One Mindanao - November 27, 2015

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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 Bliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’ 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

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]

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]

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA 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 EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSDOMINIC SANCHEZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information AgencyEXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

Bislig youth org undergo food processing training

NorthCot LGU pays tribute to barangay workers

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Peace advocates of Zamboanga, city government spearhead Mindanao week of Peace celebration

Arbitral Tribunal told: China’s claims over West Philippine Sea deprives PH of fishing rights

Third leg of livestock biotechnology research project proposal writing seminar scheduled in Mindanao

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By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

Cover Story

SOUTHERN SOCCSKSARGEN

CARAGA

INFOCUS

WESTERN

NATIONAL

Davao City braces for the Pasko Fiesta Festivities

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Contents

By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

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23Arbitration case, a peaceful means to settle disputes, says DFA official By: Gideon C. Corgue

19 Dinagat Island holds 3rd PPOC meeting

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By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

By: Susil D. Ragas

OUR COVER

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

27 Comelec clarifies amendments on some voting guidelines

By: Alfonso T. Ruda

4 November 24, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story


5November 27, 2015 One Mindanao

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy


6 November 27, 2015One Mindanao

Mindanaoans will once again celebrate Mindanao Week of Peace come November 26 - December

2 with the theme, “People’s Solidarity for Integrity, Justice and Peace.” The observance is pursuant to Proclamation Order No. 127 dated November 26, 2001 issued by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo which declares the last Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December of every year thereafter as the Mindanao Week of Peace. The Mindanao Week of Peace celebrates the common aspirations of Mindanaoans to live in peace, unity and harmony with each other regardless of status in life, religion, or culture.

It aims to raise and sustain consciousness for a culture of peace among the people of Mindanao, to provide a venue for expression of peace aspirations in various forms and for convergence of peace initiatives.

In Zamboanga City, various activities are lined-up for the weeklong event which will be spearheaded by the Peace Advocates of Zamboanga (PAZ) and the Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace.

Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar issued Executive Order No. BC 149-2015 on October 30, enjoining all schools, government entities, private institutions, non-government organizations, parishes, church-based organizations, civil society groups, urban poor communities and other people’s organizations to actively join the said observance.

Cl imaco u r g e d government agencies, private sector and civil society groups to engage in relevant and meaningful activities in celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace in coordination with the Bishops-Ulama Conference.

While the official opening of the celebration is on November 26, some activities like the Regional Youth Forum, 10th Anniversary Celebration of National Sama-Badjao Movement (NSBM), and “The Start of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women” had already started.


Recently, the Zamboanga City Information Center of Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 conducted Culture of Peace seminar to its personnel, some selected students of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), and guest from the DepEd 9.

On November 23, local journalists in Zamboanga City commemorated the sixth year anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre that left 58 dead including 32 journalists, with a mass at the San Roque Memorial Park.

Highlighting the Mindanao Week of Peace is the Grand Opening Peace Parade on November 26 and the Torch Parade/Cultural Peace Festival on December 2.

Other activities include Association of Claret Schools in the Philippines Inc. (ACSPI) Youth Peace Camp and Children’s Peace Camp on November 26-30; Mural Painting Contest and CSO Climate Change Adaptation Alliance on November 27; Children and Youth Peace Assembly and Kinaiyahan Housing Project Ground Breaking Ceremony on November 28; Peace Weavers Awards Night on November 30; Historical and Solidarity Journey on November 30.

In December 1, an Interreligious Solidarity for Peace (ISP) Forum on Mindanao Peace Process and Beyond will be held on the first day together with the schools and barangays or communities’ Peace Initiatives dubbed “PAZ na maga Eskwela y maga Barangay” on the same date.

Moreover, the Mindanao Peace Weavers Assembly (ZAMBASULTA) will be conducted on December 9-10, with PAZ

Anniversary on December 10; and Pascua de Katilingban on December 10-12, with the Solidarity Christmas Celebration and International Day Against Human Trafficking on December 12.

One Mindanao8 November 27, 2015

6% GDP growth in Q3 due to improved gov’t spending

QUEZON CITY -- Improved government spending led to the six (6) percent growth in the country’s real gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2015. “This is in line with President Aquino’s directives to the Executive Branch to improve effectiveness in budget execution through vigorous implementation of priority development programs,” Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma said.

Government expenditure spending grew by 17.4 percent from 3.9 percent last quarter according to data released by the National Economic and Development Authority.

Coloma added that in the last quarter this year, the government will intensify efforts to address challenges posed by extrinsic factors such as the predicted severe El Niño that might last until the first half of 2016.

Economic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Thursday said, “The modest growth of the agriculture sector, on the other hand, shows the impact of El Niño, as yields and harvests for palay and


sugarcane were most affected due to inadequacy of irrigation water and rain.”

Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry sector grew by 0.4 percent during the third quarter of 2015, from -2.6 percent last quarter.

Balisacan said harvests for palay and sugarcane were mostly affected due to inadequacy of irrigation water and rainfall. He attributed the slight improvement in the sector’s performance to stronger growth in livestock, poultry, and fishery subsectors.

He said the Philippines’

real gross domestic product in the third quarter of 2015 is an “encouraging sign” of a steadily growing economy, which makes the country one of the fastest-growing major Asian economies. The country’s GDP growth was the third fastest after China’s 6.9 percent and Vietnam’s 6.8 percent.

“President Aquino is firmly committed to achieve inclusive growth through continuing investments in public infrastructure and human capital development anchored upon good governance,” Coloma added. (PRC-PIA/VDCG/RDA)


Arbitral Tribunal told: China’s claims over West Philippine Sea deprives PH of fishing rights

MANILA-- The Philippines discussed its deprivation of fishing and exploration rights during the second day of hearings on its case against China at the Arbitral Tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands. “The thrust of the Philippines’ arguments today centered on

the deprivation of the fishing and exploration rights due to China’s

PHOTOCREDITS: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/


aggressive assertion of exclusive rights over areas covered by the Nine-Dash Line,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a bulletin issued from The Hague on Thursday.

According to Valte, Andrew Loewenstein said none of the three conditions to establish historic rights are present in China’s case, making its claim “hopeless and indefensible.” The Palace official said Professor Philippe Sands argued that Mischief Reef, Second Thomas Shoal, Subi Reef, Mckennan Reef and Gaven Reef are all low-tide elevations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and as such, are not entitled to its own territorial sea, exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or continental shelf.

Sands also presented to the Tribunal the construction activities on these features done by China, and asserted that these changes cannot be the basis of additional maritime entitlements, she said.

Valte further said that Lawrence Martin argued that based on the Mandarin, Spanish and English translations of Article 121, features that are classified as rocks cannot have maritime entitlements despite China’s construction.

“Martin also stressed that, under UNCLOS, for a feature to be considered an island, it must be capable of sustaining human habitation and economic life,” she further said.

During the afternoon session, Reichler returned to the floor to prove before the Tribunal that no civilian settlements were ever established on the features in the Spratlys and that there can only be one reason why this is the case, as the features themselves are not capable of sustaining human habitation, Valte said.

She said Professor Sands discussed China’s interference with the Philippines’ exercise of sovereign rights under the UNCLOS with respect to living


and non-living resources in the exclusive economic zone.

Sands gave as examples several incidents involving service contracts given by the Department of Energy wherein the private companies were prevented from exploration. In addition, the fishing ban mandated by China’s Ministry of Agriculture covering even areas in the Philippines’ EEZ, was also discussed.

Martin presented several testimonies of Filipino fishermen to prove China’s interference in the traditional fishing activities of Filipino fishermen around the South China Sea, particularly in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. A map from 1784 was presented to prove that Bajo de Masinloc has always been part of the Philippines.

Loewenstein closed the afternoon session by presenting satellite images of installations constructed by China on Mischief Reef, among others. A video simulation was also shown to the Tribunal to demonstrate how a cutter suction dredger destroys the seabed and transfers sand to a pre-selected area. The same machine was used by China in its construction activities.

Loewenstein argued further that by engaging in these activities, China has violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines with regard to living and non-living resources in its EEZ and continental shelf, Valte said.

As stated by Sands, China’s violations are “flagrant and persistent” and they continue today, Valte added. (PCOO/PND)

13One MindanaoNovember 27, 2015

Third leg of livestock biotechnology research project proposal writing seminar scheduled in Mindanao

The Livestock Biotechnology Center (LBC) in partnership with National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Division XIII and Central Mindanao University (CMU) will hold a workshop in Mindanao to capacitate researchers from different institutions to make research proposal on livestock biotechnology projects. This completes the series of livestock biotech research proposal writing seminar, which was also recently held at Luzon and Visayas.

14 One Mindanao November 27, 2015

The event will be held at the Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon from Dec. 1 to 15 as a post-National Biotechnology Week activity.

Fifty participants from different institutions are expected to attend the three-day workshop. Researchers are expected to have their capsule proposals ready for them to organize and develop into a full research project.Each participant is then expected to have his research project ready for submission to Livestock Biotechnology Center for possible research funding.

The DA-Biotechnology Program Office (BPO) has been actively involved, together with other government departments and non-government

organizations, in the promotion and support of biotechnology in the Philippines. Through this seminar, DA BPO and LBC endeavors to update and encourage livestock researchers to engage in modern livestock biotech research.

Through the efforts of the DA-BPO and with the help of other institutions, DA-Administrative Order No. 06 series of 2015 has been approved. This new AO reiterates the roles of the three focal biotech centers- Crop Biotech Center, Livestock Biotech Center and Fisheries Biotech Center to facilitate a more integrated, focused, and more inclusive implementation of the R&D agenda on agricultural biotechnology. By:S&T Media Service


Surigao Norte joins 18-day campaign to end VAW

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte– Women organizations and other multi-sectoral groups of the province join in the national ob-servance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), that started yesterday (Nov. 25) themed, “End VAW Now” It’s Our Duty: Gains and Ways Forward” in coordination with the provincial government of Surigao del Norte through the Provin-cial Center for Women’s Training and Development in coordination with the Provincial Gender and Development Coordinating Council (PGADCC).

By: Susil D. Ragas


The celebration kicked off Wednesday morning with a thanksgiving mass held at the provincial capitol chapel followed by a motorcade around the city, and a short program and Zumba dance at the provincial grandstand. Governor Sol F. Matugas, in her inspirational message, said that violence against women has no place in a civilized society, “it is a sin against humanity and so we must all stand up everyday

to protect the life and rights of women, and believe that women can do so much to improve the province and the country.” Other lined-up activities for the 18-day observance includee women’s right and livelihood skills training, radio guesting, school symposium (high school and college level), VAW forum, lecture on STI/HIV AIDS (for World AIDS Day celebration), and team building for GADCC members.


Bislig youth org undergo food processing trainingBy: Jean Pearl I. Millones

BUTUAN CITY -- Recognizing the role of the youth in achieving a progressive locality, the second district of Surigao del Sur in partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) afforded the members of Youth Generation organization of Bislig City a one-day skills training for food processing at Shei-la’s Training Hall, Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on No-vember 21, 2015. Lorie Ann G. Hilongos, Family Welfare Officer for Surigao del Sur shared that the activity was carried out to help in steering the youth away from vices and perilous activities that is very rampant today. Hilongos also facilitated the leveling of expectation and house rules for the training, a way of imparting to the youth the importance of

coordination and professionalism. The one-day skills training for Food Processing includes the making of chorizo, embutido, tocino, longaniza, puto cheese and pastillas. Subsequently, Maria Mitzi T. Astromo, trainer from TESDA-Bislig, demonstrated the procedures and recipe needed for each food product. The youth


members were also given ample time to perform the same recipes allowing them to learn each food processes all the more. The outputs of the training were then presented to the guests during the graduation ceremony. More so, participants were provided with starter kits to aid them in their future cooking endeavors. Board Member Conrad C. Cejoco expressed his appreciation to the agency for the fruitful partnership and for providing the constituents with necessary trainings that their constituents need.

The president of the organization, Sylvia P. Daroy, in return shared her learnings throughout the activity. She is also very thankful for agency, “I could already imagine the many income-generating opportunities we could venture into and gradually help our families,” said Daroy. Programs and Services Division office-in-charge, Ma. Ireen C. Cambaling, remarked that the training is only one among the many skills-enhancing programs that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration intends to provide to its members.


Dinagat Island holds 3rd PPOC meeting

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands – The provincial government of Dinagat Islands recently conducted its 3rd Quaterly Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Meeting held at 4G Building, this province.

By: Susil D. Ragas

The members who attended the said meeting were able to discuss several issues concerning the formulation of the Peace and Order and Public Safety Plan (POPS Plan), presentation of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign Action Plan, presentation of the proposed 2016 budget for peace and order, and several significant accomplishments to ensure public safety, promote peace and order and maintain the province’s status quo as “Insurgency-Free Province” were also reported.During the meeting, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency

(PDEA) Caraga regional director Julius R. Navales said that he will assist the provincial government in its effort to achieve a “Drug-Free Workplace” by conducting a random drug testing to all capitol employees. Along with the activity is the awarding of plaque of recognition to outgoing members of the council who relentlessly exerted their efforts to accomplish their respective mandates. Among the awardees are former Fire Marshal F/Insp. Ellafil A. Libarnes, BJMP Jail Warden JO3 Antonio P. Basa and PSSupt. Crispulo P. Casilana.





Zambo mayor urges Filipinos to unite to protect territory

By Franklin P. Gumapon

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – “We, Filipinos, must unite…to protect the integrity of our country’s territory.”


This was the message of Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar as read by Councilor Roel Natividad before the participants to the multi-sectoral forum on the West Philippine Sea issue held at the Garden Orchid Hotel here yesterday.“We cannot allow other countries to bully us into submission, into giving up what is rightfully, legally and historically ours,” the mayor said.Local government officials, teachers, students, religious and

civic leaders from the different parts of the region came to attend the said forum jointly organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, DFA spokesman, who served as the forum resource person told the participants that “China is claiming what belongs to the Philippines and that the latter is defending what rightfully belongs to it.”According to Jose, the Philippine


government is adopting a dual approach to resolve the dispute - diplomatic track and legal track. The diplomatic track involves peaceful settlement of disputes while the legal track pursues the primacy of the rule of law.A case had been filed by the Philippine government before the tribunal of the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Seas (UNCLOS) in January 2013.

He, however, said: “Our dispute in the West Philippine Sea is not the sum total of our relations with China.”At the end of the forum, the participants recommended that the DFA and PIA go grassroots in their information campaign on China’s overlapping claims over the West Philippine Sea.

Arbitration case, a peaceful means to settle disputes, says DFA official By Gideon C. Corgue

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose on Wednesday answered queries from members of the Zamboanga City Press Club, Inc. (ZCPCI) on the West Philippine Sea issue during a press conference held at Astoria Hotel here.

Jose met the ZCPCI members at the sidelines of the 2-day multi-sectoral fora and campus tours, as part of the nationwide information campaign which seeks to raise the level of awareness of the Filipino

people on the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea issue.A ZCPCI member asked: “If worst comes to worst, how ready is our military to safeguard our territory?”


Jose said it is the policy of the Philippine government to settle disputes peacefully and not by armed confrontation adding that our country renounces was as an instrument of national policy enshrined in the 1987 Philippine constitution particularly in Article 2, Section II.“Our country adopts the generally accepted principles of international law and further adheres to the policy of peace, cooperation and amity,” he stressed. “The Philippine government filed an arbitration case before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, to voice out the

country’s advocacy in resorting to peaceful resolution of any dispute,” he explained.Another reporter asked, “With the maritime equipment provided by the Japanese government and two ships promised by US President Barack Obama to be given to the Philippines, would it not provoke China?”“The maritime equipment provided by the Japanese government and the two ships to be given by the US government is only to enhance our country’s maritime security capabilities,” Jose said adding that the ships would navigate and patrol its territorial waters.


The government is optimistic and looking forward to a favorable ruling on the arbitration case filed at the Permanent Court of Arbitration against China. The Philippines’ position is grounded on the principles stated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Jose appealed to the local media to help disseminate the information to the public saying that South China Sea/West Philippine Sea issue is a matter of national interest. “We need an informed citizenry who can make informed decisions,” Jose concluded.

Comelec clarifies amendments on some voting guidelinesBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – The Commission on Elections bared some amendments in the voting guidelines to be implemented in the upcoming May 9, 2016 elections during the recent Kapihan sa Dipolog held at Hotel Camila 1.

Dipolog City Election Officer and Acting Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Ellis Miguel said voters who have been registered in one particular locality can vote in some other areas during the May 2016 elections under a Local Absentee Voting.Miguel said any employee who

will be assigned in some other areas during election day due to the nature of his/her work will still be able to exercise his/her right of suffrage.Covered under the local absentee voting are the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) teachers, media and other


related works.COMELEC 9 Regional Director Wilfred Jay Balisado also explained other amendments to be implemented during the May 9, 2016 election, one of which is substitution. He said a candidate can only be substituted due to withdrawal, death, and disqualification. Under withdrawal, the substitute and the one substituted should belong to the same political party while on disqualification, the one substituted and the substitute should have the same surname.On the case of vote-buying, Balisado explained that under Republic 10015, carrying large amount of money despite some indications that it is intended for the purpose for vote-buying, for as long as the very intent has not been consummated, the said carrying of money does not constitute a crime. “It can be considered a crime only during the actual giving of the money to the intended recipient voter,” he said. In a related development, Atty.

Miguel said that the recently-conducted special registration in Sibuco municipality, this province last November 5-9 was peaceful with the security measures implemented by police and military authorities.The special general registration was conducted in Sibuco due to the improbability of data gathered regarding the number of registered voters in the said municipality.Miguel said Sibuco during the last barangay election had 30,000 registered voters and per 2010 census, the said municipality has a population of 32,000, making the 2,000 under 18 years old population improbable.During the special registration, the Comelec brought along with them 6 generators sets for the 6 special registration precincts duly established for the purpose.Balisado also said that the final cleansing of the candidates who are eligible to run for any elective position will be on December 10, 2015. Election period starts on January 10, 2016.


Regional anti-child labor summit heldDAVAO CITY- The First Regional Anti-Child Labor Summit and Children’s Festival was held yesterday (Nov. 23) at SMX Davao, with Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

“We are conducting this be-cause we want to intensify our campaign against child labor.” Says DOLE-XI regional director Joffrey Suyao. Dir. Suyao said the summit is a regional initiative and the first summit to be held in Davao re-gion. Among the participants in the whole-day event are baran-gay councils, organized parents, children representatives along-side partner government agen-cies and non-government organi-tions. The main objective of the anti-child labor summit is to rec-ognize and confer the Child La-bor-Free Establishments and Ba-rangay Awardees of this year. One of the highlights of the event is the signing of the Joint Memorandum Circular with the Region XI partner stakeholders in the implementation of the HELP

ME Convergence to Address Child Labor. The HELP ME Convergence was created to unite and syn-chronize efforts of partner stake-holders against child labor. From 2013 up to the present about 332 parents of child laborers were given livelihood assistance pro-vided to them by DOLE which has amounted to P2-million. According to RD Suyao there are about 400,000 child laborers in Davao Region based on 2011 study. During ther summit, the Project Angel Tree was conduct-ed with pooled gifts from private individuals and companies. In the afternoon parlor games was held for the children as part of the Children’s Festival. The event is in line with the celebration of the 23rd National Children’s Month. (PIA/RG Ala-ma)


Davao City braces for the Pasko Fiesta Fes-tivities DAVAO CITY, November 24 (PIA) All systems go for the Pasko Fiesta 2015, a Christmas Festivity that will run from December 4 to January 1, 2016.

Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chair of the committee on tour-ism at the city council said the activities will open with the light-ing of the city hall grounds and the Rizal Park in the evening of December 4. He urged the establishments surrounding the seat of the city government at San Pedro and Magallanes Streets to decorate and to light up their facades for the occasion. “We urge the private sector along San Pedro and Magallanes Streets to decorate their estab-lishments voluntarily and do the simultaneous lighting of the Christmas lights from December 4 to January 1,” Alejandre said. He said teams will also roam around the three districts of the city, respectively to draw the participation of everyone to the various Christmas competitions in the duration of the Pasko Fi-esta. Alejandre said the grand fi-nals of the competition will be

done at the Rizal Park. He said Kasadya sa Baran-gay will be slated from Decem-ber 1 to 15 all over Davao City, while the Dan-ag Dabaw or the Pasko Fiesta Opening will be on December 4 at the Rizal Park. Alejandre said that the Misa de Gallo will also be observed from December 16. He said Pas-ko alang sa mga Empleyado will also be done on December 17. “Sing-a-long Season IV De-cember 20, Koro sa Pasko Choral Competition December 21, Pag-dadasig December 22, Parolan December 23, Yugyugan Street Party December 26, Rakrakan sa Pasko Concert and Battle of the Bands December 27, Bituon sa Banag-banag/ Senior Citizens’ Quest December 28, and the 3rd Torotot Festival which will be done at San Pedro Square,” Ale-jandre said. He said the city government allocates P5-Million for the activ-ities. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Da-lumpines)


HIV/AIDS cases still on the rise -- health official

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 27 - Despite massive efforts, the cases of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the country have continued to rise, a health official here said.

By: Danilo E Doguiles


“If we look at the global map on HIV/AIDS, Philippines has remained on the red,” said Dr. Alah Baby Vingno, assistant provincial health officer of South Cotabato as she reported on the the HIV/AIDS during the 1st Regional HIV/AIDS Congress at The Farm@Carpenter Hill here Tuesday.

“This means that the number of HIV cases in the country increases by more than 25 per-cent each year.”

Citing data from the HIV/AIDS Anti-Retroviral Registry of the Philippines (HARP), Dr. Vingno said, the number new HIV cases in the country has increased by 1,038 percent in only 6 years (2008 to 2014).

This translates, she explained, to 22 new cases each day at present as compared to only 1 case per day in 2008.

Celestino Ramirez of the AIDS Society of the Philippines who also spoke at the congress, not-ed that in June this year, Philip-pines has reached a record of one case per hour.

Vingno expounded that most of the HIV cases in the country are getting younger, with ages ranging from 15 to 24 years old and 25 to 34 years old. Majority are men having sex with other

men. According to the HARP, as of

September 2015, the country has 28, 426 persons living with HIV.

Meanwhile, SOCCSKSARGEN Region has recorded a total of 551 HIV/AIDS cases from 1989 to September 2015.

Of this number, 348 are re-ported in South Cotabato and General Santos City; 314 of them are male.

Same database indicated that 120 are within ages 15 to 24 years old and 171 are within ages 25 to 34 years old.

“Based on the trend that the number of cases is increasing, it is alarming,” Dr. Francisco Ma-teo, assistant regional director of the Department of Health 12, said when asked to assess the HIV/AIDS situation in SOCCSK-SARGEN Region.

Along with other health offi-cials, however, he noted that the rising number of reported HIV cases could also be attributed to the increasing awareness, especially among members of the target sectors, regarding the importance of undergoing HIV testing.

“Instead of blaming my fellow health workers, I do recognize them because they were


NorthCot LGU pays tribute to barangay workers

able to entice individuals to surface and submit for voluntary counseling and testing, which is why the number of HIV cases in South Cotabato spiked,” said Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., provincial health officer.

He emphasized that knowing

the victims of HIV, the capabili-ty of the health service providers and the support system avail-able “is the beginning in winning the battle against HIV AIDS.” (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Nov. 27--- To give recognition to the efforts of barangay workers here in the province, the pro-vincial government of North Cotabato held two gatherings for the barangay nutrition scholars and barangay health workers.

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

The separate events gathered over 600 barangay nutrition scholars and over 2,000 baran-gay health workers who partici-pated in vari-ous activities the provincial government prepared for them.Aside from stress- reliev-ing activities, updates on the status the BNS’s and BHWs’s works

were presented.Governor Emmylou Mendoza took the opportunity to extend her appreciation for the hardwork


of the barangay workers for self-lessly serving the communities to ensure the health and welfare of the residents of the province.Meanwhile, vice- governor Gre-gorio Ipong emphasized that the provincial government will con-tinue to strengthen its support to the barangay workers as they do remarkable jobs despite many challenges and difficulties.On the other hand, barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars pledged to do their best in line with serving the people.

Aside from holding the two con-gresses annually, the provincial government takes other steps to support the programs for BHWs and BNSs in order to further im-prove their capacity to provide services in line with the aim of attaining a more stable and de-veloped province. (SJDuerme-PIA12 with report from NorthCot Media Center)

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One Mindanao - November 27, 2015

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