One Mindanao - Semtember 7, 2011

2 ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, September 7, 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 MindanaoGraces’ 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 (SOCSKSARGEN)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

In This Issue...

NATIONAL

• PCOO, ad group join forces to spread ‘good news’• Aquino assures Filipinos of his goal in effecting change towards progress and development• Aquino declares September 12, 2011 as special non-working day in Lipa City

Central Mindanao (SOCSKSARGEN)

• Government auditor in Region 12 is 2011 Dangal ng Bayan finalist• BSP honors stakeholders in Region 12 • Tagalog News: Mga “tuna industry players” hiniling na tumulong sa pag- preserba ng biodiversity• DAF, DepEd-ARMM namahagi ng mga gamit panghardin sa mga paaralan• Tagalog News: Mga “tuna industry players” hiniling na tumulong sa pag- preserba ng biodiversity

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

• Nurse from Agusan del Sur to join 38th SSEAYP• Youth r• AFP grateful to civilians’ support in war vs NPAs• Climate Change Commission inks MOA with Surigao Norte LGU for Eco town Project• Two lupons in Caraga chosen as nat’l finalists to the LTIA 2011• German Parliament visits Esperanza, Agusan del Sur

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

• Crime volume in Dipolog dips• DepED holds classes for inmates in Dipolog• NEDA approves P3.9-B education, environment projects for ARMM• Region 9 soon to benefit drought tolerant rice varieties• Chinese investors express interest in putting up business in Zambo

Northern Mindanao

• DILG to hold public fora for ARMM candidates to voice platform• DA USEC lauds the success of 2nd Minda wide organic forum• Lanao Norte women to get anti-tetanus booster shots• Mahinog LGU council approves new raffle ordinance• Launching of the 2011 Diyandi Festival in Iligan set

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

• Peace process deadlock, a problem on labels- Leonen• Davao eyes Business Permits and Licensing System• Students impart awareness on TB in quiz bee and poster making contest• RPOC-XI picks reps from private sector, component cities• Peace process deadlock, a problem on labels- Leonen

OUR COVER

Today’s cover features the

opening of the 2011 Mindanao

BusinessConference

in Pagadian City today, Sept. 7, 2011

3ONE MINDANAOWednesday, September 7, 2011

High-ranking official to grace MINBIZCON

PAGADIAN CITY, 07 Sept. (PIA) – US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr., will be the keynote speaker during the 20th Min-danao Business Conference to be conducted at the new City Commer-cial Center (C3), on September 7 -9, 2011, this city.

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Cover Story:

Pagadian-Zam-boanga del Sur Cham-ber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., President Mer-c e d e s L o u r d e s Quisumb-ing said this year’s c o n f e r -e n c e bears the t h e m e “ O n e G l o b a l Mindanao M a k i n g P r i v a t e -P u b l i c P a r t -n e r s h i p W o r k ” gives special empha-sis on the partnership and synergy between

the business commu-nity and government in achieving develop-ment goals in Mind-anao.

Q u i s u m b i n g said, the conference will also provide the

venue for Trade and Exhibits showcasing the product champi-ons in the region with the hope of generat-

ing lo-cal and foreign i n t e r -est in M i n d -anao. S h e s a i d , t h e MinBi-z C o n is the official a r e a b u s i -n e s s

conference in Mind-anao and is now on its 20th year. It is

Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co gives his welcome remarks during the formal opening ceremonies of the 20th MinBizCon Trade Exhibit held at the newly constructed City Commercial Center (C3) on September 7, 2011.

by Claro A. Lanipa


the larg-est annual gathering of busi-ness and i n d u s t r y l e a d e r s , g o v e r n -ment poli-cy makers and stake-ho l de r s in the r e g i o n . It is also the pre-f e r r e d platform to present the Min-danao Business Pol-icy Agenda, a docu-ment covering policy issues on economic development requir-ing government ac-tion and private sec-tor commitments, Quisumbing added. It can be recalled that in 1992, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and In-dustry began holding area business confer-ences to give more focus on regional

economic and devel-opment objectives. The primary goal of these area business conferences was to provide the proper venue for showcas-ing the investment opportunities in the region and appropri-ate forum to present issues and concerns confronting the busi-ness community. Over the years, the area business conferences in North Luzon, South Lu-zon, National Capital

R e g i o n , V i s a y a s and Mind-anao have b e c o m e significant e v e n t s leading to the Phil-i p p i n e s Bus i ness

Confer-ence. Expect-ed to a t t e n d t h e 3 - d a y

event are repre-sentatives from the local chambers of commerce, trade and industry associ-ations, national and local government officials and the ac-ademe. Embassies, heads of Mission and other trading part-ners were also in-vited with the intent of sharing best eco-nomic development practices. (JPA/CAL/PIA9/Zambo Sur)

DTI9 Regional Director Nazrullah B. Manzur delivers his message during the formal opening ceremonies of the 20th MinBizCon Trade Exhibit. Seated to left are DTI ZamboSur provincial director Ma. Socorro M. Atay, Mayor Samuel S. Co, PCCI Vice President for Mindanao Edwin B. Capili, and Pagadian-Zam-boSur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. President Ma. Lourdes Qusiumbing.

Cover story: High ranking... from page 3


C iting the importance of keeping the people informed of the goings-on in government, the Presidential Communications and Operations Office has joined forces with the Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines to spread the good news to the people.

PCOO, ad group join forces to spread ‘good news’

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Presidential Communications and Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. and Outdoor Ad-vertising Association of the Philippines Chairman Jose Vale join forces to spread the government’s good news through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement allowing the government to make use of the ad group’s light emitting diode (LED) advertisement boards located in major thoroughfares within Metro Manila. Looking on are OAAP president Edberto Acosta (left) and Treasurer Delia Magtoto (right).


The two agencies, represented by PCOO Secretary Herminio Co-loma, Jr. and OAAP chair-man Jose Vale, signed a Memorandum of Agree-ment in ceremonies held at the Bahay Ugnayan located within the Mal-acañang Complex on Tuesday. Under the MOA, the OAAP agrees to help the PCOO fulfill its mandat-ed task as the govern-ment’s premier commu-nications arm to spread

the good news by using the ad group’s LED (light emitting diode) adver-tisement boards located along the major thor-oughfares in Metro Ma-nila, free of charge. The good news will be broadcast through this type of media, in the form of running texts, photos and vid-eos. Coloma lauded the OAAP saying this partnership would help heighten the people’s

awareness of the vari-ous activities, plans and programs of gov-ernment. “There are so many good things that the Aquino administra-tion has been doing to help uplift the lives of our people and these we have to bring to our people’s awareness so they may be encouraged to extend their all-out support and participa-tion in nation building,” Coloma said. (RCK)

Aquino assures Filipinos of his goal in effecting change towards progress and development

BAIS CITY, Negros Oriental : President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the government’s uncompromising efforts in pursuing its ideals of ef-fecting change as he vowed to bring the whole nation to the righteous path towards progress and development.

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PCOO ad group... from page 5

In his speech before a huge crowd of Baisanons at the inauguration ceremo-nies of the Mercado de Bais, Wednesday morning, here, the President noted the un-relenting hard work of his administration to preserve the interest of the people and mitigate the effects of poverty and corruption among the Filipinos. “Puspusang nagta-tra-baho ang inyong gobyerno para sa pagbangon ng ban-

sa mula sa mahaba-habang pagkakasadlak sa kumunoy ng katiwalian at kahirapan…hindi magbabago ang pana-ta natin sa pagtahak sa tu-wid na daan: at walang da-pat maiwan sa pag-unlad,” President Aquino said. Some of the develop-mental projects by the gov-ernment, which will directly benefit the people especially those who are in the far-flung areas and in the coun-tryside, include the Pantawid

Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) being initiated by the Department of Social Wel-fare and Development that aims to invest for the future of the underprivileged peo-ple. As of August, this year, at least 2,800 residents of Bais City were already regis-tered for the 4Ps, which has a target of 3,500. The Chief Executive said that the Department of Health Region VII has in-


cluded the Bais City District Hospital in the Health Facili-ties Enhancement Program for 2012. Apart from these, the President said, that actions are underway to address the graft and cor-ruption in the province’s business interests that in-clude the sugar industry. President Aquino expressed gratitude to the local government of Bais City led by Mayor Karen Villanueva for its unyielding support to the programs of the national government. “Salamat sa lokal na gobyerno ng Bais sa pa-giging kabalikat ng ating administrasyon sa pag-tataguyod ng mga maka-

buluhang imprastraktura at proyekto na kapaki-pakinabang sa nakarara-mi,” the President noted as he promised the locals of his support. “Sa mga taga-Bais, sa inyong pagtutulungan, maraming problema ang in-yong matutugunan… bukas po ang pinto ng aking tang-gapan, sakaling kayo ay mangailangan,” the Presi-dent said. The newly- inaugu-rated Mercado de Bais proj-ect started on December 16, 2009 and was completed last September 6 with a to-tal funding of P265 million pesos from the local govern-ment. The initial funding of P220 million was loaned

from the Land Bank of the Philippines while the addi-tional P45 million came from the Bais City local govern-ment. With a floor area of 11,000 square meters, Mer-cado de Bais is a two-storey market complex with a cold storage facility, ice-maker and its own underground sewerage treatment plant. It also has a function room that can house 200 persons, a dining room for 100 persons, transient room and a child minding area at the second floor. Mayor Villanueva said that the new public market is seen to enhance its services and viability as one of Bais’s major eco-nomic enterprises. (JCL)

Aquino declares September 12, 2011 as special non-working day in Lipa City

P resident Benigno S. Aquino III has declared Monday, (Sep-tember 12), as a special non-working day in the City of Lipa for the holding of the National Pilgrimage for Peace and Prayer for the Sanctification of the Clergy.

Proclamation No. 244 was signed on Au-gust 25, 2011 by Exec-utive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on request of the Office of the May-or in order for the peo-ple of the City of Lipa to participate in the event. The President not-

ed that the city of Lipa will host thousands of devotees for the Na-tional Pilgrimage, a day of prayer for Peace and the Sanctification of the Clergy on September 12, 2011. The National Day of Prayer for Peace and for the Sanctification of

Priests is a yearly event that draws Catholic pil-grims all over the coun-try to pray for peace and the clergy. Since 2004, Sep-tember 12 has become the National Day of Prayer for Peace and for the Sanctification of Priests. (JS)

Aquino assures... from page 6


Government auditor in Region 12 is 2011 Dangal ng Bayan finalistby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) – A government au-ditor in Soccsksargen Region is among this year’s ten finalists of the Civil Service Commission’s Out-standing Public Officials and Employees or Dangal ng Bayan Awardees. CSC 12 Regional Director Grace Saqueton announced on Monday that Helen Cailing, an employee of the Com-mission on Audit Re-gion 12 (COA 12) was recently named one of the ten finalists of the Dangal ng Bayan Award who will be recognized in a ceremony at Mala-cañang Palace later this month. “Dangal ng Bayan Award is given to an individual for his or her extraordinary act or pub-lic service and constant

demonstration of exem-plary ethical behaviour on the basis of obser-vance of the norms of conduct provided under Republic Act 6713,” oth-erwise known as Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Of-ficials and Employees, Saqueton said. Cailing, state audi-tor IV and audit team leader in General Santos City, was instrumental in filing of 12 cases in the Sandiganbayan and 18 cases at the Regional Trial Court and Office of

the Ombudsman against government officials for alleged misuse of public funds. These cases in-clude alleged illegal disbursement P16.106 million at Sarangani provincial government in 2003 under the administration of then Gov. Miguel Escobar and P2.246 million fi-nancial assistance al-legedly distributed by to local cooperatives whose members were mostly government of-ficials of Sarangani and

9


their relatives. Saqueton noted that Cailing has ren-dered an exemplary service as a govern-ment auditor despite suffering from chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG). CACG refers to an eye condition in which portions of the ante-rior chamber angle are closed permanently by peripheral anterior syn-echiae (PAS). “This means that her (Cailing’s) left eye is blind,” Saqueton said. As a Dangal ng Bayan finalist, Cailing

will receive P200,000 cash prize and trophy from President Benigno Aquino. Other finalists in the Dangal ng Bayan Award this year in-clude Jelyn Duting of the Philippine Postal Corporation in Iloilo City; Lucille Abad of DOST in Quezon City; Gov. Edgardo Chatto of Bohol; Joey Fer-nandez of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan LGU; Dr. Eleanor Javonillo of Antipolo City, Rizal LGU; Edgar Madlaing of DepEd CAR; Elpidio Malinao (Posthumous)

of UPLB; Mayor Ramon Piang Sr. of Upi, Magu-indanao; and Lorna Pu-lalon (Posthumous) ng DepEd Zamboanga. Saqueton said they are waiting for the release final list in the Presidential Ling-kod Bayan Award where Army Col. Joselito Kak-ilala, commanding of-ficer of the Joint Task Force Gensan, was named semi-finalist. Police Officer 3 Girlie Gay Saniado of the Gensan City Police was also among the semi-finalist in the Pag-asa Award. (PIA 12)

BSP honors stakeholders in Region 12 by Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, Sept 7 (PIA) – Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) honored stakeholders in Soccsksar-gen Region who have supported their statistical undertakings, information needs and advocacy pro-grams. Monetary Board Member Felipe Med-

alla led the awarding ceremonies and ap-

preciation lunch for two awardees in the

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Government auditor.... from page 8


Business Expectations Survey (BES) and one awardee in the Ad-vocacy Support in the Financial Learning Campaign at the Sun City Suites in General Santos City, yesterday morning. RD Tuna Ventures was named Outstand-ing Respondent among large and medium firms while the Hori-zon Can Corporation was awarded Out-standing Respondent among small firms. Both are among 48 qualified top corpora-tions in Soccsksargen region that underwent the BES. The region’s Overseas Workers Wel-fare Office (OWWA-12) was also recognized for its contribution in the Advocacy Support in Financial Learning Campaign. OWWA 12 , being

headed by Regional Director Abdulghani Umag, was cited for its strong partnership with BSP in the cam-paign to educate over-seas Filipino workers and their families, particularly in the as-pect of budgeting, saving and investing their earnings as well as in encouraging con-sciousness in financial planning and goal-set-ting. “I believe you will agree with me that our partnership has al-lowed us to endure the challenges and exploit the opportunities stem-ming from the crises that have gripped the world over the past few years,” Medalla told the awardees during the ceremonies. “Your outstanding information support has enabled the BSP to deliver effective

monetary policy man-agement and keep in-flation at relatively low levels.” Respondents in the BES have provid-ed BSP with essential inputs in the formula-tion of appropriate and timely monetary and external sector poli-cies as well as much needed barometer of business sentiments, he said. He also informed the group that BSP is now focusing on Soccsksargen Region’s economic potentials. “We are see-ing that the region’s prospects for econom-ic growth are gain-ing ground. As you may know, Region 12 contributes 3.5 per-cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Prod-uct (GDP),” he said. He added, the re-gion is seventh largest

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BSP honors.... from page 9


Tagalog News: Mga “tuna industry play-ers” hiniling na tumulong sa pag-preserba ng biodiversityKORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 7 (PIA) – Hiniling ng pamaha-laan at mga eksperto sa mga stakeholders ng industriya ng tuna na pag-aralan ang mga hakbang tungo sa pag-diversify sa gitna ng mga hamong kinakaharap ng industriyang itinu-turing na “dollar-earning.”

contributor in the GDP among the regions. “Economic growth in the region was bol-stered by mining and quarrying, and con-struction sub sectors, which expanded by 33.4 percent and 19.1 percent, respectively 2009. Inflation in the region remains low. Banking indicators like-wise point to a sound financial environment,” he said. Region 12 covers the provinces of Sa-rangani, South Cota-bato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato

and the cities of Gen-eral Santos City, Kor-onadal, Tacurong, and Kidapawan, and Cota-bato. BSP started rec-ognizing outstanding BES respondents and financial learning campaign partners in National Capitol Re-gion on July 6. Simi-lar regional events have been conducted in La Union, Cebu City, Davao City, Iloilo City, Cabanatuan City and Naga City from July 15 until Septem-ber 2. To date , 48

awardees have been feted for their out-standing support and participation in the BSP’s surveys and ad-vocacies. This event is ex-pected to further strengthen the partner-ships between the BSP and its stakeholders in information gather-ing and advocacy cam-paigns that will help carry out its mandate of maintaining price stability and promot-ing financial stability in the country. (PIA 12/BSP-General Santos Branch)

Sa isinagawang 13th National Tuna Congress

sa Lungsod ng Heneral Santos, inirekomenda ng

mga Resource Speakers ang “diversification” at

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BSP honors.... from page 10


DAF, DepEd-ARMM namahagi ng mga gamit panghardin sa mga paaralanKORONADAL CITY, Setyembre 7 (PIA) – Namahagi ng mga gamit pang-hardin at iba’t-ibang mga vegetable seeds ang mga tanggapan ng Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) at Department of Education (DepEd) sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) sa mga paaralang kinila-lang mga pilot areas ng “Programang Agrikulturang Pilipino-Gulayan sa Paaralan sa ARMM.” Ang programa, ayon

kay DAF-ARMM field opera-

tions director Salic Panalun-

song ay mayroong budget

na P2.2 milyon para sa nala-

labing anim na buwang pa-

sukan.

Bahagi rin ng pondo

ay nakalaan para sa pag-

sasanay ng mahigit 400 na

mga guro ng mga paaralang

pang-elementarya at pang-

sekondarya sa ARMM, hing-

gil sa kaalamang pang-har-

din at pang-agrikultura.

Ang mga package

na ibinigay sa mga paar-

alan ay naglalaman ng mga

gamit pang-hardin, veg-

etable seeds, organikong

pestisidyo, mga babasahin,

pagrepaso ng mga pa-mamaraan sa pagharvest ng tuna upang maiwasan ang masamang epekto ng “overfishing” at iba pang mga pagbabanta sa in-dustriya at sa marine bio-mass. Ayon kay Depart-ment of Agriculture (DA) secretary Proceso Alcala, na isa ring tagapagsalita ng forum, kailangan um-anong simulan na ang conservation at preserva-

tion ng biodiversity upang maging sustainable ang sektor ng pangingisda. Ipinanukala rin ni Alcala na sa pagsasaga-wa ng mga nabanggit na hakbang, kailangan din umanong pag-aralan ng mga tuna industry play-ers ang iba’t-ibang mga prospects na maaaring maisulong sa ilalim ng high value aquaculture at mariculture bilang alter-natibo sa pangisda.

Ang isa sa mga hak-bang na binigkas ni Alca-la ay ang pagtatanim ng mga mangroves sa mga coastal areas, na maaar-ing magamit sa produksi-yon ng bangus. Ito uma-no ay makapagbigay din sa mga mangingisda ng option ng alternatibong mapagkakakitaan at mai-bsan ang epekto ng bum-ababang huli ng isdang tuna sa mga karagatan. (AC AGAD PIA12)

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Tagalog News: Mga “ tuna.... from page 11


malunggay at lemon grass

seedlings.

Sa ilalim ng proyek-

to, ang mga guro ng be-

nepisyaryong paaralan ang

magsisilbing focal persons

ng mga vegetable gardens

sa loob ng paaralan na gag-

amiting “show window” at

“learning areas” para sa mga

mag-aaral.

Tatanggap ng pre-

myo at parangal mula sa

DAF, DepEd, pamahalaang

lokal at iba pang partner

agencies ang paaralang

mayroong model garden.

Ang proyekto ayon

kay Panalunsong ay

naglalayong tutugon sa

problema sa malnutrition

at gutom at makapagbig-

ay din ng dagdag na kita

para sa mga pamilyang

magtatanim din ng gulay

sa kanilang mga bakuran.

(AC AGAD PIA12)

Tagalog News: Mga “tuna industry players” hiniling na tumulong sa pag-preserba ng bio-diversityKoronadal City, Sept. 7 (PIA) – Hiniling ng pamahalaan at mga eksperto sa mga stakeholders ng industriya ng tuna na pag-aralan ang mga hakbang tungo sa pag-diversify sa gitna ng mga hamong kinakaharap ng industriyang itinuturing na “dol-lar-earning.” Sa isinagawang 13th

National Tuna Congress sa

Lungsod ng Heneral San-

tos, inirekomenda ng mga

Resource Speakers ang “di-

versification” at pagrepaso

ng mga pamamaraan sa

pagharvest ng tuna upang

maiwasan ang masamang

epekto ng “overfishing” at

iba pang mga pagbabanta

sa industriya at sa marine

biomass.

Ayon kay Department

of Agriculture (DA) secretary

Proceso Alcala, na isa ring

tagapagsalita ng forum, kai-

langan umanong simulan na

ang conservation at preser-

vation ng biodiversity upang

maging sustainable ang sek-

tor ng pangingisda.

Ipinanukala rin ni Al-

cala na sa pagsasagawa

ng mga nabanggit na hak-

bang, kailangan din um-

anong pag-aralan ng mga

tuna industry players ang

iba’t-ibang mga prospects

na maaaring maisulong sa

ilalim ng high value aqua-

culture at mariculture bil-

ang alternatibo sa pangis-

da.

Ang isa sa mga hak-

bang na binigkas ni Alcala

ay ang pagtatanim ng mga

mangroves sa mga coastal

areas, na maaaring magamit

sa produksiyon ng bangus.

Ito umano ay makapagbig-

ay din sa mga mangingisda

ng option ng alternatibong

mapagkakakitaan at maib-

san ang epekto ng bumaba-

bang huli ng isdang tuna sa

mga karagatan.(AC AGAD

PIA12)

DAF, DepEd-ARMM.... from page 12


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Nurse from Agusan del Sur to join 38th SSEAYP by Robert E. Roperos

LAPAY Ed Anthony P. Lapay is a registered nurse and the lone representative of Caraga Region who quali-fied in the rigid screening of applicants throughout the country. He will join other youth leaders from the different regions in the Philippines. Lapay is currently working as medical-surgi-cal ward nurse, emergen-cy room nurse, pediatric

nurse, and Outpatient Department (OPD) nurse of Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital

in Agusan del Sur. He is also a part-time clinical in-structor of Southway Col-lege of Technology (SCT) Nursing Department in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. His leadership skill was honed starting in his basic education where he graduated class salu-tatorian in elementary at Philippine Normal Univer-sity (PNU)-Agusan del Sur Campus and class valedic-

torian of Patin-ay National High School. Among the recogni-tions he received were the PGMA Academic Excel-lence Award, Community Extension Service Award, PGMA Leadership Award, and Gerry Roxas Leader-ship Award, among oth-ers. On top of it, he grad-uated Magna Cum Laude at San Pedro College with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing on March 2009 SSEAYP is a dip-lomatic and cultural ex-

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) -- A nurse from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur will join the 28 other Fili-pino youth leaders in the country to the 38th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP).


change program among and between emerging youth leaders in Asia spon-sored by the Government of Japan. More than 300 young delegates from Japan and the ten ASEAN member states are ex-pected to participate in this program to promote and strengthen friend-ship and cultural under-standing. For 52 days, the del-egates will be on board the cruise liner MS Fuji Maru from October 26 to December 16, 2011, vis-iting Japan, Philippines (Manila), Brunei Darus-salam (Muara), Indonesia (Jakarta), Malaysia (Port Klang) and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh).

This year’s SSEAYP itinerary is exception-al since the Philippines will be one of the ports of call and venue of the first Country Programme, presenting the Philippine contingent, “PintigPinoy,” with the unique opportu-nity of exemplifying the best of our Filipino values and showcasing our rich culture and heritage as well as by showing to the world especially our ASE-AN neighbors the various Filipino individuals as well as corporations and insti-tutions that have achieved global success. In order to ensure that the Filipino partici-pants are adequately pre-pared to participate and represent the country in

this international under-taking, PintigPinoy is set to undergo a month-long se-ries of seminars, trainings and preparatory activities focusing on diplomatic af-fairs, youth leadership, personal development and social decorum, culture and the arts. PintigPinoy will also prepare country papers to feature the best local practices in education, youth devel-opment and traditional culture, among other activities. Official delegates of the Philippines, along with their National Leader, were selected by the Office of the President, through the National Youth Commis-sion. (PIA-Caraga)

AFP grateful to civilians’ support in war vs NPAs by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army on Monday expressed thanks and gratitude to the civil-ian community for the unending support to govern-ment troops in the war against the New People’s Army (NPA).

Nurse from Agusan.... from page 14

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According to MGen Victor Felix, Commanding General of the 4th Infan-try Division, the recent encounters that the troops conducted have been suc-cessful because of the in-formation given by the community to the Philip-pine Army, an indication that the people are tired of insurgencies. Also, in a separate interview with Maj Noli Ka-nashiro of the 4ID Public Affairs Office, he said the community already knew who are their enemies. He added it’s about time for

the civilians to ask what is due for them – peace and development… “This can only be attained if they will support and cooperate with the thrusts and pro-grams of the national gov-ernment,” Kanashiro said. Kanashiro further said the success of the security operations con-ducted by the government troops is also because of the support of the local government units in the area. With these develop-ments, Kanashiro urged the local communities to

continue giving correct information to the AFP so that the government troops could be able to re-spond immediately, thus attaining peace and secu-rity in their areas. It can be recalled that on Friday and Sat-urday, series of secu-rity operations were conducted at Purok Ka-malig, Sitio Lusong, Brgy. Putingbato, Ca-badbaran City, and a follow-up operation was also conducted in Su-rigao del Norte, respec-tively. (PIA-Caraga)

Climate Change Commission inks MOA with Surigao Norte LGU for Ecotown ProjectSURIGAO DEL NORTE, Sept. 7 (PIA) -- Climate Change Commission Secretary Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Gov-ernor Sol Matugas recently initiating the demonstra-tion of the Ecotown Framework in Siargao Island in the Province of Surigao del Norte. The Commission will assist Local Government Units to roll out the Eco-town framework, which is an ecosystem – based approach where the Man-groves in Siargao will be protected by the commu-nities through payment

for ecological services. Vulnerability As-sessment will also be conducted to incorporate not only disaster risk re-duction and management (DRRM) but also antici-patory adaptation that is based on climate projec-

tions. Possible impacts to the communities, their en-vironment and the socio-economic development of Siargao due to climate change will also be iden-tified. (Climate Change Commission/PIA-Su-rigao del Norte)

AFP grateful.... from page 15


Two lupons in Caraga chosen as nat’l finalists to the LTIA 2011 by Ray Gregory F. Jaranilla

The Lupong Tagapa-mayapa of Brgy. Poblacion, Barobo, Surigao del Sur and Brgy. Quezon, Mainit, Su-rigao del Norte were selected by the LTIA National Awards Committee (NAC) as nation-al finalists for the 1st to 3rd class municipalities category and 4th to 6th class munici-palities category, respective-ly. The national finalists were the top three lupons in their respective categories. “The national finalists will be sure winners of a Pres-idential and Cash Awards to be awarded in Malacañang come October 2011,” said Justice Abesamis. The Lupong Tagapa-mayapa Incentives Awards

(LTIA) was established since 1997 as a means to institu-tionalize a system of granting economic benefits and oth-er incentives to the Lupong Tagapamayapa that demon-strates exemplary perfor-mance in settling disputes at the grassroots level. The assessment period for this year’s search covered the 3rd and 4th Quarters of CY 2009 and 1st to 4th Quar-ters of CY 2011. On site validation vis-its to the said lupons were conducted by members of the LTIA National Board of Judges (NBOJ) and Na-tional Secretariat conduct-ed on August 24, 2011 and September 6, 2011. The validating team

that visited the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. Poblacion, Barobo, Surigao del Sur were composed of Hon. Bernardo P. Abesa-mis, former Justice of the Court of Appeals and now Chairman of the Board of the Career Service Execu-tive Board (CESB), Asst. Director Mariano A. Gabito and Mr. Celso Batalla, both from DILG-BLGS. While the team that visited the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. Quezon, Mainit, Su-rigao del Norte were com-posed of Fiscal Rosalina P. Aquino of DOJ, Dir. Myrna Medina of NAPOLCOM and Ms. Estelita Brondial of DILG-BLGS.(DILG-Cara-ga/PIA-Caraga)

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) -- Two Lupong Tagapamay-apa in the region were chosen finalists to the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) National Awards.

German Parliament visits Esperanza, Agusan del SurAGUSAN DEL SUR, Sept. 7 (PIA) - Six members of the German Bundestag (Parliament) on economic coopera-tion and development visited the town of Esperanza here recently to learn on the political, social and economic situation of the area as well as the on-going efforts of the Philippine-German Development Cooperation. 18

by David M. Suyao


Led by Ms. Dag-mar Wohrl, Chairwom-an of the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development, the group conducted a dia-logue with Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza, Esperanza Mayor Nida Manpatilan and the recipients of the projects implemented in Baran-gay Remedios. During the dia-logue, Gov. Plaza laid down the efforts of the provincial government in the process of titling the ancestral domain claims of the indigenous peo-ples (IPs) in Esperanza and all over Agusan del Sur with the aim to pro-tect the culture, tradition and the rights of the IPs over the areas that they dwell since the time of their ancestors. “In fact, we have conducted several con-sultations and meetings in order that the process will be fully understood by our IPs brothers and sisters so that the areas will be fairly identified and delineated and the process will be smooth and legal,” Gov. Plaza said.

Meanwhile, Esper-anza Mayor Nida Manpa-tilan said the Higaonon tribe of Esperanza have been very cooperative in processing the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) knowing that the local government have been doing their part in realizing their dreams. “What our people want is the protection of their rights over the area where they live. As natives of the place, they get their food and other needs in their re-spective areas, while protecting the environ-ment for the future of their younger genera-tions,” Mayor Manpati-lan said. The lady chief ex-ecutive added the mu-nicipal government has been closely working with the provincial gov-ernment “because we have the same outlook for the plight of our IPs,” Manpatilan said. Moreover, Gov. Pla-za took the advantage of presenting the issues and problems confront-ing the process of the CADT, hoping the Ger-man delegation could

extend any assistance for the speedy issuance of the CADT. Also, Fr. Carlito Clase, founder of Mary Mediatrix of All Grace Foundation pre-sented to the German del-egation their partnership with German financing in-stitution called MISERIOR. They provided support for the project dubbed as Poverty Al-leviation through Good Governance, livelihood, Agroforestry for the Unity of the Marginal-ized sector, which also stand for the PAGLAUM project. Fr. Clase, with some tribal leaders, presented their ac-complishments on food security, land security, health security, educa-tion, natural resourc-es, gender and orga-nizational core values. The German dele-gation left the town of Esperanza around 8:00 in the evening, leaving the people of Esper-anza hopeful for more assistance the German government could ex-tend especially to the IPs. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

German Parliament.... from page 17


Crime volume in Dipolog dipsDIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) - For the last eight months the crime volume of this city was observed to have gone down by almost 12 percent compared to the same period last year.

by Franklin P. Gumapon

Speaking at a news conference this morn-ing, newly installed city police chief PSupt. Kenneth Huelba Mis-sion reported that from January 1 to August 31, 2011, index and non-index crimes totaled 268 only as compared to 304 for the same pe-riod last year. “ N o n - i n d e x crimes, however, have slightly increased dur-

ing the period due to a relentless campaign against drug pushers in the city, as non-index crime went up from 77 to 128,” Mission said. The city police sta-tion has also attained a crime solution efficiency of 94.4 percent during the period. The new police chief also pledged to closely work with the city leadership led by

Mayor Evelyn T. Uy to maintain the peace and order condition which is vital to growth and de-velopment of the place. While invest-ments in Dipolog are increasing nowadays, the police force is also strengthening its intel-ligence network to curb lawless elements from sneaking in to wreck havoc in the city. (FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)

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DepED holds classes for inmates in DipologDIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) - Even if they are in jail, their passion for learning has been answered by the Department of Education (DepED).

by Franklin P. Gumapon

Ninety three in-mates of the Dipolog City

Correctional and Refor-matory Center (DCCRC)

who failed to finish their elementary and second-


ary education are now undergoing a 10-month class program provided by DepED’s Alternative Learning System (ALS). ALS division coor-dinator Catalina Barina-ga told the Philippine In-formation Agency (PIA) that 20 inmates have

enrolled in an elemen-tary program and 73 in a high school course. “This program aims to provide the in-mates with the oppor-tunity to finish their elementary and sec-ondary education so that by the time they

get out of jail, they can pursue their stud-ies in college,” Bari-naga explained. The ALS classes at the city jail start-ed last July 2 and will culminate in May next year. (FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)

NEDA approves P3.9-B education, environment projects for ARMMISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept. 7 (PIA) – The Department of Education will soon implement the P3.927 billion education and environment projects that would benefit the Autono-mous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Bureau of Pub-lic Information (BPI) of the ARMM announced that recently the Cabi-net Committee of the National Economic and Development Authority has approved projects on education and envi-ronment that will benefit the region. NEDA approved the Basic Education As-sistance for Muslim Min-danao that aims to im-prove basic education performance in the re-gion by addressing fun-

damental issues, such as low levels of intake, participation, comple-tion rates and learning achievement for both elementary and high school education. The report reveals that the Australian As-sistance for International Development (AusAID) will contribute P3.57 bil-lion, while the Philippine government will put up the balance of P357 mil-lion. The project will be implemented under the

AusAID’s Basic Educa-tion Assistance for Min-danao (BEAM). The BEAM-ARMM has four components, namely early childhood education; school health and water sanitation and hygiene facilities; tech-nical-vocational training and skills development for out-of-school children and youth; and alterna-tive delivery model for preschool and elemen-tary education in remote areas and indigenous peoples’ settlements.

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DepED holds.... from page 19


Meanwhile, a P7.244 billion Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Manage-ment Project (INREMP) would be implemented to cover one river basin in Lanao del Sur and aims to operationalize an In-tegrated Environmental Management within the priority watersheds of four river basins, name-ly the Upper Bukidnon river basin in Lanao del Sur, Chico river basin in the Cordillera Adminis-trative Region, Wahig-

Inabanga river basin in Bohol, and Lake Lanao river basin bounded by Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. The INREMP covers 83 municipalities and cities in nine provinces. Of the approximately 1.14 million hectares covered, 312,783 hect-ares would reforested and assisted natural re-generation. Of the total P7.244-billion environment project cost, the Asian Development Bank will

provide P4.7 billion, while the Internation-al Fund for Agricultural Development will share P940 million. The Climate Change Fund will also contribute a total grant of P66.27 million and the Global Environment Facility, P117.55 million. The Department of Environment and Natu-ral Resources will imple-ment the project from 2012 to 2018. (BPI-ARMM/RVC-PIA-9 Ba-SulTa)

Region 9 soon to benefit drought tolerant rice varietiesZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) - Rice farmers in the re-gion may soon benefit from the result of a study done by the researchers from the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA) that identified the best rice varieties suitable to be planted in rain fed areas in Region9.

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Department of Agriculture (DA)-OCA will soon make available in Zam-boanga City and Re-gion 9 “drought tol-erant certified rice varieties,” that has the unique capacity

to submerged and withstand drought. DA in its press statement said “three of the 12 registered drought resistant va-rieties planted during the trials yielded good grains and were rec-

ommended for field trial managed by the farmers in the differ-ent rain field areas in Zamboanga City.” DA statement further said, if theses drought resistant rice verities are proven vi-

NEDA approves.... from page 20

22


able, it will be recom-mended for adapta-tion for seed and rice productions fallowing the technology used in the study. DA explained, “The three variet-ies were thoroughly evaluated by the re-searchers and were

also chosen on the spot by the farmers present during the field day, from among the fully grown 12 va-rieties in the rain fed areas planted where the study was con-ducted.” DA revealed, the 12 registered drought

resistance rice vari-eties were provided by the International Rice Research Insti-tute (IRRI) and Phil-ippine Rice Institute (PhilRice) purposely to look for the best varities suitable for this region. (JPA/PIA 9-Zambo City)

Chinese investors express interest in putting up business in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) - An eight-man business delegates headed by He Hongmin of Aimin Real Estate Cor-poration based in Hebei, China arrived in the city over the weekend to explore the city’s potential for business invest-ment.

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Mr. Vic Larato of the City Mayor’s Of-fice said the “Chinese bizmen came to Zam-boanga to see business potentials even as they had already plans to invest in the local real estate and construc-tion industry.” Larato said the group of Chinese po-tential investors ar-rived in the city Sun-

day. The city gave the delegates a tour to various properties and business sites in the city. They were also briefed about the city’s business and tourism potentials, it’s history and cul-ture. City Mayor Celso Lobregat during the

business delegates’ courtesy call said “We very much welcome you to Zamboanga as we always invite anybody to come and invest in our city.” Lobregat said Zamboanga City is now fast progressing as can be seen in the booming construction industry. (JPA/PIA 9-Zambo City)

Region 9 soon.... from page 21


DILG to hold public fora for ARMM candidates to voice platformby Apipa Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 7 (PIA) – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to hold public fora from Sept. 12 to 15 for candidates in the Au-tonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to present their legislative agenda.

24

DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said the public fora would require the candidates to enunciate their re-spective plans and pro-grams, as well as, posi-tions on various issues affecting the region. He said the fora will allow people in ARMM to have a glimpse of the character, perspec-tive and priorities of the said nominees, as well, as obtain their commit-ment for reforms in the region. On Sept. 12, a si-multaneous provincial public forum will be conducted in the five

(5) provinces of the re-gion, namely: Maguin-danao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, and Basilan. The venues for the provincial fora are as follows: Shariff Kabun-suan Complex in Cota-bato City for the two (2) districts of Maguin-danao, Mindanao State University (MSU) cam-pus in Marawi City for the two (2) districts of Lanao del Sur. Patikul town for the two (2) districts of Sulu, Jaafar Con-vention Hall inside MSU-Bongao campus in Tawi-tawi province,

and Basilan State Col-lege in Isabela City, province of Basilan. Similarly, fora will also be held at Office of the Regional Governor (ORG) Complex in Co-tabato City and Ateneo de Zamboanga Univer-sity on September 13 and 15, respectively. Press conferences are also slated on Sept. 13 and 15 to provide information to the me-dia relative to the on-going screening of can-didates and the result of the provincial fora. The DILG, mean-while, is inviting mem-bers of the media to


provide coverage to said events as recog-nition of their impor-tant roles in elevating public awareness and gaining public trust in the process of selecting the officers-in-charge (OICs) for the ARMM government. In a related de-velopment, the ARMM Screening Committee has called on all nomi-nees who did not sub-mit personal applica-tion to submit a written confirmation accepting

their nomination and indicating their willing-ness to be appointed should they be includ-ed in the shortlist to be submitted to President Benigno S. Aquino III. As of press time, there are now 26 appli-cants and 48 nominees for the post of ARMM Governor, nine (9) ap-plicants and 28 nomi-nees for Vice-Governor and 115 applicants and 249 nominees for the members of the Re-gional Legislative As-

sembly (RLA). The President will be appointing OICs for regional governor, re-gional vice governor, and 24 members of the RLA, with six (6) members, each, for Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Sulu, and three (3) members, each, for Basilan and Tawi-tawi. The ARMM final list of applicants and nominees is posted the DILG website: www.dilg.gov.ph. (PIA10)

DA USEC lauds the success of 2nd Minda wide organic forum by Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 7 (PIA) – Ag-riculture Undersecretary Bernadette R. Puyat had praised the success of the recently held 2nd Mindanao-wide vermin forum, side by side with the implementation and roadmap formulation for organic agriculture. The activity was hosted by the Depart-ment of Agriculture, region 10 (DA-10), Re-gional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) 10, Provincial Agricul-ture Office of Misamis Oriental, and Xavier University, together

with other national line agencies. Puyat, who is the alternate Chairperson of the National Organic Ag-riculture Board (NOAB), in her message, deliv-ered by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisher-ies Products Standards

(BAFPS) Director Gil-berto F. Layese, said the gathering is very timely as the direction is to-wards transforming the country’s agricultural sector though innova-tive practices. She said that, since 2003, the country’s or-

DILG to hold.... from page 23

25


ganic industry is grow-ing with an annual rate of 10 to 20 percent. She further said that the signing of Repub-lic Act 10068 into law, known as The Organic Act of 2010, cemented the government’s com-mitment of promoting and developing organic agriculture in the coun-try. Although Puyat ad-mits that the rise of pop-ularity in organic farm-ing also brings issues on heavy reliance on chemical-based fertiliz-ers to the surface, she found vermiculture to be a good alternative. It is a simple way of composting, using earthworms to speed up the process and utiliz-ing its droppings as end-product. She said vermi can

work effectively in biode-gradable wastes and its products, such as, vermi-cast and vermicompost, which are also superior soil supplements and proven to significantly augment household and farm income when sold at the market. Layese, on the oth-er hand, extensively dis-cussed the implement-ing rules and regulation (IRR) of RA 10068, dur-ing the forum, giving stakeholders updates on the implementation of formulated guidelines and its salient provisions, after which, participants also worked together and come up with a re-gional organic roadmap. “The success in organic agriculture lies heavily on the local leaders, that is why there is a need

now to organize the pro-vincial, city, or munici-pal organic agriculture board to crop policies for their respective areas and ensure allocation of funds to help small farm-ers aside from the equity fund to be provided by the department of agri-culture,” Layese said. Layese, likewise, reminded farmers on the policy of placing “organ-ic” seals to their products that this should be only after securing a certifi-cation or permits to do so. “We need to follow the process, anyone vio-lating this can go six (6) months to jail as indi-cated in the organic law, this is to ensure that all products bearing such seals have really passed the standards,” he add-ed. (PIA 10)

Lanao Norte women to get anti-tet-anus booster shots by Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 7 (PIA) – In a campaign to rid the province of the deadly tetanus infection, the Provincial Health Office is conducting a province-wide supplemental im-munization for women aged 15 to 40 years old.

DA USEC lauds... from page 24

26


Dubbed as Mater-nal and Neonatal Teta-nus Elimination (MNTE), this health interven-tion is supported by the Department of Health (DOH), World Health Or-ganization (WHO) and the United Nations In-ternational Children’s Emergency Fund (UNI-CEF). The MNTE aims to reduce the number of maternal and neonatal tetanus cases to such low levels that MNT is no longer a major public health problem. Maternal and neo-natal tetanus have been among the most com-mon lethal consequenc-es of unclean deliveries and umbilical cord care practices. When tetanus develops, mortality rates are extremely high, es-pecially when appropri-ate medical care is not available.

And yet, mater-nal and neonatal teta-nus deaths can be easily prevented by hygienic delivery and cord care practices, and by immu-nizing mothers with tet-anus vaccine. Throughout the country, only 10 lo-cal government units (LGU’s) have been granted the free immu-nization program and in region 10 only Lanao del Norte was approved. “We are going to vaccinate every woman in our province. We shall be conducting the teta-nus toxoid immuniza-tion by municipality and if needed go house to house to ensure that ev-ery woman is given this important booster shot,” Provincial Health Officer Melania Untao said. The first round of vaccination is scheduled on this month of Sep-

tember. The 2nd round of booster shots will be on October, while the 3rd round will be given six (6) months after or on April 2012. Town mayors have also expressed full support to the pro-gram to convince the women sector in their community to avail of the free immuniza-tion. “We have also tapped our rural health units, our rural health officers to help identify the women in their communities to ensure a 100% vacci-nation”, Untao added. In Mindanao, other LGUs approved by WHO for the anti-tetanus booster shots were Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basi-lan, Marawi City and Cotabato City. (PIO/PIA-10)

Mahinog LGU council approves new raffle ordinance by Homer R. Jajalla

MAHINOG, Camiguin, Sept. 7 (PIA) – The Sangguniang Bayan (SB), here, recently approved an ordinance that would reg-ulate the operation of “raffles” in the municipality.

Lanao Norte... from page 25

27


Under the ordinance authored by SB Kagawad Rey Lawrence K. Tan, a raffle may be conducted only by a charitable and public welfare organization. Thus, the ordinance would now restrict private individuals from holding a raffle in the municipality. Tan said the or-dinance resulted after a bungled raffle in the municipality,which was conducted by a private per-son, victimized a number of people who purchased raffle tickets, but had no winners.

“A raffle regulation was needed to safeguard the people against the scam,” Tan stressed. Meanwhile, Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 gives the city and municipal mayors au-thority to regulate the hold-ing of activities for chari-table and welfare purposes within their respective juris-diction. Such activities may be in the form of benefit shows or dances, bingo socials for charity, raffle draws and similar activities.

The new ordinance makes it unlawful to conduct or operate a raffle in the mu-nicipality unless said raffle has been covered by a per-mit issued by the Municipal Mayor. The ordinance further provides that raffle permits shall be issued only to or-ganizations that operate without profit to their mem-bers. The ordinance impos-es a fine from a minimum of Php500 to a maximum of Php1,500 or imprisonment of not more than 20 days or both. (MIO/PIA-10)

Launching of the 2011 Diyandi Fes-tival in Iligan set by Melvin T. Anggot/Virgilio C. Garcia

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 7 (PIA) -- The Diyandi Festival or the Tourism Month and Fiesta Celebration in Ili-gan City has been launched, here, last Sept. 1.

Kagawad Marlene Young of the Sangguni-ang Panglungsod, who is the Over-All Chairperson of the Diyandi Festival – Executive Management Board, said the activities started with a press con-ference at Celadon Func-tion Hall in Pala-o, this city, where the activities for the celebration were announced. Presentation of the 12 candidates for the Miss Iligan 2011 were also pre-

sented, during the occa-sion. A motorcade around the city was also participated in by the city officials, members of the fies-ta committee, project proponents, event or-ganizers, and Miss Ili-gan 2011 candidates, among others. The formal launching of the program was done at Rizal Park led by city officials like Representa-

tive Vicente Belmonte, Jr., Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz, Vice Mayor Henry Dy and Kagawad Young. The program was fol lowed by the pre-sentation night of the f inal ists of the pres-t igious singing talent competit ion cal led I l i-gan Female Star Pow-er and Male Pop Star which wi l l serve at the 5th season of I l igan Star. (CIO/PIA-10)

Mahinog LGU... from page 26


Peace process deadlock, a problem on labels- Leonen

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) -Government peace panel chair Dean Mavic Leonen describes this present deadlock between the Philippine Government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Lib-eration Front (MILF)as a battle between labels, which if only discussed could eventually be settled. Leonen told the Davao media the will-ingness of the govern-ment panel to go back to the negotiating table and ask the MILF what was specifically violated in the previous agree-ment so both parties

could work on it. “ When we got their draft proposal, we didn’t react to it. A good negotiator will always take it, and find a com-mon ground. The gov-ernment is very open to talk to them. But the

MILF’s style of negoti-ating is different.” he said. Miriam Coronel described the proposal submission to the MILF as something abrupt and lacks enough time for both parties to clar-

by Mai Gevera-Macapagat

29


ify the content. “ Nanaig ang dis-appointment mula sa MILF. Sanay nabigyan kami ng pagkakataon na maipaliwanag sa ka-nila ang mga core issues na nakasaad sa propos-al.” (The MILF’s disap-pointment ruled at that time. We could have been given the chance to explain to them core issues in that propos-al.), said Coronel. The MILF pan-el was proposing for a substate, which the government panel con-siders as may be simi-lar to their definition of autonomy. “ A sub state is less than a state that still

recognizes the power of the national gov-ernment. Autonomy, as what we are push-ing for, also shares the same definition. Baka nag-aaway lng tayo sa label?” (maybe we are fighting over labels) Le-onen said. He urged the oth-er party to rather focus on the common ground rather than highlight the differences Iqbal said the MILF wrote a letter to the Malaysian facilitator several days ago asking for third par-ty intervention before they meet for another round of negotiations. He asked them not to fail to bring peace to

Mindanao just because of these labels. The MILF panel sought the intervention of Malaysian facilitators before meeting again with the government panel for another nego-tiation. The government panel, on the other hand, f inds no sub-st itute for a face to face meeting to avoid miscommuni-cation. The GPH de-nies that talks have been stal led, rather, the team has be-come more optimis-t ic that both part ies can come up with a common ground the soonest. (PIA-XI)

Davao eyes Business Permits and Licensing SystemDAVAO CITY September 7 (PIA) - The Davao City local govern-ment targets to join the roster of LGUs that have completed and are implementing a Business Permits and Licensing Sys-tem (BPLS).

by Mai Gevera-Macapagat

In yesterday’s Na-tional Competitive Council Roadshow held at Grand Men Seng Hotel, City Planning Officer Roberto P. Alabado III disclosed

that the BPLS which is now a priority program of the present local admin-istration is instrumental in upgrading the services of the LGU.

“ This also gives us a benchmark as to how we are fairing with other cities.”, he said. It is also here in Davao City that new poli-

Peace process... from page 28

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Students impart awareness on TB in quiz bee and poster making contest

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) – Elementary and high school stu-dents in the city took part in the celebration of the Lung Month, imparting their awareness on the infectious tubercu-losis disease in a quiz bee and poster making contest.

by Carina L. Cayon

cies were created to sat-isfy the needs of most new SMEs. The city allows for the issuance of a tem-porary business permit which the business en-terprise can use for one month while the permit is being processed. NCC private sector co-chairman Guillermo Luz lauded Davao City for joining the existing 221 LGUs who have been im-plementing BPLS. There are currently 119 LGUs which are in the process of fixing processes to fi-nally implement a com-plete BPLS. This program is aimed to streamline busi-ness permits and licens-ing system in the country to the target 480 LGUs by 2014. BPLS follows a stan-dard that limits the pro-cessing time of LGUs to issue business permits and licenses to a maxi-

mum of 10 days from the date of submission of the application form. This also required the LGU to have a unified form each for new appli-cations and renewals as well as to have a limited number of steps in pro-cessing applications and renewals. Luz bared that Phil-ippines dropped four notches from its previous ranking of 144th in 2010 to 148th this year through the Doing Business Sur-vey conducted by the IFC. Singapore leads the sur-vey since 2009 and tailed by other ASEAN countries like Thailand , Malaysia and Vietnam . The survey shows that Philippines needs to prioritize efforts in start-ing a business, dealing with construction per-mits, and closing a busi-ness. The NCC called the attention of concerned

government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Internal Revenue, local government units, and the Department of Interi-or and Local Government to work on these priority areas. Aside from BPLS, the NCC also push-es for other priority projects such as the Performance Gover-nance System Balanced Scorecard, the Philip-pine Business Regis-try (PBR), the National Single Window (NSW), and the Transparency in Budget Delivery. NCC is mandated to promote and develop competitiveness strat-egies and push for the implementation of an action agenda for com-petitiveness and link it to the Philippine Devel-opment Plan.(PIA-XI)

Davao eyes... from page 29

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With barely weeks to study about the principles of TB and its control and prevention program, Grades 5 and 6 pupils from several public schools displayed their quick comprehen-sion and understanding of the disease during the quiz bee event. Each school’s del-egation was composed of three members. All teams underwent three rounds, bearing easy, medium and hard questions taken from the Comprehensive and Unified Policy (CUP) for TB Control in the Philip-pines. The Vedasto F. Cor-cuera Elementary School emerged as champion for garnering the highest scores in the quiz bowl.Composing the school’s team were Blessy C. Bongcac, Joana Rei Flo-rentino and Marie Ther-ese Lañohan. The 1st runner-up was the Magallanes El-ementary School which was represented by the team of Adrian Cabal-lero, Gieson Balictar and Suzette Cirunay.

The Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Cen-tral Elementary School grabbed the 3rd runner-up place. The members of the team were Dolf Mirelle J. Montecillo, Gift C. Gulayan and Vincent Joshua B. Fernandez. The poster-making contest, meanwhile, was joined by high school students from several public and private insti-tutions in the city. The poster must signify the celebra-tion’s theme dubbed as “On the move against TB: Transforming the Fight Towards elimina-tion.” For producing the best poster that achieved the criteria, the Bustamante Na-tional High School was adjudged the cham-pion. Niño H. Acero and Justine B. Capi-ñanes represented the school. The Talandang High School got the second place for the work of its students Jerry V. Evangelisan Jr. and Jiory D. Elarco. Charmene Mayol

and Jimilili Marie Chavez gave its school Sta. Ana National High School the 3rd place honor for the poster making con-test. The winners were awarded with cash prizes and trophies right after competition spearhead-ed by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development. The month-long celebration of the Lung Month in August was in cooperation with the TB Regional and City Co-ordinating Committees composed of various government and private agencies. Aside from the quiz bee and poster making contests, the culmina-tion program on Sep-tember 1 held at the entertainment center in SM City Davao also covered the distribu-tion of awards to sev-eral health. providers and institutions from the government and private sector for their outstanding contribu-tions to the control and prevention programs on TB. (PIA-XI)

Students impart... from page 30


RPOC-XI picks reps from private sec-tor, component citiesDAVAO DEL NORTE, Sept. 7 (PIA) - The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) XI is bringing in additional members from the private sector and from the component cities.

by Jeanevive D. Abangan

Mati City Mayor Mi-chelle Rabat got the unan-imous vote to represent the components cities in the Davao Region. She was nominated by Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy and such nomination was sec-onded by Island Garden City of Samal Mayor Ania-no Antalan. RPOC -XI also picked without their presence in yesterday’s (Sept. 7) meeting three private sector representatives from the business, the in-digenous people and the media sectors. Nominated and vot-ed in absentia to bring the voice of the business sec-tor to RPOC-XI was Norma Pereyras who was once chosen as a national vol-unteer, past president and assistant governor of the Rotary Club. Pereyras is one of the prominent leaders in the women sector of Davao del Norte and also coopera-tive leader. Ruben Labawan emerged as the chosen IP representative to RPOC -XI while Antonio M. Ajero, editor of Edge Davao, was

chosen to represent the media sector. Ajero is the convenor/host of Kapehan sa Davao and Marco Polo’s Club 888 Business and Tourism me-dia forum. He is also the current Davao Chapter president of Ambassador Club International and im-mediate past president and chair of Council of Presi-dents of the Rotary Clubs in Davao City. Department of In-terior and Local Govern-ment (DILG) Assistant Re-gional Director Danilo B. Lumapas explained the relevance of their mem-bership to RPOC based on Executive Order No. 773, Section 1 (b). Such provision of E.O. 773 mandates the representation of mayors of component cities to the RPOC. The same provi-sion also states that the RPOC chair shall appoint the three representatives from the private sector, upon consultation with the members of the Council. On the other hand, DILG this morning award-ed Davao del Norte towns of Braulio E. Dujali and

San Isidro, the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) with corresponding P1 mil-lion cheque each as Per-formance Challenge Fund (PCF). The Island Garden City of Samal also got the same recognition and re-ceived P3 million PCF while Sarangani Municipality was the lone town of Davao del Sur which got the SGH and received P1 million PCF. The Seal of Good Housekeeping recogniz-es awarded local govern-ment units for showing exemplary accountability and transparency perfor-mance. The PCF cheque and the plaque of SGH signed by DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo were handed over by Commissioner Eduardo Escueta, vice chair of the National Police Commis-sion (NAPOLCOM), assist-ed by RPOC XI chair Gov. Rodolfo P. Del Rosario. Escueta represent-ed Secretary Robredo the RPOC meeting held at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan at the Provincial Government Center of Davao del Norte. (PIA-XI)


Peace process deadlock, a problem on labels- LeonenDAVAO CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) - Government peace panel chair Dean Mavic Leonen describes this present deadlock between the Philippine Government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Lib-eration Front (MILF)as a battle between labels, which if only discussed could eventually be settled.

by Jeanevive D. Abangan

Leonen told the Davao media the willing-ness of the government panel to go back to the negotiating table and ask the MILF what was specif-ically violated in the pre-vious agreement so both parties could work on it. “ When we got their draft proposal, we didn’t react to it. A good ne-gotiator will always take it, and find a common ground. The govern-ment is very open to talk to them. But the MILF’s style of negotiating is dif-ferent.” he said. Miriam Coronel de-scribed the proposal sub-mission to the MILF as something abrupt and lacks enough time for both parties to clarify the content. “ Nanaig ang disap-pointment mula sa MILF. Sanay nabigyan kami ng pagkakataon na maipali-wanag sa kanila ang mga core issues na nakasaad sa proposal.” (The MILF’s disappointment ruled at

that time. We could have been given the chance to explain to them core is-sues in that proposal.), said Coronel. The MILF panel was proposing for a substate, which the government panel considers as may be similar to their defini-tion of autonomy. “ A sub state is less than a state that still rec-ognizes the power of the national government. Au-tonomy, as what we are pushing for, also shares the same definition. Baka nag-aaway lng tayo sa label?” (maybe we are fighting over labels) Le-onen said. He urged the oth-er party to rather focus on the common ground rather than highlight the differences Iqbal said the MILF wrote a letter to the Malaysian facilitator sev-eral days ago asking for third party intervention before they meet for an-other round of negotia-tions.

“Instead nag meet-ing immediately on Sep-tember and 13 as pro-posed by the other side, we instead proposed for the facilitator to come and try to narrow the gap between the two parties’ positions,” Iqbal said, ex-plaining the contents of their letter to the Malay-sian facilitators. He asked them not to fail to bring peace to Mindanao just because of these labels. The MILF panel sought the intervention of Malaysian facilitators be-fore meeting again with the government panel for another negotiation. The government panel, on the other hand, finds no substitute for a face to face meeting to avoid miscommuni-cation. The GPH denies that talks have been stalled, rather, the team has become more op-timistic that both par-ties can come up with a common ground the soonest. (PIA-XI)

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One Mindanao - Semtember 7, 2011

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