One Mindanao - August 26, 2015

School-based immunization program in Ozamiz set on August 17 to September 15

DTI-Bukidnon warns ‘online’ shoppers on risks, frauds

Kalivungan Festival 2015 accentuates peace, unity among tri-people

TESDA to mark 21st anniversary celebration in Caraga

IPHO-Lanao launches school-based immunization program 25ARMM

17

37

29

Basilan farmers crying for help over cocolisap pestilence

BuB summit to showcase gains, reforms

Marcos confident MILF won’t go to

war despite clash of ideas on how to

achieve peace in Mindanao

CSC-Davao Sur educates employees on strategic performance

14

3940

2122

34

17

30

Cover Story

National

Caraga

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

InFocus

Southern

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OUR

CO

VER

SurSur guv to host dinner, cultural presentation for Indonesian visitors

contents

19

Volume 5 * Issue No. 5

By: Rene V. Carbayas

11

31

ZAMSURECO-1 holds ‘Variety Show Competition 2015 46Western

By: Franklin P. Gumapon 44

36Cotabato City continues crackdown on improvised open pipe mufflers

30,000 ARMM employees to receive performance-based bonusBy: A pipa Bagumbaran

27

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

By: Oliver Ross Rivera

24

By: Eriberto A. Taban-ud, Jr.

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTS EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EDITORIAL BOARD

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

4 August 26, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Basilan farmers crying for help over cocolisap pestilence

Cover Story

By: Gideon C. Corgue

W hat was once lush green farmlands over the mountains of Basilan, particularly in Isabela City, have now turned into yellow-brownish

landscape as the coconut trees covering the place are now infected with coconut scale insects(CSI) locally known as “cocolisap.”

5August 26, 2015 ONE MINDANAO


Basilan has a total land area of 137,902 hectares where 51 percent or 69,695 hectares are planted with some 8,097,114 coconut trees in 13 municipalities and 255 barangays. The coconut trees are dying and the coconut industry is threatened. Some 23,455 farmers are believed to have been greatly affected. Based on Philippine

Coconut Authority’s (PCA) initial reports as of July 2015, 10 percent or 814,712 trees are infested by CSI, affecting some 6.5 percent or 1,518 farmers in 7 out of 13 municipalities and 66 out of 255 barangays. The spread continues. The PCA said that the outbreak of the CSI started in Batangas in 2010 and quickly spread in four provinces of Luzon. From Batangas it spreads to Laguna and Quezon.


And in 2012, the c o co l i s ap w a s detected in Basilan in Mindanao, which is hundreds of miles away from Luzon. Authorities are clueless as to how the spread took place in Basilan. Authorities specu la te that the c o co l i s ap v a r i e t y m i g h t come from

other Southeast Asian countries near the southern Philippines. PCA, however, suspected that somebody brought an ornamental plant to Basilan that might have been infected with the scale insect. President Benigno Aquino III immediately issued an Executive Order No.169 in 2014 directing the PCA to manage and control the spread of cocolisap and declared

an outbreak situation. This includes emergency measures to control and manage the spread and damage of coconut scale insect in the Philippines and designating PCA as lead agency. During his visit in Basilan on July 24, 2015, Secretary Francis N. Pangilinan of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM) announced that the government was able to significantly control the CSI in CALABARZON region. Science-based treatment PCA Administrator Romulo N. Arancon Jr. partly attributed the success of controlling the CSI in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) to typhoons where continued rains and strong winds have wiped out much of CSI’s population. Experts say the cocolisap thrives and reproduces faster on sunny days. Arancon said that the Summer months in Basilan factor greatly to the continued spread of cocolisap in Basilan in spite of the initial measures implemented by PCA to control the pests.


“In CALABARZON the problem is solved. W a l a n a n g c o c o l i s a p s a CALABARZON (No more cocolisap in CALABARZON),” Arancon declared. Arancon said some 2.7 million

coconut trees in 59 hotspot areas nationwide were infested by cocolisap, but with control measures undertaken the hotspot areas were reduced to five in which Basilan is included. After consultations and meetings with provincial leaders and stakeholders, the government created a

national task force for cocolisap in CALABARZON, which helped in identifying best measures and support from the provincial government to curb the cocolisap menace.


He added that PCA together with scientists of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARD) and the Department of Agriculture, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have created a science-based protocol in the treatment of infected coconut trees. He asked the media present to highlight the science-based protocol treatment when reporting to the public based on research and on scientific knowledge. “Since it is a science-based approach, we are confident that it has worked according to our research findings and that it should work under farmers’ conditions,” he said. Staring July 2015, the PCA has started the application of science-based methods and steps, such as: massive leaf pruning for 30 days, application of systematic insecticides through trunk injection for 60 days, establishment of quarantine checkpoints, production and

release of bio-control agents, rehabilitation through replanting and fertilization, livelihood assistance, and surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation. Slow government’s response Coconut farmers and leaders present during the Basilan Island against Cocolisap Action Planning with Sec. Pangilinan complained about the poor and seemingly very slow response and action from the government, particularly from the PCA. Coconut farmers in Basilan expressed their dismay to Food Security czar SecretaryPangilinan on the lack of serious sustainable measures from the government, particularly from PCA to address the worsening cocolisap infestation in Basilan. “Why [was the response] only now, where only the broomsticks of our coconut trees have remained,” a farmer lamented. The hardest hit in Basilan are the cities of Isabela and Lamitan and the municipality of Lantawan. Pangilinan said in said forum that the success of CALABARZON


in controlling the pests could be replicated in Basilan but requires the cooperation of all stakeholders towards simultaneous efforts. Pangilinan told farmers in Basilan that a massive, intensive, and collaborative approach will be undertaken for 30 days to treat and contain the spread of infestation. The government will also hire over 1,500 workers to help in this massive job. Marina Wahab of PCA-ARMM, meanwhile, presented the treatment protocol strategy that will be employed in Basilan. She said that treatment would start from the periphery, simultaneously circling the island towards the center in order to contain the spread of the infestation. Pangilinan explained that the failure to curb the infestation in Basilan at the government’s initial response was the poor collaboration and cooperative efforts from stakeholders. “Ang treatment ay

hindisabay-sabay at hindisunud-sunod (The treatment is not simultaneous and not sustained),” he said. As one landowner would treat his area, the adjacent farm is left unattended. Thus, the infestation would recur. He further assured the farmers that funds will be made available to the local PCA to fast track the treatment. And the efforts will be done simultaneously using one protocol. “Pestelangyan, taotayo (it is just a pest and we are humans),” he said, hinting that Basilan can overcome the situation and could triumph over insects. The visit of Secretary Pangi l inan gave coconut farmers the hope to save the coconuts and their livelihood. The farmers wish that this time the government would seriously implement what it promised in the coming days, especially before the onslaught of El Niño in September to avoid further damage to the coconut industry in Basilan.


PH imports recover, reach highest growth for 2015

MANILA -- Philippine imports recorded its highest growth for the year at 22.6 percent in June 2015, recovering from three consecutive months of contractions since March, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Tuesday. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that the spending for imported goods rose to US$5.9 billion in June 2015 from US$4.8 billion in

the same month last year. The recovery was due to significant increases in imports of raw materials and intermediate


goods (49.2%), capital goods (23.8%), and consumer goods (13.1%), which made up for the continuing decline in the import value of mineral fuels and lubricants (-21.9%). “The significant surge of import payments signals improvement in the external environment. The increase in importation of raw materials leads us to expect a sustained growth of domestic production while the acquisition of capital goods indicates positive investor confidence,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

Furthermore, the Philippines ranked first among monitored economies in East and Southeast Asia in terms of imports growth in June 2015. Except for Vietnam, all these countries registered a decline in imports for the said period. Accounting for nearly half

(48.9%) of the country’s total imports, payments for raw materials and intermediate goods posted a positive turnaround, after declining for three consecutive months, at US$2.9 billion in June 2015 from US$1.9 billion in June last year. Moreover, payments for imported capital goods continue to pose double-digit increase for five successive months at US$1.3 billion in June 2015 from US$1.1 billion from the same month last year.

“The country’s continued robust spending on imported capital goods, particularly office, electrical and telecommunications machines and equipment, bodes well for the growth in capital formation,” the Cabinet official added.

Meanwhile, overseas spending for consumer goods grew at US$807 million in June 2015 from US$713.4 million


in June last year due to the increased payments for durable goods, particularly for passenger cars and motorized cycle, which reflects an upbeat performance of the country’s automotive industry.

According to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and Truck Manufacturers Association, a total of 9,840 passenger cars were sold in June 2015. It is 19 percent higher compared to the

8,278 units sold in the comparable period last year.

“For the remaining months of the year, domestic demand is expected to prop up imports growth. While there may be a slack in consumer activities during the third quarter of the year due to low seasonal demand for consumer goods, the recovery of government spending should keep imports afloat, particularly on imported capital goods,” said Balisacan. (NEDA)


BuB summit to showcase gains, reforms

MANILA -- Two years after Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) was first implemented in the 2013 National Budget, the Aquino Administration plans to extend the program’s reach and ensure the sustainability of BuB-enabled gains, beginning with a two-day summit to assess and reaffirm the program’s progress.

Under the 2015 budget, the BuB covers 1,590 municipalities and cities across the country, and is amply supported with a budget of P20.9 billion. For 2016,

the Administration is proposing a budget of P24.7 billion to support the implementation of more than 14,300 BuB projects nationwide.


“In 2013, we crafted a people-centric National Budget that was guided by needs identified at the grassroots level. BuB proved critical in accomplishing that. Through the program, ordinary citizens found a voice in the budget process. BuB made it possible for local governments to listen to their constituents, so that the resulting National Budget could respond to their most urgent needs,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. Abad said that the challenge is to fine-tune the existing program.

“BuB has allowed us to accomplish much in terms of citizen participation. But we can certainly improve it further. Doing that will require us to work with stakeholders and consolidate what we’ve learned in the past three years, so that we can intensify the program’s focus,” Abad said.

The BuB summit, held at the Crowne Plaza Manila in Ortigas, Quezon City this August 24-25, brought more than a thousand participants from civil society organizations (CSOs), national government agencies (NGAs), and local government units (LGUs).

Convened by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretariat, the event is supported by the departments of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Budget and Management (DBM), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

The summit will train the spotlight on improving the BuB planning process, as well as speeding up its implementation. More importantly, it will discuss how to enhance the partnership between LGUs and CSOs and boost local government capacity to implement BuB programs.


Stakeholders will also consider the appropriate way to communicate the goals of BuB to the public, in light of critics’ allegations that the program is being used by the Aquino Administration to their advantage in the upcoming 2016 polls.

“The BuB is meant to empower our grassroots communities and their respective local governments. That’s why

we’ve made improvements to the program by allowing LGUs to directly implement projects instead of coursing them through the agencies. This also strengthens the link of accountability between our LGUs and their constituents,” the budget chief said.

The BuB approach was set up to help the Philippines attain its Millennium Development Goals of inclusive growth and poverty reduction, all while promoting good governance at the local level. This is done by

increasing citizens’ access to local service delivery via a demand-driven budget planning process. In 2013, 595 municipalities and cities took part under the BuB program with a budget of P8 billion. In 2014, the program was expanded to cover 1,225 municipalities or cities with a budget of P20 billion. (DBM)


Marcos confident MILF won’t go to war despite clash of ideas on how to achieve peace in Mindanao

MANILA – Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not wage war with the government again despite clash of ideas on how to achieve peace in Mindanao.

”I’m confident that despite whatever differences that we have, I believe it will not lead to secessionism. The MILF will not go to war. They want peace,” Marcos told the students of the University

of Perpetual Help in Las Pinas during a “Youth Forum on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

Marcos also believed that the present MILF leadership will


eventually accept his substitute bill, the Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

”In my dealings with the MILF, we’re talking about substitute bill, I truly believe that whatever objection that they may have, the bill will explained well to them,” Marcos, chairman of the Senate committee on local government, said.

”They don’t want to continue fighting. They want the lives that are normal and within the mainstream of the Philippine society,” he added.

Marcos described the MILF as the government’s real partner in achieving peace in Mindanao.

”The MILF and even the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) are desirous for peace. However, I cannot say with other groups such as private armed groups and Abu Sayyaf Group which rejected all forms of peace with government,” he said.

To make sure that war will not happen again in Mindanao, Marcos is contemplating on inserting an amendment to his substitute bill that will strengthen the power and function of the international decommission body (IDB) to

inspect the loose firearms.

Marcos will also push an amendment that provides for the demolition of the firearms that will undergo the decommissioning process.

”Right now, the surrendered firearms will be put to a store house. My proposal is not only to store. We will use the language, it will be put beyond use. In other words, let’s destroy them so that these will not be used again,” Marcos said.

”We should go to basic principle that if there is no arm, there is no war,” he added.

In front of the more than 5,000 students, Marcos said his substitute bill is constitutional as compared to the version of the BBL draft submitted by the Malacanang.

”Based on our public hearings and consultations with the country’s top legal experts, the original draft of the BBL is really unconstitutional. So we better approve a version which is constitutional to make sure it will hurdle even the Supreme Court,” Marcos said.

Last Monday, the Senate started its plenary debates on the Basic Law on BAR. (PNA)


RDC-10 hosts DOST Science Nation Tour kick off in Northern

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-10) hosted the kick off of the Science Nation Tour of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at making the people see and experience how science affects their daily lives.

By: Peleta Abejo

RDC-10 welcomed DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo who personally led the Science Nation Tour kick off dubbed “Science Nation: Agham na Ramdam” during the Full Council’s 105th meeting held recently at the

Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. In his welcome remarks, RDC-10 Chair and Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo expressed appreciation over DOST’s efforts


in bringing the different science and technology programs to the region. He recognized the use of science and technology as drivers of economic growth. Secretary Montejo, in his message, also reiterated DOST’s mandate to direct and coordinate scientific and technological efforts to ensure maximum economic and social benefits to improve the regions’ productivity. The kickoff activity was spiced-up with presentations on various DOST programs and projects such as the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) and one of its components, the Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation (DREAM) - Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) project that provide LGUs with flood hazard maps showing the country’s major rivers that are frequent sources of flooding. The DOST-Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) also awarded Certificates of Recognition to Iligan City and Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte for putting up Technology for Education (“Tech for Ed”) centers in their respective LGUs. The “Tech for Ed” centers are cyber education centers that the DOST-Information and

Communications Technology Office (ICTO) aims to set up all over the country to make technical-vocational education and training accessible to all. RDC-10 also recognized Region 10’s top LGUs in the 2015 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), among others: Mambajao, Camiguin (No. 1 Most Competitive Municipality in the 3rd-6th Class Municipalities category); Misamis Oriental (No. 2 Most Competitive Province); Camiguin (No.10 Most Competitive Province); Cagayan de Oro (No. 6 Most Competitive City in the Highly Urbanized Cities category); and Jimenez, Misamis Occidental (No. 6 Most Competitive Municipality in the 3rd-6th Class Municipalities Category). Dr. Renato O. Arazo of MOSCAT was also awarded a Plaque of Recognition as National Awardee to the 2015 Ten Outstanding Mover of the Philippines. With Governor Dimaporo presiding over the meeting, the Full Council approved the Climate and Disaster Risk-Sensitive Regional Physical Framework Plan, 2013-2040 and the RDC-10 Work and Financial Plan for 2016. It also endorsed the Construction of a Boardwalk along Layawan


River of Oroquieta City for funding under Energy Regulations (ER) 1-94; the Magsaysay Coastal Resource Management Project; and the proposed inclusion of Mt. Malindang in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO’s) World Network of Biosphere Reserve Sites. The body agreed to request the Department of Energy and the Joint Congressional Power Commission to entitle host regions with power plants in highly-urbanized cities a 10 percent share of the local shares of funds under ER 1-94. It also asked the Department of Public Works and Highways to prepare sustainable urban drainage system master plans for Iligan and Gingoog Cities and the DOST-ICTO to formulate an ICT Roadmap for the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Corridor (CIC) to become an ICT Hub.

Concerned agencies were also enjoined to consider the priority action areas in the 2014 Regional Development Report. The Council also expressed support to the following, among others: 1) e-Filipino Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ED) Project; 2) Creation of an ICT Council in the provinces, cities and municipalities to promote economic development; 3) Pinggang Pinoy and the 10 Kumainments information and education campaign to promote the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos; 4) Gender Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation of Women (GREAT Women) Project; 5) RDC-Private Sector Representatives’ 6th National Convention on October 14-16, 2015; and 6) Indigenous Peoples’ Regional Summit on October 28-29, 2015.

DTI-Bukidnon warns ‘online’ shoppers on risks, fraudsMALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has warned consumers to be more cautious when shopping ‘online’ to avoid illegal transactions in the Internet.

By: Eriberto A. Taban-ud, Jr.


DTI-Bukidnon Provincial Director Ermedio J. Abang said ‘online shopping’ is expected to provide a fast and convenient way in the purchase of goods and services. “However, the advent of modern technology, especially information communications technology on the web and its consequent commercialization, has given rise to online shopping fraud, but perhaps, not yet in Bukidnon as observed,” he said. The same DOJ advisory said that online shopping is becoming the preferred method of purchasing goods, but in view

of the anonymity of online sellers as their web-based identities are unknown or difficult to verify, risks and trade malpractices, including operational challenges existed. Hence, DTI said, online shoppers must take necessary precautions to protect themselves against frauds and scams, misleading or deceptive product advertisements, difficulty in returns and replacements, unexpected custom dues, transaction costs and surcharges, chaotic delivery procedures, and privacy breaches and abuse of user information.

Aimed to ensure the prevention of morbidity and mortality of school age children due to vaccine-preventable

diseases, the SBIP includes the measles-rubella (MR) and tetanus diphtheria (Td) vaccines which is intended to be given

School-based immunization program in Ozamiz set on August 17 to September 15By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – The Department of Education, Division of Ozamiz City, has scheduled the conduct of the School-Based Immunization Program (SBIP) of the Department of Health (DOH), from August 17 to September 15, this year.


to all Grade 7 students and Grade 1 pupils in all the public elementary and secondary schools of the city. However, the children will only be covered by the SBIP, if they are able to submit a parental consent prior to the conduct of the vaccination, Dr. Rebonfamil R. Baguio, schools division superintendent of DepEd-Ozamiz, said. Meanwhile, Dr. Alice Paderanga, schools division physician said the vaccination have been scheduled daily, by the division medical team from August 17 to September 15, 2015, except during weekends and holidays, as follows: Ozamiz School of Arts and Trade (OCSAT) and Maningcol Elementary School (ES), Aug. 17; Ozamiz City Central School (CS), Aug. 18; Catadman ES, Aug. 18; Catadman ES, Aug. 19; Gango, Bacolod and Aguada ES, Aug. 20; and San Antonio ES, San Antonio National High School (NHS) and Villa Consuelo ES, Aug. 24. Misamis Annex Integrated School (IS), Santa Cruz and Baybay ES, Aug. 25; Ozamiz City NHS, Aug. 26; Felipe Carreon Memorial ES, Baňadero, Bagakay and Bongbong ES, Aug. 27; Antero U. Roa ES, Montol NHS,

Tipan ES, Aug. 28; Malaubang ES, Sept. 1; Trigos, Gingona, Guimad and Gala ES and Gala NHS, Sept. 2; Maximo S. Laurete ES, Calabayan NHS, Galapang ES and Ramon Mabanag ES, Pantaon, Sept. 3; Capucao C and Capucao P. ES, Hilarion Ramiro ES, Mentering and Antero D. Hinagdanan ES, Liposong, Sept. 4. Faustino C. Decena ES, Carangan, Dominggo C. Barloa ES, Molicay, Embargo ES, Sangay ES, Sangay Daku, Maximo Mintalar ES, Sangay Diot, Sept. 7; Labo NHS and Labo ES, Sept. 8; Cogon ES, Cogon NHS, Kinuman Norte ES, Kinuman Norte NHS and Juan Acapulco ES, Sept. 9; Pulot NHS, Pulot ES, and Dimaluna ES, Sept. 10.; Tabid ES and Tabid NHS, and Balintawak and Cavinte ES, Sept. 11; Jacinto Nemeňo ES, Manaka, LIpata ES, Greogrio A. Saquin ES, Sept. 14; and Labinay ES, Labinay NHS and Sinuza ES, Sept. 15.


DA awards P1.5 million research grant to ARMMThe Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) received

P1.5 million in research grant from the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) central office during the three-day product

exhibition held at SM Mega Mall in Mandaluyong City on August 7-9, 2015.

The ARMM’s Agriculture and Fisheries department (DAF-ARMM) booth was recognized as the best by the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR). The booth showcased distinct agricultural products that included water hyacinth organic fertilizer, marang jam, marang ice cream, adlay coffee ice cream, organic rice, adlay-

based delicacies processed in Maguindanao, and local delicacies such as dudol, tinagtag, panganan sising and putri mandi. DA’s Region IV-B, or Mimaropa, was awarded second place and received P1 million worth of research grant while DA Region IV-A, or Calabarzon, received P500,000 also in research grant. With the theme “Teknolohiya

ng Pansakahan at Pangisdaan: Tulay sa Mas Maunlad na Pilipinas Patungo sa Pandaigdigdigang Kakayanan,” the activity was held in line with the 11th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition and as part of the 28th anniversary celebration of the agricultural research bureau. This year’s anniversary celebration


IPHO-Lanao launches school-based immunization programby: Apipa Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) launched on August 17, the free immunization for school children at Malabang National High School in Malabang town, this province.

focused on the global competence of Philippine products and technologies generated from research and development (R&D). Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, former secretary William Dar, and BAR Director Nicomedes Eleazer graced the opening and viewing of the product exhibition. To highlight breakthroughs and provide new perspectives on technology commercialization, the forum-exhibit showcased agricultural R&D of more than 90 exhibitors from the DA’s bureaus and attached agencies and regional field offices, as well as R&D partners such as state universities and colleges, international organizations, and the private sector. Tong Abas, manager of the DAF-ARMM Integrated Agricultural Research Center, said his office will pursue development of the Marang-flavored ice cream and Marang jam. “Marang is abundant in ARMM and if the product will be highly favored by the public, then this will help boost the economy in the region,” Abas added. DAF-ARMM Secretary Makmod Mending Jr. affirmed that the regional

government will support the newly introduced ice cream flavors. The DA central office, however, advised ARMM exhibitors to submit business plans for their products. The event also opened opportunities for agri-preneurs and entrepreneurs to capitalize on various R&D technologies that were already developed and generated and for the farmers and fisherfolk to showcase their own products as well as for the private sector to adopt these technologies on a commercial scale. Among the highlights of the event was the launching of the 2015 BAR Primer, an audio-visual presentation that narrates the bureau’s vision, mission and mandate as the country’s national coordinating agency for agriculture and fisheries R&D. In line with the event, BAR also staged “It’s Soy Time”, a soybean cooking contest with 27 partner-exhibitors from state universities and colleges as participants. The activity highlights the culinary competencies of the participants while further promoting the utilization and consumption of soybean through food creation. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)


The school-based immunization dubbed “Bakuna para sa Kabataan, Proteksyon sa Kinabukasan,” aims to give school children additional protection from measles, tetanus and cervical cancer. Dr. Alinader Minalang, chief of the IPHO Lanao, said the free

immunization is a nationwide program to prevent morbidity and mortality of school children due to vaccine-preventable diseases. We are targeting three groups for the program. The Grades 1 and 7 pupils will be given measles-rubella and tetanus diphtheria vaccines, while 9-year old females will be provided human papilloma vaccine, he said. According to him, the vaccines for the program are safe to use, effective and approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). The school children might experience fever, rashes and swelling or redness. But these are normal and temporary side effects of the vaccines, Minalang stressed. He also reiterated that only children with consent from parents or guardians are allowed to undergo immunization. (APB/PIA-10)


30,000 ARMM employees to receive performance-based bonusMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - More than 30,000 employees in the regional government are entitled to receive the bonus that mirrors the “upgrading of professionalism and delivery of services” in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“This is the first time in the 25-year history of the ARMM. Isa itong malaking karangalan at malaking accomplishment. More than the incentives kailangan mapanatili ng bawat ahensiya, ng bawat empleyado ang ganung klaseng level ng professionalism at klase ng level ng performance (This is a big honor and a major accomplishment. More than the incentives, every agency, every employee must maintain that kind of level of professionalism and that kind of level of performance),” said ARMM Executive Secretary Lawyer Laisa Alamia. The Department of Budget and M a n a g e m e n t (DBM) has affirmed Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s compliance with the requirements of the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB), a system that rewards “exemplary performance in government.” The regional government passed the Good Governance

Conditions and the performance indicators in all its target deliverables for 2014 which qualified the region for the bonus. “Proud ako dahil na-acknowledge ang performance ko at part ako ng reporma (I’m proud because my performance was acknowledged and that I’m part of the reform),” said Maritess Galindo, 56, an administrative officer at the Office of the Regional Governor. Galindo has been working in the ARMM since its inception in 1990. “What ARMM should be proud of is its accomplishments. It’s an


independent verification that the reforms in the autonomous region were achieved and that these reforms improve peoples’ access to services,” said Maricris Valte of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP). The DAP serves as the secretariat and technical resource institution of the Administrative Order 25 Inter-Agency Task Force that oversees the performance monitoring, evaluation, information and reporting of essential components of performance management system of a government office, department, or instrumentality. “(The performance-based bonus) is meant not just compliance with the requirements, but is also meant to encourage and ensure that the agency accomplishes what it has pledged to accomplish,” Valte affirmed. The fact that ARMM met all the Good Governance Condition according to Valte, “is proof that the governance reform under the leadership of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman is really working.” Budget Undersecretary Richard Moya, in a letter, said “more than grant of the bonus, we hope that the PBB has significantly contributed to your agency’s organizational and the employee performance that led to concrete and visible improvements in the delivery of goods and services to the public.” The PBB system is a merit-based incentive program that recognizes and rewards exemplary public service. Employees’ performance is assessed, including how they contributed to the accomplishment of their department’s overall targets and commitments.

Under the system, an employee may receive P5,000 minimum to as much as P35,000. Employees are rated whether they performed ‘good,’ ‘better,’ or ‘best.’ To qualify, the agencies must pass certain requirements to include the achievement of at least 90 percent of their 2014 targets, compliance with the Transparency Seal under the General Provisions of the 2014 General Appropriations Act, and compliance in posting, or publication, of the Citizen’s Charter – all required under the Good Governance Conditions. “The budget for the bonus will be downloaded from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the regional government this year after completion of the process,” said Alamia. Through Administrative Order No. 25, the Office of the President created the Inter-Agency Task Force that will harmonize, unify, streamline and simplify all existing monitoring and reporting requirements related to the government’s performance-based bonus system. The Inter-Agency Task Force is chaired by the DBM and co-chaired by the Office of the Executive Secretary, with the National Economic and Development Authority; Presidential Management Staff; and Department of Finance as members. (Bureau of Public Information/PIA-10)


Davao Bypass Road project gets Japanese funding

This after the government of Japan and the Philippines signed and exchanged notes yesterday (August 25) on P13-billion worth of projects, which will be ex-tended by Japanese loans char-acterized by longer repayment schemes and low interest rates. The Davao Bypass Construc-tion project will cover a two-lane 28.8 kilometer bypass road net-work complete with tunnel and bridge sections. It has a pro-posed budget of P11.126-billion It aims to connect the south-ern district of Toril to the neigh-boring northern city of Panabo. The goal is to decongest the ex-isting 4 lane road network in the city. Currently sections of the urban road network is experienc-

ing heavy vehicular traffic. The road network was part of the programs under the Davao Region 2016 Investment Pro-gram endorsed by the Regional Development Council. The other project extended by the Japanese loan is the Met-ro Manila Priority Bridges Seis-mic Improvement Project. (PIA/RG Alama)

DAVAO CITY- A major road construction program aimed to decon-gest major thoroughfares in Davao City will get Japanese funding.


CSC-Davao Sur educates employees on strategic performance

The Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) is a mechanism that links employee performance with organizational performance to enhance the per-formance orientation of the com-pensation system. It ensures that the employee achieves the objectives set by the organiza-tion and the organization, on the other hand, achieves the objec-tives that it has set as its strate-gic plan. Its objectives are to concret-ize the linkage of organizational performance with the Philippine Development Plan, Agency Stra-tegic Plan, and Organizational Performance Indicator Frame-work OPIF; to ensure organiza-tional and individual effective-ness by cascading institutional accountabilities to the various levels of the organization; and to link performance management with other HR systems. Evette May Jugadora, as-sistant provincial officer of CSC-

Davao Sur, emphasized the three key indicators to observe in ef-fectively discharging one’s duties and responsibilities as a govern-ment employee. “Efficiency, quality and time-liness measure how effective we are in performing our tasks,” Ju-gadora told the employees at-tending the whole day orienta-tion Tuesday at the SB Session Hall here. She said that SPMS comple-ments the Results-Based Perfor-mance Management System that is implemented by the Office of the President and that links or-ganizational performance to so-cietal goals. “It is also linked to the Per-formance-Based Incentive Sys-tem (PBIS) that consists of the Productivity Enhancement Incen-tive (PEI) and the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB),” Jugadora added. (ASA)

MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur – The Civil Service Commission Field Office in Davao del Sur educated the employees of the local gov-ernment here on the so-called Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS).


DOST offers technology-based options for senior high school

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 26– The SOCCSKSAR-GEN Region office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST 12) is pushing for a program in support of the national government’s K to 12 program, particularly, senior high school.

By:Danilo E. Doguiles


DOST Regional Director Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji-Raof Laidan said the initiative is part of the agen-cy’s commitment in support of the operational plan for the se-nior high school partnership.DOST’s combined programs called Small Enterprise Tech-nology Upgrading Program and DOST-Academe Technology-Based Enterprise Development (SETUP-DATBED) Program and the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station (STARBOOKS) were presented during the Department of Edu-cation-led Regional School Heads and Guidance Counselors Con-gress here on August 14. Dr. Laidan, said the afore-mentioned programs are among several initiatives that DOST has crafted to encourage and de-velop interest among students, out-of-school youths, and young professionals in selected schools and non-government organiza-tions on technology-based entre-preneurship. DATBED provides assistance through funding, training initia-tives and access to facilities and the latest technologies.It also develops income-gener-ating projects for the school or the NGO with which the aspiring

technopreneur is connected. Those planning to put up technology-based enterprises may avail of assistance from the DOST through their schools or non-government organizations (NGOs). The Program will help get them started in their busi-ness ventures, Dr. Laidan elabo-rated. DATBED’s objectives is to “stimulate the development of an entrepreneurial curriculum and technology business incuba-tion (TBI) among participating schools/ organizations.” “Its mission is to produce more employers among the Fili-pino youth. TBI is a concept that refers to support programs for the successful establishment and growth of technology-based businesses,” she said. To become a DATBED bene-ficiary, the school must offer sci-ence and technology courses and entrepreneurship development programs in its curriculum and should have a student-faculty ra-tio of 25:1 at the most in these courses, among other qualifica-tions. The school or NGO will per-form the screening and selection of their student recipients for DAT


BED. The first stage under the DATBED program covers a period of three years during which train-ing in enterprise development is provided along with financial as-sistance and technology transfer.In the second stage, financial as-sistance is extended for the full commercialization of the enter-prise. Financial assistance will cov-er both operating expenses of the startup enterprise and capability upgrading cost for expansion of ‘technopreneuership’ projects. “There may be four or five students in a project. Sometimes too, a single school will approach us for assistance for more than one project, sometimes for more than four projects,” she elaborat-ed further. Technopreneurship, she added, involves high technology and low technology businesses.High technology ventures include ICT, electronics, biotechnology, service businesses such as e-learning, and cloud computing.Low technology ventures in-clude organic farming, organic production of livestock and new food recipes. Meanwhile, STARBOOKS is an educational innovation in line with DOST’s aim to provide the

public with relevant and timely S&T information. STARBOOKS is a one-stop repository for science and tech-nology and livelihood data. This stand-alone, on-site research and information kiosk provides free access to informa-tion, and is highly appropriate for public libraries, Dr. Laidan said. “This is one of DOST’s strat-egies in making S&T informa-tion accessible and available to our citizens, geared towards the needs of students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, especially those from the countryside. The content of the library is continu-ously built up to ensure that the material offered is updated, rich and appropriate,” she continued. It is not accessed online, and does not require an internet connection. Its built-in server can provide simultaneous access to users, who can save the digi-tal materials they need on their standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) drives, or by printing them out. Engr. Normina Pahm, Pro-vincial S&T Director, North Cota-bato in her presentation elabo-rated that interested institutions only need


By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Aug. 25 (PIA)--- The prov-ince’s Kalivungan Festival 2015 in line with the 101st founding anniversary of North Cotabato on September 1 underlines the long time harmonious relations and strong union that bind the tri-peo-ple of the province.

to provide their own computer units to be used as STARBOOKS units. To maintain the uniform look and design, clients will have to construct their own STARBOOKs pods, with specifications to be provided by STII, she added.Availment of the STARBOOKS re-quires signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the stakeholder’s commitment.

Co-signers will be the DOST 12 Regional Director, head of the re-cipient institution and the DOST-STII designated team leader. “The establishment of the STARBOOKS shift from the book shelves to paperless and digi-tized libraries”, Dr. Laidan said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from BTagitican/DOST12)

Kalivungan Festival 2015 accentuates peace, unity among tri-people

Governor Emmylou Mendoza said that highlighting peace and harmony is tantamount to giv-ing prominence to the continuing growth and development of the province as well as the achieve-ments of many Cotabateños in different fields.

“It is every Cotabateño’s dream to live in peace and co-exist har-moniously with one another de-spite having different culture,

tradition, belief and religion,” Gov. Mendoza stated.

The governor also said that as the province’s chief festival, Ka-livungan gathers different eth-nic groups together to thank the Creator for all the bounty show-ered to them the whole year.

Meanwhile, Josephine M. Abel-lana, head of the Provincial Gov-ernor’s Office – Public Affairs As-sistance Tourism Sports and


Development Division (PGO-PAASTDD) informed that the schedule of activities for the Ka-livungan Festival and the 101st anniversary of Cotabato Province is already in place and have in fact begun as early as third week of July.

“It’s all systems go for Kali-vungan Festival and just like the previous years we aim not only for a grand celebration but even for a meaningful one,” Abellana noted.

She accentuated the theme of Kalivungan this year which is, “Sa Kapayapaan at Pagkakaisa, Kaunlara’y Natatamasa” as best suited to emphasize the oneness and solidarity of peace-loving Cotabateños.

“We look forward to the 101st founding anniversary of the prov-ince as a celebration of continued progress and development of the

people and this is something that we are so grateful of,” she added.

The activi-ties and events of Kalivungan Festival 2015 started with the launching of the Lawn Tennis Mindan-

ao Open in Mid-sayap and Kidapawan City last July 18, 2015 followed by the 5th Gov Lala Inter-LGU Sports Com-petition in the Provincial Sports Complex, Amas, Kidapawan City on July 29,2015.

This month of August, the events which already took place are the: Gov Lala Taliño-Mendoza Kick Off Drugs Karatedo Tourna-ment; Gov Lala Taliño-Mendoza Job Fair 2015; Invitational Box-ing Open; Gov Lala Inter-Colle-giate Sports Competition; Pro-vincial Meet; Search for the Mutya ng North Cotabato 2015 Talent Night; National Mt. Bike Challenge; 5th Gov Lala Rapid River Tubing Challenge “Lumba-anay sa Salbabida”; Taekwondo Mindanao Open and the Provin-cial Skills Competi


Cotabato City continues crackdown on improvised open pipe mufflers

COTABATO CITY, Aug 26 – The city government of Cotabato de-stroyed 153 illegal improvised open pipe motorcycle mufflers yes-terday at the People’s Palace grounds.

By: Oliver Ross Rivera

This is part of the LGU’s inten-sified campaign against the use of improvised open pipe motor-cycle mufflers locally known as ‘bora-bora’.

It was the third time the city government destroyed confiscat-ed mufflers.

Since last year, over 400 il-legal mufflers were confiscated through the operations of au-thorities from the Cotabato City PNP and the City Traffic Manage-ment Unit (TMU).

City Mayor Japal Guiani said they destroy the confiscated mufflers to make sure these will

never be used again.The official also reminded mo-

torists not to use illegal mufflers to avoid inconvenience and ap-propriate fines.

Modifying the mufflers of ve-hicles is prohibited in the city to prevent excessive noise and an-noying smoke from the exhaust system.

The use of an improvised muf-fler is in violation of the Republic Act (RA) No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines. (ORVRivera-PIA12)

people adhere to a harmoni-ous relationship.

On top of this, officials of the provincial government seek to make the Kalivungan Festival 2015 worth remembering as the people look back to the rich and colorful past of the province.

With this, Governor Mendoza calls the province’s constituents to participate in all the activities and celebrate the 101 years of the province’s existence. (JSta.Cruz-N. Cot. Media Center/SJDu-erme-PIA12/)


DTI, GIZ conduct follow-up on PROGED workshop in Surigao Norte By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and GIZ (Gesselschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) in behalf of the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany in its continuing advocacy effort on the Promotion of Green Economic Development (PROGED) conducted on Monday a follow-up workshop for the Tourism Sector at Parkway Hotel, this city.


The activity was conducted to monitor the progress of the implementation of greening measures and strategies of some tourism establishments to improve their overall competitiveness, while reducing cost and generating savings in their business operation. It is expected to provide a venue for assessing projects implementation at the firm level as well as looking into various concerns and issues on the overall efforts of adapting climate smart and green economic development strategies industry wide.

Similar activity will also be conducted on August 26, 2015 at Ocean 101 Resort in General Luna, Siargao Island for the Siargao Island and Bucas Grande Islands tourism establishments and stakeholders.DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan encouraged the participation of all concerned stakeholders to be able to come up with a workable action plans for the remaining months of 2015 and the succeeding year.


TESDA to mark 21st anniversary celebration in Caraga By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here is set to join the 21st Anniversary Celebration activities to be spearheaded by its Caraga Regional Office under Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. on August 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. to be held at Almond Inland Resort in Butuan City.

According to Rey Cueva, TESDA provincial director here, “One of the highlights of the activity shall be the giving of recognition to the TESDA’s partners of their contributions to technical education and skills development.” However, the program of invitation is yet to be sent out along with the official list of awardees, said Nancy De Guzman, administrative officer V

of TESDA in the province. Meantime, TESDA here has continued to carry out its mandate under the vision of “leading partner in the development of Filipino workforce with world-class competence and positive work values” and mission to provide “direction, policies, programs, and standards towards quality technical education and skill development.” Also, TESDA Provincial


Office here was among the top agencies cited by Governor Johnny Pimentel in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered on August 18 owing to its “relentless efforts… exerted for the advancement of technical-vocational education and training through ‘Jobs Tech-Voc Program.’” To date, according to

Governor Pimentel, a total number of 2,030 persons have been profiled under Youth Profiling for Starring Careers (YP4SC) in the entire province; 13,863 trained in various skills/qualifications; 13,143 have graduated in various skills/qualifications; and 3,869 are now currently employed here and abroad, making special mention of Director Cueva.

SurSur guv to host dinner, cultural presentation for Indonesian visitors By: Greg Tataro JrTANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Governor Johnny Pimentel is set to host a “Dinner and Cultural Presentation” here on Thursday, August 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, this city, for a group of Indonesian visitors who will be on “Field Visit” on August 26-28. According to Milagros Arreza, provincial population officer, the visit has something to do with “Internship of Indonesian Implementers on Decentralization System and Family Planning and Reproductive Health Program.” Several weeks ago, Arreza has already announced during one of the flag ceremony programs at the capitol lobby the coming of the Indonesian guests. Earlier, coordination has already been made by no

less than Juan Antonio Perez III, executive director of the Commission on Population through a letter dated July 2, 2015 addressed to Hinatuan Mayor Candelario Viola, Jr. with a corresponding “Itinerary of Travel/Program of Activities” attached to it. The guests are set to go to the towns of Hinatuan and Cagwait as well as Tandag City, it was learned.


Paga BFP-IX turns-over fire trucks to Sibugay province dian holds tsunami commemoration day By: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) –Two new fire trucks have been turned-over recently by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-IX to Governor Wulter Y. Palma of Zamboanga Sibugay.


BFP-IX regional director SSupt. Ireneo P. Palicpic personally handed the new fire trucks to the governor in simple turnover ceremonies. Earlier at the BFP camp in Laguna, Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II disclosed that the local government units (LGUs) would receive new fire trucks. “Soon, these fire trucks will be sent to different towns across the country. For most of the towns, it’s going to be their first fire truck,” Roxas said. He stressed that it is his earnest desire to push for “Daang Matuwid” which President Benigno Aquino III espoused in his administration. The two fire trucks were then

given to the municipalities of Diplahan and Ipil with Mayor Cris B. Jore of Diplahan and Councilor Jong A. Alcoriza, representing Mayor Eldwin A. Alibutdan of Ipil, as recipients. During the turnover rites, Governor Palma expressed his profound gratitude to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the BFP for including Diplahan and Ipil as among the recipient-towns. A total of 80 units with one-thousand-gallon capacity from China are set for distribution to various towns in 55 provinces. The brand new fire trucks that were turned-over were just the first batch of the 469 units that will be distributed to cities and municipalities which do not have


fire trucks or have dilapidated ones. The total number of procured fire trucks is 244 units of (1,000-gallon capacity) and 225 units of (500-gallon capacity), all scheduled to be delivered by the DILG to upgrade the firefighting capability of the BFP. The fire trucks are equipped with a pump-and-roll mechanism.

This mechanism enables the trucks to shoot water even while the truck is moving. Sibugay received two 7-seater trucks which has the capacity of up to 1000 gallons. Palma emphasized that the two fire trucks are indeed a great contribution for better and efficient services of the BFP in the province.

ZAMSURECO-1 holds ‘Variety Show Competition 2015’ By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – Guided by the wisdom in the saying which goes “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” the Zamboanga del Sur I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZAMSURECO-1) has spearheaded a variety show competition on Tuesday for its employees.


ZAMSURECO-1 employees from Area I, II, III and Central Office have converged here to show off their talents in dancing and singing. In his opening statement before the dance and song extravaganza, Engr. Jose Raul A. Saniel, ZAMSURECO-1 general manager and chief executive officer, emphasized the benefits from holding the said competition saying that this would redound to enhancing and developing employees’ dance and singing prowess and creativity. As the teams would pit their talents against each other, Saniel

hoped that camaraderie, unity and teamwork would result from this friendly competition. He also briefly gave a distinction between a healthy competition and the so-called “cutthroats” competition, saying the former results in excellence and the latter heads for destruction. The results of the variety dance contest and variety show competition revealed that the Central Office team emerged as the overall champion followed by Area I, II and III. The variety show was one of the highlights of the


43rd founding anniversary of ZAMSURECO-1 which carried the theme: ZAMSURECO-1@43: Good Governance + Commitment

+ Teamwork + Innovation = Excellence.”

Documents

One Mindanao - August 26, 2015