One Mindanao - January 10, 2013

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, 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 Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Adviser :

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

Western 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

Cover Story

Unity in action in responding to the impact of typhoon Pablo

Joey Sem G. DalumpinesSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Thursday, January 10, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 100

page 4

Philippines and Japan agree to enhance cooperation in maritime security 8

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Council acts to address the proliferation of Badjao’s in the city 14Streamlined business renewal nets more permits17 Rudolph Alama, Southern Mindanao

BSP partners with MisOr on credit surety fund

DOH 12 advances anti-smoking drive

20 Shahana Joy E. Duerme, Central Mindanao

Koronadal LGU opens 4,000 new tricycle franchisesDani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

7

10

12

15

19

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Fortun pushes for establishment of seaport in Butuan Eldie N. David, Caraga Region

23

27

13

Surigao Norte spearheads Program Review Workshop

Arturo M. Cruje, Caraga Region2628

Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan , Western Mindanao

LGU-Bayog holds 1st Joint MPOC, MDC, MDRRMC meeting for 2013

Thursday, January 10, 20134

Having been informed of the possible outcome, local government units wasted no time to inform the residents to conduct pre-emptive evacuation by urging on residents to stay away from rivers and landslide-prone areas and to brace for all possible consequences of the storm which weather forecasters predicted to be very strong. Incidentally, complacency prevailed among many residents. Many in their lifetime never experienced a strong typhoon to hit Davao Region which had been spared even by typhoon Sendong in 2011. Tony Cloma, operations chief of the Office of Civil Defense XI in his assessment said it was the first time for many people

residing in areas hardest to experience the disaster brought about by a storm as strong as typhoon Pablo. He recalled that the typhoon closest to the memory of many residents was typhoon Titang which destroyed farmlands, houses and infrastructure; and killed and displaced many families in Central Mindanao in 1970. “Typhoon Pablo was the first to hit Davao Region for so many years,” Cloma said. He maintained that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration was never remiss in giving accurate information to the public on weather


Davao Region had most of the the hardest hit

areas during the onslaught of typhoon Pablo on December 4, 2012. Before the weather system wrecked havoc to many parts of Southeastern Mindanao, everyone was upbeat preparing for the holidays.

CoVer StoRy

by Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

Thursday, January 10, 2013 5


systems, even the strength of typhoon Pablo. Cloma disclosed based on the official count, a total of 1,016 were killed by typhoon Pablo in Davao Region of whom 702 were identified and 308 were identified. He also said that 426 people remain missing while a total of 2,674 people were injured. Cloma said a total of 984, 346 families comprising 4,272, 312 persons were also affected. He said as reported by the Department of Agriculture XI, damage to livestock was estimated at P301,386, 320 and crops at P23,415,001,590. Cloma said a total of P602,700,000 worth of roads and bridges in the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley were also destroyed.He also said a grand total of P668,908,000 worth of school buildings were also wiped out in the storm. He said the OCD XI is coordinating all the time with the disaster risk reduction and management councils from the barangay, municipality, city and provincial levels to ensure the safety of the residents given the danger created by the weather system. Cloma said the DRRMC must take the lead in preserving lives and property by conducting pre-emptive and forced evacuation if needed and that the evacuation area

must be safe for residents who will be taking refuge. “As provided by law under Republic Act 10121, DRMMC must be strengthened in terms of preparedness. On the municipal level, they must have functional and active responders with ready rescue groups which are adequately equipped in handling emergency situations,” Cloma said. He said the operation centers of all local government units must be manned and active all the time. Genelito Atillo, spokesperson of the Department of Education XI and the education cluster said they are hard press to bring normalcy to the distressed areas since classes resumed on January 3. He said stress debriefings are being conducted involving teachers and students for them to overcome the trauma caused by their ordeal during the storm. Atillo revealed challenges under the current condition include devastated


school buildings, evacuees who no longer want to leave the schools as evacuation centers, lost school records, books and school supplies for pupils and high school students. “We target January 14 for all affected schools to operate again. One tent per school will be provided as temporary learning space. 48 tents will be set up in all identified municipalities to resume classes and attain a semblance of normalcy,” he said. Atillo said all schools are ordered by Education Secretary Armin Luistro, to accommodate pupils who survived the storm if they intend to transfer studies to other areas. He said the impact of typhoon Pablo may be the biggest disaster to hit the region, but it also showed the dedication and resolve of government to reach out to the victims and survivors. “We thanked the police and the soldiers for providing warm bodies and equipment in bringing relief goods and putting things in order in many areas,” Atillo said. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has extended assistance to 35 municipalities and 441 barangays including severely-devastated towns of New Bataan, Compostela, Monkayo and Montevista in Compostela Valley; and Baganga, Cateel and Boston in Davao Oriental since December 4. Carmela Duron, spokesperson of the DSWD XI disclosed that the DSWD has provided 675,162 Family Food Packs worth P353,663,250.00

while additional family food packs of 135,665 were delivered by the provincial and local government units.She said private persons and organization also contributed 98,929 of relief packs all amounting to P81,146,020.87. Duron said the DSWD also received P3.3 Million as donations while P3,730,000.00 was disbursed as financial assistance to families whose members perished. “Total cost of assistance extended by DSWD is P402,980,724.64 which covers food and non-food items,” she said. Inspector Rowena Jacosalem, deputy spokesperson of the Police Regional Office XI said that the police with the soldiers are working round-the-clock in the repacking of relief goods at the Inter-Agency Relief Coordinating Center at the depot of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Panacan.She said that on the communities, law enforcers even from nearby regions are deployed to ensure peace and order as people lives bounce back to normalcy. “We are in for a long haul to help typhoon survivors back to their normal lives,” Jacosalem said.


ACROSS THE NATIONPhilippines, Japan agree for peaceful resolution of West Philippine Sea dispute

The Philippines and Japan shared common interests for the peaceful resolution of the West Philippines Sea dispute and both countries are cooperating to resolve the issue, a foreign affairs official said on Thursday.

“I think there’s a mutual agreement that we should pursue a peaceful resolution to these disputes and we’re trying to find out what the right formulation is,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told the media in a press conference in Malacanang following Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III held at the Palace’s Ramos

Room.Del Rosario said he, the President and

Kishida talked about the challenges that the Philippines and Japan are facing in view of China’s territorial assertions. In the bilateral meeting, Del Rosario said they expressed the Philippines’ position and how the country consistently carries out these strategies.

8 Thursday, January 10, 2013

Asked by reporters how big does the China challenge pose to the Philippines and Japan, del Rosario said both countries recognize the magnitude of the challenge.

“I think we all understand that the assertions being made by China in terms of their nine-dash line claim, for example, do pose threats to the stability of the region. We also need to be able to address the possibility that the freedom of navigation would be adversely impacted,” he explained.

To enhance maritime cooperation, both

countries became active in conducting maritime forums, he said. These expanded forums were very successful, and Japan and the Philippines are planning for a second expanded maritime forum under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Aside from the West Philippine Sea issue, del Rosario said they also discussed economic relations, trade and investment, tourism, Japan’s official development assistance to the Philippines, as well as infrastructure projects funded by the Japanese government. PND (as)

Philippines and Japan agree to enhance cooperation in maritime security

The Philippines and Japan agreed to closely work together

in enhancing cooperation in maritime security, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said.


Philippines and Japan agree to enhance cooperation in maritime security

Del Rosario said during a press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday that the Philippines and Japan will enhance ties between their coast guards.

“We also discussed maritime security and we discussed assistance to the (Philippine) Coast Guard in terms of its multi-role response vessels which is being funded by the Japanese government,” del Rosario told the media following the courtesy call of visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Malacanang on Thursday.

President Benigno S. Aquino III received Japanese Foreign Minister Kishida who reaffirmed his country’s commitment to work with the Philippines in fostering their relations on the basis of mutual respect and understanding.

The official visit of the foreign minister reaffirms the strategic partnership between the Philippines

and Japan.Del Rosario said the Japanese

government has been assisting the Philippines in strengthening the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through human resource development and augmentation of much needed communications system equipment for maritime safety.

“We also discussed the communication system for maritime safety which also would be for the benefit of the Coast Guard. We discussed regional issues—the regional issues encompasse the West Philippine Sea,” Rosario said.

Del Rasario noted that there will be a regular exchange of views and dialogue between officials of the two countries on maritime and ocean affairs.

“We have these multi-role response vessels. Ten of them are being funded by Japan for our Coast Guard,” he said. PND (js)


Update: LPA in Pacific Ocean dissipates, rains continue in Mindanao -- PAGASA

The low pressure area (LPA) recently spotted off the Pacific Ocean has dissipated while the other LPA near the Philippine

Area of Responsibility continues to affect Mindanao, the state weather bureau said.


Update: LPA in Pacific Ocean dissipates, rains continue in Mindanao -- PAGASA

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Forecaster Arvin Bordon said that as of 8 a.m. Thursday, the first LPA which re-entered and exited again was spotted at 480 km southeast of General Santos City (3.4°N, 128.0°E) embedded along the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao.

“Nasa labas ito ng PAR line pero patuloy pa rin ito nakakaapekto sa Mindanao,” he said.

Bordon said the weather disturbance is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone but the agency continues to monitor it.

He said its formation has started

to disorganize and its clouds will likely merge with the ITCZ.

However, Bordon said the LPA is still expected to bring cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rains over Mindanao, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

He said that some parts of Visayas including province of Bohol, Leyte, Samar and Mindanao will experience moderate to heavy rains which also threatens of trigger flashfloods and landslides because of the extension of the LPA’s trough to this region.

Residents in these areas are advised to take all the necessary precautionary measures, he added. (PNA)


Lanao Norte LGU gives financial aid for road improvementby KHMJ & LAR/PIO-LDN

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte -- More than P8-million pesos was granted by the Provincial Government for the towns of Kolambugan, Tagoloan, Tangcal, Matungao, Magsaysay, Poona Piagapo and Kapatagan for the implementation of KALAHI- CIDDS projects.

Last January 4, 2013, a project blessing and turn-over ceremony was held at San Isidro, Kapatagan for the newly upgraded Donggo-an-Bagong Badian-Kahayagan-San Isidro farm to market road. This infrastructure project is part of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) for areas under KALAHI-CIDDS program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDDS) projects are initiated by the local

communities and supported by the municipal LGUs. “We allow our municipalities to access the province’s 20-percent development fund so it will be financially easier for them to implement these vital infrastructure projects,” Governor Khalid Dimaporo explained. Projects under the KALAHI-CIDDS and MRDP are both supported by the provincial government under its Counterparting Program initiated by Governor Dimaporo. “We are happy that this project was granted by the MRDP, counterparted by the Provincial

http://www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph/


The memorandum of agreement (MoA) creating the Northern Mindanao Credit Surety Fund (NMCSF) was inked by BSP Monetary Board Member Felipe M. Medalla and Governor Oscar S. Moreno on Monday together with the representatives of the 15 cooperatives in the region who have committed to join the NMCSF. Top officials of the Land Bank of the Philippines, the Development of the Philippines, and the Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund also signed the agreement and pledged contributions to augment the fund. Medalla said the CSF was created that pools the contributions of well-managed cooperatives in the province and those from other nearby provinces and municipalities, as well as counterpart contributions from the provincial government of Misamis Oriental and partner institutions.

The fund will serve as surety for loans extended by banks to micro, small and medium enterprises participating in the program in lieu of hard collaterals. According to the BSP, the participating cooperatives contributed an aggregate amount of P9.4 million while the provincial government pledged P2 million. With the implementation of the program, Medalla said it will attract more business ventures in the area. Moreno expressed appreciation to the BSP and partner institutions of the program saying the CSF will reinforce the collective effort to improve Mindanao. The NMCSF may not be the biggest but I have no doubt that this can surpass other surety funds with the kind of determination and passion our people here have demonstrated,

BSP partners with MisOr on credit surety fundby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has sealed a partnership with the provincial government of Misamis Oriental to create a surety fund to help small businessmen secure collateral-free loans from banks.

Government of Lanao del Norte. Finally, residents of San Isidro will have an easier access to their farms and businesses,” Kapatagan Mayor Benjie Baguio said. The ceremony also included the handing over of the project key by Director Lealyn Ramos of the Department of Agriculture to Mayor

Baguio as well as the distribution of a corn sheller and farm tools to Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) beneficiaries. Groundbreaking schedule for Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Tangcal and Poona Piagapo is set on January 7, 9 and 10, 2013 respectively.


the governor added. The CSF program, now on its fifth year, has been institutionalized in 19 provinces and seven cities nationwide. The NMCSF is the 27th CSF launched in the country. Provincial Vice-Governor Norris C. Babiera, meanwhile, underscored the importance of the program in encouraging economic activity and

countryside development. He said the CSF is a vehicle towards access to credit and capital that is most needed by MSMEs. The provincial government joined the program to empower our cooperatives and striving small businessmen access to credit and capital thereby enhancing our poverty-alleviation program, he added.

Council acts to address the proliferation of Badjao’s in the cityby Rutchie C. AguhobOZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The City Council here has passed a resolution addressed to City Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez to bring to the attention of the Regional Development Council, region 10, the issues and concerns of Badjao’s that proliferate in the city. The City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) reports that there are about 60 Badjao’s from Jolo, Sulu and Basilan presently roaming the city streets, whose activities include, among others, the begging, carrying naked and malnourished infants to attract patrons and cooking, as well as, eating in the sidewalks. They also show unruly behavior, get angry when given only P1.00 coins, refuse to accept donations of food or in kind, murmur and curse when not given alms and leave their children to fight over food. With the Badjao’s nomadic culture, there is a difficulty in establishing the data on their number and specific needs, as peace and order problems have removed them from

their communities. The Council thinks that these scenario may not only be happening in Ozamiz but might also be true in other cities with the same or even greater magnitude, particularly where the Badjao’s are present. Thus, the Council has passed Resolution No. 164-12 titled “A Resolution Requesting City Mayor Nova Princess E. Parohinog-Echavez to Bring to the Attention of the Regional Development Council, region 10, the Social Agenda Concerning the Proliferation of Vagabonds commonly known as ‘Badjao’s’ Not Only in the Region but in the Entire Nation, in Order for the Concerned Local Government Units to Adopt a Uniform Approach in Addressing the Same.”


Council acts to address the proliferation of Badjao’s in the city

TAGUM CITY-Typhoon Pablo se-verely-hit provinces of Davao Ori-ental and Compostela Valley re-cently got commitments of Senate Climate Change Committee chair Senator Loren Legarda to receive financial assistance for building houses for displaced families.

In her visit in Compostela Valley, Legarda promised 1st District House Representative Maria Carmen Zamora to donate P1 million to each of the severely affected towns which mostly are located in the 1st district of the province. The rebuilding

donation taken from her Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) was on top of her donation for school supplies, relief goods and classrooms she committed for Compostela Valley. In her swing to Davao

Legarda pledges for typhoon victims’ housing by Lovely Carillo


Oriental, Legarda also committed to turn-over to the provincial government P5 million for housing projects benefitting the displaced families. She learned that the provincial government of Davao Oriental had designed its rebuilding plan which incorporates its intention to put an initial of 100 permanent housing units in a resettlement site in Baganga, each unit costing P80,000. Governor Corazon Malanyaon told her that the project will make use of the financial donations held in trust account and that the provincial government also campaigns for assistance in realizing such project, giving assurance to donors that “they will see 12 houses for every P1 million they give.” “We are asking them to come for the turning over ceremony,”

Malanyaon explained. Legarda promised to pitch in additional donation for housing units that she saw she could raise from campaign donations. “I could ask those who will donate for my campaign to instead give their P1 million for the housing project,” she told Malanyaon. Legarda also eyed to save more for housing donations from her advertising expenses which usually cost P1 million for every two 30-seconder spot. “That would change lives of 12 families,” she said. She also promised Malanyaon to bring to the attention of the country ambassadors to the Philippines, the concern to build shelter for typhoon victims, saying each ambassador could donate 10 houses at P80,000 each.

facts and figures

68 The number of new business permits is-sued by the Business Bureau of the City Gov-ernment of Davao for this year.


Streamlined business renewal nets more permits

DAVAO CITY- A more stream-lined business renewal pro-cess has increased the number of business permits issued by the Business Bureau of the City Government of Davao. According to Atty. Tristan Domingo, for the first eight days of the renewal process for business permits they had issued about 2,179 permits this year compared to 1,748 permits in 2012. Domingo said that they had reduced the number of steps in the process for the renewal of business permits. “From 7 to 10 steps now it is down to only about 4 to 5.” Domingo said. Among the steps they taken away were the signatures from regulatory agencies like the City Veterinarian’s Office. However the number of people transacting business has gone down from about 14,000 people last year down to 11,254

this year. Domingo says that part of the reason is that they have strictly implemented the requirement for the Certified List of Employees. Domingo also said that about 97 parties have formally asked the bureau that they would open new businesses for this year and they have issued 68 new business permits. The Business Bureau chief has urged business owners and taxpayers to come to the Business Bureau office at Sangguniang Panglungsod and at the satellite office at the NCCC Mall in Matina, Davao City, they are open even on weekends until the deadline on January 20. Domingo said that he is expecting the onrush of business renewal transactions days nearing the deadline. (PIA/RG Alama)

by Rudolph Alama


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez confers with provincial health officer Dr. Antonio Yasana (right) on a workshop for the action plans based on the ba-rangay health outcomes during the second day of the Sarangani 2nd Province-Wide Health Summit at Family Country Hotel and Convention Center Wednesday, January 9. Health summit participants were municipal mayors, barangay chairs and their councilors, planning and health officers, and local health workers. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Provincial Health Summit


Sarangani Provincial Health Summit

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kabacan, North Cotabato in cooperation with the Kabacan Local Govern-ment Muslim Employees Association (KALGMEA) conducted yesterday an ad-vocacy and educational program with regards to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

North Cotabato town holds educational program on the Framework AgreementBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Municipal regis-trar head Gandy Ma-maluba said the ac-tivity was attended by thousands of resi-dents of the area.

He said an open fo-rum paved the way for the participants to raise their opinions and for the speakers to answer questions on the contents of the signed agreement.

Meanwhile, Prof. Bary Angkal of the Office of the First Vice Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Cen-tral Committee who served as one of the guest speakers em-phasized that when-ever established, the Bangsamoro govern-ment will not have

its own flag as it is stated in the agree-ment that it will still be under the rule of the government of the Philippines.

Also, the Bang-samoro government will not form its own armed forces but will only organize the Bangsamoro Police.

Although the agree-ment is not yet final, Angkal explained that the Bangsamoro Po-lice will work with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to guard and strengthen their covered entities.

He also said that the formation of the group will undergo a thorough process be-fore implementation.

As to wealth shar-

ing, 70 percent will go to the Bangsam-oro government while the remaining 30 per-cent will be given to the national govern-ment.

On the other hand, University of South-ern Mindanao (USM) Pres. Dr. Jesus Anto-nio Derije expressed his full support on Framework Agree-ment as well as on the initiative of the Kabacan LGU in con-ducting the activity.

In his message, the official stated that through the agree-ment, there will be a great chance of ending conflicts and achieving lasting peace in Mindanao.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The Department of Health (DOH)12 is intensifying its campaign against smoking in Soccsksargen region.

DOH 12 advances anti-smoking driveBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme

This is in response to information revealed last year by the International Labor Organization which says 28.3 percent or 17.3 million Filipinos age 15 and above are smoking. In addition, more than 13 million use tobacco everyday. It alsorevealerd that people die not only because of tobacco use but also due to exposure.

Given this alarming information, DOH-12 will increase the number of posters to

major smoking areas indicating the “no smoking” campaign.

It will also intensify its projects and programs relative to fighting smoking in order to develop more smoke-free communities in the region.

D O H - 1 2 information officer Jenny Ventura said that they are hopeful that through this action, the number of smokers will be lessened.

Aside from this, the

department is also in full support to the Sin Tax Law as it can help intensify the said advocacy.

President Benigno Aquino III signed the mentioned law last year imposing higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol products.

Meanwhile, Ventura encourages those who want to quit smoking to visit their clinic in Cotabato City or in the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center as they are giving free consultations and medicines.

Koronadal LGU opens 4,000 new tricycle franchisesBy Dani DoguilesKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Soon, 8,000 tricycles will legally be plying Koronadal City’s thoroughfares.

This after the city council here approved the resolution seeking

for the opening of more than 4,000 franchises for tricycle operators

in line with the efforts of the local government to curb the problem


DOH 12 advances anti-smoking drive of colorum tricycles operating in the city.

City councilor Floro Calixton, chair of the city council’s committee on transportation, announced at least 4,230 fresh franchises will be offered for application in the coming weeks.

Per data from the City Franchising Office the city has 3,770 active tricycle franchises. These new franchises, he explained, would increase the number of legitimate tricycles in the city to 8,000, which he said should be enough to serve the city’s growing population.

“Date of implementation of the resolution, however, would depend on the decision of the local chief executive,” Calixton said.

Koronadal City is the administrative seat of Soccsksargen Region or Region 12.

Meanwhile, city administrator Cyrus Jose Urbano, clarified in a radio interview yesterday that they have yet not set a definite date to start processing applications for new franchises because of the on-going implementation of the city’s codification ordinance.

K o r o n a d a l ’ s codification ordinance mandates the repainting and renumbering of tricycle here with active franchises. It also aims to verify the actual number of units legally operating here.

“Most likely, implementation of the

resolution will begin in the second quarter of this year to give time for the completion of the on-going codification program,” Urbano added.

Tricycle operators here welcome the city LGU’s decision to open new franchises.

Peligro Hipolito, president of the Federation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (FETODA) of Koronadal City, described the resolution “a good move.”

“Four thousand new franchises are sufficient to accommodate the illegally operating tricycles in the city,” he said.

This way, he said, the city governments

concern over colorum tricycles will be solved and illegal operators would be given the chance to also earn income for families without fear of penalties.


Alert level 1 raised in Surigao City, provinces of Dinagat Islandsby Susil Ragas

BUTUAN CITY -- An alert level one was raised early today in Surigao City, the provinces of Dinagat Islands and the entire municipalities of Surigao del Norte following a continuous rainfall which started Wednesday morning, January 9.

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


Surigao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Coiuncil (DRRMC), Dinagat Islands PDRRMC and the municipal DRRMCs hoisted early this morning an alert level one upon recommendation from the weather bureau Pagasa.

The councils advised the suspension of classes in the pre-school and elementary levels and urged the public to be vigilant.

Pagasa Surigao chief Jun Arpon, in a radio interview, said the continuous rainfall being experienced was brought about by an Inter Tropical Convergence Zone and Low Pressure Area (LPA) estimated at 490 km Southeast of Gen. Santos City and another

LPA estimated at 1090 km East of Mindanao.

They also advised all the residents situated at the steep slope and low lying areas to take precautionary measures for possible landslides and flashfloods.

On the other hand, Surigao del Norte PDRRMC and Local officials have already started monitoring the water level along riverbanks of the municipalities of Mainit, Malimono, Bacuag and Placer and other areas of the province prone to landslides and flash floods.

As of posting, light to heavy rains are being experienced in the two provinces. There is yet no advise to evacuate residents.

Fortun pushes for establishment of seaport in Butuanby Eldie N. David

BUTUAN CITY -- Congressional front runner and Vice Mayor Lawrence “Law” Fortun has vowed to push for the development of a sea port in Butuan City if elected in next year’s elections.


In a radio interview, Fortun revealed that the establishment of a sea port in Butuan will definitely spur economic development in the city as this will complement the on-going infrastructure projects being implemented in the city.

“If a sea port of international standard is established in Butuan City, this will complement the on-going upgrading of the Bancasi Airport and the development of the Butuan-Malaybalay road,” Fortun said.

“If this is realized, it will now be easy for the products coming from Bukidnon and from all over Caraga region to be transported to Visayas and Luzon which will result to a cheaper products being sold elsewhere”, Fortun added.

The local government of Butuan

has been aggressively offering the development of Masao port for possible public-private partnership (PPP) project.

In support to this effort, Fortun authored the PPP Code of Butuan which laid down the guidelines and parameters for all joint venture projects that will be entered by the government and the private sector.

Apart from the sea port, Fortun also said that he will push for the completion of the farm-to-market roads especially in the Municipality of Las Nieves which has long been neglected in the past. This is just some of the priority programs that Fortun, who is seeking the First Congressional seat of Agusan del Norte (Butuan City and Las Nieves), that will push if elected in next year’s elections.


Surigao Norte spearheads Program Review Workshopby Arturo M. Cruje

SURIGAO CITY -- The Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte will spearhead a one-day Program Review Workshop entitled, “Looking Back to Move Forward” today, January 9 at the Sagisi Function Room, Gateway Hotel, this city.

The one-day workshop aimed to assess the program accomplishments of the incumbent administration vis-a-vis the development goals of the province.

The activity will cover sectoral presentations, program review

workshop and planning for the next steps.

Participants of the said workshop are the municipal mayors, municipal planning and development coordinators, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and provincial department heads.


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...


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In consonance with the demolition, DPWH has been coordinating with the city government for its implementation. “The DPWH thru a circular

has sought the city government’s assistance pertaining to the immediate clearing of highways and roads right of way of all illegal structures,” revealed City

PHOTO BY: JOEY BAUTISTA

DPWH set to “clear” highways and roads of obstructions, illegal structures

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to demolish obstructions and structures illegally constructed in the city’s highways and roads right of way.

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez


The officers of the 53rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army gave an update on the citings of New People’s Army in the area,

while the barangay chairmen gave an assessment on the presence of Peace and Development Work Teams (PDWTs) in their respective

Officer (IO) Sheila Covarrubias. Covarrubias informed, “Lobregat has had series of meetings with barangay chairmen with representatives from the DPWH, City Engineer’s Office, City Police Office and other concerned agencies to discus about the impending demolition.” To oversee the enforcement of the DPWH circular, a task group was created for the purpose. “The task group is composed of the District Engineer as the head and personnel from the CEO, City Administrator’s Office, City Mayor’s Office specifically City Licensing Division and the Zamboanga City Police Office,” this according to Covarrubias. Covarrubias said the task group has started Monday its rounds on the various barangays to check on all

illegal structures constructed along highways. “The task group has started Monday its rounds of the different barangays starting from Tetuan to Licomo in the east coast and from Baliwasan to Labuan in the west coast,” the lady IO said. Covarrubias clarified, “owners of said structures will be properly notified thru notices to voluntarily clear the highway within one week to ten days after which the task group will be back to undertake the demolition.” “The City Legal office has opined that such illegal structures are per se considered nuisance and that no Court or legal procedure is necessary to enable the task group to conduct the demolition,” Covarrubias stressed.

LGU-Bayog holds 1st Joint MPOC, MDC, MDRRMC meeting for 2013By Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – The local government unit of Bayog conducted its 1st Joint Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), Municipal Development Council (MDC) and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) meeting last Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Glupa Gulian Agro Tourism Park, Barangay Kahayagan, this municipality.


related activities were also tackled during the meeting. It can be recalled, last year, the 53rd IB, PA trained and organized the PDWTs composed of 150 armed personnel and on August 13, 2012 these personnel were deployed in the different barangays in the municipality. The primary purpose of which is to help minimize insurgency problem in the area and it is also in line with AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan code-name “OPLAN BAYANIHAN.” Meanwhile, Engr. Jeremias Florida, Municipal Development Coordinator also gave an updates on the implementation of the KALAHI-CIDDS projects of the 20 identified barangays of the municipality. On the other hand, Municipal

Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Abraham Capayas, urged all Barangay Chairmen to really set aside 5% of their 2013 budget for calamity fund. Capayas also advised the chairmen to establish a nursery in their respective barangays for them to plant trees and purchased necessary equipment for calamity preparedness such as radio transceivers and flood early warning system like water level marker and rain gauge. Some 80 participants led by Mayor Leonardo Babasa, Jr., SB Member Celso Matias, department heads, NGAs, NGOs, barangay chairmen and some invited residents attended the meeting.


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One Mindanao - January 10, 2013