high illiteracy rate was recognized most in the discussion of the social development issue. The Department of Educa-tion has presented various programs of the DepEd that would address the is-sues but one major prob-lem that was presented was the geographical lo-cation and the distance of some barangays from the center of Brgy. Binikalan. “Aside from the dis-tance and the geographi-cal location, almost all schools have only one or two classrooms where some use only anahaw leaves as the roof to pro-tect the children from the heat of the sun and the rain,” Brgy. Captain Pan-tadon said.

Because of the pre-vailing situation, the in-terventions of the LGUs were tapped, with the help of the military, in or-der to address the issue. On security issue, recruitment by the Com-munist Party of the Phil-ippines, the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front (CNN) were also discussed but the discussion were left to the Municipal and the provincial Peace and Or-der Councils to address the issue. As usual, almost im-passable roads were tak-en up, and were answered by the local government units, where programs for barangay roads for the coming years are in line for implementation. “This is only an ini-tial intervention of the OPAPP. The President has already given much at-tention to the situations like Binicalan. Next year, our office will be focusing our programs to address the issue like that of Bini-calan in order to solve the situation so that we can attain cooperation from our brothers and sisters in the hinterlands for lasting peace,” OPAPP Rep. Orly Binansilan said.


Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Persons forum set in Butuan by Jerylle Anne O. Rivera

The forum, which forms part of the ac-tivities of the 18-Day Campaign to End Vio-lence Against Women (VAW) here will have Ms. Jean Enriquez, ex-ecutive director of the Coalition Against Traf-ficking Women-Asia-Pacific (CATWAP) as spokesperson. Enriquez is an ad-vocate of the victims of depraved rape, rescued

women from prostitu-tion, and has had her team of social workers exposed abusers. She is also con-tinuously confronting with some of the most terrible sexual crimes committed by suspects against women and children. The forum will be participated in by the different agencies who have direct role and

participation in fighting violence against wom-en and children. Among those in-clude the Agusan del Norte Provincial Gov-ernment, Parole and Probation Administra-tion (PPA), Depart-ment of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the RDC-GADCC, FORWARD Inc.

The Regional Development Council-Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) will conduct a forum on “Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Persons” on December 2, 2011

at Luciana Convention Center, this city.


Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Persons forum set in Butuan

High-performance liquid chromatography found practical for fructooligosaccharides analysis of yaconby Jund Rian A. DoringoAhigh-performance liquid

chromatography, HPLC, is a chromatographic

technique that can separate a mixture of compounds and is used to identify, quantify and purify the individual components of the mixture.

The Food and Nutri-tion Research Institute of the Department of Sci-ence and Technology (or FNRI-DOST) validated that the HPLC method is applicable to fructooligo-saccharides (FOS) analy-sis. FOS’s are indigest-ible short-chain oligosac-charides, naturally occur-ring in plant foods that have been scientifically proven to stimulate the growth of health-enhanc-ing colonic bacteria and reduce the risk factors of certain chronic diseases such as cancer, heart dis-eases and diabetes. Yacon, a native An-dean plant cultivated for its tuber, was found to

have the highest con-centration of FOS among plants. HPLC was used to test for accuracy, preci-sion, limit of detection, limit of quantization and linearity in yacon juice. Results showed that the values were generally acceptable for accuracy, precision and efficiency. When compared to the Japan Food Research Laboratories (JFRL), re-sults met the acceptance criteria using the same method. The validation proved the method of FOS analysis to be accu-rate and precise. Meth-od verification should be done on other sam-

ple food matrices for best results, according to Rosemarie G. Garcia (MS Food Sci Tech), Se-nior Science Research Specialist. For more informa-tion on food and nutri-tion, please contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Di-rector, Food and Nutri-tion Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email: [email protected] or [email protected]; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)


1st Mindanao Scouts Jamboree kicks-off in Pagadian City

The First Mindanao Scouts Jamboree was formally opened on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 with a parade of

participating contingents at the city’s main streets which was followed by the opening program at the Grand Arena, Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government Center, Dao, this city.

The Jamboree bears the theme: SCOUTS: “Building Tomorrow To-day.” Sa kanyang men-sahe sinabi ni Jose Rizal C. Pangilinan, Secretary General sa Boy Scouts of the Philippines, “Malaking kagana-pan ang Jamboree na ito dito sa Western and Eastern Mindanao re-gions, lalong-lalo’t na sa bansang Pilipinas sapag-kat ang aming panini-wala sa National office ito ay isang pagtitipon

upang bigyan parangal ang ating mga kabataan na nakikiisa ngayon dito sa 1st Mindanao Jambo-rette.” “Sa inyong mga minamahal naming mga kabataan, tandaan ninyo na kayo ang aming pag-asa bilang inyong mga lider kayo ang magiging gabay naming sa kinab-ukasan. Kayo ang mag-papatuloy sa sinimulan naming pagkikibaka sa buhay umiikot hindi para sa kasalukuyan kundi para sa hinaharap. Ang

hinaharap ay kayo mga minamahal naming mga kabataan. Ilan panahon pa ay kayo naman ang papalit sa kinalalagyan naming ngayon sapag-kat para sa inyo ang kinabukasan,” Pangili-nan said in tagalog. He disclosed that just recently, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia the World Organization of the scout movement launched its

by Claro Lanipa


1st Mindanao Scouts Jamboree kicks-off in Pagadian City

project called “Messen-ger of Peace.” The project aimed at inviting scouts from all over the world to spread the meaning of Peace by putting it into practice so that ev-ery individual or every scout members will find happiness in themselves and in their respective communities. This Jamboree, be-ing the first ever of its kind – that advocates

peace shall be linked to that project to achieve its objectives. Let us be “ambassadors of peace” and spread the good meaning of peace is all about, Pangilinan stressed. “Hayaan ninyo sa pamamagitan sa Jam-boree na ito, ay mad-agdagan ang inyong kaalaman upang kayo ay maging matuwid na ma-mamayan hindi lamang

sa hinaharap kundi sa darating na bukas,” sabi ni Pangilinan. “Scouting is not just for fun, scouting is education for life,” Pan-gilinan concluded his message. Some 10,000 boy and senior scouts from 29 Boy Scout Councils in Mindanao participated in the first ever Mindanao-wide jamboree.

Brgy. Sta Catalina gets P1.9M Fire sub station Muslim dominated Barangay Sta Catalina gets a

newly constructed fire sub-station amounting to P1.9 Million from the city government, a

new development in the area that will surely redound to the benefit of the community and neighboring barangays.

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

City Mayor Celso Lobregat during the fire sub-station’s recent inauguration said “our adminis-tration does not only address peace and order problems but also public safety.” The baran-gay’s fire sub-station is e 14th fire station

facility in the city. The may-or revealed that more projects have been lined up for implementation in this area such as the construction of a P23Million two-storey classroom building; P500,000 shoreline protection

project and P1mil-lion road project . B a r a n -gay Sta Catalina to date is a recipient of some P60.8 million total amount of vari-ous projects that the city government has implemented since 2007.


Cong. Cerilles keynotes 1st Mindanao Scouts JamboreeZamboanga del Sur 2nd District Representative Aurora E. Cerilles

was guest of honor and keynote speaker in yesterday’s opening program of the 1st Mindanao Scouts Jamboree held at the Grand

Arena, Provincial Government Complex, Dao, this City.

Congresswoman Cerilles said this jambo-ree is a fitting tribute to both the young scouts and scouters who have been working and learn-ing together all over the years in advancing Boy Scouts of the Philippines’ call of building strong and dependable leaders of tomorrow. She said, this jam-boree affords remarkable and enriching opportuni-ties for the development of knowledge, skills and sound values as well as meeting new friends and have fun and adventure with nature. Looking back at the foundation of scouting we see the tip of its mis-sion instilling among the youth the love of God, country and fellowmen. In this troubled and con-flict time, it is love that gives us the power to overcome and win over life’s many challenges. It is in recognizing that we have only one God

regardless of race, be-liefs and culture that we shall truly achieve unity and lasting peace, Cer-illes exhorted. One of the best ways to combat today’s socio-economic chal-lenge is in raising a ban of responsible, equip, law abiding and morally straight young genera-tion who shall take the frontlines in effecting national transformation and who shall take vital roles in nation-building. We envisioned the scout-ing movement to be the breeding ground of top-notch and trustworthy young citizens of the country, Cerilles added. Congresswoman Cerilles hopes that this Mindanao Jamboree is the first and may be the beginning of closer unity and stronger collabo-rations among the cit-ies, provinces and BSP councils in Mindanao. We look forward to suc-ceeding jamborees as we

continuously usher and guide the young genera-tions of today towards the green pasture of life awaiting them, Cerilles concluded. Also present dur-ing the opening program were Congressmen Vic-tor Yu and George Almon-te, council chairmen of the different contingent represented by the re-spective governors, city and municipal mayors, members of the BSP ex-ecutive board, provincial board members, scout executives and scouters and officials of the De-partment of Education. Meanwhile, Gover-nor Antonio H. Cerilles, Camp Chief and Council Chairman of the Zam-boanga del Sur-Pagadian City BSP Council official-ly declared the 1st Min-danao Scouts Jamboree open. This was immedi-ately followed by a 10-minute fireworks dis-play. (JPA/CAL/PIA(/ZamboSur)


Cong. Cerilles keynotes 1st Mindanao Scouts Jamboree

Army, PENRO join hands in promoting environmental protection in Lanao Sur

Some 600 per-sons attended

a short program on environmental awareness facili-tated by the Phil-ippine Army (PA), stationed, here.

Organized by the 64th Infantry Battalion (64IB), PA, the program anchored on the theme “Tree Planting for Sustainable Development” was held at the Pantar Central School, today. Col. Tatar Boriongan (Ret.), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of Lanao del Sur, graced the ceremony which was highlighted with the conduct of tree-planting activity. At least 200 pieces of various non-fruit bearing trees were distributed to and planted by the participants. The activity was in line with the

observance of the Environmental Awareness Month this November. In support to the program, the soldiers also distributed at least 500 pieces of educational materials regarding care for the environment for the students. The municipal policemen of Pantar led by Police Inspector Salman M. Saad, also, joined the activity. Boriongan urged the people to keep on planting trees. “Mas malaki ang ating mapapakinabangan lalo na ang ating mga anak kapag marami tayo maitanim na punongkahoy,” he said.


The Army represented by 1Lt. Randolf Manding, likewise, vowed to support the PENRO as mandated in

the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan program. (64IB)

“Uyap” from Murcielagos Bay, Mis. Occ., still not safe to eat – BFARby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – All types of shellfish and “alamang”” or minute shrimps, locally known as “uyap” or “uyabang,” gathered from Murcielagos Bay, located between Mis Occ. and Zamboanga del Norte, is still unsafe for human consumption.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in its Shellfish Bulletin No. 24, issued recently advised the public not to harvest, not to eat, not to sell and not to buy them. Visa Tan-Dimerin, Regional Director of BFAR, region 10, said the warning came out after the latest laboratory results conducted on the shellfish and “alamang” collected from the area have been found positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit. She said three other areas are also found positive of red tide, therefore, shellfish collected from the following areas are also unsafe to eat: Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, Masinloc Bay in Zambales. Dimerin, however, said that fish, squids, shrimps and crabs, are safe to eat, provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, are removed before cooking. Meanwhile, BFAR said the following coastal waters have continued

to be free from toxic red tide, and the shellfish gathered from these areas are safe to eat:Mindanao: Taguines Lagoon in Camiguin, Hinatuan, Lianga and Bislig Bays in Surigao del Sur and Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental. Visayas: Irong-irong, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Samar, Ormoc, San Pedro, Cancabato and Carigara Bays in Leyte, Biliran Waters in Biliran Province. Pilar, President Roxas, Pontevedra, Panay, Roxas City, Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz and E.B. Magalona, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Villadolid, Talisay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, Cadiz City, Victorias City, Bago City and San Enrique in Negros Occidental.Luzon: Cavite, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Navotas, Bulacan and Bataan in Manila Bay. Alaminos, Anda, Bani and Bolinao in Pangasinan, Milagros and Mandaon Bays in Masbate, Juag Lagoon in Matnog and Sorosogon Bay in Sorsogon.Honda and Puerto Bays in Puerto Princesa City, and Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay, Palawan.


“Uyap” from Murcielagos Bay, Mis. Occ., still not safe to eat – BFAR

BIR urges public to demand receipts as Christmas shoppers surgeby Ruby Leonora R. BalistoyMALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – In an effort to increase tax collections and generate more revenues, especially this holiday season, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Revenue District 99 (BIR-RD 99) here, urged the public to demand official receipts in every purchase made. BIR-RD 99 Revenue District Officer Myrna Bernardo reiterates the agency’s public appeal to always ask an official receipt (OR) in every purchase and services paid, so that the government could collect more taxes and prevent tax fraud. “Tax is everybody’s business and we should rapidly recognize that neither the government nor the BIR alone can do well without the collective support of our fellow citizens,” Bernardo said in an interview, during the agency’s forum on Withholding Tax Yearend Adjustment, here. In a separate interview, Mike Sanggacala, Assistant Revenue District Officer (ARDO), likewise, said that paying the right taxes is not just a legal obligation, but is also a moral obligation. “We appeal to the public to help the agency by declaring the true value of their assets and liabilities and to pay the right taxes,” he said. He added that the BIR’s Premyo sa Resibo (PSR) project helped the agency monitor professionals, commercial establishments and private businesses who evade to pay correct taxes. The PSR is a tax campaign

scheme, which encourages the public to ask for receipts for goods and services purchased and help the government collect more revenues. To join, just text PSR (space) TIN of official receipt of sales invoice (space) OR No. (space) Amount. Example: PSR 123456789101 5678 250. Send to 9777 for single entry or 9778 for multiple entries. Each entry costs P2.50. Every P100 in the receipt is equivalent to one entry. Amount is rounded up to the next hundred. Example: P250 is equivalent to three entries which cost P7.50. P520 is equivalent to six entries which cost P15. To seek more help from the buying public, the BIR intensifies its campaign on the PSR promo, where anybody can win big prizes in weekly draws and P1 million in the grand draw.


Violence against women primers set to launch in Davao CitySeveral primers, a report and

a monograph on the Justice and Healing Program for Survivors of Gender-based violence are set to be launched in the city on De-cember 1 (Thursday). The Women’s Feature Service (WFS) will lead the launching at 4p.m. of said date at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Magallanes Street, Davao City. To be launched are five primers and a baseline report on the “Expe-rience of Multi-Stakeholder Groups with Violence Against Women (VAW) laws.” Also to be presented is the legal monograph on Article 36 of the Family Code entitled “Psychological incapac-

ity and its implications on women’s human right to self-determination and integrity.” The report contains findings from focus group discussions with survivors and service providers, with lawyers and judges. The publications are jointly pub-lished by the WFS, Women’s Cri-sis Center (WCC) and Women’s Le-gal Education Advocacy and Defense Foundation, Inc. (WomenLEAD). The expected speakers in the launching are Teresa D. Balayon and Atty. Claire Angeline Luczon, execu-tive directors of WCC and Women-LEAD, respectively. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

DENR donates lumber for Davao City fire, calamity victimsDAVAO CITY- The Department of Environment and Natural Re-sources donated Friday a total of 2,335.50 board feet of used lum-ber materials to the city govern-

ment here for the construction of houses for fire and other calamity victims. The donated lumber included Deptirocarp, Yakal and Guijo spe


cies that were salvaged from the demolished old building of the DENR regional office. Davao City marketing supervi-sor Francisco V. Vales Jr. received the donation on behalf of the local government unit through the office Vice-Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. DENR-XI regional executive di-rector Jim O. Sampulna said that LGU Davao City met the qualifica-tion standard to receive such do-nation in accordance to Section 2 of Malacanang Memorandum Order No. 162 Series of 1993 which was

issued by then Pres. Fidel V. Ramos on August 19, 1993. Sampulna explained one of the qualification standards set for the requesting party to become recipi-ent is the nature of its functions that require wood materials in or-der to enhance their services to the general public. Upon completion of the proj-ect, LGU Davao City is required to submit pictures and detailed report of the use of the forest products to the DENR. (DENR-11/Bing Cor-dova)

DavSur guv enjoins LGUs, NGAs for a green province

DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR- Governor Douglas Cagas recently enjoined all local government units to take part in the implemen-tation of the Run 2 Plant 4 Greenin Philippines as part of the prov-ince’s commitment to put action for a greener and healthier envi-ronment.

Cagas issued Executive Order Number 37 dated November 22, 2011 institutionalizing the Run 2 Plant 4 Greenin Philippines in the province of Davao del Sur. The issuance was meant to in-tensify both awareness and massive campaign in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation among local government leaders putting commitment to action for a greener and healthier environment. In this endeavor, the governor also urged the participation and coor-dination of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, City En-vironment and Natural Resources Of-fice, Municipal Environment and Nat-ural Resources Office, Department of Education, and the public and private schools. (PIO-DavSur/Nilda S. An-inon)


ALABEL, Sarangani – The best street dancers from Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato vie for the total cash prize of at least P237,000 in the MunaTo Festival street dancing showdown watched by thousands of spectators at the Capitol grounds Saturday, November 26. MunaTo Fes-tival is a celebration honoring the first people and leaders of Sarangani. MunaTo was derived from the native vernacular meaning “unang tao” or “first people,” the early inhabitants of Sarangani who passed on a rich cultural heritage. MunaTo also refers to the makers of the 2000-year old anthropo-morphic burial jars discovered in Maitum that are now in the National Museum. As a tribute to the pioneering leaders of the province, MunaTo is a celebration of their efforts to spur development in Sarangani which is sustained up to this day. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MunaTo Festival 2011 Street Dancing Showdown

Photo Release


ALABEL, Sarangani – Vice President Jejomar Binay ceremonially turned over a P500,000 check each to Glan, Maitum, Malapatan, and Maasim yesterday (November 25) to fund for the construction of senior citizens center in these municipalities.

Binay turns over P2M for senior citizens center in SaranganiBy Beverly Paoyon

Binay graced the second day celebration of the 9th MunaTo Fes-tival and 19th Found-ing Anniversary of Sa-rangani Province.

“Karamihan sa mga matatanda ay napa-pabayaan at nagmis-tulang walang silbi sa

ating lipunan,” Binay lamented. He also pointed out the real-ity where the elderly are left with no choice but to beg for alms to support their medica-tion needs while oth-ers were totally aban-doned by their own

families.“Kaya naman isa sa

aming mga proyekto sa Tanggapan ng Pan-galawang Pangulo ay pagpapatayo at pag-papakumpuni ng la-hat ng mga senior cit-izens center sa buong bansa,” Binay said.


“Ginagawa po namin ito upang isu-long at itaguyod ang importansya ng na-kakatanda sa pagtata-guyod ng ating ban-sa,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Binay noted the distress that the general populace of indigenous peoples in the country expe-rience particularly in Sarangani Province where he disclosed his desire to provide assistance thru hous-ing program.

“Hangarin ko rin na lahat ng mga indige-

nous peoples o ating mga katutubo sa bansa ay ating matu-longan kasama na po ang Tboli, Manobo, Kalagan at Muslim dito sa lalawigan ng Sarangani. Tutulun-gan po natin sila,” Bi-nay said.

“Hangarin natin na matugunan ang ka-nilang mga pangan-gailangan lalong-lalo na sa pabahay. Kaya naman ho inilunsad natin ang indigenous peoples’s housing program na pakikin-abangan ng katutu-

bong Pilipino kasama sila sa mga naghi-hirap nating kaba-bayan,” he also said.

“Kaya po kami ay gumawa ng paraan para itong katutu-bong kababayan na-tin ay magkaroon ng kanilang sariling pamamahay,” Binay added.

Sarangani is a home to diverse tribes with distinct culture they succeeded to pre-serve and are living in co-existence with one another peace-fully.


Gov orders 24/7 monitoring of Digos-Cotabato highway projectby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY -- North Cotabato governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Men-doza has ordered contractors of Digos-North Cotabato road Improvement project to monitor sections under construction 24 hours a day seven days a week.

In a recent meet-ing of the Provincial Project Monitoring and Advisory Group, Gov. Mendoza also em-phasized the impor-tance flag men to ensure constant flow of traffic, especially in critical areas such as in blind curves.

She said having personnel to guide traffic is necessary even at night time to be able to immedi-ately address that may occur.

Local govern-ment officials also cited poorly con-structed diversion section, lack of safe-ty barriers and traffic signage, and absence of warning devic-es as among the

immediate concerns that the contractors should take care of.

“With all the on-going developments in our highways, we still have to bear in mind the convenience and most of all safety of the riding public,” Gov. Taliño-Mendoza told the contractors.

She also ordered LGUs to account proj-ect-related road acci-dents and have them reported to the local police station and en-tered into the police blotter for proper in-vestigation.

The governor also asked contrac-tors to shoulder hos-pitalization for any accident that may oc-cur in their respective

jurisdiction. Contractors, on

the other hand, said that complaints on signage and early warning devices have already addressed however, unidentified individuals removed and redirected them.

They also assured the governor that other concerns raised during the meeting will be acted upon the soonest possible time.

According to data from the Department of Public Works and Highways – 12 (DPWH) website the Digos-North Cotabato road improvement project has a total budget of P277.97 million.


DSWD head vows continuous support to poverty alleviation projectsKORONADAL CITY -- Officials of the regional office of the Depart-ment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD 12) assured KALA-HI-CIDSS partner-beneficiaries that the government is committed to continue with poverty alleviation interventions in Soccksksargen Region.

Bai Zorahayda Taha also promised that the government will make sure that the P59 billion fund for the expansion of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery

of Social Servic-es (KALAHI-CIDSS) will be spent where they are intended and that no corrupt official will benefit from these funds.

She explained that although the DSWD implements the poverty allevia-tion program, it is the communities that directly receive funds from DSWD Central Officer for the sub-projects they perceive would

improve the deliv-ery of social service in their area.

Before these funds are down-loaded, barangay residents and their councils undergo capability –building for the proper man-agement of these projects, that in-clude among others, classrooms, health center, day care cen-ters, farm-to-mar-ket roads, bridges, flood control proj-ects, electrification, ang water systems, Taha continued.

With its major feature which fo-cuses on community empowerment, KA-LAHI-CIDSS allows wider community participation among

the target beneficia-ries.

Barangay coun-cils of the partner-beneficiary commu-nities decide which projects should be implements. They also design and ac-tually manage these projects and control the release of the project funds.

Director Taha also reported that since the program started in 2003, P465-million worth of sub-projects have been implement-ed in Soccsksargen Region, which cov-ers the provinces of Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, South Cota-bato, and North Co-tabato.

(Dani Doguiles)

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One Mindanao - November 27, 2011

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