One Mindanao - April 25, 2014

Coping up with stress; keeping the faith, finding hope A Lenten specialJocelyn P. AlvarezWESTERN MINDANAO FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 167

President Aquino leads Air Force change of command ceremony in Lipa City

NATIONAL

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CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

WESTERN MINDANAO

Team Basilan and the challenge in making peace happen

Pantawid, NHTS-PR beneficiaries flock “Alaga Ka” launching

NorthCot LGU expresses support for army troops

Select DavNor students grantees earn while learning

Surigao City dad’s SLGPR highlights accomplishments on education

Surigao City Mayor cites major accomplishments on social devt

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

Kibawe lass wins “Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Child” provincial quest

MisOr youth leaders mark Earth Day

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Mary Krezelle S. Mamon

SPI

noel baguio

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Jennifer P. Gaitano

Jennifer P. Gaitano

Rene V. Carbayas

Emmanuel D. Taghoy

Coping up with stress; keeping the faith, finding hopeA Lenten special

He refused to go out of his room, refused to eat, he even reached the point that he

was about to give up on believing that there is a living God who listens. He lost hope and developed skin allergy and other skin abnormalities as a manifestation of his depression.

The Struggle

Randy Pameron, 23, graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in education major in Filipino. Daily

living of the mother and son tandem has always been dependent on their relative’s support - he was his mother’s only hope. He studied hard with the goal of finding a job so he could make a living for himself and his 65-year-old mom. Like all other graduates, he was excited to explore the world of the employed. He was so in a hurry to fulfill his meek dream for his mother and that is to provide food on the table, be able to eat

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

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three times a day and take care of his mother’s health. But luck was not on his side, “naalala ko dati, lagi akong lumalabas araw araw para maghanap ng tabaho, pero wala, ending ko, wala pa rin akong trabaho (I remember, I used to go out every day to apply for work, but to no avail, and I always end up jobless),” Randy recalled.

God as solace

To find solace from his frustration, Randy turned to God, and he felt God for the first time in his life and understood the message in the Bible that he never understood before.

He devoted himself to serving God and the church. He would religiously visit their “local” and hear the words of God at least twice a week.

Depression eats up

Although he was active in church, little did anyone know that he was slowly being eaten by depression. His worries grow more and more each day. He was worried of how he could go on living without a job. “Paano ko bubuhayin ang mama ko kung wala akong trabaho. Habang buhay na lang ba kaming aasa sa iba?”(How could I support my mother if I remain jobless? Do we have to depend on other people always?) These were the words that haunted him every day. “Pag wala ka palang trabaho, masyadong mababa ang moral mo, sensitive ka sa lahat ng sasabiin ng iba, at madali kang masaktan (being jobless makes ones moral so low, you are sensitive in everything that others say about you, and you easily get hurt),” he confessed.

Diseases as manifestation of depression

Due to his excessive worrying that somewhat turned to depression, Randy always hid himself in the darkness of his room. He would refuse to go out and talk, he lost interest in meeting up with classmates and friends who he thought are now successful in their own fields. His immune system went

down, he developed “impossible” allergies like allergy to paint odor, cement dust, severe allergy to mosquito and other insect bites- allergies that he never experienced before amid thousands of insect bites. Because of this, concerned relatives would frequently bring Randy to the dermatologist. “Mas lalo akong na i-is stress, dahil sa hiya. Wala na nga akong trabaho, dagdag gastos pa sa derma (All the more I got stressed because of shame and the medication cost),” Randy said.

Boosting morale with continuous education

A year had passed; still Randy could not land a stable job. So he again sought the help of his relatives and luckily, they were supportive of him unconditionally. So Randy enrolled in 2013 and took a year of Education units for Professional Education Certificate (PEC) and later on took the teachers’ board exam (TBE).

World crumbles, faith died down

It was judgment day for him and his mother as they eagerly wait for the result of his TBE. Randy narrated that passing the board

exam was the ultimate hope, as one good relative assured him of a plantilla job once he passed the board. With the help of Randy’s cousin, they searched the board exam results over the net and his world crumbled when it was confirmed that he had failed the board exam. He and his mother cried, separately. For the nth time, he failed. “ ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing,’ God said when people nailed Him on the cross, I bet this was God’s prayer for us when I lost faith in Him and mother blamed God for my failure to pass the board.” Randy said, his mother stopped going to church and so did he. He somewhat resorted to rebellion against God, “ginawa ko yung bawal, yung labag sa patakaran ng church (I did what was forbidden, those that were against church practices.) For a while we became lost,” he said.

Keeping the faith

After so much tears, continuous depression, Randy thanked God. “I came to my senses, and found my way back to Him,” Randy declared.

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko di dapat sisihin ang Dyos sa mga kabiguan ko sa buhay, dapat mas lalo akong maging tapat sa Kanya, dahil alam kong may nakalaan sa akin, dapat lang akong maghintay, he said.” (I told myself that I should not blame God for my failure, I should trust Him more because I know that He has plans for me and that I just have to wait.)

Hope shines through

After two years of emotional, psychological and spiritual struggle and continuous search for job, God finally granted his heart’s desire - a job that would feed him and his aging mom. Just this April 19, 2014, Randy

was hired as Area Local Coordinator/Supervisor of a big company and is beginning to enjoy more than P25 thousand entrance salary. He was provided with a staff (team leader) to help him execute all the projects lined up for the year. “Sobra ang binigay ni Lord. From zero work, biglang supervisor ako ngayon, di man lang ako pinadaan muna sa mababang posisyon bago ako makarating sa supervisory position, di ako makapaniwala.” (God has given me so much. I immediately became supervisor without experiencing lower positions. I could not believe it.) “God is good and He is great indeed, “Randy said with a gleam of smile.

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President Aquino says air force modernization will continue

The government will continue to modernize the military, especially the Philippine Air Force (PAF), with the

appointment of its new head, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday.

Across the Nation

During the PAF’s change of command ceremony held at the Fernando Air Base here, the President said that incoming chief Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado will continue the reforms initiated by his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz.

Gen. Delgado is the 33rd PAF chief. He is a seasoned combat pilot, and a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982.

“Kumpiyansa naman po tayong higit pang titibay at lalakas ang hanay ng ating mga kawal lalo pa’t may gobyerno na kayong tunay na kumakalinga

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Across the Nation

sa inyo,” he said in his message.After the PAF retired its fleet of F-5

freedom fighter aircraft, the President said he wanted to acquire modern jets to hone the skills of PAF pilots.

The good news, he said, is that starting next year, PAF will start to receive the delivery of 12 new FA50 jets from South Korea.

The government also aims to buy eight combat utility helicopters; six close air support aircraft, two long-range patrol aircraft, and radar systems to beef up the country’s military capability in the midst of regional threats.

Acquiring a full-motion flight simulator is also part of government plans, he said, noting that it will

help enhance the skills of PAF pilots.Under the leadership of Gen. dela Cruz,

the PAF acquired C-130 cargo planes, eight Polish-made Sokol combat utility helicopters, and 18 basic trainer aircraft.

“Kasabay naman ng pagkakaloob sa inyo ng mga makabagong kagamitan, itinataguyod na rin natin ang maayos na pamumuhay ng inyong pamilya.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating programang pabahay, mga proyektong pangkabuhayan, at ang paglalatag ng mga stratehiya para matutukan ang kapakanan, maging ng mga nagreretirong sundalo,” he said. “Sa nakalipas na halos apat na taon, nakamit natin ang positibong bunga ng ating mabuting pamamahala.”

President Aquino leads Air Force change of command ceremony in Lipa CityPresident Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday led the change

of command ceremony of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), praising the leadership of its outgoing chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz.

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In his message during the event held at the Fernando Air Base here, President Aquino said he made the right choice when he appointed Gen. dela Cruz to head the Air Force more than two years ago.

“Malinaw naman po. Hindi tayo nagkamali sa pagpili kay Lt. Gen. dela Cruz na pamunuan ang ating Hukbong Himpapawid. Mas matayog ang naging tagumpay, at mas lumakas ang puwersa ng ating Air Force mula nang siya ay manungkulan,” he said.

Dela Cruz spearheaded professionalism in the Air Force to ensure that the PAF served the people well, he said.

He recalled that during Gen. dela Cruz’s tenure, the single C-130 in the Air Force inventory was able to do its job, transporting equipment, weapons and personnel to different areas of the country.

When Typhoon “Sendong” hit the Visayas and Mindanao in 2011, this C-130 became the military’s workhorse in its relief operations, he added.

The Air Force also became a leading arm of the government in responding to the attack of Muslim rebels in Zamboanga City, as well as when a strong earthquake hit Cebu and Bohol, the President said.

He also said that the PAF made a major contribution in the government’s search and relief efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon “Yolanda” in the Visayan region last year.

“Nang nangailangan ang ating mga kababayan, walang dalawang-isip na sumuong sa disaster area ang ating unipormadong hanay. Hindi po kalabisang sabihin na nadala

kayo ng magandang halimbawa ng inyong mga pinuno. Sa hanay nga po ng Air Force, nariyan ang inyong pangkalahatang piloto na si Lt. Gen. dela Cruz na gumabay sa inyo sa matuwid na direksyon,” he said.

The President further noted that under the leadership of Gen. dela Cruz, the Air Force experienced a more aggressive modernization thrust.

The Air Force now has three C-130 cargo planes, eight Polish-made Sokol combat utility helicopters, and 18 basic trainer aircraft being used by student pilots, he said.

President Aquino also led the retirement ceremony for Gen. dela Cruz.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado is the new head of PAF. A seasoned combat pilot, Gen. Delgado is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982.

Prior to his appointment as the 33rd PAF head, Gen. Delgado was the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans (J5).

He earned a Masters degree in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management in 1999 and a Masters degree in Business Administration from De La Salle University in 1987. He also attended a Joint War Fighting, Joint Transition Course in Virginia, the US.

Among those present during the ceremony were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Rep. Mark Leandro Mendoza, Rep. Francisco Acedillo, Vice Governor Mark Leviste, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.

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Peace Advocates Zamboanga sets forum on Annex on Normalization of CABThe Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) has scheduled a

forum on Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in this city.

PAZ president Fr. Angel Calvo said the forum will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday (April 26), during the monthly meeting of the Interreligious Solidarity for Peace at the Marcian Business Hotel.

Calvo said the forum is aimed to expound pertinent provisions on the Annex on Normalization of CAB to invited stakeholders.

He said that Institute of Autonomy

and Governance Executive Director Atty. Benedicto Bacani was invited as the guest speaker and Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero as reactor.

PAZ is a Catholic organization whose objective is the promotion of peace by strengthening good relations among Muslims and Christians, and all other peoples.


DOLE-Zamboanga del Sur to celebrate Labor Day By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials and Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) officers on Thursday convened at DOLE’s office here to discuss and finalize activities for the 111th Labor Day on May 1, which carries the theme, “Sa Sipag, Tiyaga, at Talino, Buong Muindo Saludo sa Manggawang Pilipino.”


The celebration recognizes the invaluable contribution of all Filipino employers and workers to the continued growth and resurgence of the Philippine economy. DOLE-Zamboanga del Sur chief Lourdes Amores said the labor day celebration will be very simple compared to the previous celebrations. In the two-hour meeting, the participants agreed to conduct the following activities: motorcade, short program, video showing, and parlor games. A motorcade will start at 1:00 p.m. from DOLE provincial office and will end at covered court, Plaza Luz. A short program will follow. After the program, the department will conduct an video

showing dubbed “Labor Employment and Education Services (LEES)”. Amores said the department decided to conduct LEES where all programs and services of the agency will be showcased through promo videos. “The LEES seeks to provide employment and livelihood, promote peace and safety in the work environment, and many other advocacies,” Amores explained. A friendship and harmony games will also be held to foster good relations between the employers and employees. Amores said the activities will be participated in by the management, employees, and employers sectors to include the beneficiaries of the DOLE’s government internship program (GIP).


Pantawid, NHTS-PR beneficiaries flock “Alaga Ka” launchingBy Emmanuel D. TaghoyOLUTANGA, Zamboanga Sibugay – More than 15,000 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and members of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) received Member Data Records (MDRs) from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) during the launching of the “Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay” (ALAGA KA). “Alaga Ka” is a multi-sectoral advocacy campaign collaborative of PhilHealth, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Local Government Units, on April 23, this municipality. Engr. Bernardino G. Labastida Jr., local health insurance officer of PhilHealth-Sibugay said the MDRs were distributed for beneficiaries of Pantawid and NHTS-PR to avail medical assistance and health benefits of PhilHealth. “It is a proof of the Government’s continuous care for the less privileged by making primary health care effectively reach the poor especially those that are far from medical institutions like here in the island municipalities,” he said. MDR is a primary document for PhilHealth members to claim applications which aim to reduce incidents of returned claims due to

lacking supporting documents and lessen claims that are doubtful in nature. It contains the member’s basic information such as the PhilHealth Identification Number, full name, address (local and/or foreign), civil status, date of birth and contact information. Lists of valid dependents of the member, who may avail PhilHealth benefits, are also displayed in the MDR with their complete name, birth date and other information. Governor Wilter Y. Palma of Zamboanga Sibugay province together with LGU officials and provincial heads of Pantawid, DSWD, and IPHO graced the event. A video message from President Benigno S. Aquino III was presented as an opening speech of the event.


Pantawid, NHTS-PR beneficiaries flock “Alaga Ka” launching

Team Basilan and the challenge in making peace happenBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY – For a unique province with peculiar peace and order condition, a group stands out that makes peace happen.

The Peace and Development Coordinating Committee, aka Team Basilan was created a year ago to respond to the many concerns of the province, especially on addressing and finding concrete solutions to conflict situations that confronted the communities in Basilan. This multi-stakeholder group composed of government and non-government organizations, the academe, military, police, religious, and business sector converge and created an alliance—all for the goal of bringing peace in the province. The task is huge as recognized by every member of the team. It seeks first to strengthen the alliance and the partnership in order to

respond to the demand of the task more effectively and efficiently. The road to the straight path or the “Daang Matuwid” espoused by President Benigno Aquino III posed a challenge to the local government under the leadership of Basilan Governor Jum J. Akbar. At most occasions, the governor admits that her administration could not do the task of bringing peace and development alone, and so she sought the help and support of various sectors to uplift the lives of Basileños. With the great tasks ahead, how to sustain the existence of the team remains a challenge. During its various meetings, formal or informal


and in working days and holidays, the team recognizes the need to further capacitate the members of the group towards better harmony and camaraderie.

The rebonding

Friendship must be established first for an effective team to accomplish significantly. The members acknowledge the degree of the issues and concerns ahead that may take a toll on relationships. There will be arguments and quarrels over issues that may hurt each other’s emotions and ego. But all must somehow end well. The need to bond and capacitate the members, the team underwent a three-day seminar workshop on conflict transformation, analysis, and strategic planning at a local hotel in Zamboanga City on April 12-15, 2014. Participated mostly by the different heads of the provincial government and major contributors as partners in Team Basilan efforts, the seminar led participants to an in-depth understanding of conflict transformation and analysis. Through input and workshops, facilitators from the Catholic Relief Services have opened the minds and hearts of every member towards a better understanding of peace and conflict and more importantly, on each other’s role and responsibility towards the goal of achieving peace and development in the province. Provincial Administrator Tahira Ismael was grateful to facilitators: Myla J. Leguro (CRS Senior Program

Manager) and Maria Ida Denise Giguento (CRS Training Coordinator) for the teachings and coaching that increased their knowledge and skills, and acquired better attitudes towards appreciating and recognizing each other’s limitations and capacities to further improve teamwork of Team Basilan.

The challenges ahead

With just more than a year of existence (created through the Governor’s Executive Order) Team Basilan has received various requests from cooperatives and government agencies to barangays and communities, seeking for its intervention to address issues and concerns, mostly under conflict situation. The team has been seen as a problem solver and that it can make peace happen. There are non-believers or what one may call the “spoilers” of having a Team Basilan. The members recognize that this is also part of the challenge to prove it’s worth and capability to create a better environment for Basileños. No one is also certain as to how the team could endure the challenges of resources limitations, politicking, bickering, personal biases and prejudices that may hamper its journey to the “straight path.” Tomorrow may and may not come. But for the Team Basilan, making worth of its presence now in Basilan is more important. Its mantra and commitment remains—make peace happen in Basilan.


Organ procurement centers to open in Mindanaoby Ariana Pagdanganan & Ma. Leona Felice Echeveria

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - In bid to maximize the potential of deceased organ donor, the Department of Health-Philippine Network for Organ Sharing (DOH-PhilNOS) will establish organ transplant centers in three cities in Mindanao.

The head office will be based in the city of Davao, while in cities of Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga will

be the satellite offices. These are the areas where transplant activities and capability of organ retrieval reach.


Kibawe lass wins “Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Child” provincial questby Mary Krezelle S. Mamon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Axl May T. Patagoc, a sixteen year old Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary from Kibawe town was declared champion of this year’s provincial quest for exemplary child dubbed “Kaya ko! Search for the Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children.”

Patagoc bested four candidates from the different local government units namely Jessa Mae Tomopong of Sumilao, Isaraelle Praise Eslabon of Sumilao, Clarenz Palmares of Don

Carlos, and Albern Jay Alumbro of Impasug-ong. As Bukidnon’s 2014 Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Child, Patagoc

For Cagayan de Oro City, the identified organ procurement centers are the Capitol University Medical Center (CUMC) and Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC). Dr. Antonio R. Paraiso, program manager for DOH-PhilNOS, is hopeful that with proper motivation and proper public education, organ donation after death will become more and more acceptable. He called on Mindanaon’s support to the program and stressed the need for donors as the stakes for organ transplantation is very high. Last year, they recorded about 20,000 patients waiting to undergo for kidney transplantation alone. They also have patients in dire need of a liver and pancreas transplant. Possible organs that can be

donated after death include heart, cornea, liver, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, and bones. Brain dead donors, meanwhile, have higher chances in terms of survival rate, hence, PhilNOS also encourages individuals to sign up as organ donors through their Lifeline program. All potential donors who submitted to the program were given Lifeline donor cards which automatically include them in the list of potential organ donors as well as the priority if ever they are to undergo an organ transplant. Paraiso called on the public to possess the willingness and act of goodwill by submitting voluntarily for the Lifeline program.


MisOr youth leaders mark Earth Dayby SPI

VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental - Fifty youth leaders in the province of Misamis Oriental observed this year’s Earth Day commemoration by participating in a two-day Mapawa Environmental Youth Camp held at the Mapawa Nature Park in barangay Cugman, Cagayan de Oro.

Now on its 10th year, the annual event seeks to instill the value of environmental responsibility especially among the youth amidst mounting concerns of environmental degradation. More than 500 young leaders in Northern Mindanao have participated in the program since 2004.

Mapawa is also the site of Steag’s 1,200 hectare reforestation and carbon sink project. Jointly organized by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and energy-firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI), the annual event is part of a continuing advocacy to help protect mother earth.

received plaque of recognition from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Christopher S. Capinpin, Pantawid Pamilya Provincial Link in Bukidnon, said the event, which was recently held in Malaybalay City, is a celebration of great young minds. “This is a venue to recognize the good deeds of children that even at young age, they set excellent examples at home, in school, and in the community where they belong. The event also acknowledged the parents of their worthy upbringing despite difficulties in life,” he said. Patagoc is the province’s bet to the Regional Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Child tentatively scheduled this July in Cagayan de Oro

City. The boards of judges were members of the provincial inter-agency committee for the welfare of family namely Rosario Patriarca, PopDev Officer; Pastor Roberto S. Mah of National Auxiliary Chaplaincy Philippines; and DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilya Provincial Link Christopher S. Capinpin. The children were judged based on their special talents, scholastic records, compliance to 4Ps set conditions for school and health, leadership and good moral. The Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Child in Bukidnon started in 2012 initiated by the DSWD to discover role models and inspire all 4Ps beneficiaries.


Mayor Rivera evaluates Barangay Development PlanGENERAL SANTOS CITY - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera participates in the evaluation of the Barangay Development Plan (BDP) of Barangay Fatima Thursday, April 24. Rivera instructed the technical working group, which includes the police and City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, to immediately finalize their BDP so that it will serve as the blueprint for the priority programs that the city government will focus and provide. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DSWD 12) based here has opened 152 positions with the upgrading of its community-driven strat-egy to a national strategy for poverty reduction, an official of the agency said Wednesday.

DSWD needs more staff for a bigger community-driven programBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Gemma Rivera, DSWD 12 as-sistant regional director said the new personnel are intended for the implementation of the Kalahi-CIDSS - National Community-Driv-en Development Program (NCDDP) that is expected to be launched na-tionwide next month.

Among the job opportunities that are available, according to Ri-vera, include 17 area coordinators (AC), 19 technical facilitators (TF), 19 community finance facilitators (CFF) and 97 community empow-erment facilitators (CEF).

“The agency is now accepting interested applicants for these po-sitions while we are waiting the authority to hire from the Central Office that will give us go signal to undergo screening process to fill up these positions,” Rivera said.

Rivera added that the staff will undergo trainings prior to their deployment to 17 municipalities in the region that the program will cover.

Among the identified municipali-ties for Kalahi-CIDSS NCDDP im-plementation are Alamada, Aleo-san, Banisilan, Carmen, and Pikit in North Cotabato; Bagumbayan, Isulan, Kalamansig, Lambayong, Lebak, Lutayan, Palimbang, and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Ku-darat; and Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, and Maitum in Sarangani prov-ince.

NCDDP scales up the community-driven development (CDD) strategy used by Kalahi-CIDSS for 11 years proven effective for poverty reduc-tion, improving local governance and community empowerment.

Interested applicants may send their application to Bai Zorahayda T. Taha, Regional Director, Depart-ment of Social Welfare and De-velopment Field Office XII, Purok Bumanaag, Barangay Zone 3, Ko-ronadal City, Telephone Number (083) 228-3607. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from HTEstacion-DSWD-12)


KIDAPAWAN, North Cotabato —The provincial government of North Cota-bato, in its bid to strengthen peacekeeping efforts between the military and the government, expressed full support on the initiatives of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

NorthCot LGU expresses support for army troopsBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Governor Emmylou Mendoza, during the inauguration of the renovated clubhouse of the 6th ID in Camp Siongco, Awang of this town, lauded the 6th ID in its effort of safeguarding its areas of responsibility which include the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato.

“I urge the officers and men of the 6th ID to continue the good things they have started especially in maintaining peace and order in this part of Central Mindanao.

“The provincial government of North Cotabato will continue its support to the military in all its endeavors to instill long-lasting peace,” the governor stated.

She also accentuated the 6th ID’s peace campaign to the community as well as its support to the peace process between

the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Meanwhile, as one of the provincial government’s support, it has donated P2 million for the rehabilitation and improvement of the military’s clubhouse making it more functional for the 6th ID’s activities.

On the other hand, Major Gen. Romeo L. Gapuz, commander of the 6th ID thanked Mendoza and the provincial government for their cooperation given to the army.

He said that the good relationship between the 6th ID and the local government of North Cotabato is essential to their advocacy of promoting peace in the land. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSt.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)


DOH-XI leads regional task force against MERS-Cov

DAVAO CITY- The Regional Disas-ter Risk Reduction and Manage-ment Council 11 urged all member agencies to support, assist and collaborate with the Department of Health 11 which leads the Task Force Middle East Respiratory Syn-drome Corona Virus (MERS-Cov) in Davao Region.

Based on Memorandum No. 12 Series of 2014, Loreto Rirao, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense and chair of the RDRRMC 11 said the task force is commissioned to closely monitor, trace, respond and manage the health

consequences of the possible outbreak of the illness. “This collaboration is a positive initiative to our partner-council as our mitigation/ preparedness measure,” he said. A health advisory issued by the National Health Promotion,

by Joey Dalumpines


National Center for Disease Prevention and Control said the MERS-Cov is a viral respiratory illness where patients show symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, diarrhea and kidney failure. Health authorities said that the disease can be prevented by washing hands often with soap and water; covering nose and mouth with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, with the disposal of tissue paper immediately and properly; avoidance of touching the face like the eye area, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, regular cleaning of touched surfaces like door knobs and handles; avoiding close contact with people tested positive of the disease and to ensure that children follow these precautions. Health Secretary Enrique Ona stressed that there is no outbreak of MERS-Cov disease in the Middle East or the Arabian Peninsula. He said that as a health precaution he approved the issuance of a Bureau of Quarantine

alert bulletin to those travelling from the Middle East and through the international airports so that those who may be affected by the disease will be given prompt assistance. Ona said that with the tens of thousands Filipino workers in the Middle East and with hundreds travel towards or return home daily, it is important that their families, relatives and friends and neighbours and all members of their local communities to understand fully all that must be known about the MERS-Cov. One urged Filipinos who have returned recently from the Middle East to report to the nearest hospital if they experience symptoms of the MERS-Corona Virus which are similar to flu, including cough, cold or sneezing. The Department of Health has established hotlines: 711-1001; 711-1002; 0922-884-1564; 0920-949-8419; 0915-772-5621 for local residents and foreign nationals who might need assistance. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)-


Select DavNor students grantees earn while learningDAVAO DEL NORTE – Student em-ployees started their summer jobs in various government offices in the province in order to earn as they learn. The provincial government of Davao del Norte has again collaborated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in implementing the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) this year, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9547. The program seeks to provide employment to poor but deserving students to help them partly pay for their education. The province will deploy a total of 199 student employees this year, where the first batch of 99 grantees already started their 20-day summer employment last April 21, 2014. Assistant Provincial Administrator Romulo Tagalo said that the SPES program also intends to provide the students with essential experience to prepare them for the actual workplace and to increase their marketability after graduation.

“You are here not only to earn but to learn, as well,” he told the grantees during the orientation program at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan. Studies have shown that workplace experience promotes learning among the student employees. A particular research in Northwestern University, Illinois, United States revealed this accumulation of skills and knowledge include collaboration, problem solving, task repetition and reflection. DOLE Provincial Director Milagros Gutierrez said the students will be paid to help them pay their tuition fees and other miscellaneous expenses for the next school year. As in the past, the grantees will receive a salary of P250 per day, where 60 percent of which is to be shouldered by the province and the rest by the Department of Labor and Employment. (noel baguio/davnor pio)


Surigao City dad reports actions on administrative governance By Venus L. GarciaSURIGAO CITY- City mayor Ernesto Matugas, recounted the administrative governance carried out during his term as he delivered his State of Local Governance Report held at the city auditorium.


The mayor mentioned that the local council under the leadership of vice mayor Danilo Menor has passed a total of 483 legislative measures in CY 2013. Of this total, 407 are resolutions, eight are ordinances constituting local laws, and 68 appropriations ordinances.

“The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) continues to partner and complement our efforts for development especially in endorsing our projects for local poverty reduction,” said Matugas.

At the onset of his term of office in July 2013, the city called for the accreditation of non-government, civil society, and people’s organizations (NGOs/CSOs/POs) in line with the mandate provided for under the local government code.

A total of 41 organizations were accredited by the SP, as of December 31, 2013.

Aside from these 41 accredited NGOs/CSOs/POs, the city also extended the participatory planning and project identification process to the non-accredited basic sectors in line with the conduct of the Bottoms-Up Budgeting (BUB) for the local poverty reduction action plan (LPRAP).

In planning and project development services, mayor Matugas said, “the entry of a new term for local officials made it prudent for us to review and revisit the city’s development plans and priorities. We formulated last year the short term or three-year strategic development direction contained in the Executive and Legislative Agenda (ELA) for 2013-2016.”

Matugas added that in close

coordination with other agencies and LGU departments, the project proposals prepared by their planning office, together with concerned departments, were favorably considered for implementation by various national government agencies and overseas development assistance, generating a total project amount of about P136 million.

Also, under the peace and development program of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) managed by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), another P10 million was given to the earlier granted P4.5 million for the improvement of farm-to-market road with a livelihood support component.

“The various projects proposed for national agency funding under the LPRAP-BUB process also totalled P40 million for 2014 excluding the LGU equity of about P8 million. Another project proposal was also prepared to access the P3 million Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) of DILG in relation to the city’s cash award incentive of the Seal of Good Housekeeping for 2012,” disclosed Matugas.

Matugas cited as well the proposal on site development and engineering design plans for the city’s new socialized housing project in Brgy. Cagniog. The area of more or less seven hectares to be developed was also approved for funding by the National Housing Authority in the amount of P22 million.

In terms of fiscal administration, Matugas bared that the city’s total


income last year increased to more than P512 million. “This is a modest increase of almost seven percent compared to that of the 2012 income of about P479 million. In the last five years, from 2009 to 2013, the city’s income increased at a rate of about three percent per annum,” he said.

Matugas stated that among the major contributors of the city’s locally-sourced revenues are: business taxes 23 percent, income from economic enterprises 21 percent, business and service income 16 percent, special education tax 12 percent and regulatory fees 8 percent. The rest of local revenues come from other taxes composed of community tax, franchise tax, occupation tax, professional tax, property transfer tax, tax on delivery trucks/vans, sand and gravel tax, socialized housing tax, and the interest income from time deposits.

“On the other hand, the total expenditures of 2013 amounting to P467 million constitute a per capita expenditure of P3,125 based on a projected 2013 population of 149,449. This increased by almost 5% from that

of the previous year,” said Matugas. He revealed that the net income

of local economic enterprises in 2013 totaled P7.202 million. The profitability rate of the city’s economic enterprises increased to 23 percent from last year’s 22 percent.

In addition, activities relating to human resource recruitment, evaluation, promotion and grievance system were done in accordance with the prescribed guidelines of the Civil Service Commission, especially in view of maintaining the city’s Level II accreditation with the commission.

“We have also gone through the workshops for the implementation of the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS). Five in-house seminars, training-workshops were conducted last year,” Matugas said.

Matugas further said that granting of employee’s benefits was sustained. He expressed his gratitude to his constituents and committed to place the greater interest of the city and the Surigaonons above petty and other vested interest.


Surigao City dad’s SLGPR highlights accomplishments on education

SURIGAO CITY-- In his fourth State of Local Governance Performance Report (SLGPR), city mayor Ernesto Matugas highlighted his administration’s accomplishments on education, held Thursday at the city gymnasium.

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

“In 2013, the city government appropriated P16 million from the Special Education Fund to support the education sector. This covers the honoraria of 86 school board teachers and 21 non-teaching staff, including the payment of their year-end benefits in the form of additional honorarium for the teachers and additional wages for those under job-order employment. An amount of P1.45 million was used for the construction of a Division Library Hub at Navarro Memorial Central Elementary School while P0.250 million was used for the survey of 16 school sites, in preparation for titling,” bared Matugas.

The good mayor also revealed that there was a decreasing trend in

the Cohort survival rates both in the elementary and secondary levels. “This could be attributed to several factors which force the child to engage instead in income generating activities to help augment the family income. School leavers’ rate showed a decreasing trend in the elementary level but was fluctuating in the secondary level. The Completion rate for all levels showed an increasing trend both for kindergarten and elementary level. A slight decrease, however, was noted in the secondary level. National Achievement Test – Mean Percentage Score (NAT-MPS) for Grade VI elementary and 4th Year secondary were consistently improving in the past three academic years,” he explained.


A total of 27 classrooms were completed last year, one multi-purpose building and the new City Schools Division Office. Thus, Matugas expressed his warm thanks and gratitude to those who extended their contributions, especially from the private sector who tirelessly supported the government education facility improvement efforts.

Also, Matugas reported that in 2013, the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program was given a big boost with the completion of the ALS and Women’s Center at Barangay Taft. P2-million facility was realized through the efforts of Gov. Sol Matugas of Surigao del Norte, and a Learning Resource Center was constructed for District III in Barangay San Juan through funds provided by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and the city government.

“Likewise, the Hinatuan Mining Corporation assisted the implementation of the ALS program in Barangays San Pedro, Nonoc, Talisay and Cantiasay as part of its community outreach and corporate social responsibility. The test registrants for ALS A&E increased from 676 to 1,288,” he added.

Through the City Scholarship Program, poor but deserving students were also able to enroll in the different technical vocational institution and higher education learning institutions in the city. The city government has allocated close to P5.9 million to ensure that poverty is not a hindrance to the students’ quest for a higher education.

“Of the total 320 scholars, about 19 percent graduated in School Year 2012-2013,” relayed Matugas.

Meanwhile, to address the concerns of the women and the out-of-school youth, the city government provided technical vocation education and training to them, as well as to the untrained adults through the operation of the Livelihood Training and Productivity Center (LTPC) in Barangay Luna. Some 678 trainees in three batches were able to complete short term technical-vocational courses in 2013, with Basic Computer Education posting the most number of enrollees.

“The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided P4.9-million in support of the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP). Of the 225 enrollees, 100 percent graduated and assessed, and 200 were certified. The Cash for Training Program (C4TP) on the other hand, produced 39 graduates and 27 were certified. 15 of them availed of the training on entrepreneurial skills development and received Starter Tool Kits based on their chosen qualifications such as computer hardware servicing, commercial cooking and automotive servicing,” he disclosed.

Matugas commended the teachers, school administrators and the city schools division management for a job well done. “The city government recognizes all your efforts in bringing quality education. Thank you for your commitment and untiring love for the students. You have been a great part of this success,” he emphasized.


Surigao City Mayor cites major accomplishments on social devt SURIGAO CITY-- Mayor Ernesto “Nitoy” Matugas of the city government here, reported major accomplishments of his administration during his fourth State of Local Governance Performance Report (SLGPR), held on Thursday at the city’s gymnasium.

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

“In 2013, the city government through the City Social Welfare Office spent more than P39.9 million for the implementation of social welfare and development programs and services serving a total of 46,596 individuals coming from vulnerable sectors and those in crisis and difficult situations,” cited Matugas.

Matugas, further announced that

one of the highlights of 2013 was the blessing and inauguration of the Bahay Pag-asa, a project that was started before his term. “This halfway home designed to provide custodial, transition and rehabilitation care for children in conflict with the law is located in Barangay Anomar. This project was realized not only for the purpose of complying with Republic


Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, but more so for the welfare and rehabilitation of children who run in conflict with the law,” he said.

The city was also given an award for “Best Local Government Unit Support in the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program Implementation in Caraga Region” where 7,259 indigent families were served in 2013 with a total funding of almost P15 million.

“2,100 pre-school children in 85 Day Care Centers were able

to complete year–round sessions on value inculcation, motor development, language competency, cognitive and adaptive skills and spiritual development. A total of P4.8 million was spent for supplementary feeding of pre-schoolers in 2013,” he added.

It was also heard from the city mayor that the residential center for street children continued to provide home care and other type of services to abandoned and neglected children. Five children were given


medical assistance and 19 children were eventually reintegrated to their families. A total of 24 non-government organizations and private individuals donated in kind supplies and food items for the children.

The operation of the Surigao City Crisis Center was sustained and the facility renovated to improve the delivery of services for women and children who were victims of abuse, exploitation and violence. During the year, 145 children and 257 women victims of abuse and violence were served, and another 52 children who were in conflict with the Law.

Matugas also emphasized in his report that various activities geared towards the mainstreaming of gender and development (GAD) in local governance and to promote women and children’s rights were pursued. “Among others, these include the Observance of the 18-day campaign against Violence against Women and their Children, the celebration of the Women’s month and the International Women’s Day, advocacy campaigns through the year-round display of relevant topics in the GAD Bulletin Board within the city hall compound as well as the publication of the GAD newsletter - the Nickel Gender Net,” he said.

When it comes to programs for the

persons with disabilities, Matugas reported that some 497 individuals has benefitted the programs and services of the city government. “Support for 11,451 elderly people was also sustained, and 687 were covered by the P4.1 million Social Pension Program of the DSWD,” he claimed

Meanwhile, with the onslaught of several typhoons, in particular, typhoon Yolanda last November, the city government provided food assistance to 13,151 affected families consisting of 28,426 individuals in evacuation centers.

In addressing the needs of the couples, the City Population Office led the conduct of pre-marriage counseling sessions for 378 would-be couples, responsible parenting classes to 1,450 couples, as well as Adolescent Heath and Youth Development advocacy activities. These are all part of strengthening the Filipino family as the basic unit of the society.

“These are just some of the highlights of our accomplishments for the year 2013 on social development. The city government will do its best to reach more individuals in the community and make these programs and services of the local government readily available to them,” stressed Matugas.

Documents

One Mindanao - April 25, 2014