One Mindanao - February 25, 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

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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

Convergence: an “EDSA legacy” that brings hope to transform BasilanRene V. CarbayasWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, February 25, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 132

page 4Lesson of EDSA is not just about gaining back our freedom by overthrowing a dictator but also using this freedom to inspire Filipinos to forge ahead towards progress – President Aquino

12

Oliver Ross V. Rivera, Central Mindanao

One-stop processing center for OFWs opens in Koronadal City23

DOST conducts investors’ forum in Dipolog

69 displaced families from Lake Sebu rebuild houses, lives

PTV expands to ARMM, CM

Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao18

2428

Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Nash Maulana, ARMM

DavNor to pay sports complex contrac-tor upon LGU’s acceptance31

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Oroquieta City schools commemorate EDSA revolution 36Rebels raid Del Monte, Dole planta-tions in BukidnonRuby Leonora R. Balistoy, Northern Mindanao

34 Southern Mindanao

Junesther Jean S. Iway, Caraga Region

Vermicomposting project in Butuan City 39Gil E. Miranda, Caraga Region

P28-M farm-to-market road benefits 5 barangays in Agusan del Norte40

10 16 17 21 26 30

Monday, February 25, 20134

Convergence: an “EDSA legacy” that brings hope to transform Basilan

Twenty-seven years since the EDSA People Power Revolution had proven that the convergence of people from all walks of

life - from the civilians, military, religious, and business - could bring about change and transform a country.

CoVer StoRy

Commemorating the EDSA revolution each year for most Filipinos is a special calendar so that the succeeding generation of Filipinos shall appreciate the importance of freedom and democracy that the country enjoys today. This annual celebration and its legacy of converging people of all sectors to topple a corrupt and

oppressive government continue to challenge the entire nation to help build our beloved country, the Philippines. The concept of convergence has long been in existence since time immemorial - variously known as multi-stakeholder, joint forces, public-private partnership, the idea of “unity in diversity,” and the Filipino spirit of “bayanihan.”

By Rene V. Carbayas

Monday, February 25, 2013 5

Convergence: an “EDSA legacy” that brings hope to transform Basilan

Basilan may be thousands of miles away from the EDSA revolution site in Manila, but this province had, at the height of the revolution, watched the events unfold on television screens and, in spirit and in prayer, joined the rest of the Filipinos in their aspiration for freedom and democracy. The annual commemoration of EDSA revolution in the province, however, was bereft of inspiring activities that would remind the people and the youth of that significant moment of our history. But such inadequacy was somehow complemented by television coverage and documentaries about that historic event. The schools have helped in instilling in the young the significance of EDSA revolution, too. Perhaps, remembering EDSA in this part of the country may not be as grandiose as that in Metro Manila. But the people of Basilan in particular and the people of Mindanao in general have their share of fighting for freedom and democracy. President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III’s vision of a “matuwid na daan” (straight path), which may have

also conformed to the vision of EDSA,

has inspired many people to believe that change is possible when people actively participate in attaining that goal. Convergence efforts in Basilan Forms of convergences evolved. Recently, the military has adopted its Internal Peace and Security Program (IPSP)-Bayanihan as its flagship project in winning peace in Mindanao. While the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), under the leadership


o f OIC Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman also adopted the ARMM H.E.L.P.S. Convergence as its flagship project to start the transformation of the region. ARMM HELPS stands for Health, Education, Livelihood and Peace Synergy. At the provincial level, the Provincial Peace and Development Coordinating Committee also known as Team Basilan has adopted the “Bayanihan Para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”(Convergence: Path to Peace and Development) as its flagship project in bringing government closer

to Basileños. Together with ARMM HELPS, Team Basilan’s convergence efforts took off in the farthest southern islands of Basilan, a rare treat for this hard-to-reach group of islands, bringing government services right at their community. The marine-resource-rich but underdeveloped islands of Tabuan-Lasa municipality is home to the fisher folks of

Sama-Badjao tribe - known to be peace-loving people with simple lifestyle as they basically rely on what the nature has to offer. Potable water supply is the main problem of these island communities. The poor state of the community was worsened by a conflict stemming from a political rivalry between two parties in barangays Sulloh in Tapiantana Island and Lanawan in Lanawan Island which resulted to a number of families displaced and houses destroyed due to an armed confrontation in August 2012. With this, Team Basilan thought of bringing together government agencies and non-government organizations to a “bayanihan” to provide services to these communities. Fortunately, Tabuan-Lasa was also


identified as one of the priority areas for the ARMM H.E.L.P.S. Convergence Program flagship project of the regional government. HELPS brought together regional and local government agencies, non-government organizations and the civil society, the military and the police with their respective institutions’ services for social rehabilitation of the identified priority areas. The other priority areas in Basilan province for the ARMM Convergence include the towns of Al-Barka, Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip, Lantawan, and Tuburan. The regional government gave priority to communities underserved by the government with peace and order concerns. Last Jan. 30 - 31, the people of Sulloh and Lanawan were on a festive mood when the participating agencies brought services to their respective communities. People swarmed at the services offered by each participating agency, more particularly the joint medical and dental services of the Provincial Health Office, the military and police, and the municipal health office. In an interview with S/Insp. Dr. Jimmy Allan Bernardo of ARMM police regional office, he said that the

patients had common ailments such as the respiratory infections/diseases. He suspected that certain cultural practices were a factor that caused the development of these illnesses. Bernardo said the children were vulnerable to respiratory disease due to poor clothing, hygiene and food. “Changing certain cultural behavior remains to be a challenge for local medical and health personnel to help eradicate the disease,” the PNP physician added. Although tired, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rhoda Delgado could still put a smile on


her face as she expressed her delight for being able to serve hundreds of people of Sulloh and Lanawan. She also told the team during its exit conference that she’s happy that cases of malaria had been drastically controlled if not eradicated. Dr. Delgado and her PHO personnel were in full force delivering medical and dental services to the communities, together with the lone dentist Dr. Crisline Gazatan. A medical team was also put up by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)-ARMM that provided veterinary services for animals and livestock. DAF-ARMM Provincial Agricultural Officer, veterinarian Rogelio Bahinting disclosed that in support of the convergence, the agency’s frontline programs were conducted, like the provision of agricultural and or vegetable seeds; veterinary services for livestock, such as deworming, antibiotics, vitamin supplementation; sharing of agricultural technologies for increased production; and promotion of organic farming, among others. Fifteen heads of cows were given veterinary care in barangay

Sulloh, 23 heads in Sampunah village and 20 heads in Lanawan. He also reported said that some 110 packs of vegetable seeds were also distributed to Tabuan-Lasa town. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), led by its provincial director Myra Alih, brought its equipment and paraphernalia to train a number of women in the community in cooking banana chips, special spicy dilis, coconut candy, and fish ball as alternative livelihood for the family. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), with


the support of the military, launched its 120 days supplemental feeding program for some 1,795 children in Tabuan-Lasa town starting with 400 kids in Barangay Lanawan. The agency also released cash-for-work to 12 beneficiaries worth some P1,174.00 for a 10-day community work. A total of 44 senior citizens also received their social pension of P3,000.00 for the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2012. With the PhilHealth, DSWD also released PhilHealth cards to Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-ARMM released fishing gears to 35 families as initial assistance to help these families rebuild themselves. At least 37 families will receive a new shelter as the military starts construction of core shelters for these internally displaced families. The ARMM regional government and various donors contributed to build the houses. Non-government organizations also had their share of bringing their services to the community. The Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI) and the Basilan Advocates for Peace, Environment, and Sustainable Development Association (BAPESDA) brought school supplies and books

for selected school children of Sulloh and Lanawan barangays. They also conducted psycho-social debriefing sessions to elementary school children in Sulloh. The Basilan Jaycees also donated 20 boxes of books to elementary schools. The same convergence efforts were replicated in Bulanting, Lamitan City last Feb. 6, in Cambug in Al-Barka town on Feb. 7, and more recently, and in Hadji Muhtamad town last Feb. 21. The services brought by various government agencies and institutions, the civil society, and the military and police were overwhelmingly received by the beneficiaries. The impact of the convergence efforts was evident by the smile and gratitude of the beneficiaries. Inspired by the potentials that the convergence efforts would bring to the communities, Team Basilan feels that there will be no let-up in pushing through with the project in the days ahead. This version of convergence in the province is Basilan’s way of carrying on and living the vision of EDSA People Power Revolution by bringing the government closer to the people to a new level, and that everyone enjoys the fruits of what has been gained by Filipinos in the world-renowned, non-violent revolt 27 years ago.

10Monday, February 25, 2013

ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino signs into law Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 in ceremonies marking the 27th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power held at the EDSA

People Power Monument in Quezon City on Monday.In his speech, the President said

the new law recognizes the heroism and sacrifices of Filipinos who were victims of summary execution, torture, enforced or involuntary disappearance and other gross human rights violations committed

during the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos from September 21, 1972 to February 25, 1986.

“Kaya nga po sa araw ding ito, nilagdaan natin ang Human Rights Victims Reparation Act of 2013


---bilang pagkilala sa pagdurusang dinaanan ng napakarami noong Batas Militar, at upang ipakitang lumipas man ang henerasyon, hindi tayo panghihinaan ng loob sa pagtatama ng mga mali ng nakaraan,” the

President said.“Kabilang po ng iba pang

mga nagsulong ng batas na ito, tiniyak nilang hindi man maibabalik ang panahon na ninakaw sa mga biktima ng Batas Militar, masisiguro naman ang pagkilala ng estado sa kanilang pinagdaanan, at nang sa gayon ay mailapit sila sa tuluyang paghihilom ng mga sugat ng nakaraan,” he added.

Under the new law, human rights victims and their heirs are entitled to monetary compensation to be sourced from the P10-billion transferred to the Philippines as adjudged by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court on December 10, 1997 and non-monetary

compensation to be provided by the Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Education, CHED and TESDA and other government agencies. PND (rck)


Lesson of EDSA is not just about gaining back our freedom by overthrowing a dictator but also using this freedom to inspire Filipinos to forge ahead towards progress – President Aquino

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the Filipino people to look at the fruits borne out by the

successful and bloodless ousting of a dictator 27 years ago as inspiration to drive our collective will towards reaping the rewards of freedom and forging on to achieve the country’s sustainable progress and inclusive growth.


In his speech delivered during rites marking the 27th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power held at the People Power Monument in the corner of Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue and White Plains Avenue in Quezon City, the President said it was high time Filipinos drop the cycle of “falling and rising” when dealing with adversaries threatening to disrupt their way of life in order to achieve success.

“Ang naiisip ko nga po minsan, parang nawili na tayo sa siklo ng pagbagsak at pagtindig, na tila ba hindi natin matanggap na maaari

tayong dumiretso at umasenso, nang hindi muling nagagalusan, nang hindi muling naaapi, nang hindi muling nasasaktan. Mahirap nga pong aminin: eksperto man tayo sa pagbangon, tila nagkukulang tayo sa pagsulong at pag-asenso,” the President said.

“Ngayong dalawampu’t pitong taon na tayong malaya mula sa tanikala ng diktadurya; ngayong nakaabante na tayo mula sa halos isang dekadang pagdausdos dahil sa pang-aabuso’t panlalamang ng nakalipas na pamahalaan-- higit kailanman, dapat lamang na maikintal sa puso’t isip ng bawat isa: Hindi natatapos ang laban sa pagbangon,” he added.

He underscored the importance of Filipinos joining fellow Filipinos in unity saying that a strong and solid Filipino force could stand up against any and all obstacles in its path towards progress.

“Kaya nga po, ngayong nakatindig na muli tayo sa ating dalawang paa, sama-sama naman tayong humakbang


pasulong sa tuluyang pag-asenso. Tapos na ang panahon kung kailan ang Pilipino ay kuntentong nakapako sa lokasyon, nag-aabang ng susunod na tutulak sa kanya, nakaantabay sa susunod na pagkadapa. Ngayong nakabangon na tayo, halina’t umusad na rin po tayo; halina’t akayin ang kapwa’t ituon ang paningin sa hinaharap; halina’t pagpagin ang mga agam-agam at dumiretso tungo sa katuparan ng ating mga pangarap,” the President said.

“Iyan po ang aral na handog sa atin ng EDSA: Ang rebolusyong nagsauli ng demokrasya ay siya ring inspirasyon natin ngayon upang idiretso ang pag-asenso’t pag-arangkada. Araw-araw po nating ipagdiwang ang dangal ng isang lahing hindi na muling babagsak, hindi na muling magpapaapi, hindi na lamang basta makukuntento sa kultura ng pagbangon; araw-araw po nating isapuso ang bagong kultura ng walang-dalawang-isip, walang-atubili, at walang-takot na pagsulong,” he added.

“Karapatan nating sumulong at umasenso. Obligasyon natin ang kaganapan nito,” he said.

Joining the President were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Cabinet members represented by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa and members of the Senate and House represented by Senator Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; respectively.

Prior to his speech, the President led the awarding of the Spirit of Edsa Foundation Awards (SOEFA), witnessed the presentation of a Pledge of Commitment by governors, and religious, business and youth representatives and the “Salubungan” rites depicting the occasion when the military, non-governmental organizations, religious, business, youth, government and basic sector representatives converged on EDSA to fight the dictator.

He was also accorded full military honors upon arriving at the venue. PND (rck)


Team PNoy senatorial bets to visit Mindanao

After wooing voters in Visayas including vote-rich Cebu last week, the Team PNoy senatorial candidates will bring their political campaign in Mindanao in the next two days.

According to Team PNoy media advisory, the senatorial entourage of the coalition of Liberal Party, Nacionalista Party and Nationalist People’s Coalition will open Mindanao sorties Tuesday with a rally at the Alubijid covered gym in Misamis Oriental.

The team will then travel from Alubijid to Cagayan de Oro City where

they will be joined by President Benigno Aquino III in another campaign rally inside the Cagayan de Oro Sports Center late in the afternoon.

Wednesday, the administration’ senatorial bets will travel to Malaybalay to woo voters of Bukidnon province at the Bukidnon State University gymnasium.

The Team PNoy will then return to


Manila Thursday to spend the rest of the week campaigning in the Luzon area.

Team PNoy team manager Sen. Franklin Drilon said though they have chosen Cagayan de Oro as the first stop of their Mindanao leg campaign, “we will also visit other cities in Mindanao.”

”It just so happened that Cagayan de Oro City was the first city of our first Mindanao campaign sortie,” he explained after a press conference of Team PNoy Monday.


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NAPOLCOM to conduct PNP entrance, promotional exams on May 26By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – In keeping with its constitutional mandate to administer and control the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) will conduct the PNP entrance and promotional examinations on May 26, 2013.

NAPOLCOM Regional Director Atty. Macapado T. Guro said the PNP entrance examination is open to all Filipino citizens who meet the age, height and educational requirements as well as to Police Officer 1 (PO1) whose appointments are temporary for lack of appropriate eligibility. Those who pass this examination will be conferred by the NAPOLCOM the PNP entrance eligibility which is appropriate for appointment to the rank of PO1, as prescribed under Sec. 30 of R.A. No. 6975, as amended by R.A. No 8851, Guro said.


The schedule for on-line application for this examination is set on March 4-15, and the period for filing will be on April 1-30, 2013. On the other hand, Guro further disclosed that the PNP promotional examination is intended for Police Officer, Sr. Police Officer, Police Inspector, and Police Superintendent. It is exclusively open to all qualified uniformed members of the PNP who meet the minimum qualification standards for examination in terms of rank and eligibility. The successful examinees of this examination shall be conferred eligibilities appropriate for promotion

to the rank corresponding to the examination’s eligibility rank coverage (ERC). On line application for this examination will start on March 16-25, and the period of filing will be on April 1-30, 2013. For the Zamboanga Peninsula Region, the above mentioned examinations will be held in Pagadian City. For more information and details, interested applicants are encouraged to log on the NAPOLCOM official website at www.napolcom.gov.ph or www.napolcom-online.com.

DOST conducts investors’ forum in DipologBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Technology Resource Center (TRC) in partnership with the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in region IX recently conducted the second leg of an Investors’ Forum on the Infusion of Technnovation in Dipolog City.


The forum, the second of the three fora to be conducted in the different parts of the country was held on Feb. 14 at Camila Hotel this city. The first forum was held in region VII (Cebu City) while the third forum will be held in region I(Ilocos Sur). Mr. Dennis L. Cunanan, TRC Director-General said “the project mainly aims to infuse technnovation and create partnership with the stakeholders in the commercialization of innovative technologies through the conduct of investors’ fora towards sustainable techno-preneurship in the regions.” It also serves as a venue for information dissemination and exchange on the latest technologies in the industry from the farm to the end consumers and makes the Filipino products competitive in the local and international markets. Ms. Nora P. Gumia, TAPI Officer-in-Charge explained the role of TAPI and the TRC’s commercialization program. TAPI is responsible for the

drumming up the level of awareness among stakeholders and the promotion of the innovation system strategies. TRC, the only government-owned and controlled corporation in the country mandated to introduce innovations that would redound to the betterment of the lives of the Filipino people. Under the present leadership of DG Cunanan, TRC is committed to provide avenues for technology transfer, livelihood training, business development and job creation. Notably among them are Technology Business Incubator; Technology for Livelihood Training; Joint Venture Programs; Technology Outreach Program; Socialized Technology Training; and Industrial Estate Management. Mr. Mahmud L. Kingking, DOST-9 Assistant Regional Director for Field Operation Services also shared his experience how technology-based opportunities enhanced and transformed business ventures.



TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- Two barangays here are the latest re-cipients of school buildings from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Cham-bers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) in fulfillment of the group’s pledge to address classroom shortage in many parts of the country.

Fil-Chinese businessmen donate school buildings to Tacurong cityBy Allan Freno


Tina Elementary School in Barangay Tina and San Emmanuel National High School-Annex in Barangay San Pablo each received one storey two-classroom building.

FFCCCII vice presidents Alex Yap Cho Ty and Ong Eng Chan along with other officers from Manila arrived in here on February 15 to lead the turnover ceremony.

They were joined by the officers of Tacurong City Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, FFCCCII’s counterpart in this part of the region.

The businessmen paid a courtesy call to the office of Mayor Lina Montilla before proceeding to the school sites.

Mayor Montilla, acting as the donee, also signed the Deeds of Donation for the two school buildings.

The donation of school buildings to Tacurong is under the “Operation: Barrio Schools” project of FFCCCII.

Started in 1960, “Operation: Barrio Schools” is the longest running private sector-led school building

construction in the Philippines.

Recognized by the government as consistent partner in nation-building, FFCCCII’s project of donating school buildings in the communities where these are needed is part of their corporate social responsibility and thrust of improving Filipino lives.

The classrooms are built through donations from FFCCCII members and from benevolent organizations, families and individuals within the Filipino-Chinese community.

For Tacurong, the donor of the school building in Barangay Tina was Mr. Ong Eng Chan, while the structure in Barangay San Pablo is a donation from a certain Mr. Tai Lian. Of the two only Chan was able to attend the ceremonies.

Other officers who arrived from Manila were Edwin Fabro, Robert Kho Tian Ang and Antonio Cosing.

Moreover, the Tacurong Filipino-Chinese group had been instrumental in realizing the construction of school buildings in the two barangays of the

city. Regional Council

Director Martin Te and Chamber President Manuel Ang made the frequent follow up last year until the time the donation for Tacurong was approved.

For teachers and students in San Emmanuel High School-Annex, the need for school buildings has been more urgent since the school started operating only last year.

Before the classrooms’ construction, the teachers conducted classes in the barangay gymnasium of San Pablo.

Construction of the school buildings was completed in October last year.

Students finally experienced the comfort of true classrooms when the construction of school building donated by FFCCCII was finally completed in October.

Ramelyn Usman, teacher in charge of the San Emmanuel High School-Annex, was very thankful to the benevolence of the Filipino-Chinese businessmen.

She said that the


school building’s construction brought a renewed inspiration to

the teachers as well as to the pioneering 63 Grade 7 students under their

care. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/Allan Freno – LGU Tacurong City)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabat -- Overseas Filipino Workers from the Soccsksargen Region can now fast-track their Overseas Employment Certifi-cate (OEC) thanks to the opening of the one-stop processing center (OSPC) in Koronadal City last Monday, February 18.

One-stop processing center for OFWs opens in Koronadal CityBy Oliver Ross V. Rivera

The OSPC is located at the OWWA-12 Office at Ilao Bldg. Judge Alba St., Brgy. Zone 3, this city.

E v e r y m i g r a n t w o r k e r residing in the region have been dreaming of such service - basically to provide convenience and hasten t h e i r transactions in acquiring an OEC, which is necessary for every Balik Manggagawa

to return to their respective workplaces abroad.

It took some time for the OSPC in

the region to open, apparently because there is no Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)


office existing in the Soccsksargen area.

Soccsksargen region covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

Prior to the OSPC, releasing of OECs was only made possible by deputizing an organic employee of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 to act as POEA’s collecting officer.

Before the OSPC became functional, clients need to renew their membership in OWWA, pay their contributions to PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG, all located in different locations in the city before going to DOLE 12 for the releasing of the OEC.

OWWA-12 Director Abdulghani K. Umag said the one-stop processing center hastens transactions and could therefore generate additional income.

The establishment of

an OSPC in the city is in line with the commitment of the DOLE, OWWA, PhilHealth and POEA to provide Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents easy access to the programs and services of the agencies.

The OSPC aims to provide easy and fast services to vacationing OFWs on the processing of their Balik Manggagawa OECs and renewal of OWWA membership, among other services. (ORVRi-PIA12/Giovanni Docusin, OWWA-12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Sixty-nine families who were forced to leave their houses in Barangay Lamlahak, Lake Sebu last year can now begin a new life outside the evacuation center.

69 displaced families from Lake Sebu rebuild houses, livesBy Danilo E. Doguiles

These families were part of the 138 families from four sub-villages in said barangay who were forced to evacuate to the barangay center early in October 2012 after very large tension cracks were discovered in their areas.

These cracks covered at least 40 hectares of steep slopes that could cause danger to families living in the vicinity if landslides occur.

In November and December, half of the families were allowed to return to their original

homes after officials of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office ascertained that their areas were safe from possible landslides.


The remaining 69 families, mostly from sitio Tokubokung, have since occupied the village’s day-care center, primary school, and a nearby T’boli house.

Early this month, PDRRMO operations officer John Lorca confirmed that a safe relocation site for the displaced families have been identified and bought.

This is a result of months of negotiations between the provincial and municipal DRRMCs.

Said lot, he said, has an area of one hectare and was offered by a

former local official.Clearing of the

area began early this month, followed by the apportioning of the lot to the recipient families via drawing of lots.

Lorca assured measures have been put in place to ascertain that only the families originally identified to need transfer to the new site are included in the drawing of lots.

Last week, South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy led the delivery and distribution of shelter assistance to the 69 families.

As its counterpart

to the rebuilding of houses, the provincial government gave each family two bags of cement, 50 pieces of hollow blocks, 10 galvanized iron sheets for roofing, and five kilograms of assorted nails.

Gov. Pingoy also handed handed out a set of wood saw and hammer for every five families. Each family was also given a sack of rice.

In gratitude, the locals named the relocation site Sitio Pingoy.” (DED-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Co-tabato, –- Politicians cannot use the national government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as a leverage in soliciting votes.

Politicians can’t use 4Ps to solicit votes -- DSWD-ARMMBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Nor should voters believe politicians who claim they have the authority to exclude or add recipients of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program being spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, an official of the agency said.

ARMM vice governor and concurrent DSWD-ARMM secretary Hadja Bainon Karon, made these pronouncements during the recent regional pilot launching of the department’s “Bawal ang EPAL Dito” campaign in ARMM which aims to protect


Politicians can’t use 4Ps to solicit votes -- DSWD-ARMM

dignity of the program and ensure rights of the beneficiaries.

Kadon once again reiterated only DSWD can delist beneficiaries from the program if they have not complied with the set conditions or in any case they had committed any violations.

In accordance with the preventive measures approach of the department, DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman issued a memorandum in

September 2 0 1 2 mandat ing D S W D employees not to participate in political campaigns nor allow themselves to be used in any political propaganda.

In that said memo the Sec. S o l i m a n reminded the employees that if anyone from

DSWD is caught using the program in favor of a politician, he or she will immediately be suspended before a fact-finding investigation will be conducted.

In this regard, Karon vowed any DSWD ARMM personnel -- from municipal links to regional office personnel -- will be suspended when they are named in complaints that describe such circumstances.

DSWD-ARMM have

employed other efforts to ensure that 4Ps will be protected from political interests.

For instance, she said during 4Ps events, they would not allow photos of politician on the tarpaulins; political candidates are also not allowed in part in the program where they could make possibly make use the 4Ps a vehicle for political advancement.

This issue is also covered during Family Development Sessions (FDS) that inculcate among beneficiaries the values of active citizenship, including their rights and responsibilities. She added, these sessions address very important challenges for poor people as well as help the latter understand the power and how to use this power to change their situations.

In anticipation that political candidates would try to make use of the 4Ps to gain leverage, DSWD ARMM has opened a text line where


COTABATO CITY -- The state-run People’s Television (PTV) Network has expanded its Manila newsroom to bring services of development communication closer to the people of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)and Central Mindanao.

PTV expands to ARMM, CMBy Nash Maulana

Julmunir Jannaral, senior desk editor of the PTV Channel 4 in Manila, said the TV network has established a News Bureau for the ARMM and Central Mindanao. The PTV News Bureau shares office and has been in close working collaboration with the Bureau of Public Information of the ARMM.

But Jannaral, who has been designated PTV

bureau chief, was quick to clarify that the local PTV News Bureau is not intended to put up a trade competition with the giant network ABS-CBN, which has established local relay TV stations in some parts of Mindanao and in the Visayas.

“Initially, we only have but literally, a news-processing, video-processing bureau which sends pre-edited news materials to the central

desk in Manila,” said Jannaral.

Jannaral said he was glad that some of his colleagues in the local media have expressed appreciation on the coming of the government TV network, ostensibly as a leap indication of development in their sector.

Fairly, ARMM and Central Mindanao development stories frequently appear in

concerned individuals could send reports, feedbacks and messages about politicians claiming authority over listing and delisting of household beneficiaries.

Complaints may be sent thru SMS with the following information: “name”, “area”, “complaint” to 0918-9122813 where they could avail of the

department’s Grievance Redness System.

“DSWD-ARMM will prepare and distribute advocacy materials that will indicate nobody can remove or add to the list of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries since it’s a national program,” said Sec. Karon.

4Ps in ARMM currently provides cash grants to more than 300,000

households.Enrolled families get

a monthly cash grant of P500 to cover healthcare costs while each child below 14 gets P300 for education. As condition, the beneficiaries are required to send their children to school and submit to regular medical check-ups. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/GLao- DSWD-ARMM)


all of PTV’s three daily major news programs on weekdays--effectively projecting local developments, as well, to the national scene, commented one viewer.

“Our thrust really in the government media is to report on positive deleopments; to bring out to our people what is literally good news to everyone, including our chiildren.”

Last December 17, Jannaral and BPI-ARMM Director Nash B. Maulana met ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman on the partnership which, sources said, would be formalized at the level of the governor and of Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Operations Office (PCOO).

Regional Director Olivia Sodaria of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) confirmed that the partnership has resulted from efforts to effectuate convergence among the PIA, BPI and PTV--which, she said, strengthens at regional level the PCOO organizational

tie up in the national government.

“Basically, we focus on the two mainland provinces of the ARMM plus the Central Mindanao provinces,” Jannaral pointed out.

The PCOO which constitutes the Presidential C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Group is made up, not of individuals, but of establsihed government media entities and c o m m u n i c a t i o n s o rgan iza t ions- -PIA , Radio-TV Malacanang, Bureau of Broadcast, Radio Ng Bayan, Presidential News Desk (PND), Philippine News Agency (PNA)and the People’s Television (PTV).

Jannaral said he was

happy to report also to the governor, in behalf of the PTV general manager, that the law amending the network’s old charter has been passed by Congress, and is now at the Presidential table for signature.

Some of the salient features of the network’s amended charter include: allowing PTV to generate revenues through commercial a d v e r t i s e m e n t production and placements; integation with other government-run television stations which have not been privatized or sold to private etities or corporate groups, and an increase of its national budget from P 1 Billion to P 6 Billion, progressively


DAVAO CITY- The Araw ng Dabaw Celebration kicked off officially Monday in a simple ceremony sans Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who was on official leave of absence. The affair was well attended though by local government officials from members of the city council, department heads of the city government, representatives of the diplomatic corps, regional directors of line government agencies, police and

the military. In a statement read by Jason Magnaye, acting chief of the City Tourism Office, the mayor said the opening salvo of the 76th Araw ng Dabaw is started earlier to give everyone time to prepare for the grandiose celebration. “We open the Araw ng Dabaw celebration a week earlier to give everyone ample time to get ready,” Duterte-Carpio said. She also conveyed her full support and solidarity to

the success of the Araw ng Dabaw Celebration. This year’s festivities will revolve on the theme,”Kapayapaan,” and will be done in partnership with the Duaw Dabaw Foundation. One of the highlights of this festivity is the civil-military parade dubbed as “Parada Dabawenyo on March 16 which will be participated in by national agencies, schools, non- government organizations, people’s

76th Araw ng Dabaw formally openedby Joey Dalumpines


76th Araw ng Dabaw formally opened

DavNor to pay sports complex contractor upon LGU’s acceptance

organization, barangay and the business sector. Duterte-Carpio recalled that since the Diamond year celebration of the founding anniversary in 2012, the city has been resilient in surpassing the challenges of the past. She underscored how every Davaoeno values the peace that prevails in the city. “Peace not just demonstrated by the absence of discord and conflict, but peace that brings unity and harmony among its people,” Duterte-Carpio said. She said every resident values not only peace and order but the peace that reigns in every family. Duterte-Carpio said it is this

peace that propels everyone as proud sons and daughters of Davao City. “Let’s be proud that as we say in Davao City: life is here, hope we can be truly proud that we are Davaoeno,” Duterte-Carpio said. By virtue of the Commonwealth Act No. 51 also known as the Charter City of Davao, the town of Davao became a city under the sponsorship of then Assemblyman Romualdo Quimpo on October 16,1936. Davao City was officially inaugurated on March 1, 1937 with Elpidio Quirino, then secretary of the interior, representing President Manuel L. Quezon in the program. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

TAGUM CITY-Davao del Norte Gov-ernor Rodolfo del Rosario is confi-dent that the P242-million Sports and Cultural Complex will be highly advantageous to the gov-ernment in terms of quality and return on investment (ROI). “We have not yet paid a sin-gle centavo to the contractor of the Sports Complex pending its offi-cial turn-over and my acceptance,” del Rosario said. However, he add-ed, it is already being used by the province as venue for the five-day Davao Region Athletics Association (DAVRAA) 2012 Games. Under a turnkey arrange-

ment, contractor Young Builders Corporation invested in the “design and construction” of the Davao del Norte Sports and Cultural Complex, and will be paid only by the govern-ment after its official turnover and acceptance by the Governor. “I still have to make a final inspection so the DAVRAA Games will be a good opportunity to test its quality,” he said. The design and construction of the Sports Complex was subjected to open bidding and those who made a bid for the proj-ect submitted their designs on the day of the bidding, he added. But while the contractor took


charge of the design and the con-struction of the Sports Complex, he said, a committee which includes the Provincial Engineering Office was created to look into the design and the plan. The local govern-ment monitored the quality of the materials used and the construc-tion itself, he added. “The contractor was almost ready to give up the project be-

cause we were al-ways asking them to repeat what they have already con-structed,” Del Ro-sario said. The amount of P242,777,070.71, which was expend-ed by the contrac-tor in advance, included the con-struction of the Main Grandstand, the Olympic-sized swimming pool with warm-up pool and

Grand Stand, the eight-lane rub-berized oval track and the outdoor playing court. Del Rosario said he expects the Sports Complex to be filled by up to 5,000 people during the DAVRAA. The province is also eyeing other sports events including the PRI-SAA, Palarong Pambansa and the BIMP-EAGA Games.(lovely carillo)

Did you know...that the late Governor Oriental Governor and former Mati City Mayor Francisco Paking Rabat was member of the Philippine national basketball team he was part of the Philippine team which placed 3rd in the 1954 World Championships in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, the high-est place finish for an Asian nation in world basketball competitions.


PNoy to visit CdeO, Misamis Orientalby Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is set to visit Cagayan de Oro, tomorrow, February 26, Tuesday for briefing and inspection of ongoing projects particularly the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LADP), Xavier Ecoville Lumbia Resettlement Project and Cagayan de Oro River Basin Flood Control Project.


The day will be full as the President goes to these places one by one. First on the list will be the LADP. He will be expected to arrive with Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya of Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). At the Laguindingan Airport Development Project site, he will walk through and inspect the physical structure and get briefing by Secretary Abaya and the project manager of Laguindingan airport Engr. Edgardo J. Mangalili. Also present will be the Hanjin contractor and local leaders of the Laguindingan municipality. Second venue is at the Ecoville Resettlement Project at barangay

Lumbia. He will be received and briefed by Xavier University President Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional director Evelyn T. Barroso, National Housing Authority (NHA) manager Engr. Judy A. Fernandez, and Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) region 10 director Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo. Included on the list will be the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Flood Control Project. The president is expected to inspect the site through aerial view of the two parallel rivers—Cagayan de Oro and Iponan from above and see the current activity and development of the project. Head of this project is the DPWH and local government of Cagayan de Oro.

Rebels raid Del Monte, Dole plantations in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Nearly 100 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels staged simultaneous attacks on agro-industrial firms Del Monte and Dole headquarters in Bukidnon on Tuesday, 6 p.m., leaving one dead and three others injured.

by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

Camp Phillips Memorial Hospital resident physician identified the casualty as Alfredo Neri, who was the guard on duty at the gate when the rebels attacked the Del Monte Philippines, Inc. compound. Capt. Eduardo Meclat Jr, chief of

civil military operations of army’s 403rd Brigade here said about 50 rebels, believed to be combined elements of Front Committee 89 and North Central Mindanao Committee, swooped down on Del Monte compound in Camp Philips, Manolo Fortich and shot at the


company’s guards. The rebels, who arrived in two trucks, burned a tractor, a sprayer truck, and other equipment inside the compound. They carted off the guards’ three M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, six caliber 45, and three 9mm pistol, Meclat said. Del Monte’s fertilizer warehouse and logistics office at Vista Villa in a neighboring town were also destroyed and burned. Around the same time, more than 40 NPA rebels also raided Dole Philippines’ headquarters in La Fortuna, Impasugong, where they scavenged and looted buildings, carted off employees’ cellphones, laptops, and other valuables, Meclat said. Police reports, meanwhile, said the PNP’s Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) were blocked in the NPA-setup checkpoint at about

6:20 p.m. while they were en route to respond to a report of a ‘supposed armed robbery’ at a gasoline station in Manolo Fortich. Police forces immediately opened fire on rebels manning the checkpoint. The firefight lasted for 20 minutes. As the rebels sensed the advancing army troops, they immediately moved back westward, witnesses said. No casualties reported on both sides. The three sites simultaneously attacked by the rebels were Camp Phillips in Manolo Fortich town, Vista Villa in Sumilao town and La Fortuna in the town of Impasug-ong. Local police have been sent to secure and conduct investigation at the sites, while members of the 58th and 8th Infantry Battalions were scouring the area to hunt the fleeing rebels.

Oroquieta City schools commemorate EDSA revolutionby Rutchie C. AguhobOROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Oroquieta City Schools Division opened the celebration of the 27th EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary (EPPRA) Week during the flag raising ceremony last February 18.

History teachers then shared information about the revolution which took place at the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue in Manila. Observed from Feb. 17-23

every year as stated in Presidential Proclamation 224, the EPPRA Week highlights the commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Feb. 25, 1986.


This year’s theme is: “EDSA 27: Pilipinas Natin, Abot-Tanaw Na!” The revolution gained international prominence for d e m o c r a c y - l o v i n g Filipinos, as the nation was released from martial law and where Corazon C o j u a n c o - A q u i n o , mother of President Benigno Aquino III was declared as the first woman president of the country. Schools Division S u p e r i n t e n d e n t Agustines E. Cepe, Ph.D, said school-based activities promoting the values of the EDSA People Power Revolution, such as unity, democracy and nationalism will be conducted by several school districts from February19-22. Meanwhile, Araling Panlipunan Education Program Supervisor Francis J. Buac said a fun run dubbed: “Dagan DepEd Para sa EDSA 27” is scheduled on February 22 to be participated in by teachers and students of the division. Preceded by a morning praise at 5:30 a.m. and a “hataw” physical fitness exercise, the activity will take place at 7:00 a.m. after which a short program will follow where Cepe will

give a message on the significance of the event. Buac said video clips about the EDSA People Power Revolution will also be shown during the event.


RDC Chair sees bright future for Caraga at 18

BUTUAN CITY -- Regional Development Council Chairperson and Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas sees a bright future for Caraga Region.

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

by Noel B. Najarro


In a press conference held at the conference room of Department of Agriculture (Caraga) Region XIII regional office, on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of the region, Matugas said it was underdevelopment which challenged Caraga lawmakers 18-years ago to place the region on the Philippine map.

She said that on February 23, 1995, then President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act 7901 creating Caraga region on Feb. 23, 1995.

According to her, the next 18 years will be filled with more challenges. “After 18 years, our quest for economic and social progress continues. We are challenged to do great feats and create groundbreaking ideas to lift Caraga from its lowly position as the poorest region in the country,” Matugas said.

The RDC chair challenged her fellow RDC members as well as the Caraganons to work harder to be alleviated from poverty. She pointed out that 2015 is fast approaching which make all stakeholders to be pressed to fulfill the targets of the Millennium Development

Goals.Matugas also pointed out

that for Caraga to be developed economically and socially progressive region, it should be positioned as the Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mining and Eco-Tourism or the (FAME) center of the country.

She said that the region’s economy experienced resurgence, posting a growth rate of 9.6 % in 2011, the fastest growth among the regions.

Matugas also said that the region’s impressive growth was fueled by the expansion of its Service and Industry sectors and the rebound of its Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing sectors.

In attendance during said press forum were RED Edna M. Mabeza, DA-Caraga; Hon. Zenaida Brigida S. Pawid, NCIP Chairperson, Gov. Matugas, BGen. (Res) Charito B. Plaza, the former lawmaker who sponsored the bill creating Caraga region, Dir. Carmencita Conhingco, NEDA XIII; Atty. Marilyn M. Pintor, CHR XIII regional director and PSInsp. Venus Nelmida, WCPD of Butuan City Police Office. (PNA)


In a memorandum of agreement signed by the parties, the DA-BAR will provide P1.5 million to the city government as institutional development support to establish a vermicomposting facility in Butuan City.

The project aims to further promote agricultural productivity and support for local farmersa Vermi-Composting facility in this city.

The DA-BAR will first create an evaluation team in coordination with

LGU-Butuan to keep track of the project’s progress. On the other hand, the city government is responsible for the orderly, systematic and timely implementation of the said project.

Vermicomposting is a process or method of composting through the utilization of worms to turn organic wastes such as scraps, garden waste, manure, paper, wood, and other agricultural and industrial organic wastes into high quality compost.

by Junesther Jean S. Iway

Vermicomposting project in Butuan City

BUTUAN CITY -- The local government will partner with the Department of Agriculture and the the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) to put up a vermicomposting project here.


P28-M farm-to-market road benefits 5 barangays in Agusan del Norteby Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY -- The Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project Phase III (DAR-ARISP III) recently turned-over the completed 6.5-kilometer (km) concrete farm-to-market road worth P28 million to the local government of R.T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte.

More than 11,000 residents in barangays Tagbongabong, Basilisa, Balangbalang, Poblacion II, and San Antonio Agrarian Reform Communities (TAGBABAPSA ARC) benefited from the project with 989 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) including hundreds of residents from neighboring barangays.

The road project provides better accessibility to three barangays, from national road junction in Poblacion II traversing Brgy.

Balangbalang to San Antonio. DAR Caraga Regional Director

Faisar A. Mambuay, Andre B. Atega also of DAR, and Mayor Nilo D. Soliva led the ceremonial ribbon cutting and unveiling of the marker.

Mambuay said, “This project is expected to improve lives and reduce poverty level of agrarian reform beneficiaries, farmers and residents in the community.”

Atega said the project will increase household income and


change the way of life among the residents. He asked the local officials as well as the residents to take care of the project to prolong its service.

Mayor Soliva lauded government initiatives like DAR’s interventions that dramatically increase productivity and boost economic condition which change not only the landscape but positively ease in commuting and lessen transport cost.

“This road brings rapid growth that lead to the prosperity of my constituents,” Soliva added.

Jeanda Agao, one of the recipients, said the project indeed, is a dream come true to the residents, who endured years of bad road condition, but now, they have an accessible road that greatly improve the mobilization of agricultural products.

“Ang maong proyekto dako og tabang kay dili na kami maglisod sa pagdala sa among produkto ngadto sa kamerkadohan (the project greatly helps because we can easily bring our products to the market),” Jeanda said.

Witnessing the said activity were Vice Mayor Eleuterio R. Enriquez; Denia Jabagat and Virgie Batosalem of DAR; Danilo E. Versola of DPWH; District Engineer Salvador E. Montil Jr., San Antonio Brgy. Chairman Diosdado Enriquez; and some local residents.

The project is jointly funded by government and by Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) implemented under DAR’s Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project, Phase III (ARISP III).


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...

Documents

One Mindanao - February 25, 2013