One Mindanao - November 8, 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]: hnb_r9pia

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]

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 (SOCSKARGEN)

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],ph

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESIN MINDANAO

OUR COVER features

Coconut Production

in Davao

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

Associate Editors ……....... OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NOEMI A. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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 Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, 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

Photo credits: justcocooil.com, lyricsdog.eu

Vol. 1, No. 86 NOVEMBER 8, 2011

N A T I O N A L

contentsCover Story :

The tree of life; going coco in Davao

Aquino to keynote 8th National Organic Agriculture Conference

by RG Alama contents

13

Aquino awaits busy schedule in Bali, Indonesia

President aquino ensures 2% of DA budget for organic agricul-tural programs

1210

4

10

CARAGA Region

PDEA-13 calls brgy officials’ support to curb illegal drug activities

Tribal assembly set in Surigao del Sur

Sen Legarda guest of honor at tribal assembly on Nov 12

34

35

34

NORTHERN Mindanao

24

Lanao Norte Guv thanks Pres. Aquino for declaring Nov. 7 a holiday for all

Coop Union in Lanao del Sur urges GPH-MILF to continue peace talks

Muslim Filipinos celebrate Eid Al-Adha

Lanao del Sur holds 2nd coop congress

22

TF Bamboo 3E starts bamboo tree planting along riverbanks in NorMin

26

22

25

27

WESTERN Mindanao

30RTWPB approves new wage hike

Reading Association of the Philippines midyear demofest 2011 slated in Dipolog on Nov. 13-15

29AFPSLAI augments soldiers’ recreational center to boost morale

29SOUTHERN Mindanao

DOE assures technology to mitigate coal-fired power plant effects

DENR XI claims illegal logging curbed but massive prod’n of school furnishings from hot logs says otherwise

40

39

39

CENTRAL Mindanao

Vehicles for barangays

Gensan completes computerization of 85 public schools

NFA S. Cotabato opens warehouses in Upper Valley area

PNP sets security plan for Yuletide season, deploys personnel to malls18

1716

16

34 brgy ng DOS, Maguindanao tumanggap ng sasakyan

1921

ADSWD sends stress debriefer teams to assist victims of lawless elements encounter

31PHL, US Marines show off amphibious operations capabilities 32 NPC president to induct Caraga

Tri-Media officers

CYLN to participate in the United Nations Global Compact 36

37

Davao LGU commits to E-trike project

Tagum Coop Young Savers’ ac-count reach million level 44

43

4 Tuesday, November 8, 2011

The tree of life; going coco in Davao

Cover Story

Considered as the tree of life for an array of commodities and products which can be sourced from its different parts from the leaves, nuts and trunk up to its roots, the

Coconut is among Davao Region’s top product providing livelihood and income to farmers and residents in the countryside.

By RG Alama

5Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Philippine Coconut Author-ity-XI Regional Director Lornito Orillaneda said that the Davao Region has about 376,000 hect-ares of coconut farms producing 3-million coconuts annually. It accounts for more than 60% of the Philippine coconut industry income of P600-million. In the region, Davao Ori-ental is tops in the number of coconut trees planted and in income contributions com-puted at around 72 percent. Davao del Sur is at the second spot, Davao City on third and Davao del Norte at fourth. Davao Oriental is consid-ered as the country’s top co-conut producer. According to 2007 figures the province pro-duces an average of one billion nuts annually covering a total crop area of 156,837 hectares.

The major products exported by the province are crude oil and copra pellets. Records show that export of 816,863 metric tons of crude oil and pellets from 1997 to 2001 is valued at $ 185.7 million. The estimated number of coconut farmers in Davao Ori-ental is around 114,079 farm-ers, the number of coconut plantations number at around

46,091 farms with an average farm Size of about 3.68 hect-ares and an average produc-tion per hectare / year at 1.2 tons. Orillaneda said that cur-rent export


receipts for the whole region from January to September 2011 are estimated to be at $200-million. This is an in-crease from the $154-million export receipts recorded in 2010. These receipts included all coconut products from co-pra, coconut oil, coconut wa-ter, coco-sugar, bio-fertilizers among others. According to data from the National Economic Develop-ment Authority; Regional eco-nomic production suffered a

slump in 2010. It registered a production drop of 1.4% as compared to 2009. According to a report the primary source of the decrease was the bio-logical stress factor on coco-nut trees like the onslaught of drought and heavy rains which resulted to a 2 to 3 a year cy-clical harvest. However according to NEDA data, despite the lower production, the prices of copra resecada increased from a P16 a kilo in January 2010 to P40


a kilo in October 2010 and in February of this year alone, co-pra prices surged to an all time high of P64 a kilo. This is due to an upsurge in demand from the markets of China and In-dia, which has become the top coconut markets aside from Europe and the United States. Banana plantations a threat?Orillaneda said that initially ex-panding banana plantations, which resulted in the conver-sion of formerly coconut farms and the cutting of trees for coco-lumber was an alarming trend for the coconut industry. It was brought about by low prices of copra the traditional source of export commodity for many coconut farmers. A de-cade ago, the prices of copra per kilo shrunk to a historic low P2 per kilo which forced many farmers to shift to high-income crops like bananas. But he said the percentage of coconut trees that were cut accounted for just 1% of the coconut trees in the region. Orillaneda said that at pres-ent farmers are now replanting new coconut seedlings. In the first three quarters of 2011, about 173,000 new trees were

planted. And these included replacement trees for old se-nile coconut palms. The total replanting rate is about 7% per year which out-strips the cutting rate of 1%. By three years time accord-ing to Orillaneda there will be 173,000 more productive co-conut trees.At present the coconut industry is producing 2.6 billion coco-nuts annually and their goal for the next five years is to nearly double the production to about 4-billion trees. According to Orillaneda, the region can still accommodate around 320-mil-lion coconut trees.


Revitalizing an industry The PCA is introducing value-adding factors in revital-izing the coconut industry. In-stead of trying to rely on copra as a traditional product, they are eyeing the development of coco-coir and coco-peat indus-tries.For example coconut husks which used to be waste prod-ucts or kiln fuel in traditional

copra industries can be utilized as another revenue stream for farmers. The coconut husks can be made into brushes, door-mats, carpets, bags, ropes, yarn fishing nets, and mattress-es, etc. the coir fiber from the husks can be utilized as substi-tute for jute in mak-ing rice, copra, sug-ar, coffee, bags and sandbags and many other materials. It is estimated that the country produc-es 15-billion coconut husks and the num-ber alone the country can hope to overtake Sri Lanka and China

as the top coco-coir exporters in the world. Other revitalization pro-grams include inter-cropping with other crops like cacao, ba-nanas and coffee. Particularly cacao (cocoa) which the Davao City Agriculturist Office (CAO) is heavily promoting citing the increasing world market de-mand for chocolates which is


sourced from cacao, current ca-cao prices (dried beans) range from P100 to P125 a kilo. The CAO said that in a hect-are planted to coconut trees a farmer can squeeze in 900 ca-cao trees which can give him an additional income of about P150, 000 per year. The cacao-coconut farm model is part of the city’s agro-forestry devel-opment program which aims to target 105,000 hectares of ag-ricultural forestry land in Davao City.Climate Change Mitigation More than just income and livelihood for farmers, coconuts can also help in climate change mitigation. Dr. Severino Magat of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in his paper titled, “Co-conut: Its Mitigation and Ad-aptation to Climate Change” it has suggested that the Philip-

pines can utilize its 3.2-million hectares of coconut lands as carbon sinks. Acco rding to studies, a hectare of coconuts had a capacity to store 24.1 tons of carbons in a year. For example basing on the given data Davao Region alone with an area of 376- thousand hectares plant-ed to coconuts sequesters an estimated 9-million plus tons of carbon in a year. According to Dr. Magat’s paper these coconut lands could be developed for income generating carbon sequestra-tion projects and carbon credit market. Aside from carbon seques-tration capacities, the coco-nuts can also ease up the use of fossil fuels with its bio-fuel products which can be sourced from its oil. From providing livelihood to farmers to its potentials in mitigating climate change, the coconut has again proven that is the tree of life from the past, to the present until the future. And Davao Region with its abundant coco-resources could again benefit from its re-surgence.


President aquino ensures 2% of DA budget for organic agricultural programs

President Benigno S. Aquino III directed the Department of Agriculture to ensure that two percent of its annual budget be allocated for the implementation of it’s programs and policies on

organic agriculture.


President aquino ensures 2% of DA budget for organic agricultural programs

The President gave the directive in his speech at the 8th National Organic Ag-riculture Conference at the Aquino Center of Hacienda Luisita here. “Inaasahan ko ang tuloy-tuloy na pagdodoble-kayod ng Department of Agri-culture sa pagbuo at pagpapatupad ng mga polisiya at programa na magpapabilis sa pag-unlad ng organic farming sa bansa, sa ilalim ng kanilang Na-tional Organic Agri-culture Program,” the President said. “Katuwang na-man ang Department of Budget and Man-agement, sisiguruhin natin na mailalaan ng DA ang hindi ba-baba sa dalawang porsiyento ng kanil-ang taunang budget sa pagpapatupad sa nabanggit na progra-ma, alinsunod sa RA 10068,” he added.

Republic Act 10068, otherwise known as Organic Ag-riculture Act of 2010, strengthens the State’s policy to pro-mote, propagate, de-velop further and im-plement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines. The President is promoting organic ag-riculture as a means to address the issue of food security in the country. “Habang pina-palawak natin ang ac-cess ng bawat pamilya sa sapat na pagkain, kailangan din nating pag-igtingin ang pag-papalaganap ng mga kaalaman at teknolo-hiya na magpapanum-balik sa kalusugan ng mga lupang sakahan,” the President said. “Dito pumapa-sok ang halaga ng or-ganic agriculture,” he added. The President said that through or-

gan-ic ag-r i c u l t u r e , farmers are ensured of cumulatively condi-tioning and enriching the fertility of the soil, increase farm produc-tivity, reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent depletion of natural resources, and further protect the health of farmers, consumers and the general pub-lic. He added that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has de-termined that organ-ic agriculture has the potential to increase farm productivity thereby increasing farmers’ wages and provide food for all. “Makakatulong din ito sa pagbaba ng gastos sa pagsasaka,” the President added.(RCK)


Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio said in a pre-depar-ture briefing at Mala-canang on Tuesday, that the President will have a series of meetings where he will promote the ad-

vocacies of the coun-try for ASEAN. The 19th Asean Summit will formal-ly start in the morn-ing of November 17 which will be fol-lowed by the Plenary and Retreat Sessions and the ASEAN Lead-

ers’ Meeting with the Asean Business Advi-sory Council. The Agreements and Declarations to be signed by the Ase-an Ministers which will be witnessed by the Asean Leaders include the Agree-


A busy schedule awaits President Benigno S. Aquino III at the 19th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Bali, Indonesia from November 17 to

19.



ment on the Estab-lishment of the Asean Coordinating Center for Humanitarian As-sistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center), the Declara-tion on Asean Unity in Cultural Diversity: Towards Strengthen-ing the Asean Com-munity. The Asean Lead-ers will also sign the Bali Declaration on the Asean Commu-nity in a Global Com-munity of Nations. The first day’s

side event will fea-ture the 2011 Asean Business and Invest-ment Summit (ABIS) Asean Fair. Topping the ac-tivities on Friday (Nov. 18) are the Asean-China Commemora-tive Summit followed by the Launching of the Asean-China Cen-ter, the 14th Asean-Japan Summit and the 14th Asean-Re-public of Korea (ROK) Summit. There will also be the 14th Asean Plus

Three S u m m i t and the 3rd Ase-an – United States of America Leaders’ Meeting wherein the Philippine plays as the coordinator. On its final day (Nov. 19), the activi-ties include the 4th Asean – United Na-tions Summit, the 9th Asean – India Summit and the 6th East Asia Summit (Plenary and Retreat Sessions). (JCL)

Aquino to keynote 8th National Organic Agriculture ConferencePresident Benigno S. Aquino III will embark on a

three-day trip to Bali, Indonesia to attend the 19th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits from November 17

to 19, a senior official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.


I n

a p r e -

depar-ture briefing at Mala-canang on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Un-dersecretary for Poli-cy Erlinda Basilio said that apart from his ASEAN counterparts, President Aquino will also be meeting with the leaders of Asu-tralia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea

(ROK), Russia and the United States (US), and United Nations (UN) Secretary-Gen-eral Ban Ki Moon. “President Aqui-no will be attend-ing the 19th Asean Summit, the Asean-China Commemo-rative Summit, the 14th Asean-Japan Summit, the 14th Asean-ROK Summit, the 14th Asean Plus Three Summit, the 3rd Asean-US Lead-ers’ Meeting, the 4th

Asean-U.N. Sum-mit, the Asean Lead-ers’ Meeting with the Asean Business Advi-sory Council, the 9th Asean-India Summit and the 6th East Asia Summit,” Usec. Basil-io said. The Philippines also welcomes the finalization of the Guidelines on the im-plementation of the DOC of Parties in the West Philippine Sea. During the said events, the President will focus on Philip-pine advocacies for Asean, which are aligned with the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy, name-ly political-security, economic diplomacy and assistance to na-tionals. These advo-cacies include Mari-time Security and the transformation of the West Philip-pine Sea to a Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship, and Co-


operation (ZoPFF/C) with respect to inter-national law and the United Nations Con-vention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration of Conduct (DOC). It will be recalled that during the 18th ASE-AN Summit last May in Jakarta, Indone-sia, President Aqui-no offered a frame-

work for pursuing the ZoPFF/C. In his speech at the 18th Asean Summit last May in Jakarta, President Aquino underscored the main purpose for the creation of Asean in 1967 which aims for the “creation of a cohesive, peace-ful, stable and resil-

ient region”. The Pres-ident stressed that it is paramount for Asean-member countries to remain committed to its community-building goals to realize an Asean Community by the year 2015. (JCL)


The Provincial Government of South Cotabato under the leadership of Gov-ernor Arthur “Dodo” Y. Pingoy Jr. has turned over vehicles to Brgy Avan-cena of Koronadal City, Brgy Basag of T’boli, Brgy San Miguel of Norala; Brgy Liberty of Tampakan, Brgy M. Roxas of Sto. Niño, and Brgy Koronadal Proper ofPolomolok. These vehicles, Gov. Pingoy appealed, should be used solely for the efficient delivery of basic services in communities. (Photos by TONY SOLIS and STEVE RODRIGUEZ/SoCot-PIO)

Vehicles for barangays


Gensan completes computerization of 85 public schoolsBy Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The local government here has recently completed the computerization of all the 85 public elementary and secondary schools in the city in a move to sharpen the city’s competitive advantage in the do-mestic and global arenas.

City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio led the website-launching of the 69 public elemen-tary schools over the weekend in addition to the websites of the 26 barangay high schools that were launched few weeks earlier.

According to Me-dia Affairs Officer, Avel Manansala, the idea of linking the 85 pub-lic schools in the city through the internet is underscored in the SHEEP-Computer Lit-eracy Program (CLP) headed by the mayor’s Executive Assistant, Percival Pasuelo,

Manansala disclosed that the SHEEP-CLP is one of the major devel-opment thrusts of the present administration to prepare the city for effective domestic and

global engagements, as envisioned by former Mayor Adelbert Antoni-no.

SHEEP stands for Social Transformation, Human Empowerment, Economic Diversifica-tion, Environment Secu-rity and Regeneration, and Participatory Gov-ernance and Transpar-

ency.Meanwhile, Manan-

sala revealed that all these 85 websites can be accessed through a centralized website- www.gensantos.org- where interested net or web surfers especially alumni of the schools can check on their Alma Mater.


“These websites are very interactive and perform like blogs where students can contribute their essays and upload pictures of their school activities,” he said.

Manansala explained

that the City Govern-ment and the Depart-ment of Education (DepEd) have partnered in training the principals of the 85 public schools as well as their staffs on how to responsibly maintain their respec-

tive websites.“General Santos

City now holds the dis-tinction of being the first city in the coun-try where all its pub-lic schools have online presence,” he opined. (PIA-Gensan)

PNP sets security plan for Yuletide season, deploys personnel to mallsBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY- Barely a week after the successful implementation of Oplan Kaluluwa, Region 12’s Police Regional Office (PRO 12) is al-ready on the final stage of setting up security plans for the Christmas season.

Police Regional Di-rector P/CSupt. Ben-jardi Mantele said they

have already “set on paper” the security plans for both Christ-

mas and New Year celebrations.

“We have already written down the du-ties and responsibilities of each unit,” he said.

After these plans have been finalized he said, he will call a meeting with police provincial directors and commanders and chiefs of police for a discussion and imple-mentation of the secu-rity measures.

He added that dur


ing the implementa-tion of the plans, se-nior officers will be going around the re-gion to supervise and make sure that plans are properly followed.

Mantele, however, emphasized that the police personnel need the assistance and co-operation of the public in the success of the security plans, pointing out that keeping the celebrations peaceful

and orderly remains a concerted effort between the police and the communities.

Mantele has also ordered beefing up of security in malls and supermarkets that are expected to be busy in the coming weeks.

Effective yesterday, malls and supermar-kets in General Santos City have been as-signed with two to four police person-

nel to help security guards, particularly in assuring that no dan-gerous or illegal items such as firearms are brought inside the es-tablishments.

He said he has al-ready directed chiefs of police in the other parts of the region to also assign police per-sonnel in malls in their respective jurisdic-tions. (PIA 12)

NFA S. Cotabato opens warehouses in Upper Valley area

By Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY -- South Cotabato’s National Food Authority today opens two warehouses to make sure that palay procured in the Up-per Valley area would be properly stocked.

NFA Assistant Man-ager Angelina Lu-cena said they have rented Rockwell warehouse in Norala and Bautista ware-house in Banga, which also serve as buying

stations where farm-ers in the munici-palities of Banga, Norala, Surallah, Lake Sebu, T’boli, and Sto.Niño can deliver their produce.

“(The warehouses


have been rented) in preparation of our procurement in the upcoming harvest in December,” she said.

In an earlier in-terview, Lucena said the warehouses have a combined capacity of at least 100,000 bags, enough to ac-commodate deliveries from the Upper Val-ley area.

Provincial Agricul-ture Officer Reynaldo Legaste in a separate interview said more than 12,000 hectares of rice are expected to be harvested in December.

Although they are still short of their target, Lucena is

confident they can still achieve the pro-curement of 168,000 target before the year ends.

More farmers in the province still pre-fer selling their pro-duce to commercial traders because they still get better price for their wet palay.

NFA buys palay from rice farmers at P17.00 per kilogram.

“We buy palay at P17.40 per kilo if this is clean and dry,” she said. Accredited cooperatives that sell their palay to NFA also get incen-tives of P0.30 per kilo.

To encourage more

farmers to deliver their produce to NFA South Cotabato, it simplified the re-quirements so that more farmers could sell their produce.

“Farmers only need to present a certification from ei-ther their municipal agricultural officer or municipal agrarian reform officer,” Luce-na said.

“The certification should specify the number of hectares of rice field being tilled, volume of pro-duction this season and the farm clas-sification whether ir-rigated or rain-fed.”

Besides the buying stations in Banga and Norala, farm-ers may also deliver their produce to two buying stations in Ko-ronadal City.

She also assured rice farmers that NFA South Cotabato has enough funding for the procurement program until the end of the year. (PIA 12)


34 brgy ng DOS, Maguindanao tumanggap ng sasakyanKORONADAL CITY – Tinanggap ka-hapon ng 34 na mga opisyal ng iba’t-ibang barangay ng bayan ng Datu Odin Sinsuat sa Lalawigan ng Maguindanao ang tig-isang sasakyan (multicab) na gagamitin para sa pa-ghahatid ng serbisyo publiko para sa mga residente.

Ang mga sasakyan ay ipinama-hagi sa pamamagitan ng isang simp-leng seremonya na pinangunahan ni Maguindanao at Cotabato City Rep-resentative Bai Sandra Sema.

Ang pondo na binili ng sasakyan ay kinuha sa Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) ni Rep. Sema.

Sa kanyang mensahe, hinamon ni Sema ang mga opisyales ng ba-rangay na kanilang gamitin ang mga sasakyan para sa paghahatid ng mga batayang serbisyo at huwag um-anong abusuhin ang gamit nito para sa kanilang pansariling kapakanan.

Dahil ang sasakyan umano ay pag-aari na ng barangay, pinayuhan din ni Sema ang mga opisyales na ipagamit sa mga residente ito sa pa-nahon ng emergency at kalamidad.

Umabot sa mahigit P5.920 milyon ang halaga ng 34 na mga sasakyan na pinondohan ng PDAF ni Sema. (ac agad PIA12)

300 magsasaka sa Maguindanao tumanggap ng CLOACOTABATO CITY -- “Pagyamanin, alagaan at bungkalin at tamnan upang maging produktibo ang lupang kaloob ng gobyerno para pagkakaki-taan,” ito ang mensaheng ipinaabot ni Maguin-danao Gov. Esmael Mangundadatu sa mga be-nepisiyaryo ng Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Mahigit 300 magsasaka ang napagkalooban ng Department of Agririan Reform (DAR) sa Maguindanao ng Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) sa ilalim ng CARP pagkalipas ng il-ang taong sila ay walang sariling lupang sinasaka.

Sa awarding ceremony noong Nobyembre 4, sinabi ni Mangundadatu na sa pamamagitan ng biyayang lupaing tinanggap ng mga magsasaka ay daan upang segurado ang dagdag kita para sa pamilya.

Hinikayat ng gobernador ang mga benepi-syaryo na magdoble sipag sa pagsasaka sa ka-nilang lupain para dagdag kita ng pamilya sabay paalalang huwag padadala sa sulsol para ibenta o isanla ang hawak nilang CLOA.

Ayon kay Bing Bacar, provincial agrarian re-form officer (PARO) ng DAR-Maguindanao tuloy-tuloy ang implementasyon ng CARP na pansa-mantalang tinigil noong nakalipas na ilang taon.

Sa katunayan aniya, ang lalawigan ng Maguin-danao ang may pinakamataas na bilang ng CLOA na naipagkaloob sa mga magsasaka.

Sa suhestiyong isailalim sa Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program ang mga tinaguriang “ill-gotten lands” sa lalawigan, sinabi ni Bacar na ito ay dadaan sa masusing pagaaral at pagrepaso ng ahensiya sa tulong at koordinasyon ng iba pang kinauukulang tanggapan ng pamahalaan.

Ang lupaing isasailalim sa CARP ay kinakail-angang napapabilang bilang “alienable at dispos-able” at hindi produktibo o hindi pinakinabangan sa loob ng tatlong sunod-sunod na taon, paliwa-nag ni Bacar. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)


Lanao Norte Guv thanks Pres. Aquino for declaring Nov. 7 a holiday for allBy: Rutchie Cabahug-AguhobGov. Khalid Q. Dimaporo has

thanked President Benigno S. Aquino III for declaring ,Nov. 7,

as a holiday not only for Muslims but for Christians, as well. “This act of President Aquino is very laudable, since it pushes for more unity and understanding of each others’ cultures, “the Governor said.Himself an offspring of a Muslim-Christian marriage of Former Congressman Abdulah Dimaporo, a Maranao and Former Governor Imelda Qibranza, a Christian, the Governor, who is one of couple’s five (5) siblings, is an epitome of such cultural unity. He said if Christians have Christmas in December, the Muslims have their Eid Al-Adha in November and if the Christians have the Holy Week for their period of fasting, the Muslims have also their version for such, during the Ramadan. “Ang lahat ay sama-samang nag holiday sa mga panahong ito (All are enjoying these holidays, together),” he said. Republic Act No. 9849 provides that Eidul Adha or Feast of the Sacrifice shall be celebrated as a regular

holiday in the country. Thus, President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Proclamation No. 276, declaring Nov. 7, as regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eidul Adha. The proclamation was recommended by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) as the culmination of a 3-day celebration: the Eidul Adha Prayer on Nov. 5, the Eidul Adha Festival on Nov. 6 and the Eidul Adha Holiday on Nov. 7.


The date of the festival, Nov. 6, was based on the declaration made by Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body. Meanwhile, yesterday’s Eid Al-Adha festival in Lanao del Norte was observed with a Korban “Beef Sharing” and “lechon baka” offering attended mostly by the Provincial Volunteer Health Workers (PVHW). “Halal” beef of two (2) kg., each, were distributed to some 4,000 families, both Muslims and Christians ,while the roasted beef provided for their lunch. The fresh meat came from some 220 cows, of which 20 were roasted and prepared at the meat section of the Provincial Agora Public Market, fronting the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC), in Sagadan , here. About 100 of the cows were donated by the Turkisk Government through the Integrated Center for Alternative Developments (ICAD) and Pacific Dialogue Foundations, while the other 120 were donated by the Lanao del Norte Provincial Government.

Ferhat Kazkondu, President of ICAD Foundation said the beef-sharing is their way of reaching out to their brothers and sisters in the Philippines. He also said he will try his best to increase the number of cows that the Turkish people will donate to the Eid Al-Adha festivities, here, next year.


Muslim Filipinos celebrate Eid Al-AdhaBy Apipa Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Muslims all over the country observed Eidul Adha, Sunday, with religious fervor and renewed spirit of sacrifice.

They have gathered in their respective local mosques where the Eid Al-Adha congregational prayers were offered. One of the two Islamic Festivals, Eidul Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice commemorates the great act of sacrifice Abraham (Ibrahim among Muslims) was willing to make in order to submit to the will of Allah. Muslims celebrate this occasion to remember the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God, said Aleem Khairuddin Hanapi. He said before Abraham was able to sacrifice his son, Allah replaced Ishmael with a sheep, thus, sparing his life. That is why Muslims remember this momentous event by sacrificing a sheep, camel, cow, or goat, and sharing the meat from the sacrifice to others, especially the poor, he

added. Meanwhile, President Benigno S. Aquino III, has praised Muslim Filipinos for their earnest conviction for their beliefs and steadfast fulfilment of their religious obligations citing these as an inspiration to their fellow countrymen. In his Eidul Adha message, the President said Eid Al-Adha is a reflection of a tale about unconditional trust reminding Muslim Filipinos that sacrifice is a test of one’s principles amid the challenges and complexities of life. This occasion also imparts the lesson of courage, motivating a believer to be more accepting of the trials along the way of his enlightenment, he added. Furthermore, the President also expressed hope that Muslim Filipinos will remain committed in helping create an environment of stability through harmonious relations among all Filipinos. In line with the celebration, President Aquino has declared November 7, 2011 as a regular holiday throughout the country in order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eidul Adha to the fore of national consciousness. Eidul Adha is the 12th regular holiday being observed in the entire country.


Coop Union in Lanao del Sur urges GPH-MILF to continue peace talksBy Apipa Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The newly-organized Cooperative Union of Lanao del Sur (CUL) has urged the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) to resume the peace talks in Mindanao. This consensus was agreed by the CUL members of the during the second provincial cooperative congress held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol, here, recently. In its first resolution, CUL requested both the government and MILF to resolve, once and for all, the ongoing atrocities affecting some areas in Mindanao and also give preferential interest in the peace and development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). With the presence of conflict, the union members believed that it could not engage in business and expand their social and economic endeavors that would contribute to the development in their respective localities. Anchored on the theme, “Transformative Cooperative: Advancing

People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace,” the coop congress aims to promote the spirit of cooperativism as a vehicle for social transformation for the people, planet, prosperity and peace. One of the highlights of the gathering was the oath-taking of the officers of the CUL namely: Dr. Lominog B. Manoga, President, Sultan Tingagun Macaagir, Vice President, Abdulrahman Barazar, Secretary, Aleem Abdulmalik Macarampat, Treasurer, Soraidah Alonto Bookkeeper, and Saifon Abdulmanan, Faisal Mangco, and Engr. Omar Macarimbang, Board of Director. Meanwhile, Atty. Paisalin D. Tago and Pendatun B. Disimban, CDA Administrators for Mindanao, have called on the officers of CUL to join in the Mindanao Peace Forum on November 11, 2011 to show that cooperatives are not

only instrument of social justice and sustainable development but also vehicles for peace. The peace forum, dubbed as 11.11.11, is slated to be held at the Atrium of Lim Ket Kai Center in Cagayan de Oro City. Cooperative leaders from all over the country is expected to participate to advance what they believe is their inherent right to live in peace founded on social justice, equity, and sustainable development.


Lanao del Sur holds 2nd coop congressBy Apipa Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Close to 200 cooperative members in the province converged here, recently, and joined hands to put forward the cooperative movement in this part of the country.

Organized by the Cooperative D e v e l o p m e n t Authority (CDA), in collaboration with the Provincial Cooperative Office, the 2nd Lanao del Sur Cooperative Congress aimed at raising public consciousness on the contributions of cooperatives on the socio-economic development of the country. Anchored on the theme “Kazalimbutad A Kapamagogopa: Kambayorantang, Kapuromasay, Kaphiaphia, Kathigur Ago Kapanglimbabaan Para Ko Lalayon A Kalilintad Ago Kathagompia (Transformative Cooperative: Advancing People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace),” the congress also aimed to promote the spirit of cooperativism as a vehicle for social transformation for the people, planet, prosperity and peace. “The theme is fittingly appropriate as this advocacy is never an affair of the government, alone, but also the concern of all stakeholders of the society, especially the people themselves,” expressed Lanao del Sur First District Representative Hussein

Pacasum-Pangandaman. He said the promotion of cooperatives is one of the major interventions of the government to minimize, if not totally eradicate, poverty. By enhancing the capabilities of non-government organizations, livelihood associations, people’s organizations such as cooperatives, and self-help groupings dedicated to the people, the government is building-up the capacity of the masses, he added. Pangandaman, who was the keynote speaker of the coop congress, also underscored that active participation and strong adherence to the spirit of cooperativism is the one of the necessary ingredients to achieve prosperity and peace.


He said what is admirable in the cooperative is that it will only decide in favor of the common good and not on a particular person’s vested interest. Hence, he expressed the need for strong cooperatives that are guided by transparency and accountability to ensure that the cooperatives’ interest will prevail in the community. Pangandaman also urged the participants to transform into cooperative efforts the admirable culture and tradition of Maranaos towards the concept of “kapamagogopa,” a Mranao term which means helping one another

for prosperity and peace within the challenging environment. Meanwhile, Mindanao State University (MSU) Director for Research and Extension Dr. Amer A. Comadug, has expressed commitment to support the CDA in its agenda of advancing human resource development. He said MSU, through technical assistance, will assist CDA and the newly-organized Cooperative Union of Lanao del Sur in enhancing their skills and capabilities to make them effective in carrying out endeavors to advance cooperativism.

TF Bamboo 3E starts bamboo tree planting along riverbanks in NorMinby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Task Force Best Action for Mobilizing Barangay Organizations for Opportunities in Education, Environment and Entrepreneurship (BAMBOO 3E) has been formed in Northern Mindanao.

Described as a multi-sectoral approach to enhance environmental education and entrepreneurship formation among children, BAMBOO 3E aims to address the concern on climate change by the elementary, secondary, and tertiary schools of the region.

The said task force advocates for bamboo to be planted along the riverbanks because of its potential for preventing soil erosion and entreprenueral value to the students,” Regional Director Luz Almeda of the Dept. of Education (DepEd), Northern

Mindanao, said.

“We want to start them young in taking care of the environment by educating them how to plant trees, grow them, and then develop their entrepreneural skills using the bamboo as a means to sustain their lives,” she said. The composition of TF BAMBOO 3E and their respective tasks is as follows: DepEd, as chair, provides manpower for the planting and growing of the bamboo seedlings into trees and making the tree guards to ensure


their safe growth from destructive animals.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as vice-chair, provides the technology for the processing of the bamboo trees into school furniture, such as, school desks, blackboards, book shelves, book stands, book ends, etc.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the local government units (LGU),identifies the planting areas, coordinates with its land owners and arranges for the security of its protection and maintenance of the bamboo growing process.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Dept. of Agriculture (DA) for technical assistance in procurement

of seedlings and tree growing.

Also included in the TF are the Dept. of Tourism (DOT), Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for the information, education, and advocacy drive of the project.

Meanwhile, DepEd-10 has identified several pilot areas for planting bamboo trees: Barangays Lingating and Langawon in Baungon; and Bukidnon and Mambuaya, Gusa and Iponan, in Cagayan de Oro City.

So far, Almeda said DepEd has allocated P200,000 for the purchase of bamboo seedlings, while DOST has promised to put up a bamboo processing plant worth P1.2M in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.


AFPSLAI augments soldiers’ recreational center to boost moraleThe Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan, Inc.

(AFPSLAI) formally turned over on October 28 to the Enlisted Personnel (EP) of Western Command

(WESCOM) items which will be placed in the floating cottage that will serve as the EP’s recreation center.

by Rene Carbayas

The 6th Civil Rela-tions Group of the AFP reveals that AFPSLAI Palawan branch man-ager Gloterio M. Do-lorfino personally hand-ed over a refrigerator unit and other recre-ational items to the EP that amounted to more than P170, 000. WESCOM Com-mander LTGen Juancho M. Sabban AFP led the

turn-over ceremo-ny held at the Social Hall at the WESCOM headquarters. Providing the EP with the floating cottage that will serve as their recreational center is

another project con-ceptualized with the aim of boosting the soldiers’ morale and encouraging them to give bet-ter service. The floating cottage will be a place where the enlisted per-sonnel can go to re-lax after a long day of

hard work. The turn-over also coincided with the in-duction of officers of the EP Cooperative As-sociation and of the EP Ladies Club which were also officiated by LTGen Sabban. The EP Coopera-

tive was estab-

lished



to provide the enlisted personnel with an in-come generating proj-ect as well as an estab-lishment where they

could go to buy gro-cery items at a cheaper price. MSg Engal-la PAF was elect-

ed as the president of the EP Coopera-tive Association. ( J P A / 6 C R G A F P /RVC-PIA9 ZBST)

by Franklin P. GumaponPublic and private school administrators, college professors and elementary and high school teachers are slated to coverage here on Nov. 13-15 for the midyear demofest

2011 spearheaded by the Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP).

This year’s gath-ering of reading teachers, professors and specialist in the mother tongue, Fili-pino, and English will focus will focus on the theme, “Reading Rizal: Pagsulong sa Kaniyang Adhikain sa Konektadong Daig-dig. The activity aims to bring together professionals and ad-vocates from various parts of the country to share their best practices on literacy education in rela-tion to the follow-

ing strands: Reading Rizal, Rizal and Tech-nology and Rizal and Love of Country. Prof. Ambeth Ocampo of the His-tory Department of Ateneo de Manila University will serve will serve as keynote speaker during the opening program. Other speakers include Prof. Patro-cinio Villafuerte of the Filipino Department, Philippine Normal University-Manila, Dr. Lina Diaz De Rivera of the College of Educa-tion, University of the

Philippines, Dr. Daniel Churchill of the nUni-versity of Hong Kong, Dr. Micahel Tan of the College of Science and Philosophy of the University of the Phil-ippines-Diliman and Executive Director Victorino Manalo of the National Archives of the Philippines. It can be re-called that the Na-tional Physics Con-ference was also held here in the city last month. (JPA/FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)



by Jocelyn P. Alvarez Good news for workers in the region. Department of Labor’s (DOLE) Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in its recent meeting held in Manila approved

Wage Order 17 granting a Php 12.00 increase in the basic salary of the private workers in Region 9.

DOLE Regional Di-rector Ponciano Ligutom said the said wage order will be “out” anytime soon as the papers for the new wage increase are still with the Nation-al Wages Productivity Commission (NWPC) for review. Ligutom said notice of new wage hike will be published in newspapers

once the labor depart-ment will get hold of the papers after thorough review of the NWPC and implementing rules and regulations (IRR) will then fallow. Earlier, the RTWPB have conducted several wage hearings on the possible wage increase in the region. The Regional Wage

Board composition is as follows: two represen-tatives from the em-ployers sector, two from the workers sector, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and DOLE as the chair. (JPA/PIA9-Zambo City)

RTWPB approves new wage hike

DSWD sends stress debriefer teams to assist victims of lawless elements encounter Fourteen teams of social workers were dispatched to the

municipalities of Alicia and Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay early this month to conduct Critical Incidence Stress

Debriefing (CISD) sessions to armed conflict affected families.

The teams, composed of social workers from the regional office and its sub-offices in Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur,

are trained debriefers who shall conduct debriefing sessions to adults and children willing to undergo the said session.

Mrs. Socorro Macaso, Head of the CISD teams explained that CISD is not a psychotherapy, nor it is a substitute


PHL, US Marines show off amphibious operations capabilitiesShowing off their enhanced interoperability capabilities in

conducting amphibious operations, the Philippines and the United States Marines participating in the bilateral

military training on October 27, successfully conducted a boat raid exercise in the coast of Tagkawayan, Puerto Princesa City.

The 6th Civil Rela-tions Group of the AFP reported that in a sim-ulated scenario, the combined Philippines and US Forces dem-onstrated their capabilities to infiltrate an en-emy’s base by coming in from

the sea and using the element of surprise to their advantage.

The US Marines have only started train-ing with their Filipino

counterparts the day before the capability demonstration and the for-mer have been impressed by how easily the Philippine Ma

for psychotherapy instead it is to provide an opportunity for ventilation in a structured and supportive environment. “It’s main goal is to relieve the person of the stress brought about by a traumatic incident such as the recent conflict in Payao.” Mrs. Macaso further revelaed that four (4) teams will be deployed in Payao while the other

teams will be assigned in Alicia municipality considering that most evacuees come from the said area. Adults shall be subjected to the seven (7) phases of Jeffrey Mitchell’s CISD model while children who were also affected by the distressful ordeal shall have sessions on draw and tell, where they will be encouraged to draw

their experiences and encountered scenes in the hope of mitigating the effects of their experiences. The teams were also tasked to assess the damages brought about by the conflict as well as look into other needs of the affected families and communities. (JPA/DSWD-9/PIA9/CAL/ZamboSur)


rines have in-

t e grated what they learned in their own operational sys-tem. US Marines team lead-er Captain John Dolby commended the Philip-pine Marines for prov-ing themselves at par with their American counterparts. The simulated boat raid operation was part of the annual military exercises be-tween the Philippine and US Marines dubbed Phiblex designed to enhance interoperabil-ity between both coun-tries’ marine forces. This year’s exercises focused on improv-ing territorial defense capabilities as well as disaster response pre-paredness. LTGen Juan-

cho M. Sabban AFP, Commander of the Western Command (WESCOM), said Palawan was cho-sen as one of the venues for the training not only

because the beaches found here are suitable for military exercises such as the boat raid operation but also be-cause of the presence of the support facil-ity in the West Coast, particularly in Ulugan Bay. WESCOM Chief said amphibious opera-tions like the boat raid are the core compe-tency of the Philippine Marines and the train-ing with the American soldiers would further improve their capa-bilities. US Exercise director Brig. Gen. Craig Tim-berlake said training with the Philip-pine Marines is particularly special of the kinship between the Filipino soldiers and the US

Marines. The exercise was par-ticipated in by at least 2000 US marines and a thousand Philippine troops. Community development and hu-manitarian assistance projects had also been conducted as part of military exercises. Aside from train-ings in Palawan, joint marine exercises are being held simultane-ously in Fort Magsay-say in Nueva Ecija, Basa Air Base in Pam-panga, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim in Cavite, Crow Valley in Tarlac and Naval Station San Miguel in Zambales. ( J P A / 6 C R G A F P /RVC-PIA9 ZBST)


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PDEA-13 calls brgy officials’ support to curb illegal drug activitiesBarangay officials should

not be scared in giving information to the office

of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga relating to smuggling of drugs in their barangays.

This is the state-ment by PDEA Caraga Acting Regional Di-rector Joel Plaza in an interview with a local radio station here. Plaza said infor-

mation such as this makes it easier for the agency to con-duct operations to curb drug smuggling in barangays. The PDEA chief

of the region said that the coordination and support of the local officials led to a de-cline in drug smug-gling cases in the re-gion.

by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton


Legarda is the Chair of the Senate Commit-tee on Cultural Commu-nities. The assembly with the theme “Unity, a key towards achieving cul-tural integrity” will be participated in by the

IPs from Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. MGen Felix Victor Felix, Commanding Of-fice of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division of the Philippine Army will

deliver an inspirational message. Meanwhile, Indige-nous Peoples Rights Act will be discussed by the NCIP legal officers to en-hance their knowledge on IPs’ rights as en-shrined in the said law.

Sen Legarda guest of honor at tribal assembly on Nov 12

TANDAG CITY -- Senator Loren Legarda will be is the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the 1st “Kahimunan” and “Panagdapog” tribal assembly on November 12 in Surigao del Sur.

PDEA-13 calls brgy officials’ support to curb illegal drug activities

Tribal assembly set in Surigao del SurTANDAG CITY-- A tribal assembly dubbed 1st “Kahimunan” for the Manobo and “Panagdapog” for Mandaya organized by the Manobo-Mandaya Cultural Communities Alliance (MaManCCA) is set on November 11-13 at the Municipal Tree Park, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur.

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan


The different indig-enous cultural commu-nities from the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Agu-san del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao Orien-

tal will convene to initi-ate the activity after a series of consultations. Different issues and con-cerns are expected to be raised by IP leaders dur-

ing the assembly. An open forum is also set where Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pi-mentel and the prov-ince’s 19 town Mayors are expected to give immediate response to whatever concerned is-sues raised by the IPs. It was learned that Ifugao Lone District Con-gressman Teodoro Ba-guilat, Jr will be the key-note speaker on the first day of the event, while Gov. Johnny Pimentel will present an IP Devel-opment Agenda.

CYLN to participate in the United Nations Global CompactAGUSAN DEL NORTE -- The Caraga Youth Leaders’ Network Inc. (CYLN Inc.) will participate in the United Nations Global Compact of the United Nations system.

The UN Global Com-pact is a strategic policy initiative for business-es that are committed to aligning their opera-tions and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. By doing so, business, as a primary driver of globalization,

can help ensure that markets, commerce, technology and finance advance in ways that benefit economies and societies everywhere. As social, political and economic challeng-es (and opportunities) affect business, many companies recognize the need to collaborate and partner with gov-

ernments, civil society, labour and the United Nations. This ever-increas-ing understanding is reflected in the Global Compact’s rapid growth. With over 8,700 corpo-rate participants and other stakeholders from over 130 countries, it is the largest voluntary corporate responsibility


CYLN to participate in the United Nations Global Compact

initiative in the world. Mr. Rex Ybanez, CEO and Chair of the CYLN expressed his grat-itude to the United Na-tions system headed by Secretary - General Ban ki-moon for the positive response on CYLN’s ap-plication to the United Nations Global Compact after a meticulous pro-cess of screening. The CYLN a non-government organiza-

tion (NGO) based in Car-aga region that aims to advance the Caraganon youth development af-fairs. This is one of the purposes of CYLN to aim high for the benefits of the Caraganon youths towards a better Caraga. Despite of the struggle of the CYLN in financial sustainability, and full recognition by various local government units

(LGUs), the CYLN con-tinues to develop and advance the Butuanon, Agusanon and Suriga-onon youth welfare. The United Na-tions Global Compact is a corporate responsibil-ity initiative - the world’s largest with over 8,000 business and non-busi-ness participants in 135 countries of the United Nations. (CYLN/PIA-Caraga)

NPC president to induct Caraga Tri-Media officersSURIGAO CITY -- National Press Club (NPC) President Jerry Yap will induct officers of the newly-organized Caraga Region Tri-Media Practitioners Association (CARTRIPA) on Thursday, December 15, 2011, at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.

by Rina “Jiji” Jaylo

Yap will also be the keynote speaker, ac-cording to Roberto “Jun” Parada, newly-elected president of CARTRIPA and Caraga Aksyon Bali-ta publisher. Also known as Car-aga Tri-Media, the said regional media group was organized on Octo-ber 8, 2011 during the culmination of the two-day Caraga Regional Media Conference held at Prince Hotel in Bu-tuan City. Its members include media practi-

tioners from the print, broadcast and internet/online media covering the five provinces and six cities of Caraga Re-gion 13. In an interview, Parada said they are very elated that NPC president Jerry Yap has accepted their invitation to become their induct-ing officer and keynote speaker. According to him, Yap’s acceptance as inducting officer is a very big boost to the morale of local journal-

ists in this part of the country and he consid-ers the same as a major achievement. “This is the first time in the history of the entire Caraga Region that a legitimate regional media group was orga-nized and its officers will be sworn in by no less than the president of the National Press Club. We have chosen NPC presi-dent Jerry Yap as our inducting office because of his unquestionable in-tegrity, his national stat-


ure and the prominence of the organization he represents. Stated thus, taking our oath of office before him is already a very big accomplish-ment because it will give us immeasurable honor and prestige,” Parada explained. He disclosed that the forthcoming induc-tion of officers will be at-tended by Governor Sol Matugas, Congressman Franciso Matugas, Con-gressman Guillermo Ro-marate, Jr., Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas and other town mayors of Surigao del Norte. The Caraga Tri-Media officers who will take their oath before

NPC president Jerry Yap are: Caraga Aksyon Bal-ita publisher Roberto “Jun” Parada, president; Philipine Star correspon-dent Benedict “Ben” Serrano, executive vice-president; DxSE station manager Rona Alvizo, vice-president for Su-rigao del Sur; DxRS an-chorman John Estanio, vice-president for Su-rigao del Norte; Dinagat TV News program direc-tor Jimmy Jara, vice-president for Dinagat; DxSF station manager Max Tutor, vice-presi-dent for Agusan del Sur; DxJM anchorman Louie Oranda, vice-president for Agusan del Norte; Caraga Aksyon Balita

associate editor Aidye Ahyn Ortega, secretary-general; DxVP station manager Judith Suarez, treasurer; Bandilyo Car-aga Balita publisher Ar-nold Dagcuta, assistant treasurer; DxJJ anchor-man Lito Ucab, auditor; Smile FM station man-ager Richard Grande, assistant auditor; and Bunawan FM station manager Fred Lobog, P.I.O. Composing the board of directors who will also take their oath are: Caraga Aksyon Balita editorial adviser Eugenio “Jun” Lira as chairman; TV6 news-caster and DxVP an-chorman Willy Evange-lio, board member; TV6 correspondent and DxVP broadcaster Leonardo “Nards” Hijara, board member; DxJJ broad-caster Pinky Bee, board member; and Real Radio broadcaster Neil More, board member. The Caraga Tri-Media pool of advisers include, Amy Cabusao, organizer of Mindan-ao Media Forum; Jai-me Matugas, editorial consultant of Caraga Aksyon Balita; and Mike Crismundo, correspon-dent of Manila Bulletin.


DOE assures technology to mitigate coal-fired power plant effects

Davao City is among the lo-cal government units that

wrote to the Department of Energy and committed to implement the E-trike Rent to Own Program.Speaking before power stakehold-ers in the entire Mindanao in to-day’s Energy Forum held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras bared Davao City Mayor Sara Du-terte’s enthusiasm in supporting the department’s E-trike program. This program hopes to acceler-ate efforts in promoting and utiliz-ing alternative fuels technology for public transport by partnering with

local government units to formulate a program to be able to help munici-palities acquire electric tricycles. “We have proven electric tricy-cles as economically viable. Convert-ing from the traditional tricycle to electronic would spell out additional income to the operator by about P200 to P300 a day. Indeed, there’s economic value to this,” he said. Aside from the economic as-pect, DOE also sees its viability with the social value that e-tricycles could give to operators and the riding pub-lic. “The next time oil price turns high, we will be assured that the tri-cycle fare remains the same because it does not rely on oil,” Almendras explained. DOE is set to distribute 20,000 units of e-trike from 2012 to 2013 until it reaches to release up to 100,000 units by 2016. A loan facility will be provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for industry market transfor-mation through the introduction and adoption of energy efficient electric tricycles. To achieve this objective,

by Mai Gevera Macapagat


the program aims to deploy 100,000 electric tricycles with the use of lithi-um ion batteries in various key cities and provinces. It was in April this year that DOE piloted the program in Man-daluyong City. About 20 units of electric tricycles were turned over to the LGU as they started commer-cial run of these units the following month. Results showed promising economic returns for the drivers within the four months of using the e-tricycles. Using natural gas is way cheap-er than using diesel and gasoline. It

is also tagged cleaner and environ-ment-friendly. Studies showed that if the country has 1,000 natural gas buses running all over the Metro, the country will have a cleaner air with a reduction from 147 ppm (parts per million) down to about 90 plus ppm.DOE is taking the lead in providing the so-called FSTP or Fueling Sus-tainable Transport Program, wherein the government have identified all possible alternative fuels for the transport sector. (PIA-11/Mai Geve-ra-Macapagat)

DENR XI claims illegal logging curbed but massive prod’n of school furnishings from hot logs says otherwise

by Jean Abangan

TAGUM CITY- The conversion of illegally cut trees into classroom materials is going on a massive scale but Department of Envi-ronment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI officials claim that il-legal logging in Davao Region has been curbed. Anti-illegal Logging Task Force chief Forester Evelio Tabanguil of the DENR XI asserted in a press confer-ence this morning that illegal log-ging is no longer happening in Re-gion 11. His claim came on the heels of massive distribution of Tagum City-fabricated school materials such as

chairs, desks and tables made out of confiscated logs from DENR XI. Some quarters view this an in-dication of continuing illegal logging activities. But DENR Regional Executive Director Jim O. Sampulna supported claims of Tabanguil saying, illegally cut trees transported through Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley came from peripheral areas of CAR-AGA Region particularly in Agusan del Sur. “We have known the people behind this sinister. We are hoping that with the strict implementation of E.O. 23, they will stop their nefarious activities,” he said, in a separate in


terview, referring to people involved in transporting hot logs from Loreto, Agusan del Sur (CARAGA Region) to the downtown areas in Region 11. Illegal logging has been claimed curbed, but Sampulna revealed to have monitored timber poaching ac-tivities in the towns of Boston, Cateel and Baganga in Davao Oriental. “Timber poaching, meaning mano-mano lang, walang malalaking maki-narya,” he said.

He said he has directed local Environment and Natural Resources Offices (ENROs) to wage a massive confiscation of poached timbers in the identified towns of Davao Orien-tal where such illegal cutting of trees had been noted. Meanwhile, Sampulna bared DENR XI to have hauled since

June this year so much hot logs from Loreto, Agusan del Sur, reaching an estimated volume of 678,400 board feet (1,600 cubic meters). Loreto is located on the south-western part of Agusan Del Sur Province. It is bounded on the north by La Paz, on the east by Bunawan and Veruela (towns of Agusan del Sur), on the south by the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Del Norte,

and on the west by the province of Bukidnon. Access to urban areas from Lo-reto, Agusan del Sur is much easier through passing Laak in Compostela Valley down to Tagum City in Davao del Norte. Sampulna discovered such enormous volume of illegally


felled trees along the periphery of CARAGA Region in an aerial survey he conducted early this year, in line with his bid to strictly enforce E.O. 23, that declares a moratorium on cutting and harvesting of timber in natural and residual forests. With the assistance of 1003rd Infantry Brigade, Sampul-na waged an operation to stop the transport of such hot logs but he eventually decided to confiscate the contrabands. “Kunin ko na lang dahil sige sila palusot sa gabii . (I have to get it because they’re transporting it at night),” he said in a phone inter-view referring to the hot logs. Sampulna bared the con-fiscation and hauling of such illegally cut logs from an area outside of Davao Region XI did not come easy though he had gotten the approval of DENR CARAGA and the authority from DENR national office. Two soldiers died and five others were wounded in an en-counter with armed rebel groups in the first hauling operation that DENR did in June 2011. To avoid heavy armed conflict, Sampulna initiated a dia-logue with communities which kept the illegal logs, and that their lead-ers agreed to release them on as-surance that the logs would be used for school chairs, desks and tables. He also got the cooperation and support of Compostela Valley Governor Arturo T. Uy, Laak Mayor Rey Navarro and Mayor Rey T. Uy in bringing down the illegal logs from

the hinterlands of Loreto to Tagum City. “Swerte ako (I am lucky) that Col Suerte is also there to sup-port me,” he said referring to 1003rd commanding officer Col. Lysander Suerte whose area of responsibility covers Laak, Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte. Data from Tagum City Information Office revealed that the city government of Tagum received in August, 2011 a total of 913 cubic meters of confiscated logs for fabri-cation into school chairs, desks and tables. Gov. Arturo Uy explained that he recommended the confis-cated logs be turned over to Tagum City local government which owns a machine with fabrication capacity. In a press briefing this morning, Mayor Rey T. Uy revealed that he had delivered a total of 5,106 pieces of armchairs, desks, kiddie chairs and teachers’ tables to various public schools in Davao del Norte badly needing of such class-room materials. He had also deliv-ered a total of 2,023 pieces of the same to various schools in Compos-tela Valley Province. Double deck beds (30 sets) and hospital beds (38 pieces) made out of the confiscated logs were also distributed to Compostela Valley provincial hospitals, and to quarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army. (PIA 11/jeanevive d aban-gan)


Davao LGU commits to E-trike projectby Mai Gevera Macapagat

DAVAO CITY-Davao City is among the local government units that wrote to the Department of En-ergy and committed to implement the E-trike Rent to Own Program. Speaking before power stake-holders in the entire Mindanao in today’s Energy Forum held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras bared Davao City Mayor Sara Du-terte’s enthusiasm in supporting the department’s E-trike program. This program hopes to acceler-ate efforts in promoting and utiliz-ing alternative fuels technology for public transport by partnering with local government units to formulate a program to be able to help munici-palities acquire electric tricycles. “We have proven electric tricy-cles as economically viable. Convert-ing from the traditional tricycle to electronic would spell out additional income to the operator by about P200 to P300 a day. Indeed, there’s economic value to this,” he said. Aside from the economic as-

pect, DOE also sees its viability with the social value that e-tricycles could give to operators and the riding pub-lic. The next time oil price turns high, we will be assured that the tri-cycle fare remains the same because it does not rely on oil,” Almendras explained.DOE is set to distribute 20,000 units of e-trike from 2012 to 2013 until it reaches to release up to 100,000 units by 2016. A loan facility will be provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for industry market transfor-mation through the introduction and adoption of energy efficient electric tricycles. To achieve this objective, the program aims to deploy 100,000 electric tricycles with the use of lithi-um ion batteries in various key cities and provinces. It was in April this year that DOE piloted the program in Man-daluyong City. About 20 units of electric tricycles were turned over to the LGU as they started commer-cial run of these units the following month. Results showed promising economic returns for the drivers within the four months of using the e-tricycles. Using natural gas is way cheap-er than using diesel and gasoline. It is also tagged cleaner and environ-ment-friendly. Stud


ies showed that if the country has 1,000 natural gas buses running all over the Metro, the country will have a cleaner air with a reduction from 147 ppm (parts per million) down to about 90 plus ppm. DOE is taking the lead in pro-

viding the so-called FSTP or Fuel-ing Sustainable Transport Program, wherein the government have iden-tified all possible alternative fuels for the transport sector. (PIA-11/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)

Tagum Coop Young Savers’ account reach million level by Jean Duron- Abangan

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – Young savers’ account of Tagum Cooperative has grown to a total of P25.6 million as their member-ship expands to a total of 18,534. In a press conference over the weekend, Tagum Cooperative gen-eral manager Brendo Bayocot re-vealed that the young savers’ de-posit accounts 3.69 percent of the P693,629,081.50 total savings de-posit of Tagum Coop. The young savers represent 29 percent of the 63,837 total members of the cooperative. The young savers whose ages range from zero to 18 years old ei-ther belong to the Youth Savers, Power Teen, Aflatoun, or the Tagum Coop Youth Laboratory.

Youth Savers and Power Teen savers have contributed P25 million to the total young savers deposit as such groups have been established since early year 2000, Bayocot ex-plained. But he foresaw a fast-growing sector of young savers among el-ementary and secondary students now that Tagum Cooperative has adopted Aflatoun in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd) Tagum City Schools Divi-sion. As defined in the internet, Afla-toun is a “concept to teach children about social values, and rights and responsibilities coupled with basic financial education.” Tested in India 18 years ago, the Aflatoun concept is also aimed at facilitating the “inclusion of Child So-cial and Financial Education into for-mal and informal education systems as a recognition of child’s rights.” DepEd Tagum City Schools Supt. Nenita Lumaad who also chairs the Board of Directors of Tagum Co-operative calls such Aflatoun imple-mentation in Tagum City as Financial


Literacy for the Youth (FLY). With Tagum Cooperative as its major partner, DepEd Tagum is pilot-testing it in seven public elementary schools particularly in Rizal, Mankilam, Pilot, La Filipina, Laureta, Apokon and Cat-alan. Aflatoun currently draws 2,167 savers from the pilot schools but Bayocot said Aflatoun savers would grow fast as Tagum Cooperative plans to spread its coverage next year, requiring each branch to adopt one to three schools in its location. Meanwhile, Tagum Cooperative is also establishing Youth Laboratory Cooperatives in Tagum City National

High School and in Imelda Elemen-tary School. The youth laboratory coopera-tive is a miniature organization of Tagum Cooperative. It has its own board of directors and committees. “One of the purposes of cre-ating the Tagum Cooperative Youth Laboratory Cooperative is to serve as a training ground for the youth members in preparation for their future membership to big coops like Tagum Cooperative,” said Norma R. Pereyras, ch airperson of Tagum Co-operative Board of Advisers. (PIA-11/Jean Duron-Abangan)

Did you know...

That the late Fe Misa Ayala, the wife of Dabawenyo agro-indus-trialist Jesus V. Ayala, wrote the lyrics for the popular christmas song “Miss Kita Kung Krismas” in partnership with her then piano teacher Hermie Uy who provided the music.

Ayala and Uy’s song would become a timeless romantic christmas ballad sang and popu-larized by singing stars such as Susan Fuentes, Rico J. Puno, Sharon Cuneta, Sarah Geronimo and Charice Pempengco (from letft) Fe Misa Ayala, balladeer Chad Borja and

Hermie Uy


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One Mindanao - November 8, 2011

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