One Mindanao - February 22, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Cellphone 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]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound 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)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

217 C4TP Recipients Clinch Scholarship Berth For A Better FutureGervacio C. Dauz, JrCaraga Region

Today’s issue... Friday, February 22, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 131

page 4

Aquino to lead the 27th Anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25 9

Junesther Jean S. Iway, Caraga Region

Agri-Pinoy Program continues to soar in Butuan City 16

DAR-Surigao Norte to distribute land titles in Mainit

LGU Tacurong City stamped with DILG’s Silver Seal of Good Housekeeping

Tacurong city dads pass 220 resolutions, ordinances

Edilberto Odvina, Caraga Region15

2223

Allan Freno, Central Mindanao

Jezereel Billano, Central Mindanao

Duterte welcomes release of a soldier, policeman by rebels 26

Editha R. Salvador Northern Mindanao

DAR conducts Mindanao-wide workshop for support services31DTI 10 warns public against pyramiding scamsJasper Marie Oblina-Rucat, Northern Mindanao

30Joey Sem G. Dalumpines, Southern Mindanao

Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

Sayaw Pinoy wows Zambosurians 34

7 11 13 20 26 28

Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan, Western Mindanao

MIAC meets to resolve 4Ps issues 36

Friday, February 22, 20134

217 C4TP Recipients Clinch Scholarship Berth For A Better Future

A total of 217 youth recipients under the DSWD-TESDA Cash for Training Project (C4TP) marched at the People’s

Hall, Government Center here this 4th day of February 2013 and received their respective, coveted scholarship vouchers, which will serve as their skills training passes to capacitate or retool themselves for a better future.

CoVer StoRy

The said youth recipients came from the municipalities of Magallanes, Jabonga RTR, Santiago, and Tubay, plus the lone city of Cabadbaran, and were chosen based on the criteria that they are ranging from 18 to 30 years of age, single, preferably at least high school graduate, and belonging to a poor family. Surprisingly, the municipality of Kitcharao waived its opportunity to avail of said scholarship

slots for its constituents. Each eligible youth scholar is allocated a sum of PhP20,000.00, which is translated in the form of several benefits such as training cost, allowance, assessment fee, and tool kits – the latter being provided only for those who will undergo skills training for self-employment. Minda Bulatao-Brigoli, Regional Director of DSWD Caraga, urged the

By Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr

Friday, February 22, 2013 5

217 C4TP Recipients Clinch Scholarship Berth For A Better Future

scholars to really aspire for the best in order for them to acquire skills that could make them economically productive later. She argued, “This opportunity is not for us in the agencies; rather it is for you. We are investing on you, because, in the future, you will be the ones who will define what kind of development our country will have. Being youth, you have the zeal and drive, and you will serve as the propelling force for our next generation. So, take good care of this opportunity.” Dr. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr., Regional Director of TESDA Caraga, revealed that C4TP allocation for Agusan del Norte and Butuan City is pegged at PhP8.5 million with at least 425 scholarship slots. Having said it, he seriously urged the scholars to really “make use of the opportunity, because we are counting on you.” Furthermore, he

shared that “our philosophy is about

teaching a man how to fish, so that he will be able to eat for a lifetime.” He dovetailed it to the scholarship undertakings, saying: “We don’t give you money, but training opportunity to enhance yourselves. This is taxpayers’ money and we are just stewards.”

Hon. Dale Corvera, City Mayor here and host of the launching and awarding activity, tackled the scholarship opportunity as “a gift from the government for you, our young people. Through this opportunity, you will learn skills


that you can use for your future.” He went on to share the example wherein his leadership was challenged in accommodating several applicants, but there is only one nursing position available in the city government. “But while others are trying to fight for that one vacancy, here’s a mining company in Surigao asking me if I have skilled workers here that they can hire. So, the irony goes on and on, which is about mismatch between the labor and market.” Veering on the contribution of TESDA, he confidently chuckled that

“When TESDA gives skills training, it always provides the appropriate ones needed by the market.” He cautioned, however, the scholars that it would still be a useless endeavor “if you will not take charge of it.” As a development undertaking,

the C4TP was a joint concoction between TESDA and DSWD “in support of the government’s thrust to provide a sustainable intervention to improve the plight and condition of the youth and empower them through skills training and assistance towards gainful employment and entrepreneurial activities.”


ACROSS THE NATIONColoma leads official launching of ‘Hatol ng Bayan’

In a bid to promote responsible voting, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma formally launched on Wednesday the ‘Hatol ng Bayan’, a comprehensive

nationwide coverage of the 2013 midterm elections by government news and information organizations and other media partners.

‘Hatol ng Bayan 2013’ aims to deliver blow-by-blow accounts of poll-related events before, during, and after Election Day via television, radio, print, and social media to inform, educate, and help the Filipino voters get the leaders they

deserve.In his speech, Coloma said it

is important to come up with an initiative like ‘Hatol ng Bayan’ so the public can be properly guided in choosing the candidates as they cast their votes in polling places come

8Friday, February 22, 2013

May 13.“Ang pagboto ay paggawad ng

kapangyarihan na nagmumula sa pagtitiwala at pag-asa: pagtitiwala na ang ihahalal ay magiging tapat sa tungkulin; pag-asa na sa pagtupad sa tungkulin, ang mga pinuno ay maghahatid ng pagbabago—pagbabago at pagbuti ng kabuhayan, pag-asenso, at pagiging maaliwalas ng kinabukasan,” Coloma was quoted as saying in a speech.

Coloma noted that ‘Hatol ng Bayan 2013’ will be different from any other poll coverage because it will be focused on our ‘bosses’, the Filipino public, as it strives to hear the thoughts and opinions of citizens regarding the elections.

“Our ‘Hatol ng Bayan’ coverage will gather views of all sectors of Philippine society. We will endeavor to hear and amplify the voices of all stakeholders. It is a vital aspect of democracy to ensure respect and recognition of differences in opinion—for diversity can provide

a strong foundation for principled unity,” Coloma said.

‘Hatol ng Bayan 2013’ is backed up by a battery of experienced field reporters, broadcasters, industry experts, bloggers, student journalists, and information officers from some of the finest news and information organizations in the country under the collective name ‘Media ng Bayan’.

Participating agencies include the People’s Television Network (PTV-4), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine News Agency (PNA), Philippine Broadcasting System (PBS), and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp. (IBC) with the Manila Bulletin and Informatics.

The pre-election coverage of ‘Hatol ng Bayan 2013’, dubbed ‘Ang Paghahanda’, airs every Monday to Friday at 3:30 p.m. on PTV-4 and simulcast over PBS-Radyo ng Bayan with a livestream via www.mediangbayan.ph. PND (hdc)


Aquino to lead the 27th Anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25

President Benigno S. Aquino III will

lead the 27th Anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25 at the People Power Monument in EDSA in Quezon City.

Upon his arrival at the anniversary rites, the President will join the flag-raising ceremony. He is also expected to sign the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013. The landmark legislation is the state’s official recognition of the atrocities committed by the Marcos administration against its own people.

Aside from the reparations to the victims, one of the most important aspects of the law is the creation of

the Human Rights Violations Victim’s Memorial Commission.

The commission is mandated to work with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to educate young people about the abuses committed by the Marcos regime and the heroism by those who opposed it.

The EDSA People Power Commission has been calling for national unity, and asking the public to participate in the commemoration of the

10Friday, February 22, 2013

27thanniversary of the bloodless revolution.

The commission has prepared several activities during the three-day commemoration that will start February 23 to 25. This year’s EDSA celebration has for its theme “Pilipinas Natin, Abot-tanaw na!”

“Approaching the midpoint of the Aquino administration, EDSA 27 will be an opportune time for all Filipinos to gather together as an expression of unity and support behind the unprecedented political, legislative and economic gains of President Benigno S. Aquino III,” the commission said in a statement.

The highlight of the commemoration will be the re-enactment of the “Salubungan” to be held simultaneously in Manila, Virac, Dumaguete and Zamboanga on February 25. Businessmen, government officials, religious representatives and volunteers will commit for the fulfillment of the promise of EDSA during the simultaneous celebrations.

In the afternoon of February 25, Malacanang will welcome children from various orphanages to the Kalayaan grounds from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The program opens with storytelling activities that impart Filipino values.

Young leaders will inspire the children and will take the lead to make their own commitment on how to contribute their share for the benefit of the country.

On February 23, former president Fidel V. Ramos will lead a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

The EDSA People Power Commission, in cooperation with the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges Student Network-NCR, will hold a fun run at EDSA on February 24. Thirteen medical schools are expected to participate in the race aimed at promoting responsibility, patriotism and good governance. PND (as)


Aquino says he has list of nominees for Transition Commission

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday that he already has the list of the individuals who will compose the 15-man Transition Commission from the government side.

The President will appoint seven persons while the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) will designate eight individuals.

The government and MILF signed the Framework Agreement for Mindanao peace last October.

“May list na ako ng transition

commission. There is also a list that has been consolidated but I have to go through the positions,” the President said in an interview with the media in Iloilo Thursday.

“On the Transition Commission… there seems to be unanimity already on the advice and the recommendations


from all the stakeholders,” he added.

In December last year, the President issued Executive Order No. 120 creating a Transition Commission that will draft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law provided for in the Framework Agreement signed by the government and the MILF on October 15.

The EO will provide a mechanism for authentic democratic collaboration in the crafting of a proposed law where the affected people themselves are actively involved.

Among the commission’s major work is to coordinate with Congress

and other government agencies to craft the basic law that will pave the way for a Bangsamoro region Mindanao.

According to the Executive Order, the Transition Commission may also recommend to Congress and the people, when necessary, proposed amendments to the Constitution.

This month, the President made a historic visit to Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, a stronghold of the MILF, to formally launch a socio-economic program for the MILF community while both sides irons out the final peace agreement. (PNA)


RDRRMC-Caraga: Butuan flood posts 8,695 evacuees

BUTUAN CITY -- A total of 1,824 families or 8,695 persons have evacuated here during the onslaught of tropical depression “Crising” the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga reported on Thursday.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

by Robert E. Roperos


In a report submitted to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Loren Catedral of the OCD who is also the duty officer of the council, said these families came from 15 different barangays located along the river banks in the city who were affected after the Agusan River has overflowed Wednesday.

Catedral further said 10 evacuation centers were designated by the city’s DRRMC in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the evacuees.

On Tuesday, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. ordered suspension of classes in the pre-school, elementary, and high school levels and until Wednesday.

In an interview with a local radio station here this morning, Amante said the suspension order is already lifted but the order is still in effect to schools that are designated as evacuation centers such as the Agusan National High School, Obrero Elementary School, and Butuan Central Elementary School.

As of press time, the Butuan Search and Rescue Team (BuSART) continues to monitor the water level in Agusan River.

It was learned that as of 8 a.m. today, the water level rises to 3.09 meters at Alert level 3 (Code Red).

The Butuan CDRRMC has also continued to monitor evacuation centers and distributes relief goods to the evacuees.

Meanwhile, the RDRRMC Operation Center disseminated 24-hour public weather orecast and weather advisories through its short messaging service (SMS) to member-agencies, local DRRMCs, and local radio/TV stations in the region.

“The Philippine Information Agency (PIA), on the other hand, assists in disseminating warning advisories to its partner networks,” Catedral said.

In a related development, the flooded road section from Barangay Poblacion to Barangay Florida in the neighboring municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte has now subsided but are still impassable to heavy vehicles due to mud.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Crising made landfall Tuesday afternoon at the Southern part of Davao del Sur.


The said distribution covers 131 certificate of landownership award comprising 194.6665 hectares (ha) of land benefiting 126 ARBs. Of the 131 CLOAs, 65 will be awarded to Barangay Tagbuyawan covering an area of 122.8662 ha, 46 for Brgy. Mansayao with 55.5887 hectares and 20 for Brgy. Tolingon with 16.2116 hectares, all in Mainit.

The distribution of land ownership certificate award is in line with the DAR’s mission and vision to lead in

the implementation of the agrarian reform and rural development through land tenure improvement and the provision of integrated development service to landless farmers and small landowners-cultivators.

And the delivery of agrarian justice towards rural development and peace, and to become a nation where there is equitable land ownership with empowered agrarian reform beneficiaries who

by Edilberto Odvina

DAR-Surigao Norte to distribute land titles in Mainit

SURIGAO CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Surigao del Norte is set to distribute Certificates of Landownership Award (CLOA) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the municipality of Mainit on Wednesday, February 27 at 9:30 a.m., at the covered court of Brgy. Tagbuyawan, Mainit, Surigao del Norte.


are effectively managing their economic and social development for a better quality of life.

Expected to grace the said event are Governor Sol F. Matugas, Surigao del Norte Congressman Guillermo A. Romarate Jr., Mayor Ramon B. Mondano of Mainit, DAR-Regional

Director Faisar A. Mambuay, Surigao del Norte Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Teresita E. Depeñoso, MSBA, and Jose B. Endico Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer-DAR Municipal Office, Mainit, Surigao del Norte.

Agri-Pinoy Program continues to soar in Butuan Cityby Junesther Jean S. Iway

BUTUAN CITY -- Cooperative here were granted assistance through resolutions passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.


One unit of Multipurpose Drying Pavement was granted to Tagpulangi-lilo Irrigator’s Association; one unit of Rice Milling Machine was granted to the Butuan-Agusan Farmer’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative; and another unit of Rice Reaper was granted to the Taguibo IPM Irrigator’s Association, Inc.

In the said approved resolutions, the city mayor was given authority to enter and sign memorandum of agreements (MOA) relative to the implementation of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program. There are already more than 72 project recipients of the Agri-Pinoy Project, it was gathered.

The Agri-Pinoy Rice Program is a national rice program focused on agricultural sector through i n t e g r a t i n g g o v e r n m e n t i n i t i a t i v e s primarily aimed at uplifting the lives of the Filipino farmers through support to rice production; i r r i g a t i o n ;

postharvest and other infrastructure facilities; market development services; extension support, education and training services; and research and development services.

With this, the different project recipients shall be responsible for the maintenance of the facilities and equipment granted to them and shall utilize the same in accordance to their intended use and in furtherance of the purposes of the Agri-Pinoy program which supports the Food Staples Sufficiency Program.


For the list of Philippine holidays in 2013 through Proc. No. 459, just visit the PIA-Caraga Blogspot at www.piacaraga.blogspot.com for the copy of the said proclamation...


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Fol-lowing the success of its initial support to South Cotabato provincial gov-ernment’s feeding pro-gram, a church-based organization is set to expand its partnership with the LGU this year.

10,600 malnourished schoolchildren to benefit from P21-M feeding program of LGU, NGOBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Rev. Donald Soriano, executive director of the Bethesda Ministries International confirmed Wednesday, the second batch of assistance to the provincial government’s supplemental feeding program, which will cover at least 10,600 schoolchildren could be released soon.

“Once the provincial


government is able to account for the initial donation of 500 boxes (of vitameal), we will be giving more,” Rev. Soriano told PIA 12.

Provincial nutrition action officer, Ma. Ana Uy said the vitameals were used in a 120-feeding program for at least 6,500 malnourished pre-school kids across the ten municipalities in the province.

As soon as the Department of E d u c a t i o n - S o u t h Cotabato District Office submit the distribution monitoring report, she added, they will immediately comply with the donor’s requirements.

Uy expressed confidence that the new supplemental feeding program will push through and will start as classes begin in June.

At P2,000 per vitameal package, Uy explained, the donation would amount to more than P21 million.

Target of the program are underweight Grade 1 to Grade 6 pupils across the province who will also undergo a four-month supplemental feeding.

Vitameal is a rice-lentil

mix with 25 vitamins sprayed and mixed into it. When cooked properly, the church minister said, one cup provides the required daily vitamin allowance of a child. Vitameal comes in aluminum foil bags.

He added, the vitameal is meant to supplement the children’s lunch or snack. It is cooked in participating schools, day-care centers, parishes and village council halls.

Rev. Soriano emphasized that he was encouraged to

sustain the partnership with the provincial government because of the latter’s notable accomplishments in its feeding projects.

“South Cotabato’s supplemental feeding program has reported 89 percent rehabilitation, which is very high,” he said. “That is commendable.”

Soriano was referring to the over-all improvement rate of the provincial government’s partnership with DOLE Philippine’s Mahintana Foundation , Inc. under the Kapit-Bisig Para


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat-- The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong City wrapped up its outstanding performance in 2012 by earning the Silver Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) conferred by the Department of the Interior and Local government (DILG).

sa Kabataan Feeding Program that covered more than 4,600 children.

Rev. Soriano visited South Cotabato on Wednesday to turn over to Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. donations of medicines valued at P98 million.

In his message at the turn over ceremony, Gov. Pingoy told the Reverend that the upcoming aid could be a ticket for the province to achieve the Nutrition Honor Award, the highest recognition given to a local government unit after three consecutive

years of garnering the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN).

Last year, the province received its 2nd year CROWN maintenance award.

South Cotabato boasts of a malnutrition prevalence rate of 8 percent in 2012, much lower than the national rate of 11 percent.

“This is so far, the lowest prevalence rate that South Cotabato has achieved,” Uy said in an earlier press conference.

She said, the province’s malnutrition rate has

consistently dropped in the last decade as the LGU sustained its community-based feeding programs.

In 2004, South Cotabato recorded a malnutrition rate of 18.04 percent, which gradually reduced over the years. In 2011, the province already posted 9 percent malnutrition rate.

Uy explained that a single-digit reduction in the malnutrition rate means that 800 to 1,000 children have recovered from malnutrition. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

LGU Tacurong City stamped with DILG’s Silver Seal of Good HousekeepingBy Allan Freno

DILG provincial director Abdulgani Tekoken officially informed the office of Mayor Lina Montilla that the city government passed the criteria for the silver seal.

The DILG even cited Tacurong for getting

the highest rating among LGUs in Region 12 of Soccsksargen Region in the Report Card Survey (RCS) of the Anti-Red Tape Act implementation.

Tacurong received an RCS final score of 97 percent, or “excellent”

in descriptive rating.SGH is a mechanism

comprising a set of criteria aimed at recognizing LGUs with good performance in internal housekeeping particularly in the areas of planning, sound fiscal management,


Transparency and Accountability, and Valuing Performance Management.

Among the key components of the SGH criteria are compliance to the mandates of the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) as well as to the full disclosure policy of the DILG.

Further, LGUs stamped with Good Housekeeping Seal should have “no adverse” report from the Commission on Audit, which means that they should have complied with all the requirements of the government’s auditing agency.

In 2012, the criteria for SGH were scaled up to include three

categories, namely: Bronze, Silver and Gold Seals.

The criteria for the Silver Seal are: good or excellent performance as indicated in the CSC Report Card Survey on the ARTA i m p l e m e n t a t i o n , functionality of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and compliance to the full disclosure policy.

The highest an LGU could receive for 2012 is the Silver Seal. The Gold Seal is up for grabs for 2013.

As recipient of the Silver Seal, Tacurong is eligible to access the DILG’s Performance Challenge Fund, a support fund used to finance local

development initiatives in furtherance of national government goals and strategic thrusts.

In September 2012, the DILG declared Tacurong City as the regional winner of the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (GPL) Awards under the cities category.

GPL, a total concept award given to best-performing LGUs, uses various criteria in selection of winners among which are the Silver SGH, the Local Government P e r f o r m a n c e M a n a g e m e n t System (LGPMS), and outstanding innovat ions . (DED/PIA12)

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- Tacurong City’s 5th Sanggunian has passed 220 resolutions and ordinances from January 2012 until last week, SP majority floor Joseph George Lechonsito said.

Tacurong city dads pass 220 resolutions, ordinancesBy Jezereel Billano

Lechonsito reported this accomplishment during the convocation on Monday.He said, of the 220 resolutions/

ordinances, 114 were for general administration, 41 for social services; and 15 for capital projects, i m p r o v e m e n t s ,

and public works.They also passed 14 measures for health and sanitation and 13 enactments of appropriation


ordinances and general ordinances.He added they approved five resolutions call for the establishment of profession, occupation, trades, businesses, market and slaughterhouse.Other resolutions included four for city planning, zoning, and tourism; four for education and culture; three for public safety; three for public utilities; two for traffic regulations and transportation; one for environmental quality and p r o t e c t i o n ; and one for amusement and games/sports deve lopment and recreation.In his report, L e c h o n s i t o , on behalf of the Council, thanked all e m p l o y e e s and officials of the local g o v e r n m e n t unit for the all-out support.“The best thing

for this Council is that all of us in the LGU are united as one. And that is one ultimate ingredient why we were recognized as the Best Sanggunian in Region XII for 2 consecutive terms,” Lechonsito said.SP-Tacurong was awarded by the Department of

the Interior and Local Government as the region’s Most Outstanding Sanggunian in December 2012. It is also set to receive the same award from the Philippine Councilors’ League on March 6-8, 2013. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/JLBillano-Tacurong LGU)


DAVAO CITY-Military personnel who are manning the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) check-points are advised to stick to plain view, following the Plain View Doctrine which provides that they can only seize illegal firearms that can be seen by the naked eye, and desist from asking the motorists to open their trunks or compart-ments. `While checkpoints are regularly conducted by the Armed Forces of

the Philippines, COMELEC has assumed responsibility for the checkpoints at least during the election period. `“Dili allowed ang kapkap sa checkpoints--plain view lang dapat,” COMELEC XI regional director Wilfred Balisado said during the Kapehan sa PIA at Abreeza Mall Friday. He said the checkpoint personnel are not allowed to open the trunks of cars or the compartments of

motorcycles, and when they insist, they have to produce a warrant of arrest duly signed by a judge. `Balisado said the checkpoint officers should also extend courtesy to the passengers and the drivers who should not be “inconvenienced” during the checking. `“They can file a protest if they are forced to open their trunks and the officer could not produce a valid search warrant,” he said.

Comelec checkpoints to stick with plain viewby Lovely Carillo


Duterte welcomes release of a soldier, policeman by rebels

Checkpoints should be conducted only in well-lighted places and without any element of surprise, he added. `He said they even encourage the presence of barangay officials in the checkpoints to make sure that the inspections are done efficiently and courteously. `The COMELEC checkpoints, he said, are necessary to make sure

that the total Gun Ban policy is enforced. There should ideally be one checkpoint for every city or municipality, he added. `However, Balisado said, a city like Davao has many entry and exit points so there should ideally be at least three checkpoints in the entry points for General Santos City-Cotabato and then Cagayan de Oro-Butuan.(lovely carillo)

DAVAO CITY-Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the release yesterday of a soldier and a po-liceman, thirty four days after they were captured by communist rebels in Sitio Mangob, Barangay Imelda, Laak, Compostela Valley. He was thankful that Private First Class Jezreel Maata Culango of the 60th Infantry Battalion and

Police Officer 1 Ruel Pasion of the San Isidro Police Office in Davao del Norte were treated well, evidence that the rebels followed the international protocol in handling prisoners of war. Duterte fetched the two captives using a helicopter and turned them over to their respective commands where their respective families were waiting. “I am happy that they were treated like family and the rebels observed the Geneva Convention

on treating their captives,” he said. The rebel movement set the government personnel free after their own investigation showed that the police and the soldier never committed human rights abuses or crime against the people. In a communiqué, the New


People’s Army Comval North Davao South Agusan sub-regional Command unilaterally declared a four-day suspension of military offensives in the towns of Kapalong, San Isidro, Asuncion, New Corella all in Davao del Norte and Laak in Compostela Valley on February 19-22, 2013 to pave the way for the safe and orderly release of their captives. The Sowing the Seeds for Peace Movement, composed of pastors and members of the civil society also witnessed the actual release of the two captives. The military thanked Duterte for facilitating the release of Culango and Pasion. Lt. Colonel Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said the release of Culango and Pasion was long overdue. “They were not supposed to be held in the first place since they were not involved in combat operation when they were captured by the rebels,” he said. Paniza also questioned why the release was done immediately

after the rebels attacked a private firm in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.He said Culango was immediately confined at the Camp Panacan Station Hospital for further medical check-up. Superintendent Alden Delvo, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 11 said Pasion will undergo a thorough physical and mental examination because of his traumatic experience while in captivity. He said the perpetrators in the abduction of Culango and Pasion will be sued once their identities and required evidence are established during the investigation. Delvo said the captors committed a plain case of kidnapping for holding the government personnel against their will. “We will file cases against the perpetrators,” he said. Delvo said Pasion will be given time to reunite with his family. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines/LAC)

facts and figures

19,384 number of families in Region XI affected by the onslaught of Tropical Depression Crising


Port Management Office fosters public safety with PSHEMSby Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Cagayan de Oro Port Management Office of the Philippine Ports Authority has launched the Port Safety, Health and Environmental Management System (PSHEMS) for containerized cargoes.


It was held in the base port of the city at the GAD Hall, E.S. Baclig Administration Building, Port Area, Macabalan, this city. “Today we are launching another project, the PSHEMS, it is encouraging to note that in the Philippines, there are only two ports which were identified where PSHEMS shall be implemented, namely in Cagayan de Oro and port of Iloilo, ”Atty. Edgar C. Pilar, port district manager of PDO Northern Mindanao, said. Engineer Renato Cardinal, Partnership Applications program manager for the Partnership in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), said PSHEMS is a management system based on specific requirements set by the PSHE Management Code developed by PEMSEA. He added that the PSHE Management Code aims to provide port authorities or any other company operating within the port, whose activities may have an effect on the health and safety of people,

environment, cargoes and port installation, with a voluntary standard against which to measure their performance of with regard to quality, safety and health and protection of the environment. Meanwhile, Franca Sprong, team leader of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) Sustainable Port Development in the ASEAN Region, said the implementation of PSHEMS in the city is a good start to foster a safe and healthy port environment. She also

congratulated the staff of PPA PMO for the major achievement. “What we see in all of the ports is that they struggle to get the safety, health and environmental management well organized,” Sprong said. The PSHEMS was created to build a culture that promotes safety, health and environmental protection, reduce accidents and operating cost, improve community relations and for the site to be recognized as a safe and efficient port. PSHEMS is also being implemented in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. POSD Manager Roberto C. Aquino, engineer Necitas G. Layola Jr., Franca Sprong and port managers unveiled the PSHEMS Policy at the launch. Aquino then led a declaration of commitment after which the PSHEMS marker was installed at the office lobby by Layola.


DTI 10 warns public against pyramiding scams

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 has warned consumers to always be on the lookout for scams in the market.

by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

Linda O. Boniao, officer-in-charge of DTI 10, says there are several strategies for scams. She asked the public not to be fooled by pyramid scams, ponzi scams and all other scams. She said that common features of a scam is that, initially investment promises to double your money, easy money and quick money beyond the income of the present interest rates of the banks. Second, investors will earn after another investor recruits other people without selling value products.

Third, engaged people will be promised of “risk free” or 100 percent guarantee return of investment and is always persuaded to join immediately. Sometimes the client will be asked to deposit for “shipping fee” insurance, registration fee of the prize supposedly won or free gift and a contact number is the only information given. The client may be required to provide personal information like bank account number, credit card numbers, PIN and passwords. Sometimes the company or business could not provide a written agreement or contract. Oftentimes, a person wins in the lotto or raffle that he or she did not join. Boniao said prior to getting involved in any of these businesses, make sure to check that they are registered under DTI or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) especially if it is marketing an “investment product.” She added that it is important to keep evidences of these transactions, including receipts, agreements, certificates and related documents.


DAR conducts Mindanao-wide workshop for support servicesby Editha R. SalvadorCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region 10 held a workshop on integration, complementation and programming of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) support services programs and projects in Mindanao last February 11-13 in Cagayan de Oro. DAR regional directors from Regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and Caraga led the three-day activity along with Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao key officials. Undersecretary for Support Services Jerry Pacturan led the DAR central office staff who facilitated and gave inputs during workshop discussions. Engineer Felix Aguhob, DAR 10 regional director and concurrent Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) coordinator for Mindanao, delivered the welcome message. He said he hopes the workshop would help address the issues and concerns relative to support services delivery in Mindanao. The PBD is one of the major components of CARP and is concerned with the delivery of support services to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). PBD has several models for the delivery of quality and effective support services. Through the complementation of DAR support programs and the intensification of convergence among stakeholders,

resources such as agri-technology, farm inputs, processing facilities, credit and access to markets are mobilized. The workshop culminated with the formulation of a work plan to monitor the implementation of PBD programs and projects in several regions in Mindanao.


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Amb. Thomas hails govt’s efforts vs. human traffickingBy Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas is pleased with the over-all efforts of the Philippine government in its continuous fight against human trafficking.


In his visit to the city on Wednesday Ambassador Thomas said “while there are still a lot to be done, the time and effort being devoted by our government officials in combating human trafficking is very encouraging.” “Many challenges continue, especially in Zamboanga as people go out backdoor. But what I am very pleased about is that Secretary De Lima has devoted a lot of her time, with President Aquino’s encouragement, to stopping this modern day form of slavery,” Thomas emphasized. As a testament to this, Thomas said, the U.S. government acknowledges the Philippine government’s work against illegal human trade. “Darlene Pajarito, a prosecutor here, was honored by Secretary Clinton for her work as being one of the leading prosecutors against this,” he said. Thomas urged the public to help curb this illegal activity. “I ask all of you to work with us, especially the person that I honor, Sec. De Lima, to stop this. I think this is something we all need to work together on. I have a daughter. I know you all have children, nieces, and nephews, and they deserve the same opportunity that you have to pursue their craft and not be forced into labor or sexual trafficking,” he exhorted. The ambassador also disclosed that even boys are now being trafficked for sex trade. “We have now seen that there are boys. Something that we should not have ignored and should not have

been a surprise to us. Boys are also trafficked for sexual reasons and we must combat that,” he pointed out. Thomas came to the city to inaugurate a P13 million training facility inside the Philippine Public Safety College, in Barangay Pasonanca, emphasizing the strong partnership between the U.S. and Philippine governments. “Very proud that the U.S. government continues to partner with Philippine security and safety organizations in training, especially in human rights, human trafficking, law enforcement, and community policing. This is a very, very proud day. We hope that we’re able to work with the government of the Philippines on more of these in the future,” the soft-spoken ambassador said.


Sayaw Pinoy wows ZambosuriansBy Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - The National Commission for Culture And the Arts (NCCA) in cooperation with the province of Zamboanga del Sur, through the indisputable leadership of Governor Antonio H.Cerilles brought world-class dancers who performed at the Megayon Stage, Dao, this city during the Philippine Visual Arts Festival (PVAF) on February 7-11, 2013.

Dubbed “Sayaw Pinoy,” one of the seven flagship projects of the Philippine Arts Festival, it is a dance concert that tours all over the country to showcase the Pinoys’ talent in dance featuring ballet, hip-hop, folk and contemporary dance forms. The dancers, from the Halili-Cruz Dance Co. and other prestigious learning institutions wowed the audience with their excellent performances and a colorful showcase

of dance forms which depict the diverse culture of Filipinos. Ms. Adel Suemith, NCCA Program Monitoring and Evaluation Division chief, said these dancers are among the finest in the country, having won international competitions. “We bring world-class performances to the communities for them to appreciate more about the culture and arts of our country,” she said.


“Competition now depends on our creativity. If you are creative, you can invent and create more products. You have an edge. The young people of today should understand their own culture, so as not to adopt the culture of other nations and appreciate our culture more,” Ms. Suemith clarified. Ms. Shirley Halili-Cruz, head of the National Committee on Dance was extremely grateful to Governor Antonio H. Cerilles for hosting the memorable event in partnership with NCCA and for the tremendous support he has extended for the success of the PVAF. Meanwhile, Governor Cerilles said these God-given talents should be cultivated and young people must look up to them for inspiration. “This is also one way of preserving our culture, and for Zambosurians, we

are lucky enough to witness these great performances because not all of us can travel to Manila to watch them perform,” said the governor. NCCA spearheads various activities in celebration of National Arts Month this February including the International Gongs and Bamboo Music Festival which opened in Dipolog City on February 17. In his message read by City Councilor Roque Yamba, Vice Mayor Romeo Pulmones said, “the Sayaw Pinoy is a way of preserving our cultural uniqueness, and yet it must also be seen as a unifying factor in the scheme of human affairs.” The seven flagship projects of the Philippine Arts Festival 2013 are: Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Cinema and Architecture.


During the meeting, Provincial Grievance Officer Jeofel G. Daquiag presented the Social Welfare Indicator (SWI) analysis and discussed the Grievance Redress System (GRS). Neriza Baldelovar, Cluster Grievance Officer, also presented the delisting criteria or the conditions to consider whether the beneficiaries really deserve to become recipients of the program. In behalf of MIAC chair Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr., Virgilio Q. Zamora, Executive Assistant V, Virgilio Q. Zamora, presided over

the meeting, deliberating on the committee’s recommendations to be endorsed to DSWD-Central Office. The inclusion error identified during the survey conducted through the DSWD’s National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) was out of 24 beneficiaries for delisting, 23 retained and 1 delisted, while out of three appealed, two got retained and one delisted. Bayog has a total of 2,222 household-beneficiaries of the Pantawid program.

MIAC meets to resolve 4Ps issuesBy Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur - The Municipal Inter-Agency Committee (MIAC) together with some personnel from the provincial office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-IX met here on Monday at the Timmulco Function Hall to discuss and resolve issues/complaints raised against the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).


Documents

One Mindanao - February 22, 2013