One Mindanao - April 10, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES

Executive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

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Cover Story

Behemoth Pinoy croc may place Caraga in World List for title Aussie “Cassius Clay” holds

Dir. Javier P. LozadaCaraga Region

Today’s issue...Tuesday, April 10, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 232

page 4

April is cancer in children awareness month14 Claro L. Lanipa, Western Mindanao

Corn farmers, women’s group join “exposure trip” to strengthen corn production

18Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

Inmates undergo learns how to sew19 Pat Nano, Northern Mindanao

DepEd increases budget for SPED centers 7

CIDG-Misamis Occ. receive awards from PNP-10Northern Mindanao

ICT group seeks more innovative businesses21 RG Alama, Southern Mindanao

Brownouts only in isolated areas of Mindanao23 Frances Mae Gevera - Macapagat, Southern Mindanao

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DOLE 12 trains women inmates in accessory makingDEDoguiles, Central Mindanaoao

Bishop Gutierrez: Easter Sunday ay panahon pag-asa at bagong buhay28Central Mindanao

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20Road projects in Agusan Sur to spur economic prosperity in far-flung village communitiesMike U. Crismondo, Caraga Region

Bishop Gutierrez: Easter Sunday ay panahon pag-asa at bagong buhay36Caraga Region

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4 Tuesday, April 10, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

A male, saltwater crocodile captured in the Agusan Marsh at Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, Caraga last September

3, 2011 may yet knock out “Cassius Clay”, caught in the Australian Northern Territory, from its Guinness’ Book of World Records title which it has held since 1984 as the biggest crocodile in captivity. Steve Irwin, Australian television’s (and the world’s!) The Crocodile Hunter would surely have wanted to see for himself but he died on September 4, 2006, not from any of the big crocodiles he had wrestled, but from a tiny stingray bite.

Cover StoryBehemoth Pinoy croc may place Caraga in World List for title Aussie “Cassius Clay” holds

The Pinoy Croc is named “Lolong” in honor of the famed local

crocodile hunter and tender Ernesto “Lolong” Conate

of Palawan who died of a stroke just a

few days before his team

f i n a l l y

snared the behemoth. The unofficial tale of the tapes shows it all: Lolong measures 6.1 meters (20 feet) long; 1 meter (3.3 feet) wide; and weighs 1,075 kilograms (2,370 pounds). On the other hand, Cassius is recorded to be under 5.5 meters long and weighs just close to a ton (1,000 kilograms) --- 75 kilograms shy of Lolong’s. Mayor Edwin Elorde of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, said that Guinness

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

representatives are expected to arrive in his

town to validate the measurement. The National Geographic Society representatives are also expected to come for documentation of the capture. Hundreds of local and foreign tourists come to visit Lolong in a spacious cage in Bgry. Consuelo, Bunawan every day, built to resemble as closely as possible its habitat. An entrance fee of P20.00 is charged for the upkeep of the facility. All kinds of vehicles, SUVs, vans, multicabs, motorcyles coming from different

parts of Mindanao line up the dirt road leading to the croc’s

cage. Sari-sari stores have mushroomed to cater

to the tourists. Even if Lolong

is soon bestowed

the title b y

the Guinness Book of World Records, its reign is forecast to be short-lived as already there are numerous reports of sightings of even bigger crocodiles. Skeptics and wags dismiss the reports that indeed there are bigger crocodiles but they are not in the Agusan marshland but in many urbanized cities. They add that such bigger crocs should be placed in the same cage with Lolong but that it would be hazardous to Lolong’s health.

6 Tuesday, April 10, 2012ONE MINDANAO

ACROSS THE NATION

Manila will be represented by Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Operations Office and will serve a two-year term commencing from 2012 to 2013 as Vice- President of the UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP)

Council along with Austria and Grenada representatives.

IFAP member-states include Austria, Belgium, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Grenada, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Madagascar, Mali,

Mongolia, Niger, Oman, Peru, Russian Federation, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania and Uruguay.

Also elected to the IFAP Bureau are the Russian Federation as President, Latvia, Oman and Tanzania as members and Colombia as rapporteur.

RP re-elected to UN information body

The Philippines has been re-elected to another two-year term in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) -- an agency that works to ensure that marginalized people worldwide

have access to communications technology which they can use to improve their plight.


Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said from P115 million last year, the government has increased the budget subsidy to P180 million, up by 56%. The number of SPED centers operated by DepEd also increased from 276 in School Year 2011-2012 to 345 in School Year 2012-2013.

“We believe that special learners deserve special attention and specialized learning tools thus the increase in funding support,” Luistro

explained. The financial subsidy

amounting to P500,000 per SPED center will sustain the implementation of SPED programs, projects, and activities. DepEd has also allocated P42,000 per division and P40,000 per region to monitor the implementation of programs for children with special needs as well as keep track of the efficient utilization of SPED funds.

The grant subsidy is intended for pupil development activities

such as training, educational visits, camp activities, sports and pupil participation in SPED related events. It is also allotted to procure instructional and reference material, psychological and other assessment tools, early intervention materials, supplies for the transition program, manipulative materials for the gifted/talented and those with disabilities.

Certain amount is also earmarked for the

DepEd increases budget for SPED centers

The Department of Education has increased the budget allocation for Special

Education (SPED) centers in the elementary level all over the country by more than fifty percent to enable public schools to properly respond to the needs of gifted children and those with learning disabilities, an agency statement said.


professional u p g r a d i n g

of teachers, school heads, and

supervisors including travel expenses relative to their participation and attendance in activities relevant to the implementation of the program.

Luistro also said the instructional materials to be procured for gifted children should be over and above those already included in the regular program.

The instructional materials should likewise be able to develop the gifted child’s intellectual abilities and talents in the arts and sciences, mathematics, social sciences, and communications.

The instructional materials shall also be technology-based, requiring the use of electronic equipment which include but is

not limited to software programs, video discs, optical discs, video and audio tapes.

Luistro said that DepEd shall closely monitor the optimum utilization of funds at all levels. “I enjoin all concerned school

officials to strictly comply with the fund utilization guidelines so we can deliver the best service to our special learners,” he said. Non-compliance therewith may result to the suspension of subsidy.(DepEd)


MinDA, ARMM ink MoA to boost investments in Muslim Mindanao

Local and foreign investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

are seen to grow this year following the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the ARMM-regional government.

Signed during the 1st ARMM Economic Summit held here recently, the MoA is aimed at boosting local and foreign direct investments in the ARMM, which is among the three-pillar thrusts of the new ARMM government, along with reforming its bureaucracy and upholding peace and security. With the MoA, MinDA and the ARMM regional

government shall establish a one-stop-shop that would facilitate business transactions faster, easier and more convenient for prospective investors. The partnership shall also embark on a strengthened campaign to promote and facilitate investments ranging from small and medium enterprises to agro-industrial ventures. The ARRM-Regional

Board of Investments (RBOI) in coordination with MinDA is currently facilitating the entry of two companies which are planning to expand their banana plantations in ARMM. “Said investments are valued at Php1.5-billion”, said Mr. Larzon Santos, ARMM-BOI research division chief. In his keynote speech during the summit,


Governor Mujiv Hataman said that uplifting the social and economic conditions of ARMM following years of downturn entails aggressive measures on enterprise development, harnessing existing industries, and drawing more businessmen to invest in the region. In a study commissioned by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), it was found out that like the rest of Mindanao, ARMM has an excellent agro-climatic conditions which is conducive to producing a wide range of high value agricultural crops. The study also revealed that ARMM’s fertile soils yield crops like cassava, white corn and coffee that are superior to those grown elsewhere in Mindanao. Unlike neighboring regions whose lands are now extensively farmed, there remain large tracts of land available for farming in ARMM. The study also boasts of the region’s competitive labor cost which is 20%

lower than in Davao, 26% lower compared to Central Luzon and about 43% lower than in Metro Manila. “It is useful to note that there are a number of companies that have dared to invest in ARMM and have actually done well”, said Dr. Ciel Habito of the Brain Trust Incorporated, economic advisor of Hataman. Habito said that La Frutera, a banana export venture in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao of the multinational firm Unifrutti

and Agumil, a Malaysian-owned palm oil processing company in Buluan, has shown the way. He added that Matling Industrial and Commercial Corporation has been processing cassava into flour in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, since 1928 and is the largest cassava processor in Mindanao. “ L a m s a n Incorporated has been manufacturing cornstarch and other products from corn in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, for four decades now. Philippine


Trade Center Incorporated is another cornstarch manufacturer in the same municipality”, he said. Moreover, Habito said that EA Trilink Corporation registered a P1.5 billion investment in ARMM last year to upgrade the region’s information and communications technology capabilities to world standards. In spite of these seeming advantages, the study showed that ARMM has not only failed to attract the investments it

needs to bring more jobs and incomes to its people; it has also sunk into deeper poverty. Hataman said that the keys to achieving economic growth in ARMM are transparency in governance and the active participation of private sector. “Kaya nating baguhin ang takbo ng pamamahala sa ARMM (We can change the way ARMM is being governed)”, he said adding that his administration is keen on following

the “tuwid na landas” (straight path), President Benigno Aquino’s platform in governance. He emphasized that “all efforts towards pump-priming ARMM’s economy will be put into waste if its people are not cooperating”. He said that the new ARMM government needs as much cooperation from its people as it can get. For its part, MinDA believes that a strengthened and empowered local government unit (LGU) and communities are the prime-movers of a

bottom-up development as embodied under the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan (Mindanao 2020), Mindanao’s peace and development blueprint for the period 2011-2030. The Mindanao 2020 envisions a stable, autonomous, self-reliant and effective governance mechanism for the Bangsamoro people that is widely acceptable and finds active support from its citizenry.


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RIX supports RDC XI resolution on tariff reduction for selected banana varieties to Japan

By Noemi B. EdagaImport duties for the most preferred banana

variety, Cavendish, including fresh Cardava, remains high and could be a threat to the position of Philippine bananas in the Japanese market. For this reason, the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) strongly recommended the inclusion of Cavendish and Cardava in the list of Certified Fresh Varieties with Tariff Item Number 0803.00 Under Category B10.


Dried bananas are classifiedunder Category A, or tariff immediately eliminated upon EPA enforcement. Cavendish, as pointed out by the Bureau of International Trade relations (BITR), falls under ‘Other” of which tariff are higher thanthecertifiedvarieties. Although Japan is very protective of its agricultural sector, fresh banana continues to be the Philippine’s top export to Japan with Cavendish as the most preferred variety over Cardava, Inabaniko, Lakatan, Latundan, Morado, Pitogo, Saba and Señorita. Since not grown in Japan, the demand for fresh bananas continues to spike being the Japanese consumers’ number one preference among locally-grown and imported fruits as a daily component in their diets. Aside from the growing trend of carrying out a healthy lifestyle,

fresh bananas are more affordable than other imported fruits. This became the contention of petitions for elimination of tariffs on banana into Japan by the Japan Banana Importers’ Association (JBIA). In support to JBIA, the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI in Davao passed a resolution highly recommending to the Tariff Commission and the Department of Trade to strengthen the Philippine Banana Industry by reducing and eventually eliminating the tariff on Cavendish and Cardava varieties under PJEPA. Likewise, RDC-IX on its recent 139th meeting in Dipolog City supported and adopted the endorsed Agri-Industrial Development Committee (ADC) resolution supporting RDC XI’s (Davao Region) resolution on tariff reduction for Cavindish and Cardava banana varieties. (NBE/PIA9)


Pagadian City – The month of April and every year thereafter has been declared by the Department of Health (DOH) as Cancer in Children Awareness Month, to create public awareness on pediatric cancer.

April is cancer in children awareness month

Medical studies revealed that cancer is a very rare disease in children. Its cause is unknown so most of the time cancer is already in its advanced stage by the time it is diagnosed. Childhood cancer affects children from birth to 19 years old. The various types of pediatric cancer include acute lymphocytic leukemia, bone cancer, brain and spinal cord cancer, Erwing’s sarcoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, neuroblastoma, osteoracoma, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and Wilm’s tumor.

The most common symptoms of pediatric cancer are dizziness, vomiting, unexplained fever or recurring fever, unexplained weight loss, frequent headaches, fatigue, paleness, sudden eye or vision changes, excessive bruising or bleeding, swelling or pain in the joints, bones, pelvis, back or legs, lump in the armpit, leg, chest, stomach or pelvis, and recurring or persistent infections. In the Philippines, the most common pediatric cancer is acute lymphoblastic leukemia which is generally thought to start in the

By Claro L. Lanipa


Corn farmers, women’s group join “exposure trip” to strengthen corn production

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - At least 40 corn farmers who are members of a multi-purpose cooperative and women members of women’s association participated in the “exposure trip” held recently at the corn farm of Mr. Leonardo Talania in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte where the latter shared and explained best practices in corn production .

Department of Agriculture (DA) in a press statement said the “exposure trip was aimed at encouraging the participants to strengthen their corn production. The participants were from Makilas, Ipil Zamboanga Sibugay, an area where DA established 3.6 million village-type corn postharvest processing center. DA in the press statement

said,theexposuretripbeneficiarieswere corn-farmer- members of the Makilas Cooperative and Caparan Women’s association, who are also beneficiaries of the DA’s MindanaoRural Development Program (MRDP) under its Community Fund for Agricultural Project (CFAD), where each group received a grant of P 225,000 for their corn project “The exposure trip was initiated

marrow, but leukemic blasts may be systematically present at the time of presentation. They may be present in the bone marrow, thymus, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and testes. The classic symptoms of this illness are fatigue and paleness, fever, and bruising or bleeding. The task of fighting cancer isreallydifficult.Itimposesstressonthe whole family. The best defense is information. Parents must learn about the disease, its risks, and its treatment. Coping with the illness will be more manageable if the whole family knows what to expect

both from the medical and emotional viewpoint. Cancer has huge implications for the quality of the child’s life. The child’s schooling might get disrupted when hospitalization is needed and it would also mean missing out on the normal growing-up period that most children and teen-agers experience. To avoid all these problems, parents are encouraged to have their children undergo annual check ups and maintain good health by eating healthy and well-balanced diet and exercise. (PIA9/CAL)


through the DA’s Corn banner program and its research division in partnership with PLGU- Sibugay province and MLGU Ipil,” the press statement reads. The press statement said lectures were conducted during the trip. “Onthe issueoffinancingscheme, the group was also informed that the First Valley Bank is giving individual loans to farmers,” this to helpthemfinancecornproduction. “DA Regional Executive Director Eduardo B. Holoyohoy encouraged the farmers to plant more corn and utilize the newly established post harvest facility in their place which ready market for their produce,” the press statement shared. The Makilas Coop members were grateful for the experience and committed to maximize their

resources in corn faming. Ipil Municipal Agriculturist Edgar Apao for his part address the participants by saying “we will support you with the fertilizer discount; we will increase the four sacks per farmer to six sacks/farmer and we will also allocate budget for trainings like Farmers’ Field Schools (FFS).” Representative from the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rene Rosales who was also present during the exposure trip said “ we will give you our 101% service.” For his part, Felizardo Salomes, Corn program coordinator promised the participants of an all-out support of the department. “We put things in place that we may start right and end up successful,” he assured. (JPA/ytavellaneda/DA9/PIA-9 ZBST)


Mascot competition highlights Women’s Month Celebration in Mis. Occ.

A mascot competition brought life and

color to the culmination of the Women’s Month Celebration in Misamis Occidental.

Held for the second year, such competition focused on the theme, “Women’s Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility” and was participated in by the different women’s organizations from the 14 towns and three cities of the province. The mascot from the women’s group of the Mothers for Peace in Oroquieta City, headed by Counselor Jessilie Borbon, was hailed winner of the competition. Their mascot portrays what a mother can do to protect the environment for the future of her children. Ozamiz City’s mascot came with

the image of Governor Herminia M. Ramiro thanking the residents of the province for their support for her programs on environmental care and protection. The mascot of Oroquieta City depicted a street sweeper who said the women’s activities on cleaning in and out of the household and proper segregation of bio-degradable and bio-degradable waste can help in environmental protection. Aloran town’s mascot had the


CIDG-Misamis Occ. receive awards from PNP-10OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Misamis Police have received awards for its outstanding performance in 2011.

The group received awards such as the Best CID Team, Best in ‘Oplan Salikop,’ Best in Oplan Paglalansag Omega’ and Best in ‘Oplan Patugis’ from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 10 headquarters in Cagayan de Oro. Police Insp. Danilo Balmes, chief of CIDG, Misamis Occidental Police ProvincialOffice,saidhisunitreceivedsuch awards for its accomplishment in

the campaign to go after the leading criminals in the province and their operations against illegal firearms,illegal gambling, among others. Balmes also thanked the residents of the province for their cooperation which has helped them in their operations. Meanwhile, Balmes is hopeful that his unit will receive more

image of cartoon character Mickey Mouse saying that women can help

much in the campaign to save the environment by not only planting trees but really growing them. What the mascots have shown, only clarified the role of thewomen in protecting the environment and preventing the occurrence of calamities and disasters brought about by environmental degradation, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer

(PSWDO), said. (PIO)


equipment that would help them in the performance of their duties. “If we have been cited for our performance with very limited resources, how much more if we will be equipped with what we really need?” he asked. Among these needed resources are new computer sets to facilitate the

preparation of documents necessary inthefilingofcasesincourtagainstthe suspects of crimes, who they have apprehended. Balmessaidtheiroffice isopento all individuals who would like to donate these equipment even while they have sent their request for these items to the PNP-10. (PIO)

Inmates undergo learns how to sewby Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - More than 30 inmates of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Reformatory Jail, here, successfully completed the 80-hour basic skills training in sewing.

The said training was conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in coordination with the provincial government and some stakeholders. “It was really touching for some of the inmates who were teary-eyed whentheyreceivedthecertificates,”Leo Velez, Provincial Director of TESDA-Mis. Occ. said. To them, it was a great opportunity for the inmates to learn how to sew while serving their sentence which they can use when they get out of prison, Velez said. As described by one of the inmates who expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the training, it also proves

that the prison cell was not a hindrance to their development. Referring to the certificateof training that they received, the inmate said, “This will serve as the key to the bright future that await us, when we return to the our communities after serving out prison term.” (PIO)


DTI introduces coco twine-making aslivelihood by Jean Abangan Duron

The jobless and the unemployed can make do with coco-twine

making which the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao del Norte field office is introducing as a livelihood using the One-Town One Product (OTOP) concept. DavaodelNorteDTIofficer-in-charge provincial director Vedastito Galvez said that DTI had already introduced twine-making using coco coir to members of San Remegio AgrarianReformBeneficiariesMulti-Purpose Cooperative (SRARBMPC)

in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), and the Katipunan Small Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Panabo City. DTI has already turned over a P5,000 worth of twining machine, thatcanbeusedbyfivepersonsata time, to each of the multi-purpose cooperative which is tasked to look for the jobless in their respective community to do the twining.“They can tap relatives of their members who have no means of earning a living.” Galvez explained in an interview. Galvez revealed that Regwill had committed to buy the coco-twines that it would sell to China and Korea as soil erosion prevention mats. Regwill will be paying P1 for every 15-meter coco twine, but it will pay more if coco-twine makers are using their own coco coir. “For starters, they can hit P80 a day,” Galvez said who looked at the amount as much better than


having nothing at the end of the day. Galvez said DTI is rolling out coco twine-making using OTOP approach as an added livelihood venture in areas where coconuts are grown. Such livelihood is placed on top of maximizing identifiedOTOP products which is mango in IGACOS and banana in Panabo City to “provide more options for livelihood.”G alvez explained that OTOP is based on the concept of developing an area through stimulating economic activities with the assistance of various government agencies which pool together their resources to

helptargetbeneficiaries. “Developing OTOP takes place if there is raw material; it is market-driven; partnership between the government and private sector is forged; and that there is a convergence of assistance of national line agencies,” Galvez said. Meanwhile, Galvez said that twine-making can be part of the menu of livelihood ventures that DTI will roll out through Ugmad Komunidad of the provincial government of Davao del Norte which has tapped DTI as among its partners in introducing livelihood to selected marginalized barangays.

ICT group seeks more innovative businessesDAVAO CITY- The ICT Davao an umbrella arm of IT stakeholders in Davao City is seeking the growth of more innovative industries in the city. According to Sam Matunog, president of the Davao Software Industry Association said that they are trying to encourage more businessmen to become angel investors or venture capitalists so as to build a culture of innovations in the city. An angel investor is a business capitalist who provides a capital start-

up for persons with innovative ideas, while a venture capitalist invests in a product or a start-up company with strong market potentials. One such event to promote innovative businesses is the ON3 Pitching Competition, organized by the ICT Davao together with the Department of Science and Technology-XI (DOST-XI), , Department of Trade and Industry-Davao City Field Office (DTIDCFO),Local Government Unit of Davao City and the Silicon Valley-based Plug and Play Tech Center.


The event is a business plan competition where individuals or groups pitch their products or ideaswhichareeitherclassifiedasgreen solutions, biotechnology or ICT (Information Communication Technology). The ON3 Pitching Competition will be held this coming April 13-15 at Martha’s Place Brokenshire College in Davao City The event is divided into two days,duringthefirstdaythepitchersare made to undergo a conference with pitching coaches. The second day is the contest proper where the pitchers will present their products or ideas to a panel of judges led by Deny Roja, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist. Shortlisted pitchers will then compete in the nationwide contest during the Science and

Technology Week this July in M a n i l a . Top three pitchers will then go for an immers i on p r o g r a m in Silicon V a l l e y , California Last year two of the three short l is ted

pitchers came from Davao City. Piclyf, a photo-blogging application and RAD solutions, a green technology alternative to hospital waste incinerators. Matunog hopes that the ON3 will lure more start-up companies out in the open. He said that there were 11 pitchers in 2011 and he hopes they would double in number by 2012. Matunog a local venture capitalist himself said they could come up with success stories from start-up companies during the event so as to encourage and inspire more local businessman to look into investing in innovative businesses in the city. (PIA/RG Alama)


Brownouts only in isolated areas of Mindanao by Frances Mae Gevera - Macapagat

DAVAO CITY – Contrary to claims that almost all of the areas in Mindanao are experiencing 8 to 15 hours of brownout everyday, electric cooperatives yesterday admitted that there are only nine electric utilities experiencing 30 minutes up to 2 hours of power outage in their respective areas. In yesterday’s stakeholders’ meeting held at Grand Regal Hotel, this city, the Department of Energy (DOE) asked these utilities the frequency of brownout situations in their area. As of yesterday, there are only nine power utilities out of 27 thatadmitted tohavebeenfixingpower requirements and holding minimal power interruption in the community. “The reason why we are here is to get the real picture if indeed the talks that Mindanao is experiencing up to 15 hours of brownout everyday is true. But we learned that these are merely misconceptions and are actually not true.”, said DOE Undersecretary Josefina PatriciaAsirit. Electric cooperatives also reported that from 4 hour power outage, they have reduced it to 30 minutes of power interruption while

certain technical efforts are being put into place. Davao, Iligan, and Cagayan de Oro City are some of the areas reported to have sufficient powercapacity ,thus, brownout situation is not an issue. The list now includes Malaybalay, Dipolog , Valencia , Camiguin, Panabo, Digos, Tagum, Mati, Cotabato, Surigao, Butuan, and Cabadbaran. She said that the reduction of electric cooperatives experiencing power outages is brought about by the issuance of Department Circular directing these cooperatives to nominate needed power to supply their demands. With the circular, power supply deficit is now reduced to 100 to160 MW from 360 MW in the past months. DOE lauded the cooperation of the electric cooperatives and distribution utilities for strictly complying with the circular as this is considered an immediate short term measure to address power deficit. Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Almendras in a separate interview clarified that the government isnow ready with both short and long term solutions by focusing


on generation. He said about 253 megawatt of committed projects are coming online in 2014 while about 790 megawatt is existing as potential power. After meeting the stakeholders such as electric cooperatives and

distribution utilities, he then asked local chief executives to welcome projects on power plants as the departmentisdoingitssharetofillin needed power supply in Mindanao . (PIA/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)

regional gallery

TrafficslowlybuildsupalongthenationalhighwayalongBangkalinthesouthernsuburbofDavaoCityastheinfluxofpeoplereturningto their provinces starts this approaching Holy Week season


Police remains on full alert status beyond the Holy WeekBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- There is no let up to the security mea-sures implemented by the police personnel in Soccsksargen Region even after the culmination of the Lenten season, an official said.


Police regional director P/CSupt. Benjardi Mantele in an interview with local media today announced that all police stations in the entire region 12 will remain on full alert status, now for the Oplan Summer Vacation or Oplan Sumvac 2012.

This means, he said, that full-scale public safety operations they put in place during the Holy Week will continue to be enforced to secure those who would like to enjoy their summer vacation.

Security in public convergence areas such as terminals, airport, sea ports, as well as in tourist destinations would be intensified to beprevent any untoward incidents.

“We are also putting up assistance centers in main thoroughfares to provide immediate help to motorists in need,” he said.

Police assistance centers are also being established in resorts and tourists spots to facilitate immediate

response in case police aid is needed.

Mantele also urged those who are planning to go on long vacations to make sure that they leave their houses secure from electrical shortcircuits,fire,andother incidents.

Police personnel in the region are always ready to protect the public who would like to enjoy their summer as well as their properties, he said, “but security is foremost your responsibility.”

Meanwhile, Mantele reported that except for minor incidents, the celebration of the

Holy Week in the entire region 12 was generally peaceful.

All police stations in the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat as well as those in the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos City were placed on full-alert status to ensure that the celebration of the Holy Week is peaceful and orderly.

Police here were assisted by barangay peacekeeping action teams as well as other force multipliers to

provide security in public convergence places, churches, and other places of celebration.

On Friday, Mantele himself led the personnel of the Police Regional Office12inTambler,General Santos City in a six-kilometer Via Crucis to join the Catholic faithful in commemorating the suffering and crucifixionofChrist.(DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


DOLE 12 trains women inmates in accessory makingBy Dani DoguilesKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Female inmates of the North Cotabato Provincial Jail were recently trained in making ladies’ accessories to help them earn some income.

In a press release sent to the Philippine Information Agency 12 this week, Charmaine L a d o t - S o n s o n a , informationofficerof the Department of Labor and E m p l o y m e n t (DOLE) 12, said the training held on March 22 was s p e a r h e a d e d by the DOLE North Cotabato Field Office inpartnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and theBureau of Jail Management and Penology as part of the Women’s Month celebration.

Skills training involved techniques on production of commercially viable accessories such as bracelets, earrings, and

others.Lorie Buday of Matalam

LGU Cooperative, who served as trainer, assured the inmates of market

for their products. She said the cooperative is willing to purchase the inmates’ finishedproduct which will then be sold in livelihood and trade fairs.

North Cotabato Field Office chief Edna Sales

urged the inmates who took part of the training to make this a livelihood opportunity.

She said the assistance

was only the beginning of more assistance to the women inmates. Among the help that they could expect, Sales said, includes special program for the employment of students.

She added that


children of inmates who would qualify will be given priority in SPES.

Meanwhile, acting provincial jail warden SInsp. Israel Arboleda was grateful that DOLE 12 initiated the livelihood training.

He said inmates

are one of the most neglected in society and at times adjudged as criminals even before they are convicted.

With such, he is assured that these inmates will see the hope of living a decent life after their rehabilitation

inside the jail.After the training,

inmates received starter kits for the production of ladies’ accessories for them to be able apply what they have learned and start a business. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/DOLE 12)

Bishop Gutierrez: Easter Sunday ay panahon pag-asa at bagong buhayKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Ang Linggo ng Pagkabuhay ni Kristo ay panahon ng pag-asa at bagong buhay, ayon sa mensahe ni Bishop Dinu-aldo Gutierrez ng Diocese of Marbel kamakalawa.

Aniya, ang Easter Sunday ay araw na ginawa ng Diyos kung kailan dapat magsaya ang lahat.

Ayon sa Obispo, dala ng naturang araw ang pag-asa na tulad ni Kristo, mapagtatagumpayan ng sangkatauhan ang kamatayan at makikisalo sa Kanyang kaluwalhatian.

Dulot aniya ng araw na ito ang pag-asang may tagumpay sa kabila ng mga nararanasang pasakit at suliranin.

Pangalawa, dagdag ni Bishop Gutierrez,

dala rin ng Linggo ng Pagkabuhay ang bagong buhay kung kaya’t dapat na rin nating iwaksi ang pagmamatigas ng puso ng mga tao at dapat palitan ng p u s o n g masunurin sa mga utos ng Poong Maykapal. Dagdag pa niya, para sa mas masaya at maaliwalas n a

pamumuhay dapat din aniyang palakasin ang pananampalataya sa Diyos. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


The city government of Lamitan play host to the 2012 athletic meet of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association (ARMMAA) from

April 7 to 12 with the theme “Bridging peace, unity and development through sports.”

Lamitan city hosts ARMMAA 2012 athletic meet By Rene V. Carbayas


ARMMAA opened Saturday with street parade which culminated at the Lamitan City sports complex for the opening ceremony. More than three thousand athletes, coaches, andeducationofficialscomingfromthe twelve districts, provinces and cities under the autonomous region gathered for the historic event. In his welcome remarks, City Mayor Roderick Furigay welcomed the different delegations to the infant city of Lamitan. “We are honored to play host for the second time, thefirst timewhenwewerestillamunicipality (in 2005),” he said. “We may be limiting in terms of facilities but I am assuring you of the hospitality of the people of Lamitan in particular and the people of Basilan in general,” Furigay said. Basilan Lone District Congressman Jim Hataman, meanwhile, congratulated Mayor Furigay and the people of Lamitan for hosting the event. He lauded the mayor for the development that he introduced to Lamitan, “showing to us the difference between a municipality and a city.” In his message, the congressman cited that “for the ancient Greeks, sports were used to settle disputes in a healthy but peaceful competition.” He, on the same manner, urged the athletes to build diplomacy across the region through sports. “Let us show that despite some differences, we can come together and show respect to one another to achieve one goal,” he said, enjoining them to celebrate unity and diversity through the games.


“In the graceful acceptance of win or loss we show our humanity,” he added. In his keynote speech, OIC ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman encouraged the young athletes to do more than “bridging” but instead become the bridge itself for peace, unity and development as they compete for the different sports events. “Papayag ba kayo na maging daan lamang o tulay upang magkaroon ng pagkakaisa, kapayapaan, at pag-unlad sa ating pamayanan? Hindi lang po tayo tulay na halos nire-repair lagi, kundi dapat maging permanenteng tulay tayo,” he stressed. He urged the region’s line

agencies and departments, including the young athletes to “compete with your government officials” inbringing about reforms and changes in the ARMM, especially in reforming the education sector so that better and improved sports activities could be offered in the future. He encouraged the education officialsandtheathletestoaimforthe Olympics, rather than being contented to compete in the regional or national and even Asian levels. “Let us dream to play for the Asian and Olympics. We can achieve this through discipline and unity,” Gov. Hataman said in Filipino as he at the same time called for steadfastness in reforming the ARMM. (JPA/RVC/PIA-9 ZBST)


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Butuan City to improve water supply soon

The Butuan City Water District (BCWD) will soon implement projects to improve the city’s

water pipeline to ensure safe water supply to consumers.

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

In a forum to mark the 11th Water Consciousness Month, which coincided with the BCWD’s 38th anniversary, Engr. Sang Tian of BCWD said that the agency is currently coordinating with other non-government organizations and will be orienting residents within

the vicinity of the Taguibo Watershed area on how to maintain the cleanliness of the area and how they can improve it. This year’s theme is “Water Security: Rising to the Challenge.” Sang Tian added that projects to be implemented are construction of 200-cubic

meter ground steel reservoir in Brgy. Pinamanculan; expansion line in Brgy. Dumalagan; replacement of temporary lines at New Town Village in Brgy. Ampayon; replacement of temporary lines at Cigla Village in Brgy. Pagatpatan; and construction of one unit on-line Booster in Brgy.


Libertad. “We will also continue the Water Maintenance Program to improve efficiency of the water meters. The program will include services such as withdrawal and replacement of water meters installed for the five years or more to ensure accurate reading of water consumption,” said Sang Tian. Also, Sang Tian urged the general public to use the water wisely. He also stressed that people should always clean its water container at home to prevent contaminated water that will cause different diseases to human’s health. “Be with us in fighting for the right of the people to secured water. Thus, I am appealing for your support and cooperation to all our programs to be undertaken this year. I also hope you will have trust and confidence in everything we do in the name of public service… These will give us more reasons to accomplish even more,” stressed Sang Tian. Meanwhile, BCWD encourages the consuming public to report any noticed leaking pipes inside their houses, establishments especially along the roads of the city. BCWD assures the public that with they will immediately respond to the call 24 hours daily.


The residents and farmers in areas of Campo, San Miguel, Batucan and Del Mote in the river town of Talacogon are grateful of this road construction project of President Benigno S. Aquino lll, which will be completed on July 28 this year, ahead of its completion target. It is seen that this new road will improve the lives of the village community folks, as some of them will be given access to basic services like education, health, and economic opportunities. Town and

community village officials expressed heartfelt gratitude to the DPWH-ADS 1 DEO for the construction of this new road. The construction of NRJ-Batucan-Campo farm-to-market road, funded under the Department of Agriculture CY 2011 program in the amount of P7 million, was started January 31, 2012. It is being implemented by the DPWH-ADS I DEO under District Engineer (DE) Jaime T. Bernat, Sr, and under contract with Roim Builders and Construction

Supply. As of this posting, the project is still on-going. “We are ahead of schedule and our technical personnel, project engineer and resident engineer are on the ground 24/7 to hit our objective – good quality of works and good quality materials being implemented by the contractor under its program of work,” stressed DE Bernat. “The area is producing rubber, rice and corn, falcata and varied rootcrops. These produce were transported

Road projects in Agusan Sur to spur economic prosperity in far-flung village communities by Mike U. Crismondo

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, -- The road construction currently implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Agusan del Sur 1st District Engineering Office (ADS 1 DEO) will be completed soon.


before only by carabao-pulled cart that will take the farmers long hours before they reached the nearest market. With the construction of this road, exchange of goods and services will be fast, easier and accessible,” added DE Bernat. In compliance with the directive of DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson to engage local civil society organizations (CSOs) to enter into budget partnerships with DPWH regional offices, the DPWH Regional office 13 has recently signed a budget partnership agreement (BPA) with its CSO partner Butuan-Agusan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (BACCIFI).

During the signing of the BPA, Region Xlll DPWH Regional Director Danilo E. Versola reiterated Secretary Singson’s statement that DPWH wants to enhance the quality of its budget process by involving CSO partners in the annual budget preparation. “This agreement with BACCIFI will help enhance efficiency and effectiveness of our office. With BACCIFI monitoring our programs, projects and activities for this year and beyond, transparency and accountability will be achieved and quality of public service will be improved particularly here in Caraga region,” said Director Versola. The signing of the BPA is part of the DPWH

program to establish stronger ties with people’s organizations in the preparation and execution of the agency’s budget for FY 2013 and beyond. This is in support to the national government’s commitment to institutionalize citizen participation in the budget process as means of enhancing transparency and accountability in the preparation, allocation and utilization of public funds. The BPA was signed atthe DPWH Regional Office 13 by Director Versola, BACCIFI President Joseph Omar O. Andaya and witnessed by DPWH 13 Planning Chief Samson L. Hebra, BACCIFI Executive Director Virginia L. Rosales, Agusan del Norte District Engineer Alipio Grana and Butuan City District Engineer Nicolas Alameda. The BPA is in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Budget and Management National Budget Circular No. 536 dated January 31, 2013 to standardize partnership program with CSOs and other concerned stakeholders.


The first batch of the two-day training was done last week at the Mindanao Civic Center Grand Stadium here. The disaster preparedness and emergency response training was jointly conducted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Provincial Population Office, and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office. “We decided to expose the women’s organizations to this type of training because they are the ones often left at home and they should know how best to respond during emergencies,” said PDRRMO Head Marlyn Trozo. Also facilitating the initial disaster response training were the members of the Provincial Emergency

Response Team, provincial police force, 35th Infantry “Makamandag” Battalion and Lanao del Norte firefighters. The Provincial Emergency Response Team is composed of provincial employees intensively trained to provide immediate assistance to victims of natural or man-made calamities. Participants were women’s groups from the municipalities of Linamon, Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo, Kolambugan, Tubod, Baroy, Lala, Kapatagan, Salvador, and Sultan Naga Dimaporo as well as members of the Lanao del Norte Producers Association. The participants in the first batch disaster seminar and training learned the hazards during calamities and its counter measures,

fire suppression, first aid training, and basic life-support. A rescue olympics was also held to simulate emergency situations which tested the participants’ skills in extinguishing fires and in handling injured victims. The provincial government set to widen the preparedness and disaster response training and seminars to all sectors of the society. “This is another way of empowering our women. The vital life-saving skills that they received in this training can be of great help not only in their respective communities but in their homes as well,” stressed Lanao del Norte Gov. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo.

Women’s groups start life-saving skills trainingTUBOD, Lanao del Norte -- Aiming to have an active participation of all sectors in the society in time of disaster, the provincial government of this province in Northern Mindanao involved women’s groups in disaster preparedness and emergency response.

Documents

One Mindanao - April 10, 2012