One Mindanao - April 16, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESExecutive 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

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Cover Story

TRITON ISLAND: Beckoning nature lovers to experience its mystic beauty

Alma L. TingcangWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, April 16, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 236

page 4

Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

Aquino plans to privatize existing power plants in the country10

Mga magsasaka ng SoCot nakatanggap ng P6.9 M na halaga ng makinarya27

“Green Caravan” set on April 17-19 15

Pre-construction of roads consultation held31

Bayog Mayor appeals MGB to urgently resolve the conflict between TVI and MOSSMA 16

TESDA spearheads induction program for 87 trainees32

Secondary tech-voc graduates in Mis. Occ. to undergo TESDA assessment20

Electric power energy purchase of Mis. Occ, in 2011, up 2.54%21So Cotabato allots P1.116-M for summer job program 26

8 11 13 18

23 24 28

Bernadine A. Gabawan, Western Mindanao

Dr. Cenil G. Cortes, Northern Mindanao

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

DEDoguiles, Central Mindanao

David M. Suyao, Caraga Region

Gervacio C. Dauz Jr., Caraga Region

29

4 Monday, April 16, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Summer is here and there is one destination you

should not miss!

Cover StoryTRITON ISLAND: Beckoning nature lovers to experience its mystic beauty

A 20-minute ride on a motorized banca from Barangay Danan, Vincenzo Sagun, Zamboanga del Sur would take you to the beautiful Triton Island, with its white sand and cool waters, the pride of this serene and peaceful town. The 3-hectare expanse of the island is lush with greenery. ‘‘Balite’’ trees abound in the area, old trees preserved through time, thick vines

reminiscent of the days of ‘‘Tarzan’’ jumping from one tree to another

in the forest.

Ever heard of the Triton shells? Locals call it ‘‘Bodyong’’ which is used to gather people during the early days and looks like a trumpet. That is how the beautiful island paradise got its name since the place was so abundant with triton shells.

Protected Area/Marine Sanctuary “We have preserved the trees in the island and you must have noticed that these trees are very old. There is a caretaker who watches over the

by Alma L. Tingcang

Monday, April 16, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

i s l a n d because some people cut

down the trees,’’ Ms. Meriline Locson, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator of V. Sagun who cheerfully obliged to be our tour guide, quipped. “Its natural beauty has been preserved for nature lovers who want to trek the island and enjoy the fun and exhilarating adventure. The forested area is ideal for mountain climbing/trekking and over the side of the island is the underwater cave and the Triton Ocean Park which boast of fine corals on the very deep seabed frequented by divers from nearby municipalities. Sometimes, it is also referred to as the scuba diving capital and diving

paradise of Zamboanga del Sur. Way back in 1992,

a marine sanctuary

covering 75 hectares was established in partnership with the Muslim Christian Assistance for Rural Development – Community Services for Education and Economic Development (MuCARD-CoSEED), a non-government organization. After 10 years, their efforts paid off and they now enjoy the fruits of their labor. Local folks can fish in a designated area of the marine sanctuary for their consumption but not on a commercial scale. Other agencies involved in the protection of the marine sanctuary are the Department of

Env i ronment and Natural R e s o u r c e s , Depa r tmen t of Agriculture, LGU , Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Re s o u r c e s ,

and Philippine National Police. The CAFGU and Bantay Dagat regularly patrol the area. “Having been chosen as a diving area by the DENR, we joined the Scuba Diving Training last February 27-March 2 with 27 participants to upgrade our skills. The training was held here seeing the great potential of the place,” Locson explained.

6 Monday, April 16, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Turtle Sanctuary

“There are at least seven species of sea turtles and 3 of them can be found here: Green turtle, Loggerhead and Hawksbill. DENR has advised us not to put cottages where people will stay long. Turtle watching may be done 3 days before full moon because they will come ashore

to lay their eggs. So, camping and excursion are encouraged before full moon so as not to disturb the turtles,” she said.

Peaceful town

For two consecutive years, 2009 and 2010, Vincenzo Sagun received the award of being the “Most Peaceful Municipality” in the

country. Mayor Edilberto Adlaon attributes this to a very functional Peace and Order Council and an organized Barangay Intelligence Network as well as the vigilance of the local folks, the peace-loving citizens of the town. Vincenzo Sagun used to be a part of Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur. It was named after the late Congressman Vincenzo Sagun which was created on February 8, 1983 by virtue of Batas Pambansa 73.


Nature at its best

Triton Island is unspoiled, its flawless beauty adding to its mystic existence. It is not tarnished by modernization nor ruined by time. Nature lovers would find a

haven in this place, great for bonding and relaxing with family and friends. With a minimal cost of P25.00, you can reach this island paradise on a motorized banca. Entrance is so affordable, only P10 which is for the upkeep of the place. One must only coordinate with the MPDC or the l o c a l

government unit to visit the place. “Sometimes, we have foreigners who come here and they always come back for the dives and the corals, sunbathing in the shore, snorkeling and scuba diving. We have nice, friendly, beautiful, and peace-loving people in Vincenzo Sagun,” Locson concluded. Feel the cool breeze this summer! Enjoy a love affair with nature! It’s more fun in Vincenzo Sagun!

8 Monday, April 16, 2012ONE MINDANAO

ACROSS THE NATION

In a radio interview over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that while the government looks at adopting renewable

sources of power it may come at a premium and may impact on consumers’ electricity bills.

Some of the government critics have been calling on the government to carry out short-term and immediate

solutions to the Mindanao power crisis by resorting to renewable energy.

“Katulad po ng binanggit ni Pangulong Aquino kahapon, everybody is for renewable energy. It’s just that may

Palace says renewable energy already part of government’s plan to address power problems

Shifting to renewable energy sources is already part of the Aquino government’s long-term plan to address the energy problem in the country particularly in Mindanao, a Palace spokesperson said on Saturday.


premium yung renewable energy so

marami pa tayong mga iba pang hinahanap na solusyon to address this [energy problem],” Valte said.

“That is part of the long-term plan: to include more and more projects that involve renewable energy. Remember the Department of Energy is also advocating alternative and renewable sources of energy. So that is already part of the plan.”

Valte also said the government is already accelerating the rehabilitation of hydropower plants in Mindanao, particularly the Agus and Pulangi plants.

Those plants were designed to work for 30 years but have been operating for about 59 years, way beyond its original life span, Valte noted. The rehabilitation of Agus plant will take about 30 months, while the Pulangi plant will take one month, she added.

Changing weather has affected power generation in Mindanao as the region experiences erratic rain fall patterns, Valte said, noting that around half of the energy needs of Mindanao are filled up by hydropower plants.

“Because of climate change, of changing weather patterns, hindi na pareho ang rainfall noon at ang rainfall ngayon.

So kung kumukonti po ang lebel ng tubig na bumabagsak doon sa Mindanao, mas konti ang nagagamit para dito sa mga hydropower plants natin,” she explained.

As a response, Valte said, the government is looking for other sources of electricity. She said there is a plant which will start operations in 2014 to supply the power needs of the region. The Palace spokesperson explained, however, that addressing the Mindanao power problems can’t be done overnight.

Putting up a plant takes time, she said, and investors have to follow government requirements and regulations before they are permitted to operate. Some projects may even take a year to process permits and documents before actual construction begins,

she said.“We were aware of this

from the beginning which is why marami tayong mga ini-encourage na investors para pumasok doon at magtayo ng mga power plants,” Valte said.

Valte also expressed optimism that the energy summit attended by the President on Friday in Davao City could yield positive results after energy stakeholders and the government laid down their respective proposals to address the power problem in Mindanao.

She also appealed to people sowing misinformation, especially those who are saying that electricity prices will soar in Mindanao despite the present remedial measures. She said their action is not helping the situation. (AS)

10 Monday, April 16, 2012ONE MINDANAO Monday, April 16, 2012

In a press conference at the President’s Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Monday, the President bared the administration’s continued initiatives and openness to viable ideas in favor of the people to ensure the resolution of the power problem in the major southern island of the country.

“Kailangan natin ma-engganyo yung mga investor para magtayo nitong mga plantang ito,” the President said.

“Sa pagpunta ko dun (Mindanao) itinatanong

nila, privatize natin iyong Agos, Polanggi (power plant) systems… baka doon tutungo eventually,” he said.

The Chief Executive cited the advantages of privatizing the power plants which, he said, include the increase of capacity to supply the requirements of the consumers.

President Aquino also stressed that the government is not only eyeing to maintain the existing energy facilities but also to maximize its potential to provide sufficient supply of power

and meet the requirements of the developing economy in Mindanao.

During the Energy Summit in Davao City on Friday, the President personally discussed with the power industry stakeholders the possible ways to provide solutions to the present energy situation in Mindanao.

Some 500 delegates attended the event that provided opportunity for the key sectors and stakeholder representatives to present their respective issues and recommendations. (JCL)

Aquino plans to privatize existing power plants in the country

President Benigno S. Aquino III said the government is considering

the possible privatization of the existing power plants in the country in efforts to address the energy situation in Mindanao as he encouraged more private investments in the energy sector to provide electricity for the people at a lesser cost.

Monday, April 16, 2012 Monday, April 16, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 11

PNoy heeds Mindanao leaders’ proposal to solve power shortage

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is paying attention to the recommendations made by leading Mindanao leaders to solve the power

crisis in the Island. The President heeded the call of the Mindanao Confederation of Mayors and Governors (Confed), as expressed

by its chair, Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, particularly to review the Electric Power Industry Reform Act

(EPIRA) and defer the privatization of the Agus and Pulangi hydropower plants. He assured the m u l t i - s e c t o r a l


participants during the recent Mindanao Power Summit in Davao City that Malacanang will study the proposal presented by Gov. del Rosario, saying it is time to reevaluate whether the EPIRA law has attained its purpose. Aquino took to heart the consensus of the Mindanao leaders, asking the national government to discontinue its plan to privatize the

hydroelectric power plants in Lanao and Bukidnon. “We ask you Mr. President to certify as urgent for Epira Law to be revisited and look into the privatization of the two government-owned power plants,” Gov. del Rosario said.The Confed Chair raised

the big possibility for private power providers to have a cartel on power if these plants are privatized.

Monday, April 16, 2012 Monday, April 16, 2012 Monday, April 16, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 13

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RTMI Dipolog tightens security on their buses

The local management of Rural

Transit Mindanao, Inc. (RTMI), in coordination with the local police operatives, has tightened security measures on their buses following the bombing on one of their buses in Carmen, North Cotabato.

by Alfonso T. Ruda


Mr. Edgar Quintana, liaison officer of RTMI Dipolog said, despite the absence of threat received by the local management, RTMI Dipolog management has adopted measures to ensure the safety of the riding public. Quintana said all passengers, including their luggage, are now properly inspected before they are allowed to board on buses. At the same time, all bus conductors are reminded to be vigilant on the packages being carried by passengers. He also appealed to RTMI passengers to report to the conductor or to the driver any package or luggage left abandoned inside the bus for proper identification. Last Wednesday, two passengers

were killed and five others were wounded when a bomb exploded inside a Cagayan de Oro City-bound bus around 10:00 a.m. in Carmen, North Cotabato. Quintana said though they have not received any threats, and Carmen is very far from Dipolog City, they do not want a similar incident to happen in the city. RTMI buses are plying the Dipolog-Zamboanga City, Dipolog-Pagadian City, and Dipolog -Cagayan de Oro City via Ozamis route. The Dipolog City Police Office has likewise deployed uniformed and plain-clothed policemen at the bus terminal to ensure security in the area.(JPA/ATR-PIA9 ZamboNorte)


“Green Caravan” set on April 17-19By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - In support to the yearly observance of Philippine Earth Day on April 22, the EarthSoul Solutions, Inc., in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be spearheading a “Green Caravan” on April 17 to 19.

Ibno Turabin of EarthSoul said the Caravan will be participated in by various government agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), Non government organizations, business and private sectors. “The Caravan will start here in Zamboanga City and end in Davao City,” he said

Caravan-participants will be bringing along their vehicles and will travel on convoy from here to Davao City. Turabin said jump off point of the caravan is at the Paseo del Mar, this city, on April 17 at 8 o’clock in the morning. “We will have our first stop over in Pagadian City, where a short program will be held in the evening. We will proceed with the Caravan the following day, April 18 and we will have our next stop in Malaybalay, Bukidnon,” Turabin informed. He said, caravan-participants will have the opportunity to be “exposed” in the good practices (in organic agriculture and environmental protection) of the provinces where the team will have it’s “stop over.” “Of the Seven (7) watersheds in Mindanao, Four (4) are situated in Bukidnon. When we will have our stopover in Bukidnon, participants will be oriented kung


Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur – The Office of the Municipal Mayor of Bayog, this province, is appealing to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office IX, to urgently act on the resolution of the conflict between TVI Resource Development (Phil.) Inc., (TVIRD) and the Monte de Oro Small-Scale Mining Association (MOSSMA) at Sitio Balabag, Barangay Depore, here.

Bayog Mayor appeals MGB to urgently resolve the conflict between TVI and MOSSMA

It can be recalled that the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Board passed Resolution No. 2K12-646 calling upon MGB-IX Regional Director Albert Johann Jacildo and concurrent chairman of the Provincial

Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) to stop all illegal mining activities in the area. A similar resolution penned by the Zamboanga del Sur Inter-Agency Task Group on Mining Environment

by Bernadine A. Gabawan

ano ang connectivity ng Bukidnon sa Mindanao,” Turabin said as a teaser to the caravan-would be-participants. He said the Green Caravan aims to raise level of awareness on environmental issues and concerns, preservation and protection. “Thru this caravan, we want people to internalize the purpose of saving our environment,” Turabin was quoted as saying. Turabin said during the caravan , educational materials on environmental protection and organic farming will also be distributed. EarthSoul Solutions is a Mindanao-based environmental advocacy, non-government

organization. It’s advocacies include among others: to assist natural reforestation using endemic plants and agro -forestry for carbon sequestration; watershed rehabilitation and management; home and industry waste reduction; low-cost waste disposal and recycling technilogy; organic food crops, poultry, live stock and aquaculture and reviving and improving indigenous food crops and farming practices; mangrove rehabilitation and protection, designation and protection of marine sanctuaries and access to farmers to organic agriculture technology (JPA/PIA-9 ZBST)


Photo courtesy of: mindanews.com

and Public Order and Safety (ZDS-IATGMEPOS) expressed concerns about unregulated activities which would pose great threat to the safety and protection of the environment, proliferation of illegal firearms and explosives, child labor, illegal drugs, prostitution, deterioration of peace and order, which causes death and other forms of criminalities at Sitio Balabag and some areas of this municipality. Alarmed by a tremendous increase of lawlessness in the area heightened by the presence of illegal small scale mining activities, Governor Antonio H. Cerilles organized the ZDS-IATGMEPOS, an inter-agency task force composed of MGB-IX, Environment Management Bureau (EMB) Region-IX, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO-DENR), Armed Forces of the Philippines through the First Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army, Office of the

Regional Executive Director of the DENR-IX, representatives from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zamboanga del Sur, and the Provincial Government of ZDS with him as Chairman. Series of inspections and verifications conducted by the task group revealed that several mining operations do not have the necessary permits and contracts from the government. Thus, the need to stop all illegal mining operations, regulate the legitimate ones, and strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws. Mayor Leonardo Babasa, Jr. believes that their municipality will be more productive if lawlessness will be eradicated or minimized, thus, it is their urgent request to the MGB Regional Office to look into this problem and expedite actions in order to resolve the conflict between TVIRD and MOSSMA as soon as possible. (BAG/PIO-Bayog/PIA9/CAL)


UNFPA conducts consultative confab for Sendong-affected areas

In natural disasters, women and girls become more vulnerable to sexual- and gender-based violence and exploitation.

With the transition of human i ta r i an to development approach in a d d r e s s i n g sexual- and gender-based violence (SGBV) in emergency situations, the United Nations P o p u l a t i o n Fund (UNFPA) s p e a r h e a d e d a consultative workshop slated April 10 and 11 at the Crystal Inn, Iligan City. The event is in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the

Iligan City Council of Women (ICCW), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10. Abdel Jamal Disangcopan of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that the

by Christmei Joy Ranido


workshop aimed to capacitate the subclusters to continue to improve their actions and interventions on gender issues and women’s rights specifically on SGBV. It would provide an analysis of the evolving SGBV prevention and response mechanisms in Sendong affected areas. Also, the participants would formulate a multisectoral SGBV a workplan from April to December 2012. In the two-day activity, the participants would examine the relevant documents for the implementation of the one-stop shop, and calibrate and functionalize the SGBV referral system in humanitarian setting. Said consultative workshop is an assessment to what has been done by the subclusters (organizations and agencies), which was organized last January 2011, on their weaknesses and strengths, the gaps, and what needs to be improved in helping solve the current problem caused by tropical storm Sendong particularly on the issue of sexual- and gender-based violence. Participants involved were from different agencies and organization such as the Committee on Women and Family Relations, Association of Barangay Councils, CSWDO, City Hospital, Iligan City Police Office, Department of Interior and Local Government, City Planning and Development Office, City Prosecutor, the Philippine Information Agency, ICCW and District Coordinators,

Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities Training. These participating organizations and agencies serve as subclusters in the Cluster System that is institutionalized and is made legal as stated by in National Disaster Coordinating Council Circular 2007- 05, Memorandum No.17, series of 2008 – Guidelines in the Coordination of the Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance to Disaster Victims and Internally Displaced persons. The cluster groupings are composed of health, shelter, food and security, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene, and camp coordination and camp management. The cluster approach intends to ensure adequate capacity and predictable leadership across humanitarian sectors in the national, regional, and provincial levels of the country. “When you save life, it involves the preservation of dignity and self respect of the person. “SGBV is an emergency issue and it needs prevention and response,” Mary Scheree Lynn V. Herrera, one of the resource speakers and SGBV Humanitarian Coordinator for Iligan and CDO said. Sujata Tuladhar, UNFPA representative and facilitator said, “addressing gender-based violence (GBV) among displaced populations has become an increasingly high priority over the past 20 years, coinciding with the growing worldwide attention to human rights and women’s rights.”


Secondary tech-voc graduates in Mis. Occ. to undergo TESDA assessment

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - A total of 726 graduates of secondary technical-vocational education (STVE) schools in Misamis Occidental will undergo skills assessment in the qualifications of industry sectors under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Department of Education (DepEd) Competency Assessment and Certification (TESDEDCAC) program.

The said program provides opportunity for the STVE graduates to be recognized as passers of the TESDA National Competency Certification (NCC) and be able to perform the job specified in the qualification. “The TESDA NCC will augment the participants of the TESDEDCAC program in engaging income generating activities through recognition of their competent skills,” Provincial Director Leo Velez of TESDA-Mis. Occ. said during the recent program launching at the Ozamiz City School of Arts and Trade (OCSAT) here. Included in the skills competency assessment are the automotive, construction, electronics, fisheries, furniture, garment trade, health and social services, information and communication technology, tourism, and refrigeration and air conditioning sectors. Velez said DepEd Memorandum No. 59 s. 2011 emphasized the strengthening of STVE schools and the competency assessment subsidy in the amount of P692,926.37 for the public STVE schools

of Misamis Occidental. The memorandum provides that students of STVE schools in the province can avail of the competency assessment, and acquire Certificate of Competency, National Competency (NC) Levels 1 and 2 certificates from TESDA. Velez said the development of the career of the secondary school graduates, especially for those that can not afford to pursue higher levels of education, may be sustained with doable employment through skills certification. The STVE schools will submit to TESDA-Mis. Occ. the required documents of the CAC program and make available the CAC assessment venue, facilities and administrative support required for the conduct of assessment. TESDA will then conduct the CAC and Trainers Training Methodology Course to all the STVE school teachers to facilitate the delivery of quality tech-voc education and training. Likewise, TESDA and the public secondary schools will jointly monitor

by Dr. Cenil G. Cortes


Electric power energy purchase of Mis. Occ, in 2011, up 2.54%by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – A total of 165,540,455 kilowatts per hour (kwh) of electric energy was purchased by Misamis Occidental from the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), last year.

This is 2.54 percent higher compared to the 161,444,377 kwh purchased by the province from NGCP, during the previous year, Director Leon M. Dacanay, Jr. of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), region 10, said. Data gathered by NEDA-10 show that Misamis Occidental contributed a share of 7.30 percent of region 10’s total energy sales of 2,269,084,010 kwh in 2011, which was also higher by 3.01 percent compared to 2,202,724,544 in 2010. Meanwhile, the data show that the province of Misamis Oriental posted the highest increase in energy sales for the period, from 1,243,471,201 kwh to 1,348,150,048 kwh or 8.42 percent. This was followed by Bukidnon, from 240,234,788 kwh to 259,756,168 kwh or 8.13 percent, Camiguin, from 16,902,823 kwh to 17,695,110 kwh or 4.69 percent. The energy sales of the province

of Lanao del Norte, however, decreased from 540,671,355 kwh to 477,942,229 kwh or down by 11.60 percent. As to shares in the total energy sales for the year, Misamis Oriental contributed the biggest share of 59.11 percent, followed by Lanao del Norte, 21.06 percent, Bukidnon, 11.45 percent, and Camiguin, 0.78 percent. During the last quarter of the year, however, the total energy sales of the region dropped from 557,188,685 kwh to 536,258,596 kwh or decreased by 3.76 percent. This was due to the reduction of the energy sales of Misamis Oriental, from 323,313,827 kwh to 299,249,846 kwh or a decrease of 7.44 percent because of the cessation of operation in November of the Mindanao Silicon Metal Corporation, a locator in the Phividec Industrial Estate and a major customer of NGCP.

and render documented report of the undertaking, while TESDA-Mis. Occ. will conduct CAC assessment to qualified students and graduates, and issue the corresponding NCC.

The launching was attended by Dr. Rebonfamil F. Baguio, officer-in-charge/superintendent of Ozamis City Schools Division, and TESDA Provincial Training Center Chief Lee R. Catane.


PNOY expresses interest to review EPIRA

President Simeon Benigno Aquino III conveyed to par-

ticipants of the Mindanao Power Summit the same interest of the executive department to review the Electric Power Industry Re-form Act (EPIRA) of 2001. He revealed such direction to look into the EPIRA implementation in reaction to calls of the Mindanao Confederation of Mayors and

Governors (Confed) aired by its chair Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario, to revise EPIRA. “It’s time to reevaluate whether it has attained what it was supposed to attain,” President Aquino said in his interaction with more than 300 m u l t i - s e c t o r a l participants to the Mindanao Power Summit held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.

In presenting his recommendations, Del Rosario said that EPIRA had not worked efficiently in Mindanao in its 11 years of implementation, and that 16 Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolutions expressed such sentiments. His call to jumpstart in Mindanao the campaign to revise EPIRA is founded on four recommendations. Del Rosario pushed for


the non-privatization of Agus-Pulangi Hydro Power Plants, saying the impact of privatization of such power facilities would become “intolerable” once these power facilities would be surrendered to the private sector. His second proposal prohibits cross ownership between and among the generation, transmission, and distribution sectors because the integration of such power industry functions would mean only few players would gain control. “Sweetheart deals drive power rates up,” he said as the alluded to a “semblance of cartel” among power companies which enjoy less market competition in Mindanao. Del Rosario also recommended to reclassify the power generating sectors as “utilities” defined under the Public Utilities Law to put a cap on profits because even a one centavo per kilowatt hour increase on power rates would mean substantial annual income of P670 million. To keep the interest of Mindawons protected, Del Rosario suggested that a Mindanao consumer group

representative be appointed to sit in the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Standing to reiterate his points in an interaction with President Aquino, del Rosario pointed out that the government can ably retain control over Pulangi and Agus power plants because the National Power Corporation is substantially earning as much as P7 billion to P9 billion every year based on a nine-year NPC income analysis. He then asked President Aquino to certify as urgent the revision of EPIRA as he expressed his optimism that the Mindanao lawmakers together with their allies in Congress are willing to take up discussion of such law and push it to the Senate. President Aquino, however, did not commit to do as requested but he said he would study the proposal, and that he assured to sustain the system through which Mindanao is now being supplied more than half of its power demand through the hydro power plants in Pulangi and in Agus. (PIA-11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

facts and figures

13number of proposals submitted by the delagates of the recently held Mindanao Power Summit to solve the power crisis in the region. Among these include the non-privatization of the hydropower plants in Agus and Pulangi and the revision of the the Electric Power Industry Reform Act or EPIRA.


Sarangani good site for paraglidingBy Cocoy SexcionMAASIM, Sarangani - Sarangani is a good flying site for paragliding said Ar-mand Dard, a French national and a visiting paragliding professional instruc-tor.


“This is my second time in the Philippines and my first time in Sarangani. Last year I did some paragliding in Carmona, Cavite and also in Boracay but this place which I discovered one month ago is a better flight site,” Dard said.

The flying site is located at SAFI Ranch 1 in barangay Seguil, less than 30 minutes drive from General Santos City.

The flight site is overlooking Sarangani Bay.

“It has comfortable take off and landing sites,” Dard noted. “It also has big landing site comfortable for beginners and you can fly almost everyday.”

Dard is conducting

paragliding international standard trainings to members of the newly-formed Sarangani Paragliding Club.

“You ask what is the next big thing in Region 12, we are crossing our fingers -- but I believe in a heartbeat, it’s going to be Paragliding in Sarangani. It is definitely a #1forfun!” said Michelle Solon, chair of the Regional Tourism Council.

“Who said there is no wind around Sarangani Bay? On the contrary there is enough wind!” added Solon who has tried sky sports paragliding.

Joseph Oncada, vice president of Sarangani Paragliding Club said they started paragliding

in September last year “and this is the newest sport in the country.”

“To those who want to become pilots, or just want to experience flying in tandem, we offer training and tandem flights,” Oncada said.

A short flight or a maximum of 10-minute flight would cost P2,300. “For a long flight or 15 to 20-minute flight, we charge P3,000,” Oncada added.

Oncada said the Sarangani Paragliding Club will also have a paragliding accuracy competition on May 18 in time for Sarangani Bay Festival.. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/CSexcion/S A R A N G A N I I N F O R M A T I O N OFFICE)


So Cotabato allots P1.116-M for summer job program By Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The provincial government of South Cotabato has allotted at least P1.116 million of this year’s implementation of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

The amount, according to Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., will be used to pay for the salaries of the students who will undergo 20-day summer job in offices under the provincial government as well as in private establishments.

He said 400 students have been given the chance to earn income during their summer vacation this year.

“We increased the daily salary rate for our SPES program this year to P225,” he said. Last year, SPES b e n e f i c i a r i e s were paid P200 per day.

Before the hiring of this year’s b e n e f i c i a r i e s , the provincial

government conducted an information drive to encourage students and out-of-school youths from other parts of the province to avail of the opportunity.

This was done, according to the governor, to avoid previous experiences that almost all SPES beneficiaries of the provincial government come from Koronadal City.

Elisa Labiaga,

PESO officer, said SPES beneficiaries are divided into two batches. The initial batch of 204 have been deployed on April 2 and will be working until April 30. The second batch will be on their jobs from May 7 until June 1.

Most of them are assigned to offices in the provincial government but others will render services in shopping malls and other private

establishments. SPES is a

program of the D e p a r t m e n t of Labor and E m p l o y m e n t pursuant to Republic Act 7323 that aims to help poor but deserving students to pursue their education by encouraging their employment during summer


and /or Christmas vacation.

The program is open to students and out-of-school youth , 15 to 25 years old, provided they do not have failing grades in

the previous school year and their family’s annual income does not exceed P86,000.

Under the program, the employer, which may be a local government unit,

private company or institution, pays for 60 percent of the salary of the SPES beneficiary. DOLE shoulders the remaining 40 percent of the salary.

Mga magsasaka ng SoCot nakatanggap ng P6.9 M na halaga ng makinaryaKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Umabot sa P6.9 milyon ang halaga ng makinaryang pansakahan ang natanggap kamakailan ng mga magsa-saka ng South Cotabato mula sa Department of Agriculture.

Ayon kay DA 12 Regional Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, kabilang sa ipinamahagi ng DA sa mga asosasyon ng mga magsasaka at mga kooperatiba ang 32 hand tractor, 10 rice threshers, isang four-wheel drive tractor at siyam na multi-purpose drying pavement.

Kabilang sa mga grupong tumanggap ng naturang mga makinarya ang sumusunod: Tampakan Creek Irrigators Association, Komatiku, SANISCA Irrigators Association Inc., Magic Flower Irrigators Association, SOCOSEPCO, Rice Field Irrigators Association of Barangay Carpenter

Hill, ; Modern Farmer Irrigators Association of Barangay San Isidro at Siok Communal Irrigators Association sa Koronadal City;

P a r b a n g o n Irrigators Association , PAGMACE Irrigators Association, Cabuling Agricultural Multi-Purpose Cooperative at San Felipe Irrigators Association sa bayan ng Tantangan; BINTIKU multi-purpose cooperative sa Barangay Dajay , Surallah; at Country Folks Irrigators Assocaition of Bo. 3, Banga.

Paliwanag ni Director Datukan ang mga makinarya

ay ipinamamahagi ng sa ilalim ng rice mechanization project sa ilalim ang Agri-Pinoy Rice program ng DA. Kasama ito sa mahigit P21-M na halaga ng makinaryang ipinamahagi ng kagawaran sa buong Soccksksargen Region dalawang linggo na ang nakalipas.

Sa ilalim ng naturang programa, 85 na porsiyento ng halaga ng mga makinarya ay binayaran ng DA. Babayaran naman ng mga farmers’ association at kooperatiba ang 15 porsiyento ng halaga ng mga makinaryang kanilang natanggap. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


ARMM Peace Communication Summit slated on April 17 by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

In order to find better ways to communicate for peace in the Autonomous Region in

Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), a one-day Peace Communication Summit will be held on April 17, 2012 at Al-Nor Convention Center in Cotabato City.

The said summit was organized by an ad hoc group called “armmpeace.com,” a collaboration among the Bureau of Public Information (BPI) in the ARMM, the Communications Units of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP), The Asia Foundation, and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Inc., as an effort to pursue peace initiatives in Mindanao. Anchored on the theme “Beyond Conflict and Political Coverage, Is There a Room for Peace Communication in the Reportage of Muslim Mindanao,” the summit will highlight a discussion on peace initiatives and how

communication can either hinder or help in attaining peace objectives. According to Nash B. Maulana, BPI-ARMM Director, the summit was conceived to bring together different groups and individuals to discuss ways to help reduce conflict in Muslim Mindanao through more responsible communication from all sides. Participants from the civil society, government and corporate communicators, and the media will be sharing their views, experiences and insights on how to communicate for peace, he added.


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President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday said the Mindanao needs a more diverse mix of energy sources if the demand of power supply cannot rely

anymore on the existing hydro-power to provide the base load of the entire island.

Hydropower not sustainable source of energy – PNoy by Robert E. Roperos


Speaking before the stakeholders during the Mindanao Power Summit in Waterfront Insular Hotel here, the President said the Mindanao is relying on hydropower for more than half of its consistent consumption, the base load, which is not sustainable anymore, considering the many variables that affect water supply – from rainfall, to natural calamities, even to seasonal variations like El Niño. However, the President said he is open for the rehabilitation of the Pulangi and Agus Plants. He added Pulangi plant will

be rehabilitated within one month while Agus Plant 6 will be rehabilitated within 30 months. The President also said Mindanao needs reliable and long-term electric power to accommodate the economic development of the island. Meanwhile, the President said Mindanao’s energy production capacity is at 1,280 megawatts including the 200 megawatts from the barges, “which I must thank the cooperatives for contracting,” he said. He further stressed Mindanao’s peak demand is at 1,300 so there is a need of 20 megawatts more to meet the peak demand. “But we also have to meet the reserve margin of 150 megawatts. So, what this really means is we need 170 megawatts more,” the President added. F u r t h e r m o r e , Pres. Aquino said that

in 2003, National Power Corporation’s (NAPOCOR) debt had already reached a staggering P1.24 trillion which is 24.3 percent of total consolidated public sector debt. He added this debt was bigger than the entire General Appropriations Act for that year. “The country faced a continuing, hopeless dilemma which is to pay NAPOCOR or pay for everything else like roads, schools, and health care,” the President said. Aquino said this explains why Congress passed the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. “The idea behind it was: NAPOCOR would sell its power plants to private investors, and use the proceeds to pay its debt. This was supposed to put an end to the never-ending, increasing debt. It also freed money that could go to essential government services,” President Aquino added.


This is for the earliest possible construction of roads connecting the two barangays to Barangays Osmena, Magkiangkang, Villa Undayon, New Salem, Mount Carmel and Bayugan City for easy and convenient transport of their products. Last month, a meeting was also held with all stakeholders of the said projects to discuss program works. A community mapping was also conducted, which was participated by the local residents of the two barangays to discuss problems and issues and formulate possible solutions. “We already have the money in our hands,

because President Noy-Noy Aquino, with his Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan program, and thru the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) Sec. Teresita Deles have already given us a total of P20 Million last February, for the rehabilitation and construction of roads in your area. Therefore, you have all the reasons to rejoice,” Gov. Plaza said. Meanwhile, Provincial engineer Pamela Yucosing called on barangay officials to secure the materials and equipment because every bit of the projects are for the benefit of the two barangays and the other barangays

going to Bayugan City. “We used to travel by single motorcycles in going to Bayugan City to sell our products. All we gain are body and headaches when we return home because the proceeds of our sales are just enough to pay for the fares,” Daniel Banguiran, a resident, said. Barangay Pinagalaan has great potential in agricultural production, like animal raising, inland body of water fish, rice and other farm products. With the intervention of PAMANA program, it is expected that the people will improve their economic condition soonest.

Pre-construction of roads consultation held

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- Governor Adolph Edward Plaza convened on tuesday the officials and residents of Barangays Sta. Teresita and Pinagalaan for a pre-construction meeting.

by David M. Suyao


In terms of breakdown, 27 out of the 87 trainees will undergo the Commercial Cooking NC II skills training; 20 for Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II; and 40 for Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II. Most of them are supported under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), which is bankrolled by TESDA. The TWSP has been dubbed as such because prior to the admittance of the trainees to be scholars, an open job is scouted and prepared for each of them, which will hopefully become their respective entry point the moment they successfully graduate

and acquire a National Certification. As an eye-opener, Provincial Director Florencio F. Sunico Jr. shared with them that based on Section 2, Paragraph 1 of RA 7796, “It is hereby declared the policy of the State

to provide relevant, accessible, high quality and efficient technical education and skills development in support of the development of high-quality Filipino middle-level manpower responsive to and in accordance with

TESDA spearheads induction program for 87 traineesCABADBARAN, Agusan del Norte, -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Office of Agusan del Norte spearheaded a two-day induction program for 87 trainees on April 11 and 13 at the Provincial Training Center here to give them the big picture on what to expect during their training and post-training undertakings and prepare them for the long haul.

by Gervacio C. Dauz Jr.


Philippine development goals and priorities.” During the first day of the said induction program, the trainees learned from Agrecio Basul, Sr. TESDA Specialist about the necessary work values, as well as rules and regulations that should be maintained or heeded during the entire duration of their training at the PTC. They were given the description of their training regimen, the significance of c o m p e t e n c y - b a s e d training, and the importance of national competency assessment

and certification. Liza B. Budtan, Supervising TESD Specialist, provided them with the idea of where to find jobs by using the web technology to facilitate their scouting and application. The trainees were also oriented about gender and development pointers and issues. Finally, the trainees were given the chance to voice out and share their perspectives and

outlook with respect to the trainings they received. The entire training delivery itself is anchored and based on competencies as directed by TESDA Central Office. Said delivery mode “has long been emphasized as highlighted in all the TESDA Training Regulations and in

accordance to the amended Philippine TVET Trainers Qualification Framework. Much of TESDA’s development efforts like trainers’ capability build-up programs, provision and upgrading of training equipment, tools and materials have been pursued by management in support of the implementation of the Community-Based Training Delivery.”

Documents

One Mindanao - April 16, 2012