One Mindanao - December 9, 2015

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 ARTISTSEMMANUEL 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 AgencyEXECUTIVE 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

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ARMM

Guv supports MILF’s anti-drug campaign

27 ARMM extends P11.3-M educational, livelihood assistance 27

19

NORTHERN

Tangub women launch ornamental garden project

17

22 DENR reiterates cutting of trees on private land needs permit

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30

DFA: In spite of West PHL sea row, Filipino-Chinese ties remain fruitful

PH athletes bag 17 medals at the Seventh ASEAN schools games

OPAPP constructs roads worth PHP56M in conflict areas in Mindanao

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Cover Story

SOUTHERN

INFOCUS NATIONAL

Davao Light reduces brownouts to one hour

1510

Contents

By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

29

By: Dominic I. Sanchez

OUR

CO

VER

DTI vows to continue price, product monitoring in SurSu

36By: Greg Tataro Jr.

CARAGA

40 34

37Forum for pregnant teens slatedBy: Angie Balen- Antonio

By: Lei Garrett I. Miraflor

OFW youth sports festival slated on December 12-13

33

SOCCSKSARGEN

31

By: Oliver Ross Rivera

WESTERN

4542Basilan children vow to fight illegal drugs, vices

4 December 9, 2015One Mindanao

By Dominic I. Sanchez


Asenior official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently told

representatives coming from different sectors here that in spite of the West Philippine Sea dispute, the country’s relationship with China has always been fruitful.

5December 9, 2015 One Mindanao



“The West Philippine Sea issue is definitely not the sum total of our relations with China,” said DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Charles Jose in several forums held in the city during his visit here last month. “In fact, Philippines and China have a lot of areas of cooperation,” he explained, citing trade, investment and tourism as among those strong bilateral areas.

Fruitful ties with China for centuries

In an article by Andrea Chloe A. Wong of the Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (CIRSS) of the DFA’s Foreign Service Institute (FSI), Wong emphasized that “the long-standing relations between the Philippines and China, spanning several centuries, have developed into a multi-faceted and wide-ranging partnership.” Wong points out that “throughout their historical interactions and bilateral exchanges, relations have been warm and cordial.”

According to Wong, in spite of the current disagreements over the West Philippine Sea issue, “trade between the two countries remains stable, and is


even growing.” She presented figures to support this fact.

Trade between the two countries reached US$ 14.61 billion in 2013, from US$ 12.84 billion in 2012 and US$ 12.32 billion in 2011. Based on these numbers, China is considered to be the “third largest trade partner of the Philippines after Japan and the United States.”

With regards to tourism, the FSI reports that for 2013, 426,352 Chinese visited the country in 2013, from 250,883 in the previous years. The number has increased, despite travel advisories and the hostage crisis of Chinese tourists in Manila in 2011.

Tourism and trade are not the only areas of cooperation between the Philippines and China. Wong explains, “Despite its development feat, China is still a developing country,” much like the Philippines. The two countries have been exploring and studying good practices in terms of development.

Sisterhood pacts, learning from each other

Zamboanga City is one of

those who took advantage of such explorations.

In September this year, an 82-man delegation from the city composed of local officials and entrepreneurs visited Nanning, China to participate in the 12th Chinese Asean Exposition (CAEXPO). The trip was an opportunity to open up new ties in tourism, trade and investment, particularly with the cities of Zhoushan and Guigang, after a sisterhood pact of cooperation was signed for the three cities.

According to Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, the mission of the delegation was to promote the city in terms of tourism, trade and investment potential.

‘What is ours, is ours”

The national government has been maintaining its position on the West Philippine Sea issue. President Benigno S. Aquino III has, on several occasions emphasized that “what is ours, is ours.”

The Philippines, as well as China and other countries are signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the


Sea (UNCLOS). This document outlines the countries’ claims on territory in the disputed waters, invalidating China’s historical 9-dash line claim. China is claiming that the entire South China Sea is theirs, which encroaches the maritime territories of other

countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and others in the vicinity.

“The Philippine government is determined to defend what is rightfully ours,” said Asec. Jose, adding that “we are taking the lead among other countries similarly

affected by China’s claim.” He shared that the government has been undertaking two tracks of action – diplomacy and legal, optimistic to have a peaceful settlement of the issue through the primacy of the rule of law.


There have been many questions during the forums as to how the Philippines would police its claim over the disputed waters if and when the international tribunal decides in favor of the Philippines’ claim, considering that military-wise, China is far superior.

“Once a decision is drafted, the i n t e rna t i ona l community will be one with us in convincing China,” Asec. Jose said. “We believe that they will abide by

the decision of the international court, they have an example to set, being one of the regional giants that should be respected. They would not want to be considered outlaws in the eyes of the international community.”

One Mindanao10 December 9, 2015

QUEZON CITY -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has recently achieved organization-wide Bronze level accreditation to the global Investors in People (IIP) Standard for its excellent people management practices.

CSC recognized anew for good people management

CSC officials, including regional directors from all 16 regions, received the plaques of Bronze level accreditation from

IIP Philippines’ Chief Executive Officer Gerry Plana and Chair Janet Webster-Watson at the IIP 5th Concourse held last


November in Taguig City. To achieve Bronze accreditation, CSC offices underwent assessment to show that they adhere to 65 good people management practices or criteria based on the global IIP Framework. These criteria relate to the areas of organizational alignment, empowerment, learning and development, leadership, and continuous improvement.

This latest achievement is a step higher from the Standard Level accreditation the CSC obtained in November 2014 for its Central Office and six regional offices (ROs), and in June 2015 for the remaining 10 ROs.

According to CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, this international accreditation shows that the CSC is on-track toward achieving its vision of becoming Asia’s leading center of excellence in strategic human resource (HR)

and organization development (OD) by 2030.

“Subjecting ourselves to third-party audit is our way of assessing progress and we’re glad that we are able to meet such high standards set by IIP. This goes to show that we can walk our talk when it comes to excellent HR practice,” Bala said.

She went on to explain that the CSC holds the unique role as “people manager” or the central HR institution of the Philippine bureaucracy. “This is why we make sure we take care of our own people first, because they are the ones implementing the HR programs that would benefit other civil servants,” she added.

The CSC is the first government agency in the country and in Southeast Asia to be IIP-accredited. (CSC)

One Mindanao12 December 9, 2015

QUEZON CITY-- The Seventh (7th) Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Schools Games came to a close, after five days of friendly competition among student-athletes from the region, with the Philippine contingent bringing home 17 medals – three golds, three silvers and 11 bronzes. The closing ceremony which was graced by Philippine

PH athletes bag 17 medals at the Seventh ASEAN schools games


Ambassador and Plenipotentiary to Brunei Meynardo LB. Montealegre was held at the Rizqun International Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.

In athletics, Jose Jerry Belibestre, Jr. and Bryan J. Pacheco dominated the Long Jump and Javelin throw events, respectively to win the gold.

Pacheco also secured a bronze medal in the shot put throw.

Martin James Esteban took a silver in the triple jump. The other athletes who won a bronze are Gilbert Rutaquio in the 2000M steeple chase and Angel Cariño in the long and triple jump.

Meanwhile in golf, Yuka E. Saso captured the gold in the


individual while Harmie Nicole T. Constantino won the Bronze. Samantha Marie B. Bruce, Ashia Marie S. Nocum, Yuka E. Saso and Harmie Nicole T. Constantino collected a bronze in the team event.

In swimming, Arian Neil A. Puyo earned silver medals both in the 100 metres (m) breaststroke and 100m backstroke plus a bronze in the 200M backstroke.

His contemporary, Maurice Sacho C. Ilustre won a silver and a bronze in the 100m and 200m freestyle and also in the 200m butterfly. Meanwhile, Nicole Meah M. Pamintuan secured a bronze in the girls 200m backstroke.

In badminton, Mark Shelly C. Alcala bagged a bronze medal in the singles event. Philippines Chef de Mission Ponciano A. Menguito is very proud of the Philippine contingent for bringing home not just medals

for the country but new-found friends from the region. “Our athletes emerged winners in the hearts and minds of athletes they have befriended,” he said.

Moreover, the ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) wants to make sports a contributor to regional peace and stability, act as a base to produce world-class athletes even as it encourages healthy life style through sports.

The ASG is an annual sporting event which promotes the spirit of partnership and equality in the region through sports and cultural exchange. It is participated by the Philippines, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brunei Darussalam as the host country in such events as athletics, netball, badminton, pencak silat, golf, sepak takraw and swimming. (DepEd)


OPAPP constructs roads worth PHP56M in conflict areas in Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -– The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has constructed farm-to-market roads worth PHP56 million in northern Mindanao’s conflict areas in 2015.

Lealyn Ramos, regional director of the Department Agriculture (DA), said the program is carried out through OPAPP’s “Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan” (PAMANA).

In 2015, PAMANA constructed farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in the municipal towns of Bacolod, Kauswagan, Munai, Sultan Naga Dimaporo and Tangcal, all of Lanao Del Norte, Ramos said.

16 One Mindanao December 9, 2015

She said the DA is the only implementing agency of the OPAPP through its peace-building program known as PAMANA. The road construction project is only one of the OPAPP projects.

Ramos said OPAPP identifies the possible towns and villages, which could become the beneficiaries of the PAMANA program.

In 2016, DA-10 is expected to implement a total of PHP63 million worth of FMRs. This time, several villages in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental are the recipients of the projects, Ramos said.

PAMANA extends development interventions to inaccessible and strife-torn communities in the region to make sure that development is not denied in these areas. A complementary track to peace negotiations, the program is anchored on the Aquino administration’s strategy of winning the peace by forging strategic partnerships with national agencies.

These national and regional agencies promote convergence, deliver basic services and address regional development challenges in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas. (PNA)


Feature: A sweet success from ‘sorbetes’

T he Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10), through its Lanao del Norte (LDN) Provincial Field Office (PFO), nominated the ice cream

project of Maria Theresa Tampugan of Barangay Buruun in Iligan city to the search for the best DOLE Livelihood Assisted Project and emerged as the regional winner under the “Individual Livelihood Project Category.”


Tampugan bested other regional nominees and became the nominee to the national level which enabled her to receive a citation during the awarding held on 28 October 2015 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Metro Manila. Tampugan received a Plaque of Recognition and a cash prize worth P30,000.00. It was the first time of Tampugan to travel to Manila during the awarding. Her round trip airfare was sponsored by DOLE. Tampugan started selling ice cream or “sorbets” in 2008 to alleviate the financial needs of her growing family, through the DOLE financial assistance of P6,000.00 for the purchase of small ice cream cart, tubes, and its ingredients, under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP). “I could recall that there were twenty of us individual-entrepreneurs selling ice cream through small carts who were given livelihood opportunities by DOLE,” Tampugan said. “Later on, we realized the need to organize ourselves into an association and registered our group as Iligan Sorbetes Producers Cooperative in DOLE,” she added. “We (co-members) have shared some initial amount to fund our association and now, a cooperative with the help of the Local Government Unit of Iligan City through the City Development and Livelihood Office (CDLO),” Tampugan shared.

“As a mother of three children, my income from selling ice cream ranged P1,500.00 per day with an average tube of ice cream, less the expenses of P900.00, giving me a net income of roughly P600.00 a day,” she disclosed. The earnings helped Tampugan in providing the daily needs of her family. “Previously, we processed our ice cream products individually in our respective houses. Now, with the existence of our association, we purchase the ingredients for our ice cream from the profits of our group,” she revealed. “Aside from the financial assistance by DOLE, other government agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provided the group with the up to date technology and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) facilitated the ready market to sustain their livelihood undertakings,” revealed DOLE-X Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante. “Thus, we produce our ice cream products in volumes. We buy the ice cream products from our association and sell them to the public. With this set- up, we are able to have our individual income as well as of our association and this has benefited us so much,” Tampugan beamed. With this development, the members of the Iligan Sorbetes Producers Cooperative have adequate ncome. They can now also cater to outside orders like parties, even close dates orders from adequate available


stocks from their plant. “With all these developments, I give my utmost gratitude to DOLE!”

Tampugan said. (Joseph Nathan Fabrega/DOLE-X LDN PFO)

Tangub women launch ornamental garden project The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10), through its Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Office (MisOcc PFO) spearheaded the launching of the Ornamental Garden Project of the Lorenzo Tan Women Circle Association (LTWCA) on 30 October 2015 at Barangay Lorenzo Tan, this City.

The program kicked off with the cutting of ribbon in all seven districts of Barangay Lorenzo Tan led by DOLE-X MisOcc PFO Head Leonardo G. Rodrigo together with Barangay Captain Sabiniano S. Canama, and LTWCA President Gloria S. Canama. While Tangub City is well-known

for its yearly celebration of the Christmas Symbols Festival, hence the moniker, “Christmas Symbol Capital of the Philippines, it also prides its abundant agricultural resources such as coconut, corn and rice. In fact, farming is the major source of livelihood in the area.


But years back, many residents have started to engage in flower gardening. With a small patch of soil and perseverance, the gardens gradually grew and expanded, and so as the friendship circle among a group of women flower growers. Until then, the LTWCA, composed of 265 beneficiaries, was organized to unite and support the women sector in Barangay Lorenzo Tan. In a few months’ time, the group has slowly found their way into the cut flower market industry. The influx of tourists and visitors within and in the neighboring localities has also resulted to a higher demand for flowers and ornamental plants. And with the sales booming, more and more families were enticed to grow flowers in their backyards. In the month of January 2015, with the help of the DOLE-X and the City Government of Tangub, the LTWCA of Barangay Lorenzo Tan was given the project identified as Cut Flower Production under the DOLE Livelihood (Kabuhayan) Program. “The Kabuhayan program is a grant assistance provided for capacity building on livelihood and entrepreneurial undertakings for the unemployed poor, informal workers, and vulnerable groups, among others, with the goal of creating a pathway out of poverty,” said DOLE-X Regional Director Raymundo Agravante. “This is also in support to the government’s thrust on Gender and Development (GAD) Program. The

project shall help mobilize women to become active partners in community development initiatives,” Agravante added. Barangay Lorenzo Tan is an urban barangay situated near the coastal areas of Tangub City. It is one of the largest barangays in the city. Of its total land area of 257.8298 hectares, more or less 1 hectare was provided to the LTWCA, designated for the Cut Flower Production area. While the members are responsible for the cultivation, production and marketing of the produce, the association is duly monitored by the Barangay Council. To implement the project more effectively, the local government partnered with the City Agriculture’s Office and the Northern Mindanao State College (NMSC) in developing training packages for the reskilling and capacity building of the organization members. Initially, they were taught simple and low-technology methods on soil preparation, organic fertilizer production, marcotting, and plant growing. Meanwhile, the garden launch showcased the colorful selection of plants and flowers of varying species in the barangay. From the vibrant


flowering plants—rose , peace lily, anthurium, chrysanthemum, yellow bell to the house plants–philodendron red congo , golden pothos and medicinal plants—kilala, pandakaki plant, among others; all together turned the ordinary plot of land into a bright and captivating landscape. With her love for nature, LTWCA President Canama, who is a former missionary, was popularly called “Mother Earth” in Lorenzo Tan. “Part sa vision sa barangay ug gidamgo sa women nga mapuno ug tanom ug bulak ang among lugar, apil na ang pag-landscape sa kilid sa mga kalsada (It is the vision of the barangay and the women that our area be filled with plants, including

landscaping of the sidewalk)”, she said in an interview. “Maayo kaayo ang project! Dili lang sa pagpangaplag sa panginabuhi ug panarbaho—kung asa kadaghanan sa mga women nakabenepisyo, apil na ilang mga anak na karon nakaiskwela na—pinakaimportante, ang project nakahatag ug kusog na pagbati isip hinugpong nga komunidad ug gihiusa ang mga kababaihan ngadto sa usa ka tumong (The project is excellent! Aside from generating income and employment—which benefits mostly the women in our barangay including their children who are now able to go to school—most importantly, the project


Cutting permit is still needed for trees owned and planted privately.

Forester Nestor L. Ocampo of provincial office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Misamis Oriental province reiterated that a permit to cut is needed over the cutting of trees within private lands. He said this during the deliberation of the A g u s a n - C u g m a n Cluster of Watersheds Management Council (ACCWMC) on Environment and Natural Resource Management (ENRM) sub-project proposal of Balubal Integrated Social Forestry Farmers Association (BISFFA) aimed to

increase economic condition of upland communities and forest cover within Agusan-Cugman Watershed through agroforestry and reforestation with a cumulative area of 61 hectares proposed to be implemented with Integrated Natural Resources and

DENR reiterates cutting of trees on private land needs permit

builds a strong sense of community and unites and empowers the women to work towards a common goal),” she added. For Barangay Lorenzo Tan, the project did not only create a positive impact towards the lives of many residents but also to the wider

community by promoting community economic empowerment as well as upholding the local government’s commitment in conserving and sustainably managing the city’s natural resources. (Lei Garrett I. Miraflor/DOLE-X MisOcc PFO)


Environmental Project (INREMP) in three-year period or until year 2018. This is consistent with the Executive Order (EO) 23 or the moratorium on the tree cutting throughout the country as we are preserving a good balance of forest for perpetuity by shifting timber harvesting in tree plantations. Forester Ocampo also cited DENR Memorandum dated April 30, 2012 issued by DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh as the basis for the deferment and suspension in the processing of all requests and applications for tree cutting permits. Also, DENR Administrative Order No. 97-32 dated October 10, 1997 on the Rules for the administrative apprehension,

seizure, confiscation, and disposition of illegally possessed, cut, gathered, removed, or transported forest products, the machinery, equipment, tools and implements used in connection therewith, and of the conveyances used to move or otherwise transport the same. Meanwhile, the Executive Committee of the Agusan-Cugman Cluster of Watersheds Management Council (ACCWMC) has endorsed on 18 November 2015 the proposed Environment and Natural Resources Management (ENRM) interventions of BISFFA seen to increase the likelihood of attracting additional possible markets for the people’s organization goods and services. (EOR/PIA10)


ARMM intensifies Gender and Development mainstreaming in the region

The Autonomous Region in

Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is intensifying its campaign to mainstream Gender and Development (GAD) and eventually eliminate Violence against Women (VAW).

The region, through its Women Commission (RCBW-ARMM), kicked-off the annual “18-day campaign to end incidences of violence against women” on November 25, in Cotabato City. The campaign, based on a national policy, is being held from November 25 to December 12 aimed at raising awareness among

all stakeholders that violence against women is a public issue and of national concern. It supports the government’s goal to protect the human rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of violence against women. Abderson Antao, RCBW-ARMM planning chief, said part of the campaign is pushing for the


Guv supports MILF’s anti-drug campaignMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - To support the intensified anti-drug campaign of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Lanao del Sur, the provincial governor ordered the display of tarpaulins saying “no to illegal drugs which are considered haram or forbidden” in conspicuous areas in Marawi City and some municipalities.

The tarpaulins also contain the MILF resolution, attested by Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, which states the banning of the “use and sale of shabu or methamphetamine in the

Bangsamoro and neighbouring areas.” The resolution further says, “the MILF shall take appropriate action to any person, Bangsamoro or non-Bangsamoro, found guilty

institutionalization of the Gender and Development focal point system in each agency in the region. Such system, he said, is the mechanism to implement and mainstream Gender and Development in the offices. “Gender and Development is very important. If implemented thoroughly, it will protect and promote the welfare of women. Both men and women have a role in social development and in peace building especially in conflict-affected areas like the ARMM,” said Antao. Antao said they are urging all agencies to have an established Gender and Development focal point system. Currently, only the region’s Education department, Department of Agrarian Reform,

and Department of Environment and Natural Resources are the only agencies with an established focal point system. Simultaneously, the region launched the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the ARMM Gender and Development Code. The code is the regional translation of Republic Act 9710, or the Magna Carta for Women and was signed into law on May 20, 2013. “ARMM is demographically and culturally distinct. The code is an instrument in addressing gender issues and advancing the status of women in the region,” said Antao. This year’s campaign bears the theme “End VAW Now! It’s our duty! Gains and ways forward.” (BPI/PIA-10)


of using shabu and those found beyond reasonable doubt of drug-pushing or being engaged in the sale and proliferation of shabu.” The resolution was made by the MILF Central Committee adopted during its special session

at Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on October 21, 2015. “Illegal drugs and substances should be banned from any place because they destroy a community,” said Provincial Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr. Adiong. He said illegal drugs are the cause of majority of the crimes committed in the country. “It is our duty to support anti-drug campaigns of the government, individuals, and organizations, and to also ensure that the law of this nation is first and foremost upheld,” he added. (PIO-Lanao del Sur/PIA-10)


A total of 759 students received educational assistance amounting to P10,000 each for college students and P5,000 each for high school students. The beneficiaries are children, or immediate relatives, of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members in Maguindanao and Sulu. Dong Anayatin, PAMANA-ARMM program manager, said tthe educational assistance was from the 2014 budget. He said it was a one-time grant and the beneficiaries were extensively chosen and recommendations of MNLF cooperative chairpersons were considered. The program, Anayatin added, is targeting to help 3,200 college students and 2,073 high school students. Awarding of assistance to the beneficiaries from the other provinces is scheduled by the end of the year. Najma Dimaporo, 17, a resident of Matanog, Maguindanao, said that she will use the educational assistance she received for her school fees. “Gagamitin ko pang-enrol ang perang aking nakuha. Dahil dito, makakatipid kami at matutulungan ko ang aking mga magulang (I will use the assistance for my enrollment. Because of this, we can save money and I can help my family),” she said.

“Sana panatilihinn ng ARMM government ang ganitong gawain upang matulungan nila ang marami pang tao (I hope the ARMM government continues this initiative to help more people),” she added. Najma is a first year student of the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English. On the other hand, the livelihood assistance composed of 11 units of six-wheeler hauler trucks were given to three cooperatives in Maguindanao and eight cooperatives in Sulu. The cooperative-beneficiaries are MNLF Agribusiness Cooperative, Ganasi Kandalamdinga Marketing Cooperative, and Malangit MNLF Farmers Marketing Cooperative in Maguindanao; and Buhanginan Agri-Marine Producers Cooperative, Sahabat Agri-Marine Producers Cooperative, Kausawan Agricultural Producers Cooperative, Shareif Agri-Marine Producers Cooperative, Buansa Agri-Marine Producers Cooperative, Suba-Suba Producers Cooperative, Bandang Agri-Marine Producers Cooperative, and Darayan Agri-Marine Producers Cooperative in Sulu. Datu Halun Amilussin, 64, representative of Buansa Agri-Marine Producers Cooperative in Indanan, Sulu,

ARMM extends P11.3-M educational, livelihood assistanceCotabato City – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) distributed P11.3 million in educational and livelihood assistance to students and cooperatives in the region. The aid extended is under the government’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program of the region.


said the hauler-truck his group received will help uplift the lives of the people in his barangay. “Gagamitin namin itong truck para sa maliliit na negosyo sa aming barangay. Karamihan sa amin ay walang trabaho kung kaya malaking tulong ito hindi lang para kooperatiba namin kung hindi para sa buong barangay (We will use the truck to help small businesses in our barangay. Most of us are jobless and this will help not only our cooperative but also our barangay),” said Datu Halun. Datu Halun is a father of eight and has been an MNLF member for decades. He thanked ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman for this initiative. “Nagpapasalamat kami kay Governor Hataman at nabigyan kami ng hanap buhay. Matagal na kaming naghihintay at ito ang unang beses na nakatanggap kami ng tulong mula nang mabuo ang

aming kooperatiba noong 2011 (We would like to thank Governor Hataman for this project. We have waited long and this is the first time that we receive such project since the creation of our cooperative in 2011),” he said. Anayatin said that the distribution of the livelihood assistance is part of the Memorandum of Agreement with the PAMANA-ARMM Project Management Office. It was implemented by the region’s Agriculture and Fisheries Department (DAF-ARMM). He said that it is a continuing activity of partner agencies in the region. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman with Anayatin, and Atty. Laisa Alamia, ARMM executive secretary and concurrent officer-in-charge of DAF-ARMM, led the distribution of educational and livelihood assistance on December 3 at this city’s ARMM compound. (Bureau of Public Information)


DavSur’s day care kids show talents to express fight vs child abuseDIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – The gathering of more than 400 day care children at the provincial capitol gym in the city conveyed a message to put an end against child abuse such as prostitution, child labor and crime commission. The children accompanied by their parents and teachers from various day care centers throughout the province recent-ly converged for the culmination of the 23rd Universal Children’s Month. With the theme”Komunidad at Pamahalaan Magkaisa, pang-aabuso sa Bata Wakasan Na,” the celebration featured a fun-filled event showcasing competitions on Draw and Tell a Story, Song Solo, Modern Dance and Tula. The showdown of talents was enthusiastically witnessed by proud parents, municipal and provincial social welfare develop-ment officers who showed all-out support to the children. Vice-Governor Aileen Almen-dras shared her personal experi-ence of how it is to be a mother that would start from birth and

rearing onwards. Almendras urged mothers to keep track on their children in school as education is the only gateway towards development. Nobody went home empty handed since all non-winning lo-cal government units were given consolation prizes. The three major winners of the four categories received handsome cash prizes and tro-phies from the provincial govern-ment of Davao del Sur. PSWDO officer Esterlita Her-mosisima is pinning hope that the next gathering would be more significant and wholesome. The province of Davao del Sur has approximately 646 day care centers with 19,245 kids enrolled. (PLGU-Davao del Sur/Nilda S. Aniñon)


Davao Light reduces brownouts to one hourDAVAO CITY-The Davao Light and Power Company mulls of impos-ing an hour-power interruption as the power supply in Mindanao remains to be tight. Ross Luga, chief of the com-munications division of the DLPC said rotating brownout will con-tinue to be imposed this time re-ducing it to one hour after one of its power sources, the coal-fired Therma-South resumed opera-tions 12:11 am December 7. He said the DLPC monitors the situation every hour. “We see the continuous ro-tating power interruption for one hour during peak and off-peak periods,” Luga said. He urged all consumers to cooperate in conserving electric-ity since the DLPC could hard-ly ascertain the time the power generation returns to normal. The DLPC had been imple-menting rotating brownouts due to the reduced supply coming from the National Power Corpora-tion following the toppling of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ power lines in the La-nao provinces and the structure No. 50 in Barangay Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte where a snake was electrocuted.

Last week, the emergency shutdown of the coal-fired pow-er plant, Therma South Incorpo-rated and the 80 megawatt defi-ciency in the Mindanao Grid since December 3, prompted the DLPC to impose two to three hours of power interruption in the cities of Davao, Panabo and the towns of Braulio Dujali and Sto. Tomas, in Davao del Norte. Luga revealed that the DLPC has a peak requirement at 355MW on a daily. He said the National Power Corporation (NPC) can only give 186 MW during peak hours and 108 MW during off-peak hours. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalump-ines)


It’s Christmas time in Gensan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec. 9 – Christmas celebration here has kicked off with the lighting of the the City Hall and its surround-ings with thousands of Christmas lights and decorations.


This embellishing of the City Hall is a way of celebrating the arrival of the merriest season of the year as well as making an attraction for the locals and the visitors of Gensan as well.

This year, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas Nograles led the official lighting of the Christmas decora-tion of the City Hall. They were joined by various city officials, lo-cal government employees, and even thousands of city residents who were eager to witness the building glow.

In 2013, Mayor Rivera got the idea of making the City Hall bright every Christmas.

He explained that he wants the government building to become a “beacon of Christmas spirit” for the people to feel and enjoy.

“When we were still young, we’re really seeing Christmas lights and decorations in our homes. It lifts up our spirits. So I thought, if we can do it in our homes, why not in our City Hall?” the mayor said.

Mayor Rivera also revealed an-other meaningful reason for the lighting of the City Hall building.

“Many of us can’t afford to buy simple Christmas lights, much more, decorations. As the local government of Gensan, it is our

responsibility to give this simple pleasure to our constituents,” he said. “I want the people to feel that City Hall is also their home.”

The City Engineers Office and the General Services Office led the installation of the Christmas decorations.

The Human Resource Manage-ment and Development Office fa-cilitated a small program for the official lighting of these Christ-mas decors.

The city government is cur-rently gearing for the Paskuhan sa Gensan celebration which will take place on the second to third week of December. Recreations such as a carnival and other nightly shows are to be expect-ed.

Gift-giving and fireworks dis-play will also highlight the Paskuhan sa Gensan 2015. (IJL-agare-Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA12)


OFW youth sports festival slated on December 12-13By: Oliver Ross Rivera

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 9 – Some 140 children and dependents of overseas Filipino workers from the SOCCSKSAR-GEN region are expected to join the 2nd OFW Youth Sports festival this weekend led by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

According to OWWA 12 Direc-tor Marilou Sumalinog, the sports fest aims to bring camaraderie and unity among children and dependents of OFWs through friendly games.

“Aside from that, we also wanted to strengthen the bond between members of our youth associations and help them hone interpersonal skills which are im-portant in their growth as pro-ductive citizens in their respec-tive communities,” Sumalinog said.

The delegates will be com-posed of members of OFW youth associations and OWWA scholars from the region’s four provinces.

Each province will be repre-sented by 35 individuals who will compete in events like basket-ball, volleyball, table tennis and athletics, tug of war, team sack race and quiz bowl, Sumalinog

added.Last year, delegates from

the province of North Cotabato emerged as the over-all cham-pion.

The 2nd OWWA 12 youth sports festival will be held at the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Ko-ronadal City. (ORVRivera-PIA12 with report from OWWA 12)

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Gov’t security forces, GAs gain headway versus insurgency, says Army top official

BUTUAN CITY-- The Government Security Forces and the various government line agencies in the region had gained headway in ad-dressing and fighting insurgency here in the region, a top Army of-ficial said.

By: Noel Najarro


Major General Oscar T. Lactao, Commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, said at a forum in Butuan City that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the support units and the various government line agencies in a joint efforts dubbed as “Whole Of Nation Initiative” where all the government line agencies reached out to the remote places, particularly the indigenous people to render the needed basic services. The concerned agencies, Lactao said, jointly addressed five needed areas such as internal security operations: by the AFP, the PNP and other support units; legal: the Department of Justice, the National Commission for Indigenous People and the Commission of Human Rights; development: the Department of Public Work and Highways, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, DOST, TESDA and DepED; social protection: DSWD, DOH and PhilHealth and the local government units spearheaded by the DILG. ”We cannot stop insurgency by means of arms only. We need the joint efforts of all agencies, the other sectors and stakeholders,” Lactao said.

Here in Caraga region, because of the whole of the nation initiative (WNI), all parameters set up for the declaration of a local government as peaceful and ready for further development in the region are now realized in some and started taking shape and soon to be fully realized in others, Lactao said. The joint efforts made it hard for the insurgents to recruit more followers in a certain remote area, reduced their number, firearms, logistics and manpower, lessened the number of affected villages and even the NPA initiated violence (NIVI), claimed Lactao. As for the “normalization process,” 401st Brigade Commander Col. Alexander Macario said that in his area, Butuan City and Agusan del Norte is ready for the declaration as “peaceful and ready for further development.” Macario said that all the parameters in these areas are present and is just awaiting for the appropriate date. The 403rd Brigade Commander Col. Jesse Alvarez also said that in his area, Camuigin, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon is also ready for the said declaration, and he had already made consultation and coordination with the local government of the said places,


DTI vows to continue price, product monitoring in SurSurBy: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Trade and In-dustry (DTI) here has vowed to continue to intensify their “sus-tained effort to protect consumers” as the holiday season gets near.

and most probably within the first quarter of next year. Lactao pointed out that social, political, economic and other developments will not be gained overnight. According to him that as soon as the poverty level in the region will be reduced to just 10% the NPAs “will just

become irrelevant,” Lactao said. The Army official said that Caraga during the 80’s had an 80 percent poverty level. Now, he said it goes down to 30 percent. Education during the same period was at 50 percent. Now, it had risen to 90 percent, Lactao claimed.(PNA)

DTI vows to continue price, product monitoring in SurSurBy: Greg Tataro Jr.

Romel Oribe, DTI provincial director, said no violation had been noted in the previous conduct of price and product monitoring so far. Manny Disca, DTI consumer welfare division chief, issued the

same statement. However, Disca told media of several schedules up ahead yet to be carried out to ensure consumer welfare and protection. Prior to this, DTI here had taken a “proactive stance” even

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Trade and In-dustry (DTI) here has vowed to continue to intensify their “sus-tained effort to protect consumers” as the holiday season gets near.


on Christmas lights and lighting chain sale, deeming it wise to send out “ICC sticker sample and list of importers with valid Import Commodity Clearance,” to retail stores in October.

In November, Oribe also made sure that basic necessities, prime commodities, construction supplies and “Noche Buena” products were being sold within average prices.

FILEPHOTO: http://camnortenews.com/

Forum for pregnant teens slatedBy: Angie Balen- Antonio

The Buntis Congress is a fitting intervention considering that Caraga Region has an

increasing incidence of teenage pregnancy. It aims to increase the knowledge of the soon-to-

BUTUAN CITY - The Commission on Population (PopCom) has part-nered with the local health offices in the conduct of Buntis Con-gress for Pregnant Teens on December 16 in one of the hotels in this city.


be-mothers on the importance of having monthly check-ups to reduce child and maternal mortality; and risks of having closed-space births and too many children at a very young age. According to PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander Makinano participants who will be identified by the city and provincial health offices of Butuan and Agusan del Norte, shall be pregnant teens belonging to age group 15-24 years old. Furthermore, there will be a Search for Healthy Preggy to

highlight the affair. Candidates will compete on gown, casual wear, talent and interview portions. Makinano also disclosed that the congress will help nurture future young mothers with knowledge they need during and after the pregnancy. He added that it is a good venue for education and share accurate information about responsible parenting and family planning.





ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – While there is an increase of human trafficking incidents in the country, three barangays in the city are considered “hot spots” for human trafficking, said an official from the Department of Justice (DOJ) here.

By Dominic I. Sanchez

DOJ notes increase in trafficking victims, names 3 Zambo City barangays as ‘hot spots’


“These are the areas where we have been conducting rescue operations for potential trafficking victims, and we are keeping an eye on these barangays,” said Atty. Edwinlino Custodio, head of the Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Trafficking Task Force (ZSBATTF) in a press conference held Monday (December 7) at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). He emphasized that trafficking incidents have increased this year, although not presenting statistics. Custodio said that to inform the residents who are potential trafficking victims in these areas, members of the inter-agency task force will hold information drives within the week. According to Custodio, many Filipinos become trafficking victims primarily due to poverty. “They want to earn, they want to get out of the country in spite of the risk,” he said. He shared that many victims come from Luzon, in Metro Manila, Baguio, Nueva

Vizcaya, Pampanga and other provinces. There are also those who come from Zamboanga and the neighboring provinces. Most of the traffickers come from Luzon and organize the scheme there, Custodio pointed out. “But they would always look at Zamboanga City as a jump-off point and a back door, considering its proximity to Malaysia.” From Malaysia, the victims will then be sent to other countries, some even as far as the Middle East. “These people are taken advantaged of for their vulnerability,” Custodio explained. Victims usually include women and even children, and are exploited abroad. He said that there is a need to have strong anti-trafficking strategies not only in Zamboanga City, but in other localities as well, where the potential victims are plucked by the traffickers from their own communities. “There must also be efforts to curb trafficking in Luzon and in other places,” he


said. The lawyer lamented that there are plenty of pending human trafficking cases in court, but it is very difficult resolve the cases. “Most witnesses have just lost their interest in the case, and they are from other cities. We have to convince them to come over, but they have lost interest,” he said. December 12 each year is

observed as International Day Against Trafficking in Persons in several countries, including the Philippines. This year’s theme is “Wakasan ang Trafficking. Ito’y Ating Tungkulin.” The commemoration will end this Saturday (December 12) with a motorcade and a general assembly meeting of anti-trafficking stakeholders in Paseo del Mar.


Basilan children vow to fight illegal drugs, vices

ISABELA CITY (PIA) – More than 200 children in Basilan pledged to work with communities and support one another in keeping children away from substance abuse and vices. At the Basilan Children’s Peace Camp held last November 27 to 30, about 230 children from the municipalities of Lantawan, Maluso, and Akbar gathered and underwent awareness sessions on self, others, the realities of their world, and their role in creating

peaceful communities. Miriam L. Suacito, Executive Director of Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI) said that the peace camp was part of the local celebration of the annual Mindanao Week of Peace and the observance of the National Children’s Month in November.


“The camp chose the theme ‘Masaya’t malusog na bata, larawan ng pamayanang payapa’ (A happy and healthy child mirrors a peaceful community) which was formulated by stakeholders including the DepEd, Philippine Army, PIA, and the local government units of Maluso and Lantawan, among others,” Suacito said. She revealed that the camp was an initiative and co-implemented by the Self-Help Group-Child-Focus Community Development (SHEg-CFCD) program organized by the NFI

in selected communities. The members, who are mostly mothers, have decided to provide children with awareness on the realities of vices and its effects to life and society. SHEg is a village-based financial intermediary committee usually composed of 10–20 local women or men. Members make small regular savings contributions over a few months until there is enough capital in the group to begin lending. Funds may then be lent back to the members or to others in the village for any

purpose. The group members use collective wisdom and peer pressure to ensure proper end-use of credit and timely repayment. This system eliminates the need for collateral and is closely related to that of solidarity lending, widely used by micro finance institutions. “These women have observed that increased number of teens and youth are getting into vices and some were drawn to substance abuse, and so they have decided that these will be the content of the camp,” Suacito explained. The executive director led the participants to recall their happy and sad moments in life. The results, as shown in their drawings and caricatures, revealed that children value relationships and at their happiest if the family is intact and complete. Loss of loved ones, not able to go to school, and nothing to eat were just some of the lowest and saddest moments for children. A breakout session

followed where children ages 11-15 were separated for the awareness session on vices, substance abuse, and adolescence reproductive health with the Philippine Information Agency in Basilan. Meanwhile, children aged 9-11 tackled health and nutrition and its relationship to peace. On the third day, the children also planted over two thousand propagules of mangrove trees at the coasts of Sitio Pangasahan in Tairan, Lantawan. The camp was supported by Kindernothilfe and Convenio II:AECID, Manos Unidas. This year’s Mindanao Week of Peace theme is “Peoples’ Solidarity for Integrity, Justice and Peace.”

Documents

One Mindanao - December 9, 2015