Western Mindanao
P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail : [email protected] [email protected] Skype : hnb_r9pia
Northern Mindanao Graces' Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail : [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Southern Mindanao 2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail : [email protected]
Central Mindanao Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail : [email protected] [email protected]
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: [email protected] [email protected],ph
PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO Today’s News…
NATIONAL
EO 53 strengthens legal support for victims of child abuse Returning OFWs to be given government assistance Aquino gov’t hopeful on MILF peace pact despite possible
expulsion of Umbra Kato Malacañang urges local government units to help spread
out dengue traps Southern Mindanao
DILG expects 50+ applicants for ARMM OICs Comval LGU to invest P1M annually for Eco-Military Tourism
Park OWWA to give support for displaced DH from Saudi Sec. Paje asks mining investors to adhere to responsible
mining BFAR opens scholarship applications for fisherfolks’ kids
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
Acosta shares proffered solutions to Caraga’s peace, environmental problems
OFW from Caraga dies in Kuwait, OWWA -Caraga chief confirms CSC spearheads celebration of 111 th Phil. Civil Service
Anniversary Lake Mainit Program Director resigns
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)
Pag-Ibig Fund to bring program closer to the LGUs Zambo. Norte assures year-round mango supply Youths get a tour of Navy’s emergency, rescue capabilities Zamboanga Coconut Research Center produces hybrid
varieties 40 CSOs commit to rally behind poverty reduction in ARMM
Northern Mindanao
Task force dengue meets to improve referral system in NorMin New payment schedule facilitates transactions, says SSS -CDO
branch head Army’s 51IB “Fuerte Uno” troopers intercept illegally cut logs in
Lanao Sur Continuous heavy rains result in Kapatagan, Lanao Norte
landslide Cebuano news: Ochoa: 13 ka mga nag-unang balaodnon
gipresentar ni Presidente Aquino ngadto sa LEDAC
OUR COVER The cover of
this issue features the Indak-indak
streetdancing of the 2011
Kadayawan Festival in
Davao City.
ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011
EO 53 strengthens legal support for victims of
child abuse
resident Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Executive Order No. 53 to strengthen government initiatives for the protection of children against rights violations and abuses.
Executive Secretary
Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on
Wednesday the President’s
directive will boost the
country’s child welfare
program and improve the
government’s legal support
for victims of child abuse.
EO 53, signed by the
Chief Executive on August
11, amended Executive Order
No. 275 issued in 1995,
which created the Committee
for the Special Protection of
Children (CSPC).
“The President
considers it exceptionally
indispensable to give
importance to law
enforcement as a critical
factor in the overall approach
to protect children, including
their rights, and to make sure
that their welfare will not be
taken for granted,” Ochoa
said.
Under the new EO,
President Aquino reorganized
CSPC, an inter-agency body
which acts indirectly as the
coordinating body for the
implementation of the
Republic Act 7610 or the
Anti-Child Abuse Act, and
other government policies
that uphold and promote
children’s rights and welfare.
The President wanted
the CSPC to coordinate and
monitor the investigation and
prosecution of cases
involving violations of the
Anti-Child Abuse Act and
other child-related criminal
laws, as well as formulate
and monitor programs under
the law.
The Chief Executive’s
directive sought to ensure the
legal protection of children
who are victims of physical,
sexual, trafficking,
prostitution, child labor,
neglect and exploitation. He
also ordered the CSPC to
assist children of indigenous
peoples, Muslim children,
and others trapped in armed
conflicts.
Specifically, the
President instructed the
CSPC to give preferential
attention to violent crimes
committed against children,
cases with great impact on
national interest and those
referred to the body for
immediate action.
“In issuing EO 53, the
President believes that the
implementation of the Anti-
Child Abuse Act and other
similar state policies, as well
as the discharge of the
function of the body
principally responsible for
the protection of children,
will become more effective,”
Ochoa said.
The CSPC, under EO
53, will be chaired by the
secretary of the Department
of Justice (DOJ) and co-
chaired by the secretary of
the Department of Social
Welfare and Development
(DSWD). Its members
include the chairperson of the
Commission on Human
Rights (CHR) and the
secretaries of the
Departments of Foreign
Affairs (DFA), Labor and
Employment (DOLE),
Tourism (DOT), the Interior
and Local Government
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011
(DILG), Health (DOH) and
Education (DepEd).
The commissioner of
the Bureau of Immigration
(BID), director of the
National Bureau of
Investigation (NBI), chief of
the Philippine National
Police PNP, the prosecutor
general, and three
representatives from non-
government or private
organizations working and
advocating for the protection
of children will also serve as
members of the CSPC.
The three
representatives can be
nominated by any member of
the CSPC and will be
appointed by the committee
chairperson for a term of
three years, which can be
extended subject to the same
process.
The Council for the
Welfare of Children (CWC)
will act as the secretariat of
the CSPC.
Among the CSPC’s
mandate is to establish a
system of collecting periodic
reports from member-
agencies on cases filed before
them, harmonize actions of
various inter-agency councils
on the legal protection of
children, and develop and
recommend policies and
guidelines to address gaps
and issues in the investigation
and prosecution of cases.
The CSPC should
also submit an annual report
and accomplishments to the
Office of the President.
EO 53 shall take
effect immediately upon
publication in a newspaper of
general circulation.
Returning OFWs to be given government assistance
alacañang vowed on Wednesday to provide government assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by untoward incidences happening in their place of work.
During a press
briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that concerned government agencies were undertaking measures to address the plight of OFWs to be evacuated due to the continuing violence in Syria.
“We will ask the Department of Labor and Employment to make sure that we will find something for them,”
Lacierda said adding that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is also moving to provide similar assistance to the OFWs.
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday said that the Philippine government has a quick response plan, as well as contingency measures in place, ready at any moment’s notice to evacuate Filipinos in Syria.
The major concern with Syria is that there are 17,000 Filipinos working in that country --95 percent of which are domestic helpers.
Lacierda said that the government assistance will cover all those affected.
“Makaka-asa po kayo that the government will be making sure that they will not be abandoned,” Lacierda said.
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Aquino gov’t hopeful on MILF peace pact despite possible expulsion of Umbra Kato
he Aquino government remains hopeful that it could forge a peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) despite the impending expulsion of Ameril Umbra Kato, one of the rebel groups’ radical
commanders. “We remain hopeful
that the MILF will be able to resolve this internal situation. And we remain hopeful that by doing so the peace process can move forward. Everything is within the realm of hopefulness owing to the fact that we had a good meeting with Chairman Murad Ebrahim and the President,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.
President Benigno Aquino III met with MILF leadership in Tokyo,
Japan, on August 4 to show the sincerity of his administration in the ongoing peace negotiations.
Resolving the issue now remains on the shoulder of MILF because declaring Kato as renegade commander is MILF’s internal problem, Lacierda added.
MILF said its central committee will soon issue a resolution declaring Kato no longer a member.
Once the MILF resolves the issue of Kato, Lacierda said the
government panel need not raise it and negotiators could proceed with the proposal that has to be submitted before the August 22 meeting.
But the Philippine government may raise the issue with their counterparts to clarify the possible implications of the expulsion of Kato to the ongoing negotiations.
Kato, having 200 armed fighters, angered the MILF leadership when he got involved in a deadly land feud between two commanders in Min-danao.
Malacañang urges local government units to help spread out dengue traps
he Aquino government enjoined local government units (LGUs) to help spread out the dengue traps in a bid to decrease the number of dengue cases in the country.
“We are trying to make sure that dengue traps are spread out to all of the affected areas in the country,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a regular press briefing on Wednesday in Malacañang.
According to Lacierda, the government is encouraging the LGUs and the communities to get dengue traps (Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal trap or the OL Trap) from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
“It is actually very cheap and the dengue trap that the DOST have developed have been proven to be effective,” he said.
Last February 19, the DOST and the Department of Health kicked off the nationwide distribution of
T
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011
the Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal trap or the OL Trap at the Balyuan Convention Center in Tacloban City.
The launch was anchored on firm partnership between the DOST and DOH to reduce the number of dengue-
carrying mosquitoes and subsequently bring down the number of dengue cases in the country.
The OL Trap is a simple device that helps reduce the number of the dengue-carrying female Aedes aegypti mosquito by attracting mosquitoes and
killing their eggs trapped in the kit.
Lacierda said the LGUs have an important role in the successful deployment of the technology as he acknowledged the effectiveness of the DOST-developed OL Trap based on previous tests.
President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the second Legislative—Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting where he presented his administration’s 13 priority bills to lawmakers representing both Houses of Congress at Malacanang’s Aguinaldo State Dining Room on Tuesday (August 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the second Legislative—Executive
Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) where he presented his administration’s 13 priority bills to lawmakers representing both
Houses of Congress at Malacanang’s Aguinaldo State Dining Room on Tuesday
(August 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011
DILG expects 50+ applicants for ARMM OICs
by Mai Gevera-Macapagat DAVAO CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Interior and Local Government chief Jesse Robredo expects more than 50 names of applicants and nominees for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) OIC (officer-in-charge) positions after the public announcement will be made.
DILG currently received 40 names of applicants and nominees for ARMM OIC Governor, however, Robredo expects more names to be submitted and be screened by the newly-formed screening committee. Executive Order 51 prompted the creation of a screening committee composed of the DILG, Department of National Defense, Office of the Political Adviser, Civil Society Representative, and LGU representative. Robredo visited Davao City to explain to the selection committee how the process will be done to select ARMM’s OICs. Following a tight criteria, the official sees an easy way of trimming down this number into six names who will then take part in a series of public fora.
“The President won’t take part in the process until the number is trimmed into 3. They will be strictly assessed if they can be good advocates for ARMM.” he said. The selection committee would have to consider the applicant’s or nominee’s educational preparation, experience, performance, accomplish-ments, reputation for honesty, integrity, incorrup-tibility, irreproachable conduct and fidelity to sound moral and ethical standards. The national government is bent to prove that the appointment process will work. It is the first time that the criteria focuses more on managerial capacities, not so much on political.
“Hindi na ito utang na loob kay Pedro o kay Juan.
This becomes an entirely different ball game as we set common standards for the national government and the ARMM.”, Robredo added.
The deadline for application and nomination is on August 26, the publication of this list in the national media for public scrutiny is set before August 31. The screening process will be between September 1 to 11. Top three nominees/ applicants will then be endorsed by the selection panel to the House Speaker and the Senate President who will submit their recommendation to the President for approval and signature. (PIA-11/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)
EFREN F. ELBANBUENA PIA-XI Regional Director
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Comval LGU to invest P1M annually for Eco-Military Tourism Park
by Jeanevive D. Abangan
MAWAB, Compostela Valley, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Camp Manuel T. Yan, the headquarters of the 10 th Infantry (Agila) Division is fast -becoming a tourist destination now with Compostela Valley Govern or Arturo T. Uy steadfast in transforming its image into an Eco -Military Tourism Park.
In an interview, Uy
revealed that he will be
pouring P1 million annually
for the develop-ment of
Camp Manuel T. Yan
starting next year.
“Soon they will be
seeing a different kind of
military camp,” he said
referring to the public who
generally holds an
impression that a military
camp is off the public.
Describing the camp
as a “beautiful place with
friendly soldiers”, Uy was
looking forward for more
visitors to take a look at the
place which had already
been visited by groups of
youths.
For Uy, promoting
the 100-hectare Camp
Manuel T. Yan into an eco-
tourism destination is a way
of forging closer relation-
ship of the military with the
people.
Maj. Gen. Jorge
Segovia, commanding
general of the 10th
ID also
had the same view, saying
opening up the camp to the
public would make his
command become part of
the community.
“We don’t want to be
isolated,” he said in a
separate interview.
Meanwhile, Segovia
made it clear that his
command would not have
the sole say on how to use
the development funds that
Gov. Uy would be pouring
for the Eco-Military
Tourism Park.
He said discussions
had been made together with
the Provincial Tourism
Office, and that the
construction of comfort
rooms and the development
of a trekking area, cultural
village and zip line were
some of the projects seen to
be put in place.
The joint
undertaking to open Camp
Manuel T. Yan as an eco-
tourism destination was
strengthened with the
signing of a memorandum
of understanding (MOU)
on Aug. 12 at the 10th ID
headquarters by Gov. Uy
represented by his executive
assistant Belo Melendres,
Maj. Gen. Segovia and
Mawab Mayor Evalina
Jampayas represented by
Vice-Mayor Ruprio
Gonzaga.
On the other
hand, provincial tourism
officer Christine T.
Dompor revealed that the
Eco-Military Tourism Park
is now creating quite an
interest as her office has
been receiving a number of
inquiries about it.
“We have conducted
initial tours that feature a
trek to the cave of
Mahayahay. We have also
received queries from as far
as Manila about our
ecotour, particularly of the
cave which is inside the
camp,” Dompor said. (PIA-
11/ Jeanevive Duron-
Abangan)
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011
OWWA to give support for displaced DH from Saudi
by Carina L. Cayon
DAVAO CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration here has urged all displaced domestic helpers from Saudi Arabia to approach the agency for livelihood interventions through the “Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay” project.
OWWA regional head
Zenobia Caro said that the
agency is set to provide skills
training to help the Overseas
Filipino Workers affected by
the recent decision of the Saudi
Arabian government to stop
hiring household service
workers from other countries.
Caro encouraged the
concerned OFWs to register
with OWWA until August 31
this year to avail of the skills
retooling that is expected to be
given by September.
“Household service workers
who went for a vacation but
were not able to go back to
Saudi and who were sent home
by their employers, you can
approach OWWA for the
livelihood training,” she said
during today’s Club 888 Forum
at Marco Polo Hotel.
However, she clarified
that the qualified beneficiaries
for the skills transfer are only
those OFWs who were
displaced from 2010 to present.
Caro said that the
recipients have to identify their
interest and needed skills prior
to the training, adding that this
would ensure that the skills to
be acquired would be useful
for their livelihood or for
another employment.
According to her, the
former OFWs would be
awarded with the “starter kit”
after the three-day training.
She said that the
livelihood training would be
the third and the last one that
OWWA would give this year
under the “Balik Pinas, Balik
Hanapbuhay” project.
She added that earlier
they have conducted training
on flower arrangement and
haircutting.
In an earlier interview
with the Philippine Information
Agency, Caro said that
OWWA and the Department of
Labor and Employment
(DOLE) have issued a directive
to their respective local offices
to provide the livelihood
interventions for the displaced
OFWs.
She said that they are
expected at least 15 OFWs to
avail of the skills transfer in
September.
According to Caro, no
one yet from the recently
displaced domestic helpers
from Saudi has come to their
office for assistance. (PIA-
11/Carina L. Cayon)
Sec. Paje asks mining investors to adhere to responsible mining
by Jeanevive D. Abangan
DAVAO CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Environment Secretary Ramon Paje called on mining investors to adhere to responsible mining, taking into consideration some social and environmental concerns. 10
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011
His speech address-
ing the participants of the
recently concluded mining
summit also stressed the
importance of partnering with
locales not only in search of
economic benefits but also in
building sustainable
communities.
Read by Department
of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) XI
Regional Director Jim O.
Sampulna, Paje’s speech also
projected a vision of how the
country’s mining industry
would develop following the
parameters set forth in
Philippine Mining Act of
1995.
He reiterated national
government’s stand for
mining as an option “to
catalyze economic
development” but he
emphasized that it can only
promote a “minerals industry
that is responsible.”
As mining is not
separate from all other
concerns of the society, Paje
reminded mining stakeholders
that its economic parameter
“entails fair and equitable
sharing of benefits among the
mining company, the
government and the
communities.”
Mining is also
bounded by a social
parameter to recognize the
rights and participation of
communities and indigenous
peoples in mining operations
and in decision-making
processes, and by
environmental parameter to
adequately
protect the environment
before, during and after the
mining operation.
“This is what we wish
to continue to see: a well-
managed mining industry
where the private sector can
put a premium on
environmental protection and
corporate social
responsibility, and care for
the welfare of indigenous
communities that host mining
projects,” Paje said.
He challenged mining
companies to invest on
“building lasting relationship”
with stakeholders, some of
whom, he said, are still
skeptical about the concept of
responsible mining,
consequently dismissing
“mining as evil.”
“Rather than
continue bickering on our
philosophical differences, I
believe it is more prudent to
involve them in
the consultation process,”
Paje said.
In dealing with communities,
Paje discouraged mining
investors to just satisfy
locales with giving dole-outs,
instead they should apply
social development and
environmental management
to effect real community
development.
He also told investors
to come not just as
“businessmen out to make
money” but to immerse
themselves and become part
of the community because
doing such would make them
sensitive to people’s needs,
their aspirations as well as
their apprehensions.
“Ultimately, we are
able to fashion our programs
and operations with the best
interests of the community at
heart,” he said.
On the other hand,
Paje also divulged some
positive gains of
implementing the Philippine
Mining Act of 1995.
Among these were the
direct and indirect
employment of 996,000
people in the
minerals industry and the
P1.89 billion commitments
for social and community
development projects in the
733 host and neighboring
communities of mining
projects.
Paje said that the
Philippine Mining Act caused
the planting of 9.24 million
seedlings in over 11,000
hectares under the Mining
Forest Program, and that it
generated P25 billion in
commitments from mining
contractors and permit
holders, for collective
environmental management
protection and mine closure
and rehabilitation. (PIA-11/
Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011
BFAR opens scholarship applications
for fisherfolks’ kids
by Carina L. Cayon
DAVAO CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources in the region has announced that it is now accepting applications
for its college scholarship program for the fisherfolks’ children, with a
deadline on August 31.
BFAR regional
director Fatma M. Idris invites
the sons and daughters of
bonafide small-scale
fisherfolks to avail of a full
scholarship grant for college
studies leading to the degree of
Bachelor of Science in
Fisheries.
Idris said that the
scholarship program covers
free matriculation and other
school fees; a monthly stipend
of P2,500.00; semestral book
allowance of 2,000.00;
research/thesis/special problem
support worth P3,000.00; and a
graduation support of P500.00
The qualified benefi-
ciaries must meet the following
criteria: must be high school
graduates or 4th year graduating
students who are not more than
20 years old; must also have an
annual gross family income of
not more than P25,000; and
must be residents of the
municipality for at least four
years.
For high school
graduates, applicants must not
be presently enrolled in any
course and with general
weighted average of not lower
than 80 per cent.
The parent/s must be a
member of a fishing
association/cooperative duly
attested by the chairman and
secretary of the association.
Idris said the
applicants will undertake the
examination on September 17,
2011, from 9:00 am to 12:00
noon at BFAR regional office
at Ramon Magsaysay Avenue,
Davao City.
According to BFAR
director Atty. Asis G. Perez,
the agency has increased this
year the number of slots for the
scholarship program from three
to ten per region and 20 slots
for the Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao.
Idris said that the
selected grantees would form
the 6th batch of scholars in the
region.
Application forms and
other information on the
scholarship program are
available at the BFAR
website www.bfar.gov.ph or
could be requested from BFAR
secretariat at its regional office.
Clarifications and
further inquiries could be
directed to Jaime S. Fernandez,
FSP regional coordinator, or to
Lani Te, FSP alternate
coordinator through telephone
no. 300-0995.
The following
documents must be submitted
on or before August 31, 2011:
authenticated copy of diploma;
authenticated copy of transcript
of records (form 137);
authenticated copy of report
card (form 138); authenticated
copy of birth certificate; and
latest BIR-income tax return of
parents.
The other pertinent
documents are: certification of
residency by the barangay
chairman/municipal mayor;
certification of good moral
character from the school
head/principal; membership
certificate(fisherfolk
association); and one (1) recent
2” x 2” ID picture attached to
the filled-up BFAR-FSP
application form.
Idris reminded the applicants
that the above-mentioned
papers must be attached to the
application form, otherwise
they will not be considered.
(PIA-11, Carina L. Cayon/
BFAR)
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Acosta shares proffered solutions to Caraga’s peace, environmental problems
by Jennifer P. Gaitano BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Representatives from government line agencies, teachers from different schools, & some members of the local tri-media convened recently to listen and interact in the discussion with Dr. Nereus "Neric" Acosta, who is the guest speaker of the 2nd series of lecture on Political Will & Grassroots Movements: Proferred Solutions to the Caraga Region's Peace & Environmental Problems, spearheaded by the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Policy Center headed by Atty. Josefe Sorrera-Ty, Executive Director, held Tuesday, Aug. 16 at the AVR-1 FSUU Main Campus, this City.
"Only when we fully understand the importance of nature, we will also be able to give value, love & dare to care in order to protect our home - the living earth," this was the opening statement stressed by Dr.
Acosta as he started his lecture. Acosta also said that giving equal importance to "Ecology" & "Economy" for people to survive is the best thing that we can do to cope with this changing world.
“In this sense, the government should not only focus to what the economy can do to us but also must look into the importance of the ecology where we get our resources from nature so we can live and enjoy life peacefully, without being
ABNER M. CAGA PIA-XIII Regional Director
Representatives from government agencies, teachers and local tri-media are shown here listening attentively to the discussion of Dr. Nereus "Neric" Acosta (right photo) who is the guest speaker of the 2nd series of lecture on Political Will and Grassroots Mo vements: Preferred Solutions to the Caraga Region's Peace & Environmental Problems. Dr. Acosta is an academician, and pol itical scientist in the Philippines. This activity is also spearheaded by the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Policy Center headed by Atty. Josefe Sorrera-Ty, Executive Director, held Tuesday, Aug. 16 at the AVR-1 FSUU Main Campus, Butuan City.
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ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011
destructive to the environment,” Acosta emphasized. When asked what the government must do to eradicate illegal logging especially in Caraga, Dr. Acosta said that the government with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who is tasked to formulate and implement policies, guidelines, rules and regulations relating to environmental management and pollution prevention and control must really enforce the Executive Order No. 23 otherwise known as the total log ban which was signed by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III. Aside from that, the government should also goal for an economically enabling society, wherein people are given incentives thru the ‘Tree Certificates’ if they preserve the environment
and plant trees in their community so they will no longer indulge into such acts of illegal logging. And with this, the more certificates that they will have, the more incentives they will receive from the government with aide from non-government organizations abroad. Most importantly, the government with the Department of Education (DepEd) should intensify its information campaign to students on the environmental issues and concerns so students will know its value and would initiate activities that could help the environment, and if possible put up a nursery area in every preschool. It can also be recalled that Dr. Acosta authored the Clean Air Act of 1999 recently called for the lessening of human impact on the environment, as the
stress on nature has probably contributed to natural disasters such as simultaneous flooding in various parts of the world including the Philippines, and the 2004 Clean Water Act and the 2001 Solid Waste Management Act. Also, Dr. Acosta pointed out that no matter how progressive a country is but the environment is polluted and is not conducive for the people’s health especially children, it will not serve the purpose. And at the end, you will realize that you cannot eat money. With this, Dr. Acosta calls on all Caraganons to plant trees, and always apply the proper solid waste management, and other ways that could be beneficial to both people and the environment. (PIA-Caraga)
OFW from Caraga dies in Kuwait, OWWA -Caraga chief confirms
by Robert E. Roperos BUTUAN CITY, August 17 (PIA) – Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Director Dr. Marietta A. Lumawag today confirmed an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Caraga Region who is working in Kuwait died recently.
In an interview with PIA, Dr. Lumawag said Juvy Montesoso from Bayugan City, Agusan del
Sur was reportedly died after jumping on the sixth floor of the building where
she is working as a receptionist. Lumawag said a thorough investigation is
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currently conducted by local authorities in Kuwait and result of the investigation will be revealed soon. She also said after result of the investigation will come out, the Philippine government through the Philippine Embassy will immediately report the details to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and OWWA. “Right now, police officers in Kuwait are still investigating the case and as soon as investigation is finished, the Philippine Embassy will immediately submit the report to
OWWA and DFA regarding the incident,” Lumawag said. When asked what assistance the OWWA can give to the victim’s family, the regional OWWA chief said the agency will extend assistance for the transfer of the victim’s remains from Kuwait until it will be brought to their residence in Bayugan City. “As soon as matapos ‘yung kaso, talagang i-aasist natin siya… nakaantabay ang OWWA upang maibalik agad ang katawan ni Juvy (As soon as investigation of the case will be fnished,
we will really assist her… OWWA is already doing everything so that Juvy’s remains will be brought immediately),” Lumawag said. Lumawag said, Montesoso’s aunt, Mrs. Virginia B. Serrano informed OWWA-Caraga on August 9 to 11regarding the incident. Accordingly, her niece died on August 5, 2011 after committing suicide by jumping on the sixth floor of the building where she is working. (PIA-Caraga)
CSC spearheads celebration of 111 th Phil.
Civil Service Anniversary by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission will be spearheading 111th Philippine Civil Service anniversary (PCSA) celebration on September 2011. The birth of the civil service signifies the start of the Philippine government’s journey after the declaration of independence.
This year’s theme: “Championing R.A.C.E: Public Service Excellence at Full Speed,” it urges civil servants nationwide to respond to the call for change and be servant-heroes (lingcod bayani) by joining CSC in building a responsive, accessible, courteous and effective public service or R.A.C.E.
According to CSC-Caraga Regional Director Adams Torres, this year’s celebration is anchored on President Benigno S. Aquino III’s call for reform, ‘daang matuwid’, and on his pledge to implement change in government. “The anniversary celebration aims to showcase and celebrate
reforms and milestones of government agencies as they fulfill their respective mandates,” Torres said. In giving highlight to the PCSA celebration, the CSC has lined-up activities like the Honor Awards Program (HAP) Rites for the 2011 President Lingkod Bayan, Dangal ng Bayan, and
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CSC Pagasa Awardees and Fun Run, and PCSA contests like - Give It Your Best Shot! Photography Contest, Government Chorale Competition, Essay Writing Contest and
Digital Book Cover Contest.
With this, state employees in all govern-ment agencies and instru-mentalities are enjoined to actively participate in the
activities and contests stated below to be under-taken at the national, regional and agency levels. (PIA-Caraga)
Lake Mainit Program Director resigns
by FEAbkilan
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Aug. 17 (PIA) –Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) Program Director Engr. Kaiser Recabo on Tuesday has resigned and cited personal as his reason for leaving his post effective August 30, 2011.
LMDA, is a special body organized through a Memoran-dum of Agreement between Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, eight municipalities and selected national line agencies on March 1999, foremost in its vision and mission is to protect the ecology of the lake system and the environment that sustain the 4th largest lake in the country – Lake Mainit, situated in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. In a letter sent to LMDA chairperson Gov.
Sol Matugas, copy furnished the members of the Board of Trustees, Technical Working Group mem-bers and partner non-government organizations, he thanked the people behind LMDA who made him changed and developed to love for the environment. “It gives me the opportunity to meet a lot of people who are in one way or the other working for the sustainable development of Lake Mainit,” he said. “However, due to some circumstances
and for personal reason that I had to manage and focus now on our family business… I would like to inform you that I am resigning as Program Director of the Lake Mainit Develop-ment Alliance effective August 30, 2011,” Recabo said. Having been served for 10 years, Recabo revealed that he also enjoyed working for the alliance and that he is willing to offer his assistance on part time basis. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Pag-Ibig Fund to bring program closer to the LGUs by Claro A. Lanipa PAGADIAN CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – A top official of the Home Development Mutual Fund, also known as Pag-Ibig Fund, is now making rounds in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region to bring to the local government units (LGUs) the priority program of the agency known as the “Pabahay Caravan.”
In an exclusive interview, Home Deve-lopment Mutual Fund chief executive officer and President Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe said she is here to visit their branch office and to pay a courtesy call with Provin-cial Governor Antonio Cerilles and City Mayor Samuel Co.
Berberabe said one of the mandate of the Housing Urban and Development Coordi-nating Council (HUDCC) chaired by Vice President Jejomar Binay, is to bring closer to each LGU the housing program of each shelter agency.
She said there are six (6) existing shelter agencies under the umbrella organization of the HUDCC.
This LGU program consists of two (2) types of financing, one of which is the developmental loan. Pag-Ibig Fund will extend developmental loan to the LGU who owns a land for them to develop it. And the other one, Pag-Ibig office will assist the LGU in providing end-user finan-cing, intended to help the LGU make turn-around and get back their investments so that they
can move on to the next project, Berberabe said.
She further said, this program has a very affordable rates ranging from 6 to 7 percent and it also pays to promote socialized low-cost housing because this program caps the amount of housing package up to P750,000.00.
A loan of P400,000.00 at 6% rate requires payment of amortization of P2,000 per month, while a loan of P750,000 at 7% interest rate requires a P5,000 monthly amortization, Berberabe explained.
NOEMI B. EDAGA PIA-XII Regional Director
PIA-9 regional director Noemi B. Edaga takes time to chat with Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer/president Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe after the presscon on PIA's thrusts and programs to effectively disseminate timely and relevant informations to the general public. (PIA-9)
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Our intention is really to reach the socialized and low-cost
housing to the LGUs and eventually for them to promote the said
program, Atty. Berberabe concluded. (JPA/CAL/ PIA9/Zamboanga del Sur)
Zambo. Norte assures year-round mango supply
by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Any prospective investor in food processing is always after the availability of raw materials in a particular place where he is planning to put up his business. This is what POMS Ventures Corp. has discovered in Zamboanga del Norte, the number one mango producer in the region and number two in the country. Mr. James Santos, manager of POMS Mango Processing Plant in Irasan, Roxas, Zam-boanga del Norte, disclosed during yester-day’s session of the three-day investment promo-tion seminar spearheaded by the Dipolog-Dapitan-Polanco-Katipunan-Ro-xas-Manukan (DDPKa RoMa) Project Manage-ment Office that the province has “abundant and whole year-round supply of mangoes.”
POMS Ventures Corp. is engaged in manufacturing, process-ing, marketing and distribution of agricul-tural products such as coconut, mangoes, du-rian and other fruits. Santos said the province has adequately supplied the 714.43 metric tons of mangoes that the company needs each year. “So, the supply of raw materials is not a problem here,” he said, adding that “the problems lie in solid waste disposal, water treatment facility and the shipment of products.” Roxas town has yet to formulate and implement its solid waste management system.
The Dapitan port, on the other hand, has no boats direct to Manila. The company has to ship its products to Manila via Ozamis City. The POMS mango processing plant, which is situated at the Provincial Agri-Indus-trial Center at Irasan, Roxas, Zam-boanga del Norte, is now producing dried man-goes, dried green man-goes, green mangoes puree, mangoes puree, and other processed fruit products. It can be recalled that coconut and mango are the major cash crops in the province. Like coconuts, mangoes grow all over the province. (FPG/ PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)
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Youths get a tour of Navy’s emergency, rescue capabilities ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 11 (PIA) – Students and faculty members enjoyed a shipboard tour showcasing the combat, emergency, and rescue operations of the Joint Task Force Malampa ya in Palawan.
This educational tour is part of the Civil -Military Operations (CMO) activities programmed by Task Force Commander Capt Alexander Lopez PN (GSC) aimed at fostering understanding and cooperation among the youth in the municipality.
Faculty members and students of El Nido High School (ENHS) Palawan headed by its principal Arson G Paredes were accommodated aboard the JTFM floating assets by Commander Maritime Task Group Malampaya LCDR Sherwyn Respeto PN and Captain of BRP Filipino Flojo (PG 386), Boat Assault 484 (BA 484) skippered by LTJG Jeffrey Esteban PN together with Philippine Coast Guard Search and Rescue Vessel BRP Davao Del Norte (SARV 3504) commanded by LCDR Genito Basilio PCG during an Open House at the El Nido pier last August 13.
Showcased during
the shipboard tour were the static display of combat equipments of the Naval Special Operations Unit 10 (NAVSOU 10) and orientation briefing on the general characteris-tics and capabilities of each floating unit.
After the shipboard orientation tour, the ships set sail for the highlight of the
activity. A joint air and sea capability and inter-operability demonstration among Maritime Task Group Malampaya (MTGM), Air Task Group Malampaya (ATGM) & Special Operation Task Group Malampaya (SOTGM).
Scenarios on anti terrorism and search and rescue (SAR) were incorporated during the exercise for the visitors
who were eagerly observing the event on board the viewing vessels, especially the stealth and quick response capability of the attack boat and the special operations team led by LTJG LEMUEL L ROSETE PN in handling anti terrorist concerns.
The SAR and fire at sea scenario also showcased the capability of S76 202 with CAPT
Faculty members and students of ENHS, El Nido, Palawan posing with Malampaya Task Force Personnel after capability demo. (6CRGAFP/PIA9-BST)
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ISAAC L GOMEZ PAF as the pilot in command in spotting and relaying information of survivors in the water to the SAR vessel.
The viewers watched the ability of the Joint Task Force Malampaya in conducting Maritime Interdiction Operation against lawless elements at sea and search/rescue operations during
disasters or ship in distress.
Likewise, the said activity showcased what the naval, air force and coast guard teams are capable of. The mock scenario’s presented by the respective task groups which provided better understanding and profound appreciation to students and faculty members of ENHS on how to perform the function in order to save
the lives and protect our maritime domain.
More so, the demonstration exercises displayed the capability of said task groups to quickly respond in different situations involving threats to MALAMPAYA thru detection, interception, handling of apprehended persons, raid, patrolling, extraction, fire and maneuvers. (6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)
Zamboanga Coconut Research Center produces hybrid varieties
by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Around 20 hybrid coconut varieties have been developed by the Zamboanga Coconut Research Center, according to Philippine Coconut Administration (PCA) Administrator Euclides G. Forbes. Administrator Forbes was here recently to grace the regional coconut week celebration in consonance with the observance of the 55th National Coconut Week, Aug. 14-20. Forbes said the Zamboanga Coconut Research Center at San Ramon, Zamboanga City “is the best research center in the world.”
This research center has also discovered some coconut varieties which could weather the dry spell. These coconut varieties will be bred to produce a drought-resistant coconut variety. Forbes, on the other hand, advised the farmers to always apply fertilizers to their coconut plants to increase their yield. And the cheapest
fertilizer for coconuts is the salt, Forbes stressed. The PCA adminis-trator also disclosed that his agency is willing to assist groups/individuals engaged in salt making to ensure abundant supply of salt in the country. “In the absence of rock salt, coconut farmers can fetch sea water and water it to their coconut plants,” Forbers said. (FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)
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40 CSOs commit to rally behind poverty
reduction in ARMM
by Rene V. Carbayas ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 17 (PIA) – Forty (40) civil society groups have committed to rally behind government efforts at reducing poverty incidence in the country, following their participation in a planning workshop on partnership-building conducted recently in Cotabato by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In a press release, the Bureau of Public Information of the ARMM said that during the seminar-workshop held in this city last July 30, government technical people and their counter-parts in CSOs formulated mechanisms for partici-patory governance involving all stakeholders in the implementation of pover-ty-alleviating interventions.
Hadja Pombaen Karon-Kader, acting secretary of the DSWD office for the Autono-mous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said the forty CSOs through their participating leaders assured to help in the evaluation and moni-
toring of poverty alleviation programs especially the conditional cash transfer, known as the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps).
DSWD statistics reveal that ARMM has a total of 261,951 eligible 4Ps beneficiaries as of June 2011.
National and local DSWD officials have admitted the need for continuous verification process of list of beneficiaries amid persis-tent grapevine talks that well-off families related mostly to local political camps have been registered in the 4Ps.
In his recent State-of-the-Region Address (SONA), President
Aquino said his administration has already registered 2.3 million 4Ps beneficiaries and the figure will be made three million by the end of this year.
The Chief Executive insisted that the conditional cash transfer program has helped alleviate the pangs of poverty in the country-side by providing each family with three infant children P1, 400.00 monthly subsidies. Nine hundred of the amount goes to the school needs of the three children and the remaining P500.00 is allotted for their regular medical checkups. (BPIARMM/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)
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Task force dengue meets to improve referral system in NorMin
by Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 17 (PIA) – The dengue core group commissioned by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) is set to come up with a dengue regional operational manual, primarily aimed at reducing the incidence of dengue of in Northern Mindanao. Dr. Ramon Moreno, Chief Medical Professional Staff of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) and Chairperson of the Dengue Technical Working Group (TWG) said the dengue commission report will provide a coordinated approach on how to best respond to the prevailing problem in the region. The said report will also highlight the concerted efforts on prevention, correct diagnosis and well-coordinated management with impact on cost-effectiveness at the level of the basic health unit and referral hospital. Initially, the TWG has already created a flow chart of action from the
basic health unit, to the next level health unit up to the referral center. Moreno pointed out the importance of establishing dengue hot lines from the three (3) major government hospitals in the region and eventually come up with a contact data base of all referring health care providers. “No transport shall be allowed without prior call from the referring health care provider to the referral hospital. This is to assess the condition of the patient and be able to provide needed medical attention during transport or to asses if the transport is really necessary,” Moreno explained.
He likewise enjoined the cooperation of key line agencies and local government units to help in curbing dengue incidence in the region by actively doing its share in the prevention aspect. Meanwhile, Dr. Patricia V. Gaid, Department Chairperson of the NMMC Pediatric Medicine, emphasized that resident doctors from referring provincial hospitals should observe proper referral system, indicating all needed medical information, before sending their patients for transport. Having discussed such, the group has agreed to come up with refresher training before the year
RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB PIA-X Officer-in-charge
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ends in order to correct such practices from the basic health unit. Aside from training, the team is also looking for means to provide other basic equipment needs such as blood pressure apparatus designed for children’s use and
provision of oral hydration fluids. “We should not let our guards down as regular admission on dengue rises every two or three (2-3) years. In 2009 we were the worst hit, we should pursue this more aggressively to better prepare our health care
providers and ultimately help turn down the dengue cases in the region,” Gaid noted. From January to July this year, there were 1,022 dengue cases reported by the hospital sentinel sites in region 10, lower by 73.78% compared to the same period, last year. (PIA-10)
New payment schedule facilitates transactions, says SSS-CDO branch head
by Apipa Bagumbaran CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, August 17 (PIA) – The revised payment deadlines of the Social Security System (SSS) has helped in facilitating transactions and decongest the long queue of members paying their contributions and loans.
This assessment came from Atty. Edwin Halo, Head of SSS-Cagayan de Oro, who said that they observed a shorter queue of paying members when they started implementing the revised schedule, last July, for the applicable month in June. “As stated in SSS Circular No. 2011-003, the revised payment schedule, provides the new deadlines for the payment of contributions and member loans of employers, self-employed and voluntary members based on the 10th digit of
their Employer (ER) Number,” he said.
Thus, for regular employers, the payment deadline on the month following the applicable month is:
On the 10th day if the ER number ends in 1 or 2, on the 15th day if ending in 3 or 4, on the 20th day if ending in 5 or 6, on the 25th day, if ending in 7 or 8, and on the last day if ending in 9 or 0. For instance, if the ER number is 01-1234567-8-910, where eight (8) is the 10th digit, the payment deadline for both contributions and member
loans for the applicable month of July shall be on August 25.
Likewise, for household employers, self-employed and voluntary members, the following payment deadline on the month following the applicable month or quarter, as the case may be, applies:
On the 10th day if the last digit of the SS number ends in 1 or 2, on the 15th day if ending in 3 or 4, on the 20th day if ending in 5 or 6, on the 25th day if ending in 7 or 8, and on the last day if
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the SS number ends with 9 or 0. Originally, the general deadline for payment of contributions and member loans was on the 10th day of the month following the applicable month for all members.
The frequency of payment, however, shall remain on a monthly basis
for regular and household employers, and a monthly or quarterly basis for self-employed and voluntary members.
Halo also clarified that in case the deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday or holiday, payments may be made on the next business or working day, otherwise, penalties shall
be imposed on late contribution and member loan payments.
Meanwhile, the payment schedule for Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) - members shall remain as stated in SSS Circular 32-P dated 15 November 2006, Halo added. (PIA-10)
Army’s 51IB “Fuerte Uno” troopers
intercept illegally cut logs in Lanao Sur
by 1Lt. Emil Charlie B. Jaudian MALABANG, Lanao del Sur, Aug. 17 (PIA) – The massive campaign for environmental protection and global warming through a series of information drives undertaken by the 51 st Infantry Battalion (51IB), Philippine Army, has paid off.
This was the assessment of Lt. Col. Ceasar Marlon Yadao, Commander of 51IB, after his troops apprehended another truck load of illegally-cut logs based on reports from people in the community.
Yadao said about 9:00 p.m, last Aug. 14, about a month after they conducted the IPSP Plan “Bayanihan” in their area of responsibility (AOR), a concerned citizen reported that a “Town Ace” vehicle loaded with illegal lumbers will be travelling
from the towns of Pualas to Malabang, Lanao del Sur (LDS).
Immediately, he instructed his troops who are conducting 24/7 check point operations along the Narciso-Ramos Highway in Barangay Matling, Malabang, LDS, to apprehend the said vehicle.
By 11:40p.m. of the same day, a squad of 51IB soldiers intercepted the said vehicle with plate number YFK 385 driven by certain Ettiy Balindong of
Barangay Banday, also of Malabang, LDS.
Said vehicle was loaded with 700 bd. ft. of red “Lawaan” wood, and found out to have no authorized travel documents and permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
After coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the DENR, the 51IB Commander turned-over the driver and crew to the Malabang Police Station for filing of appropriate
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charges against the offenders.
The seized lumbers, meanwhile, were temporarily impounded at 51IB Headquarters for proper disposition and safe keeping.
“This only shows that the populace of Lanao
del Sur, especially, in our AOR are willing to help the military and the government in the campaign against anti-illegal logging activities,” YADAO said.
Last July 25, at about 9:02 p.m. and 11:45 p.m., almost 12,000 bd. ft.
of illegally-cut lumber were also confiscated in collaboration with officials of the Malabang Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). (CMO/PIA-10)
Continuous heavy rains result in Kapatagan, Lanao Norte landslide by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Continuous heavy rains that occurred, yesterday, Aug. 16, resulted to a landslide in Purok 6, Sitio Bayabas, Barangay Margos, here, at about 6:00 p.m., last night.
Initial reports
reaching the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) said an estimated seven to eight (7-8) truck loads of landslide debris with huge rocks and fallen trees blocked the highway.
“No casualty was reported. But the situation caused the passenger buses and other vehicles passing the route to Zamboanga from Iligan City to be stranded in the area for more than an hour,” Ana Cañeda, Asst. Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), region 10, said.
She said the Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur- Kapatagan Road was temporarily closed forcing the motorists to use the Kapatagan-Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND)-Pagadian City Road as alternative route.
The Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. (RTMI) deployed buses from Pagadian City to pick up the stranded passengers.
Meanwhile, soldiers belonging to the 35th Infantry Battalion (35IB)’s Charlie Company and personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) and the
Provincial Engineer’s Office immediately went to the area to conduct DRR operations.
Also present were members of the Provincial DRRMC headed by Chairperson Joselito Quibranza and Barangay Rosemeraldo dela Cruz, who rushed to the area for the disaster analysis and assessment, Cañeda said.
She said the road has been partly cleared of the landslide debri and that one lane has been opened and rendered passable, as of press time. (PIA-10)
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Cebuano news: Ochoa: 13 ka mga nag -unang balaodnon gipresentar ni Presidente Aquino ngadto sa LEDAC (Ochoa: 13 more priority bills presented by President Aquino to LEDAC)
by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, August 17 (PIA) – Gipresentar ni President Benigno S. Aquino III ang trese (13) ka mga nag -unang balaodnon ngadto sa mga miyembro sa Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) aron malakip sa agenda sa administrasyon karon nga tuig.
Si Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. miingon nga ang mga Cabinet Clusters maoy naghan-ay ug nag proseso sa nasangpit nga mga balaodnon.
Unom (6) niini nga mga nag-unang balaodnon (priority bills) gi-anunsyo na sa Presidente atol sa iyang State of the Nation Address (SONA) niadtong July 25. Ang nag-una sa baynte dos (22) ka bag-ong mga ‘priority bills,’ nga gisumiter atol sa LEDAC meeting niadtong Pebrero nagsubay gayod sa mga nakatakda nga mga polisiya nga naa sa Philippine Development Plan (PDP), sa paninguha sa administrasyong Aquino diha sa iyang16-point agenda kon Social Contract sa katawhang Pilipino. “Atong lantawon ang progreso nga anaa sa kumon nga ‘legislative agenda’ sukad kita nagsabot kabahin sa mga kinahanglan unahon paglihok, aron usab nga mapasar kini nga mga ‘priority bills’ sa labing madaling panahon. Gipresentar usab ngadto sa mga ‘leaders’ sa kongreso ang Php1.816 trillion nga
‘proposed spending package’ alang sa tuig 2012. “Atong paningkamutan pag-usab ang mas sayo nga pagpasar sa mao nga budget aron makatukod usab kita ug maayong kalamboan nga nasugdan na,” matud ni Ochoa. Gipasalamatan ni Ochoa ang kongreso sa ilang ‘statesmanship’ ug kooperasyon tungod kay nagkinahanglan gayod kini ug hini-usa nga paningkamot. Lakip sa 13 ka mga ‘proposed measures’ ang ‘protection for house help’, ‘expansion of science and technology scholarship programs’, ‘amendments to the Rural Electrification Law, sin tax, amendments to the Human Security Act, Data Privacy Act’, ug ang ‘responsible parenthood (RP) bill.’ Ang proposal sa Presidente naglakip usab sa “expanded consumer protection, reorganization of the Philippine statistical system, amendments to the PTV-4 law, provision for the delineation of the specific forest limits of public domain, stiffer penalties for stealing and tampering with government
risk reduction and preparedness equipment, and amendments to the Lina Law or the Urban Development Housing Act of 1992.” Matud ni Ochoa nga sa 22 ka mga ‘priority measures’ nga nasumiter, tulo (3) niini nahimo na nga balaod. Kini mao ang GOCC Governance Act of 2011 (Republic Act No. 10149), Rationalizing the Night Work Prohibition on Women Workers (Republic Act No. 10151) and Resetting and Synchronizing the ARMM Elections with the National and Local Elections in 2013 (Republic Act No. 10153). Ang nahibilin nga disenuybe (19), kamulo pa nga giproseso ug gi-‘review’ sa lehislatura. Miingon usab si Ochoa nga ‘enacted’ na sa Kongreso ang Republic Act No. 10150 nga naga palapad sa implementasyon sa ‘Lifeline Rate to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.’ Ug usa kini sa atong gi-rekomenda alang sa “amendments sa EPIRA Law sa ‘Executive’ nga departa-mento. (NCR/PIA 10)