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Let’s celebrate South Cotabato’s T’nalak Festival

Government has single standard vs illegal drugs

Solon seeks to increase the salary grade of public school teachers

Senator Trillanes pushes for SSS pension hike in Senate

Over 4,000 drug users surrender in Tagum City

DPWH-XI eyes road, drainage projects in Davao City

Cotabato IPHO calls for individuals with cleft deformities, club foot to avail of free surgical mission

Tagum’s 6th city council enacts 68 ordinances

Libungan PNP leads disaster preparedness seminar for students, parents

10ID beefs up area monitoring vs ISIS threat

Drug users, pushers surrender

Tnalak Fest features 4x4 off-road challenge

Dipolog celebrates Nutrition Month

CDO steps up campaign vs human trafficking

Serve your constituents well, VP Robredo tells elected officials in Lanao

MILF camp gets agri-support

ZCWD: Water rationing likely to be re-imposed this week

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DidYouKnow

NationalNews

MindanaoRound Up

OLIVIA T. SUDARIAREGIONAL DIRECTORPIA SOCCSKSARGEN

Tnalak has become the image of South Cotabato, a perfect replica of the unified people of different cultures. Completing a Tnalak cloth from a pattern takes several months of hard labor, patience and perseverance of weaving one abaca thread after another to form a beautiful tapestry that symbolizes purity of hearts and honesty ( represented by white undyed threads); bravery commitment and love (red dyed thread) and strength and character drawn out of struggles (black dyed threads) that together epitomizes the indomitable South Cotabateños, a perfect mix of indigenous peoples, Muslims and Christian settlers. According to traditions, each geometric pattern of the Tnalak cloth is revealed by the spirits of abaca to the weaver through dreams, thus, the byname of Tboli Tnalak weavers as “Dreamweavers,” most notable among them is the late Bey Lang Dulay of Lake Sebu, whom then President Fidel V. Ramos declared in 1998 as “National Living Treasure.” The tradition of the Tnalak weaving is also the reason behind South Cotabato’s tourism brand name “Land of the Dreamweavers.” On July 10 to 18, South Cotabato – declared 4th Most Competitive Province in the Philippines in 2015 and to be awarded 3rd Most Competitive Province in the Philippines on July 14, 2016 - celebrates its 17th Tnalak Festival and 50th Foundation Anniversary under the theme “Sharing our Best with the World.”

OLIVIA T. SUDARIAREGIONAL DIRECTORPIA SOCCSKSARGEN

PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCYSOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII)Baustista Bldg., Zulueta Street, Koronadal City, South CotabatoContact no. (083)520-0249

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South Cotabato is celebrating its 17th Tnalak Festival, from July 10 to 18. Organizers vow this year’s festivity

-- being the golden anniversary of the

province’s founding – would be the most

grandiose.

Let’s celebrate South Cotabato’s

T’NALAK FESTIVAL

“See what we can offer you. See what our people can offer,”

says Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes, as she invites everyone to

come and join what she describes as “the most culturally authentic festival in

Mindanao and the country.”

If you are to come to Koronadal City - where the events are held as the province’s capital - you

should have already missed the grand thematic parade. Don’t fret, the days leading to the finale would surely fill

By Danny E. Doguiles

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every visitor’s wish for an unforgettable experience, the South Cotabateño way. If it’s your first time to partake of the Tnalak Festival, here are some destinations and events that you should never miss. There are more in my list but these are guaranteed to make you want more and get ready for the next Tnalak Festival, whether alone or with friends. It’s much better, though, if you come in group.

BAHAY KUBO

As has been a tradition here, every Tnalak Festival, each of the eleven local government units in South Cotabato presents its primary agricultural products and tourism destination via elaborately designed traditional “Bahay Kubo.” These huts made mostly of bamboo and cogon are the best place to shop for local products such fresh fruits and vegetables, pots, crafts, processed products and many more. This is also where you can get information regarding the tourist destinations in each town. Be warned though, the area is always hectic. You may have to wiggle your way for a position to take a selfie.

When the festival closes, these Bahay Kubo will be donated to selected beneficiaries. In the past two years, the huts were given to schools.

Bahay Kubos are installed outside the gates of the provincial capitol along Alunan Avenue. Opps! When you come to the venue at night, be prepared to walk; when 5 p.m. strikes, the entire Alunan Avenue is closed to vehicles.

ADUSAY

Short for Awit, Dula, Sayaw, ADuSay happens on Thursday, July 15, starting at 5 p.m. at the Bahay Kubo. For this contest, LGUs assemble community members – young people, government officials and employees, health workers, etc. - to sing, play and dance in the traditions of South Cotabato.

TNALAK STRIP and TNALAK FOOD GARDEN AND TOURISM STRIP

Along with the Bahay Kubo, strips are also located along Alunan Avenue and are the busiest

venues from sundown until the wee hours as both are the favorite places for dining, get-together chit-chat while enjoying the performances.

Visitors who prefer rock, folk and country bands and comic shows should go to the Tnalak Strip. This year, artist line-up include: Kitchie Nadal (July 11), Slapshock (July 12), Abra (July 15) Parokya ni Edgar and Maui Taylor (July 16), Freddie Aguilar and Watawat Band (July 13), and Up Dharma Down, Callalily and K Brosas (July 18.) NOTE: No tickets and fees are required to see these performances. If you can’t get a seat on the food stalls in the area, you just have to stand or sit on the pavement.

Those who prefer mellow music cultural performances, your place is the Tnalak Food Garden and Tourism Strip. Food stalls in the area are restaurants and resort operators in the province in a more formal ambience. Food choices here range from the Tboli cuisine cooked and served in bamboo, tilapia dishes, to the all-time Filipino favorite lechon. At its center is a stage for acoustic bands, violinists, Tboli dancers, and cultural dance troupes from South Cotabato and neighboring places. CHARITY BALL

Visitors with a giving heart should head to The Farm@Carpenter Hill on July 17. Traditionally, the Balikbayan Night, it was renamed Governor Charity Ball to open the doors for local philanthropists to take part in the provincial government’s fund-raising campaign. A fee of Php1,500 gets you a dinner with performances from Richard Poon, South Cotabato Chorale, and other local artists. Every centavo earned from the Charity Ball goes to the Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship Program of the provincial government and nothing will be deducted from the proceeds for the expenses incurred. Last year, the charity ball gathered over Php480,000.

MUTYA NG SOUTH COTABATO

It’s a beauty and brains pageant. Unlike most of the beauty pageants, the Mutya ng South

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Cotabato takes special attention to the local culture, by honoring the Tnalak cloth. Gowns

that the contestants would wear are designed from Tnalak cloth. In line with the province’s 50th foundation anniversary, the 18 contestants will be wearing gold gowns, 80 percent of the design is made from Tnalak cloth from gold-

colored abaca threads. The pageant will be held at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural

Center along Alunan Avenue.

STREET DANCING COMPETITION

Tnalak’s street dancing competition is of three categories honoring the cultural mix of South Cotabato: Medal B’lan for the Indigenous Peoples,

Kadsagayan A Lalan for the Muslims and Kasadyahan sa Dalan for the Christian settlers. Street dancers in colorful indigenous garments of the cultures they

represent dance through the streets of Koronadal City from Alunan Avenue to General Santos Drive and to the South Cotabato Sports Complex for their final showdown and the Festival Closing Ceremony. The street dancing competition gets on its way at around 7 a.m. but for a better view, be sure to take a space along the route as it will definitely be swarmed with people.

EXPO 2016

Do you have a green thumb or are you interested in putting up a business? Head to the PROTECH Center (beside the Provincial Capitol) where the Regional Industrial, Technology and Trade Fair. Besides displays of plants and agricultural products and equipment and display and sale of products from SOCCSKSARGEN region, the fair also features pottery making and Tnalak weaving demonstrations daily, technology training on durian product and processing (July 15), seminar on packaging and labelling (July 16), mobile passport processing (July 17) and Job Fair (July 18).

That’s my priority list.

Come to South Cotabato and join us “Share our Best with the World.”

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Abella said the top to bottom instruction is that police operations must be with regularity in the performance of functions. The statement came after Abella was asked regarding the Duterte administration’s stand on the rising death toll of

suspected drug pushers. It will be recalled that during the campaign, PRRD already had a firm stand on criminality and drugs. In his campaign speeches, he waged war on drug lords and other criminal elements. Abella

said the President’s stand remains the same. The mass surrender of confessed drug pushers began even before President Duterte assumed office on June 30. (PCOO)

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said President Rodrigo R. Duterte has only one standard when it comes to the campaign against illegal drugs.

Government has single standard vs illegal drugs

National News I July 11-13, 2016 9

Rep. Raul Del Mar (1st District, Cebu City) said public school teachers are among underpaid workers in society. Despite the fact that they are heralded as molders of children’s future, they receive only less than twenty thousand a month each for their basic salary. Del Mar filed a bill that seeks to upgrade the salary grade level of teachers in public elementary and secondary schools from the present Salary Grade (SG) 11 to SG 20. “Teachers are considered to be the prime mover of the education

system; hence, the government needs to give priority to their interest and welfare,” Del Mar said. Del Mar said based on the third phase of the Salary Standardization Law (SSL 3), public school educators currently receive a minimum salary of P18,549. Government employees under SG 20, meanwhile, have a basic monthly rate of P36, 567. Del Mar pushed for the measure citing Article XIV, Section 4 [1] of the Constitution, which provides that the State recognizes the complementary roles of

public and private institutions in the educational system and shall exercise reasonable supervision and regulation of education institutions. Article XIV, Section 5 [5] of the Constitution also states that The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share of the best available talents through the adequate remuneration and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment. Under Del Mar’s measure, the upgrade in the teachers’ salary shall

A re-elected lawmaker has appealed to his colleagues in the 17th Congress to support the country’s public school teachers by increasing their basic monthly salary to at least P36,000.

Solon seeks to increase the salarygrade of public school teachers

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Trillanes stated “It has been 19 years since the last SSS pension increase was implemented through Republic Act 8282. Since the law’s enactment and with the cost of living expenses having considerably increased over time, however, the meager amount of monthly pension of our SSS pensioners, who are old and mostly suffering from various medical conditions, has become inadequate to support their monthly food sustenance and maintenance medicines. Moreover, pensioners who retired after the effectivity of RA 8282 are even more struggling because they are receiving smaller

amounts of monthly pension.” Under SBN 91, all SSS pensioners shall receive an across-the-board increase of Two Thousand Pesos (Php 2,000.00), regardless of the effectivity of their retirement. “We had the opportunity to provide relief to our pensioners last Congress by passing a legislation that would increase their monthly pension. The measure, however, was not signed into law. With this re-filed measure, we hope to finally provide support to our pensioners through this long overdue increase in their pension,” Trillanes added. (Senate)

Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes has re-filed the bill seeking to increase the current Social Security System pension rate, through Senate Bill No. 91.

Senator Trillanes pushesfor SSS pension hike in Senate

be adjusted in accordance with their qualifications and length of service and shall not be prejudiced by across the board adjustments. The bill mandates the national government to allocate the necessary amount to fund the salary increase of educators, provided, that the salary increase of public school teachers shall take priority over other non-educational and non-agricultural budgetary allocations. It also requires the Department of Education (DepEd) to immediately come up with the specific programmed budget needed to cover the expenses for the upgrading in salary levels for all the corresponding teacher plantilla positions over a period of five years. This is to allow the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to make the necessary budgetary adjustments to facilitate the smooth implementation of this Act. The DepEd and the DBM are directed to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. “To give meaning to the spirit and intent of the above mentioned constitutional provisions, there has been a compelling need to upgrade the salary grade of our public school teachers,” Del Mar stressed. (House of Representatives)

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Authorities expressed surprise at the number of individuals who submitted themselves for reform and rehabilitation, but

remain optimistic that more individuals will still surrender in the coming days. City Mayor Allan L. Rellon said in an interview

“this is a proactive approach of eradicating illegal drugs in the city and a clear demonstration of support to President Rodrigo R.

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – More than 4,000 drug users, pushers, dependents and couriers have surrendered to the government as a result of the intensive drive by both the local government and the Philippine National Police (PNP) against illegal drugs starting July 9.

Over 4,000 drug users surrender in Tagum City

Duterte’s all-out war against drugs and criminalities.” Meanwhile, the local chief executive gave all these individuals the moniker TADS (Tagumenyos Against Drugs), as he recognized them as enlightened individuals who freed themselves from drug-dependence. This overwhelming number is made possible through PNP’s Oplan Tokhang (Toktok Hangyo) conducted by policemen in all 23 barangays here since last week. Moreover, Mayor Rellon issued an executive order reconstituting the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) to formulate a

framework that will oversee the intervention to be implemented by the local government and later, the rehabilitation of all drug dependents in the city. The 4,064 TADS who pledged to stop using and selling illegal drugs will undergo a four-phased program to be implemented by CADAC with the help of their respective Barangay Anti Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) to ensure their total rehabilitation. On the other hand, Rusty Cabaguio a confessed shabu dealer in barangay Madaum shared his testimony about the adverse effects of illegal drugs and how it terribly changed his

life. He also urged his fellow TADS to start becoming productive citizens of the city and be the change the Duterte administration is aspiring for. By the time an individual will complete the rehabilitation course set by the local government he will be eliminated from the surveillance list of the local police and be named as STAND (Seryosong Tagumenyo Ayaw Na sa Droga). In his speech, Mayor Rellon emphasized his administration’s consistent desire in making City of Tagum a drug-free city. (Roy Banias)

During the conduct of the Intensified Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign of the Local Government of Tagum and Philippine National Police of Tagum, Mayor Allan L. Rellon emphasized his administration’s sustainable, proactive approach of eradicating illegal drugs in the locality and their firm support to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s all-out war against drugs and criminalities. (Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum)

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Robredo visited the province on July 7 to witness the mass oath-taking of re-elected and newly elected local officials, and to personally express her appreciation for the support she received in the last election. She said her office is open to help the officials in bringing sustainable development to the province. Robredo also underscored the

importance of unity in pushing for development programs and projects in the province. She is optimistic that the province will have a brighter future especially now that the city and provincial officials are united and willing to help each other. The mass oath-taking highlighted the post 57th Araw ng Lanao del Sur and Eid’l Fitr celebration. It was attended by elected provincial, city, and

municipal officials, led by Governor Bedjoria Soraya Adiong, who took their oath of office before Regional Trial Court XII Judge Wenida Papandayan. After the mass oath-taking, Robredo proceeded to Kauswagan town in Lanao del Norte to have a dialogue with Moro rebel returnees who are now farmers under the Arms-to-Farms program. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Vice President Leni Robredo enjoined elected officials in the entire province to serve their constituents well and not waste the opportunity given to them by the electorate.

Serve your constituents well, VP Robredo tells elected officials in Lanao

The water utility recorded a drop of the dam level to 74.06 meters as of 3pm on July 10, way below the normal level of 74.20 meters needed water production level to sustain the water demand of the city without rationing.

According to the data of ZCWD, it was on July 1 at 11am that a normal dam level was last recorded before it steadily decreased. There has been little to no rain experienced at the watershed area recently to increase the

dam level. ZCWD management had lifted the water rationing last July 4 since the dam level had slowly stabilized due to the constant rain in the months of May to June brought about by the Southwest

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) will likely to re-impose the water rationing this week after the continuous receding of water level in the Pasonanca diversion dam.

ZCWD: Water rationing likely to be re-imposed this week

Dr. Eva Rabaya, officer-in-charge of the IPHO, said that the event, which will be held in the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Hospital in Kabacan town, is in coordination with the Brotherhood Operation Sweet Smile (BOSS). She noted that the Provincial Government is doing its best to form strategic partnership with other organizations so as to increase capacity in reconstructive surgery and help a big number of individuals. For harelip operation, age requirement is from four months old and above while for cleft palate is from four months old to 25 years old. Meanwhile, newborn babies with clubfoot are qualified for the surgery.

“The IPHO will conduct a screening and evaluation on August 17, the first day of the surgical mission. This time, qualified patients will be operated on immediately,” Rabaya stated. Aside from the operation and medicines, laboratory procedures are also free. The surgical mission also forms part of the 69th founding anniversary of the Municipality of Kabacan with the full support of local officials. On the other hand, Bel Yenko, founding director of BOSS expressed his enthusiasm in the upcoming surgical mission. During his conference with the Cotabato Provincial Hospital (CPH) officials recently, he said the BOSS will provide volunteer doctors to perform the

operations as well as some medicines for the patients. Local Government Units are also enjoined to help the activity by providing transportation especially to the patients from remote barangays. Meanwhile, Governor Emmylou Mendoza urged all parents to bring their babies with the said conditions. “We continue to look for ways to strengthen our medical and health services and help as many constituents as we can,” the governor said adding that the provincial government gives wide attention to health and medical concerns especially in the far flung villages and depressed areas. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-NorthCot Media Center)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato - The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) here is urging individuals particularly the parents with babies who have cleft deformities and club foot to avail of the free surgical mission slated on August 17 to 19 this year.

Cotabato IPHO calls for individuals with cleft deformities, club foot to avail of free surgical mission

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Monsoon or “Habagat.” However, the production department has stopped its operation of the old reservoir because of insufficient water passing through the 24” valve and the channel no longer supplies water as of 12MN of July 10 for processing. Based from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) projections, Luzon and Visayas will experience below-normal to way-below-normal rainfall conditions while significant portions of Mindanao are expected to have near-normal to above rainfall conditions towards the second half of the year. But this was not felt in the city. ZCWD is continually monitoring the situation and will announce within the week if water rationing will be re-imposed and the rationing schedule that will be in effect. In case the water rationing will be re-imposed, ZCWD strongly urges the public to store water properly to avoid contamination and continue to practice good hygiene and sanitation to minimize health hazards. To report any violation or for any concern, please call ZCWD Customer Care Division @ 955 – 1007 to 1008; WTP 991 – 1553 to 1554 loc. 108 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Customers may also visit the ZCWD’s website at http://www.zcwd.gov.ph for updates. (Emmanuel D. Taghoy)

During a press conference last July 7 at the DPWH-XI office, a total of P2-billion worth of flood control and drainage projects had been proposed. Dean Ortiz, DPWH information officer said the funds would be for 91 projects in the region. About 11 of these projects are located in the city, namely, the Davao River flood control project at Gem Village, Torres Street and in El Rio Subdivision, and Matina River flood control, which will protect the Davao-Cotabato Road. Construction of these projects will start next year. Also during the press conference, DPWH-XI

Regional Director Mariano Alquiza said that the P150-million coastal road project was also included in the 2017 national budget. The proposed project will be from Matina Aplaya to Toril and will be implemented in phases. The 2017 budget will contain the funds for the first phase. The coastal road will help decongest the Davao Cotabato Road, providing motorists with alternative routes. Alquiza however said that they are expecting right-of-way issues as the project will affect settlers living in the shorelines. The regional

director said meetings and negotiations were already conducted between and among the residents affected, project proponents and government agencies concerned to settle the issues. Meanwhile the completion date of the Davao City Diversion Road Extension project has been reset from April 2016 to December 2016 due to Road Right of Way (RROW) issues. The project involves a 2.6 kilometer-road opening, which extends the diversion road from Ulas to Puan. (RG Alama)

DAVAO CITY - The Department of Public Works and Highways-XI is eyeing major road and drainage projects in Davao City aimed at alleviating traffic and flooding problems in the city.

DPWH-XI eyes road, drainage projects in Davao City

Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon led the Intensified Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign of the Local Government of Tagum City and Philippine National Police of Tagum last July 09, 2016 where 4,064 drug users, pushers and dependents who submitted themselves surrendered to authorities through Oplan Tokhang. The said Anti-drug campaign is in cooperation with the city and provincial police offices and other drug-busting units of the government. (Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum)

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To jumpstart its farming activities, the government has recently handed some P2.5 worth of interventions for agricultural development in the area, consisting of farm inputs and equipment, planting materials and draft animals. This forms part of the government’s commitment through the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in close coordination with the MILF Task Force

Camps Transformation (TFCT), under the Socio-Economic Livelihood Assistance Component of the Normalization Process. Farm equipment and implements entrusted to them include 1 unit mobile corn mill, 2 units’ corn sheller and 1 unit hand tractor. Also included in the roster of interventions are planting materials, comprising 500 pieces each of rambutan and lanzones seedlings. Farm inputs were also conferred, including 400

bags of complete fertilizer, 643 bags of open pollinated variety of corn seeds and 200 bags of certified rice seeds. Rounding up the list of assistance provided are draft animals, consisting of three heads of carabao. (Joan L. Olson/JLachica)

LUMBAYANAGUE, Lanao del Sur - Camp Bushra, a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camp in Barangay Wago here is now undergoing transformation into a peaceful and productive farming community.

MILF camp gets agri-support

Vice Mayor Geterito Gementiza, who heads the council and presiding officer, enumerated the various legislations passed by the members of the past council. “All in all, the 6th city council passed and approved 68 ordinances and 867 resolutions from July 2013 up to June 2016 that enabled the local government to achieve extra milestones,” he said. One of the landmark laws crafted by the 6th city council was Ordinance No.

750, an ordinance enacting the Tagum City Code on Public-Private Partnership, which aimed to build linkage between the local government and select Private Sector Proponents (PSP), adopting a contract management framework concept. The city’s lawmakers also enacted City Ordinance No. 734 which institutionalized the Tagum City Federation of Senior Citizens Associations including appropriations.

Vice-Mayor Gementiza emphasized that the local legislation is anchored on the city’s developmental thrust EAGLE WINGS and is geared towards the creation of laws for the benefit of the city and the Tagumenyos, as a whole. The city’s second-in-command vowed to continue the legacy of the 6th council urging all Tagumenyos to work hand-in-hand for the growth of the city and the welfare of its people. (Roy Banias)

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte - Before the members of city’s 7th council buckle down to work, the 6th city council of Tagum recently apprised the entire workforce of the city government of its accomplishments for the past three years.

Tagum’s 6th city council enacts 68 ordinances

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) announced that this year’s theme is, “First 1000 Days ni baby, pahalagahan para sa malusog na kinabukasan.” Accordingly, it aims to create awareness on the importance of proper infant and young child feeding practices, particularly exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and giving appropriate complementary food thereafter while continuing breastfeeding. City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO) Charmie A. Yu and other city officials visited the barangays and attended the activities therein. On July 5, the

barangays of Sta. Isabel and Sta. Filomena conductednutri-quiz, parlor games and mass feeding to children while barangays Barra and Galas conducted the same activities on July 7 participated by children and their mothers. Barangay Turno conducted contests on “Healthiest baby” and “Nutri-buntis” on Friday, July 8. Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy stressed that the city government of Dipolog always gives priorityto the welfare and well-being of children believing that they are the future pillars of society. Meanwhile, the NNC also announced the

launching of the Early Childhood Care and Development Intervention Package (ECCD-IP) for the First 1000 Days program. It addresses the call for a “holistic approach to the provision of health, nutrition, education, and social welfare services to children 0-8 years of age,” but with an even more refined focus on the first 1000 days of life. This celebration was mandated by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 491, s. of 1974 for the purpose of creating greater awareness among the people on the importance of nutrition. (Mary May A. Abellon)

DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here through its Nutrition Action Center (NAC),together with the 21 barangays has lined up several activities in celebration of Nutrition Month.

Dipolog celebrates Nutrition Month

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Students and teachers of Piarro Elementary School in Barangay Montay as well as some parents joined the recent Disaster Preparedness Seminar led by Libungan PNP. In a statement, Libungan PNP said, the activity aims to teach students on disaster preparedness whether at school or in their homes. The participants actively participated in

the seminar composed of discussions, demonstrations and simulation. This includes an earthquake and fire drill as well as a demonstration on first aid. The speakers, led by SPO1 Gladys Banzuelo, WCPD PNCO also discussed topics focusing on Search and Rescue and Special Laws. Among the special laws discussed during the

seminar include Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 and Republic Act 7610 “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. The activity is part of the celebration of the 21st Police Community Relations Month this July. (ORVRivera)

LIBUNGAN, NORTH COTABATO – The Libungan Municipal Police Station is taking measures to help boost the disaster readiness of students in the municipality.

Libungan PNP leads disaster preparedness seminar for students, parents

Since 2010, there were already eight persons convicted of trafficking in persons (TIP) and were sentenced with life imprisonment based on the IACAT’s record. However, the CIACAT-VAWC stresses that there remains a number of TIP cases that need to be addressed. Currently, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-10 is conducting information drive on the CIACAT-VAWC to its own personnel and inmates as part of the agency’s welfare and development program. It also facilitates meetings for female inmates where

they discuss the Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004), RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act), and RA 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012). For investigation, surveillance, arrest, seizure, rescue operation, filing of criminal cases and referral of victims of TIP cases, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-10 encourages victims or witnesses to produce written complaints and/or referral letters. The office is located at Provincial

Capitol Compound, with telephone number 722835 or 8564188. Victims or witnesses could also call or visit Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) since the office investigates cases involving women and children, conduct or assist rescue operation together with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and conduct advocacy programs to schools and barangays pertaining to the rights of women and children. COCPO is located at Gumamela Extension, here, and can be contacted at 8583085. For human rights

CDO steps up campaign vs human traffickingCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To promote human dignity, protect the people from any threat of violence and exploitation, and mitigate pressures for involuntary migration and servitude of persons, the City Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-Violence Against Women (CIACAT-VAWC) in Cagayan de Oro has urged the victims to report cases to authorities.

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Palermo said the surrender of the suspected drug dependents was part of “Oplan Katok at Pakiusap” (Knock and Plead) campaign of the

Philippine National Police that encourages addicts not only to stop using illegal drugs but to reform as well. The surrenderees

immediately took their oath before the two officials to stay away from using and selling illegal drugs and to undergo drug test.

PAGADIAN CITY – Some 300 self-confessed drug users and pushers from different barangays surrendered on Thursday to Mayor Romeo Pulmones and Supt. Michael P. Palermo, PNP chief at the New Executive Function Hall, City Hall Complex.

Drug users, pushers surrender

protection services, investigation, legal aid and counseling, jail visitation, and financial assistance, victims of TIP may coordinate with the Commission on Human Rights. The agency can be reached at 724525 or 8511519.

The CSWDO also assists women and children who are victims of TIP and they can be reached at 09175979513 or 8586325. C I A C A T - V A W C is tasked to provide protection and assistance to trafficked persons.

The law also mandates government agencies to establish and implement preventive, protective and rehabilitative programs in line with the mandate of the state. (Recthie T. Paculba)

“As of now, there are no reports of threats by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria but we are strengthening our monitoring of area within our jurisdiction,” 10th ID spokesperson Capt. Rhyan Batchar said. Capt. Batchar added that the military also strengthened its forces against possible entries of the terrorists.

“We have alerted the Task Force Davao and General Santos, as they are among those possible entry points,” he said. As to the provinces, Batchar said that they have alerted the brigades to be more vigilant, not only focusing on lawless armed groups but also on international terrorists. On Thursday (July 7), Davao City Acting Mayor

Paolo Duterte warned the Dabawenyos and the security forces of an ISIS threat in Davao City. The report on the threat was later denied by the Davao City Police Office. The ISIS is a group of international terrorists that is responsible for numerous attacks and killings in different countries. (Michael Uy)

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte - Spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said that the division is strengthening area monitoring within its jurisdiction amidst unverified threats of ISIS in Davao City.

10ID beefs up area monitoring vs ISIS threat

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Palermo was happy that the drug users and sellers cooperated with the police and voluntarily surrendered themselves. Palermo asked the drug users why they surrendered to the police. According to them, they wanted to reform. But the police chief did not believe them because he observed that the reason for their surrender was that they were scared by reports of suspected drug peddlers who were killed in police operations. “I know that you surrendered not because you want to reform but you are afraid of the relentless anti-drug campaign of President Duterte. If your aim is to reform, you should have surrendered earlier to the police,” Palermo noted. Palermo said the

police does not consider drug users/sellers as drug addicts but victims instead. “We did not treat you as addicts. You are just victims thus, you deserve to be given assistance,” Palermo explained. Meanwhile, Mayor Romeo Pulmones said the anti-illegal drug campaign was already started in 2012 when the government declared an all-out war against illegal drugs. “But with the marching order of President Duterte directing all local chief executives and chiefs police to intensify its campaign, city officials actively supported the crusade,” Pulmones stated. He warned the drug users/pushers to stop their illegal drug activities

saying that those who continue to do it will land either in the mental hospital, jail or in the cemetery. Pulmones observed that from among the surrenderees, there were no prominent persons, instead they all come from poor families. The mayor was shocked when he found out one of the drug users was a 13 year-old boy. He also noted eight women including one who is pregnant, and one carrying an infant in her arms surrendered to the police. The chief executive is optimistic that more drug suspects will turn themselves in as they continue conducting Oplan Tokhang in various barangays of the city. (Gideon C. Corgue)

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The 1st Governor 4x4 Off-Road Challenge was held at a vacant lot adjacent to the motocross race tract in Barangay Paraiso, this city, on July 9 and 10. Some 13 4 x 4 riders from South Cotabato, Davao del Sur, General Santos City, Davao City and Bukidnon came to participate in the maiden off road competition here. The youngest among them was a 14-year old boy from Davao City. Bary Lugan,

information officer and municipal agriculture officer of LGU-Tboli said Mayor Dibu Tuan, himself a motorcycle and 4 x 4 vehicle enthusiast, organized the event for the 17th Tnalak Festival, which is also South Cotabato’s golden foundation anniversary 4 x 4 off-road challenge has been a regular crowd-drawing attraction of the municipality’s Seslong Festival every March. At the opening ceremony, South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-

Fuentes admitted the competition was not originally included in the line-up of activities of the Tnalak Festival. “We are very thankful to Mayor Dibu Tuan who, despite very short time for preparation and meager budget, has still come up such an exciting event. Also, although not included in the festival promotions, the event still drew hundreds of spectators,” the lady governor said. The provincial government only allotted

KORONADAL CITY , South Cotabato - For the first time, the Tnalak Festival of South Cotabato featured a 4x4 off-road challenge in its line-up of sports competitions.

Tnalak Fest features 4x4 off-road challenge

Php300,000 for the 4 x 4 off-road challenge. During the competition, riders and their beefed up, almost skeletal-framed, large-wheeled vehicles tackle two tracks complete with obstacles such as mounds, mud pools, terraces, and steep inclines. Winners received Php25,000, Php20,000 and Php15,000 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes, respectively. Aside from the 4x4 off-road challenge, the local government of Tboli will sponsor the Tboli Night at the Tnalak Strip along Alunan Avenue on July 16. The event will feature singing band Parokya ni Edgar, actress Maui Taylor, and several other performers. It will culminate in a rave party. Tboli Night will start at 9:00 p.m., after the Mutya ng South Cotabato. (DEDoguiles)

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