One Mindanao - January 24, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

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

Cover Story

Libuton Cave: It’s tough, It’s filthy, It’s Fun

Mary May AbellonWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Thursday, January 24, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 110

page 4

President Aquino brings good news from home to Filipino workers in Switzerland 10

Oliver Ross V. Rivera, Central Mindanao

BFAR 12 distributes over 110,000 bangus fingerlings to Cotabato fishers15DENR 12 chief urges oil company to join NGP

Bajaus get new homes RAFI, Caraga Region

NFA urges grains traders to get NFA license Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

8

11

12

17

22

Kawit lass bags 2013 Miss Regatta crown Gideon C. Corgue, Western Mindanao 24

30

13

4ID soldiers scores anew against NPA rebelsRutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao27

1823

26

BIR-RR16 collects P7.51B, exceeds 2011 collection Aimee D. Valencia, Northern Mindanao

28TF Davao to keep tight watch on City amidst disaster response mode Joey Dalumpines, Southern Mindanao31

Thursday, January 24, 20134

Libuton Cave: It’s tough, It’s filthy, It’s Fun

If you close your eyes on the darkest night, it’s still not

as gloomy as a cave. Off course, caves are far more exciting and exhilarating than staying in a dreadful room that will just surely increase your boredom.

CoVer StoRy

Cave is the world’s darkest corner and the largest room ever built without the intervention of man. Even a slightest sound would echo through the doomed blackness. Time won’t even matter when it’s totally dark. Manukan is not just exceptional as it seems because its name is derived from “manok” which literally means chicken but because of its unrivaled wonders of nature. With the perfect tropical climate of Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte, you will enjoy its fairly warm temperature, perfect for challenges and adventures. It offers an array of outdoor activities. Whether you want to explore the ocean floor or dive in with their pristine beaches, climb a mountain or a perfect venture into its glorious cave, the Libuton Cave.

Libuton Cave Libuton Cave is located in a mountainous barangay Libuton, seven kilometers away from the town proper. Julie Ann Lafuente, focal person of LGSP-LED project in said town, said that Libuton Cave is composed of seven interconnecting caves yet only three are open for exploration. For those who thirst for adventure, they

By Mary May Abellon

Thursday, January 24, 2013 5

can come and experience the amusing trip to this mind-blowing environment. Definitely, the fun and excitement offered by this cave will satisfy your desire for thrill and action. Caving and spelunking is the right pick for natural born adrenaline junkies. One may discover the unknown as he/she descends into the belly of the ebony and unlighted depths of the soul-stirring cavern, freeing oneself from fear and hesitations as he/she toddles in through its mouth - taking no notice of second thoughts for this is a onetime life experience. Upon crossing its threshold, there should be no turning back otherwise the satisfying pleasure of having cross-encountered with nature would be missed. The radiance of the sun profoundly penetrating into the cavern discloses the astounding size of the Libuton cave. Cave is a natural underground space large enough for a human to go through. It is formed naturally by the weathering of rock and they often extend deep underground. It is hollow, has an underground passage or enclosure with

an opening to the surface. The ceiling collapsed into sinkholes, illuminating the massive skylights. Inside the cavern one would see spectacular stalagmites unhurriedly touching and kissing the stalactites above. Gushing water contains tiny amounts of the mineral calcite, and when dumped, fabulous exhibit of stalactites and stalagmites are fashioned in rings. Just like frozen popsicles, stalactites dangle around the edges of the enormous skylight. The shaft of light from the sun penetrating through the hole of the cavern from above reveals a tower of calcite on the cave floor. “The more the tour guide narrated how stalactites and stalagmites form, it

made me realize that caves offer an analogy of the beauty and madness of the human soul and spirituality,” commented by fanaticinformant in his blog during his cave exploration in Libuton cave. Bizarre and creepy creatures dwell in the mystic and dim quarters of the cavern. Spelunking “Once I had worked up a proper


jungle-hile-lather, I was beginning to come to the firm understanding that I wasn’t going for a stroll. I was actually going spelunking,” exclaimed by fanaticinformant. Caving is the recreational pastime of exploring wild cave systems which is also known as spelunking in the United States and Canada and potholing in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Time and again, spelunking is undertaken by many sports enthusiasts as an extreme sport. They find it incredibly enjoyable, uplifting and surprisingly an answer to their world-weariness. This exhilarating outdoor activity is an excellent physical and mental exercise to those who are stress from their work, business and studies. You may delve into the cavern for biological exploration but one thing you should not miss of. However, never leave your cameras because cave photography is far more

exciting as you go through the maze inside the cavern. Get pictures of time’s inexorable and persistent slow march of rock formations connected from centuries of time. Don’t get stuck in the labyrinth There are unknown and tricky passages, getting fatally lost and injured are the constant concerns during cave exploration. Bring with you your flashlight if there’s no headlamp and wear a protective helmet and sturdy, flexible

jeans and a few long-sleeve shirts to stay warm in the chilly cave air. As you navigate the maze with a very small passage, the Superman position (one arm forward, one at your side) would be great so you’re able to wiggle and move about. When traversing through the cave, make sure your feet are well placed and secure before taking to another step. If you’re squeezing through pinches, there’s no way around getting dirty. It is part of the amazing adventure inside the curve passages and claustrophobic spaces. Stay calm. All of these are part


of the electrifying challenges. “It is pretty freaking incredible seeing the unseen inside the cavern. Truly, this is a mind-blowing adventure. The feeling is relieving once you see the horizon connecting you outside the chamber of the cave,” says a cave enthusiast. After you scrambled your way out remember not to bring or leave anything inside the cavern. Continuing pursuit for excellence and good governance The promotion and development of Libuton cave as tourist attraction is part of the LGSP-LED eight-year (2008-2016) collaborative Program of the governments of the Philippines and Canada, through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). LGSP-LED envisions vibrant, investor-friendly and tourist-attractive local economies, and is geared towards strengthening the enabling environment for good governance and sustainable local economic development. “Dapitan-Dipolog-Polanco-Katipunan-R o x a s - M a n u k a n Growth Corridor or the DDPKaRoMa Alliance is working towards increased economic growth and an enhanced investment climate in the region,” says Ching Porlas, Technical Staff of LGSP-LED ZN in a

phone interview.In line with the alliance’s priority LED initiatives, LGSP-LED provided support for consensus building workshops, community mobilization, and training for cave guides as well as provisions on signage.A mapping of possible resources led to the Alliance’s further mobilizing of support from other partners: the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on cave protection; the Red Cross on disaster management, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on entrepreneurship and basic bookkeeping, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the provision of massage kits, and the Dipolog Outdoor Society on cave exploration and guiding.The alliance has adopted a strategy built on opportunities for eco-cultural tourism as well as agri-industry from high value crops, mango and cassava.

8 Thursday, January 24, 2013

ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino leaves for Davos, Switzerland for World Economic Forum

President Benigno S. Aquino III left for Switzerland on board a chartered Philippine Air Lines flight Wednesday night to join world and international business leaders in the annual World Economic Forum

(WEF) that is being held in Davos.The President, who was joined by a

63-member delegation led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, National Economic and Development Authority head Arsenio Balisacan, and Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, boarded their

flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 a little past 11 p.m.

In his departure speech, the President said his attendance to the WEF will provide an opportunity to showcase before European and international business leaders the accomplishments of his administration in implementing widespread and meaningful reforms in


President Aquino leaves for Davos, Switzerland for World Economic Forum

governance.“Isang pagkakataon ito upang mailatag

natin sa harap ng mga pinuno sa Europa at iba pang bansa ang malawakan at makabuluhang reporma na lumalaganap sa ating bayan,” the President said.

“Bibigyang-mukha natin ang magagandang balitang nasasagap nila mula sa mga banyagang telebisyon at pahayagan, at ipapaliwanag kung paano natin napapa-arangkada ang ekonomiya bunsod ng tuwid na pamamahala,” he added.

He said he would particularly highlight the gains achieved by the Philippine economy that was able to post a 7.1 percent growth rate during the third quarter of 2012, the second highest in the region, the strengthening of the peso, the lowering of interest rates, and the surging Philippine Stock Exchange index.

He said that because of the improved conditions in the country, he would exhaust every moment to invite potential investors to put up their businesses in the Philippines and take advantage of the industry and brilliance of the Filipino.

“Napapanahon nga po ang pagtungo natin sa Switzerland. Sa nararanasan pong paghina ng ekonomiya sa ilang

bahagi ng Europa, sasamantalahin natin ang bawat sandali upang hikayatin silang mamuhunan sa Pilipinas, at tumaya sa angking sipag, husay at pagkamalikhain ng Pilipino. Gayundin, buong-sigasig nating ipapakilala ang ating bansa bilang napakaganda at kaaya-ayang lugar, na talaga namang babalik-balikan ng mga turista,” the President said.

He added that his attendance to the WEF and the corresponding chances to meet with his counterparts from Europe and the world would allow them to further strengthen relations.

“Dahil minsan lang magkasama-sama ang mga pinuno ng maraming bansa sa iisang lokasyon, hindi rin po natin mapapalampas ang pagkakataong patibayin ang ating ugnayan sa mga bansa sa Europa. Makikiisa tayo sa pagpanday ng mga solusyon sa ating mga suliranin, na may implikasyon sa hinaharap ng iba’t ibang rehiyon, nang hindi kinakailangang bumiyahe sa bawat isang bansa. Ipapakita natin---maaasahan tayong kabalikat sa anumang larangan, lalong-lalo na sa pagtataguyod ng pag-unlad na sumasaklaw sa kapakanan ng mas nakakarami sa halip na interes ng iilan lamang,” the President said. PND (rck)

10 Thursday, January 24, 2013

President Aquino brings good news from home to Filipino workers in Switzerland

Benigno S. Aquino expressed

excitement about the chance to meet overseas Filipino workers at the sidelines of his trip to Davos, Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The President said in his departure speech before boarding a chartered Philippine Air Lines flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Wednesday night that not even the cold weather in this European country could hinder the warm reception his compatriots are expected to accord him when he meets them on Saturday.

“Siyempre, hindi naman po tayo masyadong mangungulila sa Switzerland dahil makakasama rin natin ang ating mga kababayan sa Zurich,” the President said.

“Tiyak pong hindi natin iindahin ang lamig ng panahon doon, dahil pihadong tatapatan ito ng mainit na pagtanggap ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino,” he added.

He said he would take time to personally extend his and the heartfelt thanks of the country for their sacrifice which not only has helped their respective families here but the Philippine economy as well.

“Ipapaabot natin sa kanila ang ating pasasalamat sa malaki nilang ambag sa pag-angat ng ekonomiya, hindi lamang ng Switzerland, kundi pati na rin dito sa ating bansa,” the President said.

“Ang pasalubong natin para sa kanila: magagandang balita sa ating bayan, at ang ligtas at matiwasay na kalagayan ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” he added.

There are an estimated 10,000 OFWs living and working in Switzerland. PND (rck)


Mindanao flood damage hits P58-M -- NDRRMC

In its update, NDRRMC said the damage reached to at P57,940,318 including P51 million in infrastructure; P6 million in agriculture and P80,000 in private properties particular in the areas of Region 12 such as Suralla in South Cotabato; Caraga region included San Luis and Veruela both in Agusan Del Sur; and Region 11 (Davao Region) in Davao Oriental.

It also said at least 35 houses were destroyed and 241 damaged in Davao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.

The NDRRMC said as of 3 p.m. Wednesday, flash floods had affected 59,304 families or 245,487 people were affected in 202 villages in three cities and

31 towns in nine provinces in Regions 11, 12 and Caraga.

Of these, 14,174 families or 65,611 people are staying in 120 evacuation centers.

NDRRMC said the death toll from the floods remained at six while four people are still considered missing.

The NDRRMC said Tubod town in Surigao del Norte was placed under a state of calamity.

Earlier placed under a state of calamity were 15 villages in Davao City.

Three bridges and nine roads in Region 11 and Caraga are not passable due to flooding. These included structures in Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Agusan del Sur. (PNA)

The National Disaster Risk Reduction ad Management Council reported Wednesday

the damage by flash floods brought by the tail-end of a cold front that brought rains to Mindanao since last week stood at almost P58 million.


Tribal chief shows indigenous weaving. GLAN, Sarangani --Car-los Blatang Sr., tribal chieftain of Datal Bukay, demonstrates the process of making “kalakat” to the participants of the Indigenous Learning Survival Camp on January 17-19 at Tangan Integrated School. ”Kalakat” is made up of sliced fresh bamboo woven together that is useful in many ways like ceiling and walling in a traditional house of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Nowadays, it is used not only by the IPs. At Datal Bukay, ”kalakat” is one of the prime prod-ucts making it the community’s source of income. The Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) conducted the training participated in by representative-teachers coming from the seven municipalities of the province. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)


Public school teachers learn IP basicsBy Cathy Apelacio GLAN, Sarangani – Teachers gathered at Tangan Integrated School at ba-rangay Datal Bukay for the Indigenous Learning Survival Camp on January 17.

Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) conducted the training participated in by teachers representing the different public elementary and high schools across the province.

The training aims to promote and strengthen the culture of the Indigenous People (IP) including those that seem to have been forgotten and less practiced by the younger generation of IPs.

In Sarangani, a huge number of population belongs to the IP but as perceived, their culture

are gradually vanishing with “discrimination” as its cause, said Annalie Edday, QUEST program manager.

The three-day learning camp was the first phase of action taken by QUEST with its objective of pursuing the integration of IP culture in the curriculum.

In this camp activity, participants learned the basic skills in fire production, rice pounding, fishing, and root crops gathering.

Tribal leaders and elders, who served as mentors during the immersion taught them

the basic skills seeing the learning as necessary.

The authorship of lesson plans was the second phase. The teachers were tasked to compile lesson plans based on the training taught by tribal leaders and elders that would be verified through further research and interviews.

The defense in the final phase would determine its pursuance or not. (Jenny Rose de Guzman/PIO-Sarangani/CTA, PIA-12 General Santos City)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 has called on the management of oil giant, Petron Corporation to join the National Greening Program (NGP) to mitigate the effects of climate change.

DENR 12 chief urges oil company to join NGPBy Danilo E. Doguiles


DENR 12 Regional Executive Director Datu Tungko M. Saikol made the call in his keynote message during the awarding of certificate of compliance to ISO 14001:2004 to eight of the 71 Petron service stations in the region.

The event was held on Wednesday evening, January 16, at East Asia Royale Hotel in General Santos City.

ISO stands for International S t a n d a r d i z a t i o n Organization.

ISO 14001 is concerned with the

implementation of a fully integrated and effective Environmental Management System (EMS). An EMS is designed to address the delicate balance between maintaining profitability and reducing environmental impact.

The environment official commended the management of the oil refining and marketing company for their conscious efforts in mitigating environmental impact even going beyond regulation.

“As an organization which espouses e n v i r o n m e n t a l stewardship, I encourage you to continue to serve as an inspiration in promoting the best practices that will help the government in protecting the environment,” Director Saikol said.

He also extended his compliments to the awardees for choosing “to tread the right path, though how difficult and stringent the rules are” and called the occasion as “another milestone in the company history


worthy of celebration.”

Moreover, Saikol bared that addressing climate change remains a top priority of DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje.

This is in consideration of the fact that the Philippines is among the countries in the world most vulnerable to this global phenomenon given the number of deadly typhoons visiting the country every year.

“Mitigating and adapting to climate change have long been inherent in the mandated functions of the DENR, more so since the country has

been considered as one of the most vulnerable to its adverse effects,” Secretary Paje pointed out in a statement.

According to the 2013 Global Climate Risk Index, the Philippines placed fourth among more than 190 countries around the world that have suffered the most extreme weather events such as flooding and storms over the past 20 years. The DENR has undertaken initiatives to reduce carbon emissions through its greening and anti-air pollution programs.

Director Saikol also announced that his office is now drawing up fresh

action plans to meet its target to plant almost 8 million seedlings of trees on close to 16,000 hectares for 2013 under the National Greening Program.

“This is our regional share in seeing to it that some 1.5 million hectares will be planted with 1.5 billion trees nationwide by 2016,” he said.

The awarding rite was graced by top officials of Petron, namely AVP Reseller Trade Nolan L. Rada, Environment Manager Edith Cabrera and CTESG Manager Rodolfo Tablante. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/MCalungsod-Locs in-

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Over 100 small- scale fisherfolk in Ba-rangay Kalanganan in Cotabato City have received bangus fingerlings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 12 to help boost their livelihood.

BFAR 12 distributes over 110,000 bangus fingerlings to Cotabato fishersBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Cotabato City fishery officer Halkat Ibrahim said beneficiaries were identified after thorough background checks

assuring that intended recipients operate existing fishponds.

More than 110,000 fingerlings were given

out free in a ceremony on January 9. These have covered at least 300 hectares of fishponds.

The dispersal was


the second time that Bangus fingerlings were distribute to small-scale fishpond owners in the city. In 2012, some 120,000 fingerlings were given to other recipients.

More dispersal activities are expected this year, Ibrahim said.

“It is indeed a great help for us especially that the fingerlings nowadays are sold from P2.50- P3.00 pesos per fingerling,” Romulo Diesto, Jr., one of the beneficiaries said in response to the BFAR 12 assistance.

“It’s already a big ease from our budget,” he said.

Asked about the status of the Bangus Industry in the city, Cotabato fishery coordinator Abubakkar Depatuan, Cotabato Fishery Coordinator, noted that production of bangus in the area is increasing, which is a proof of its development.

The number of fishpond operators who are now engaged in growing bangus has also

increased, he pointed out.

Though bangus harvest in the area still exclusively sold in Cotabato market, BFAR 12 and the Local Government of Cotabato positively foresee the city’s potential as a major producer of said fish in the country.

It also envisions to become one of the Bangus producers of the country. Because of this, they are showing their full support as many fishers are now putting their interest in bangus production.

To ensure success of the dispersal activity, BFAR 12, under the leadership of OIC regional

director Ambutong K. Pautong, will closely monitor the activities of recipient farmers.

Fingerlings dispersal is only one of the programs that BFAR 12 implements to support the fisheries production of Soccsksargen Region.

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

Pautong believes that this kind of input assistance would also help in the livelihood of the fisherfolk.


Dengue cases 175% up in Butuanby Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY -- The dengue cases in 2012 here in the city has increased 175 percent as compared to 2011. Of this figure, only in the month of April were the number of cases remained the same.

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

In her report to members of the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) held recently here, Michelle Mae Que, a nurse from the city health office, said dengue cases in 2011 was recorded at 172 while 473 cases were reported in 2012.

Que said from comparing the two years since January to December,

it showed that there is an average increase of 172.1154 percent.

She also said that the month of December recorded the highest increase. “In 2011, only 21 cases were recorded while in 2012, there was a drastic increase of 99. This has an equivalent of 371.4286 percent increase,” Que said.


Bajaus get new homesby RAFI

Late November last year, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), through its Bajau Integrated Area Development Project (BIAD-P), together with Vereniging Haarlemermeer Cebu (VHC) officially turned over two quad houses and one multipurpose building to the Bajau community in Sitio Puntod, Alaska Mambaling, Cebu City.

As to the gender and age affected with such virus, Que said more males aged five to nine years old had been recorded. She further explained this is because these age group are the most active.

Barangays greatly affected with dengue include: Libertad – 40; San Vicente – 33; Ambago – 25; Tungao – 24; Ampayon – 22; J.P. Rizal – 22; Villa Kanangga – 19; Bancasi – 17; Limaha – 16; Baan Km. 3 – 15; Doongan – 15; and Bayanihan – 13.

Because of the prevailing situation, Que said the City Health Office is regularly conducting dengue education and advocacy in schools and barangays in the city.

She also said they are conducting entomology survey and defogging of schools and affected barangays, as

well as mobilizing barangay officials especially in the affected areas, and surveillance activities.

Meanwhile, Que enjoins the public to be clean always. “The best way to prevent this virus is to observe cleanliness. Don’t let water, especially rainwater, to be stagnant in your vicinities so that these mosquitoes will have no venue to breed,” Que said.

Earlier report of the Department of Health (DOH)-Center for Health Development (CHD) Caraga reveals that Agusan del Sur was recorded to have the highest dengue cases in 2012, followed by Butuan City, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Bayugan City, Cabadbaran City, Tandag City, and the province of Dinagat Islands.


“As a tribe, we are really grateful for the multipurpose center (MPC),” Felicito Asamsa, chieftain of the Bajaus in Mambaling, said.

The multipurpose building was named the Dik Trom Center after a historical symbol in Haarlemmermeer.

“Among balay kaniadto, lawanit. Karon ganahan mi kay bugnaw ug lig-on. (Our house before was made of lawanit. We like it now because it is cool inside and the house is strong.)”, Alfida Chavez, one of the quad house owners, shared.

Theo Waterings, Mayor of Haarlemmermeer also gave a token, an image of Dik Trom, to the tribe and asked the chieftain to place it in their new MPC.

The housing project targets to build 35 quad houses until 2014 for the 140 Bajau families.

The houses are designed by the students of the College of Fine Arts and Architecture (CAFA) of the University of San Carlos (USC) through the research made by the Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and History of USC, to ensure that the housing is culturally accepted and further promotes sense of ownership among Bajaus.

“RAFI through BIAD-P continues to work with the Bajau Community”, said Dominica Chua, RAFI chief operating officer.

Aside from Chua, Anthony

Dignadice, executive director of RAFI Education Unit; Jocelyn Gerra, executive director of RAFI Culture & Heritage; and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama graced the turnover ceremony.

The event closed with the Bajau kids performing a song and giving out roses to representatives from RAFI and the Foundation’s partners from VHC.

BIAD-P is under the Integrated Development focus area of RAFI, helping communities address issues of poverty. RAFI’s other focus areas include Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.

For more information about

BIAD-P, please contact (032) 418-7234 loc. 515 and look for Anton Fuentes, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.

Thursday, January 24, 201320This is a free ad


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...


http:/ /www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-WesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310

Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email

[email protected]

Wedding, birth registration at no cost in Dipolog By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - Rosemarie P. Miranda, the City Civil Registrar here has announced the conduct of the annual mass wedding to unmarried couples on March 2, 2013 year at Dipolog City Sports Complex.

The Local Civil Register has come up with this program on the basis of Art. II Sec. 12 of the 1987 Constitution recognizing the sanctity of family life as a basic autonomous

social institution. “This program is my initiative from the time I assumed this office and it is now an annual activity as part of the governmental program


Wedding, birth registration at no cost in Dipolog

NFA Provincial Manager Julakmad J. Lawama said the grains traders who fail to renew their NFA business licenses will be fined a 25% surcharge of the total cost and another 25% for every month thereafter. The local NFA has set the following schedules for renewal of licenses starting January to June as follows: January for Dipolog City and Polanco; February-Dapitan City, Rizal, Sibutad and La Libertad; March-Sergio Osmeña, Piñan,

Mutia, Katipunan and Roxas; April-Jose Dalman, Siayan, Sindangan and Manukan; May-Salug, Kuwait, Tampilisan and Godod; and June in Liloy, Siocon, Sirawai, Baliguian, Sibuco, Labason, Gutalac, and Leon Postigo Lawama also reminded the grains business traders to bring along two pieces of 2 x 2 ID picture and their business permits issued by concerned local government units (LGUs) upon the renewal of their business registrations with the NFA.

NFA urges grains traders to get NFA licenseBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The National Food Authority (NFA) in Zamboanga del Norte urges all grains businessmen to renew their business licenses on time to avoid sanctions from the government as well those in similar venture to register their grains businesses with the NFA.

for the service of the public,” Miranda explained in a phone interview. Marriage is the legal bond between the husband and the wife. As provided for under Art. I of the Family Code, it is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life. “It was customary that the mass wedding would be held every Valentine’s Day or during the month of February. But because of the hectic schedule, it was moved to March 2,” said Miranda. “Couples interested to avail

themselves of this service should visit the Civil Registrar’s Office to be able to comply with all requisites,” Miranda told the local press. Moreover, parents are urged to register their children with the Civil Registrar’s Office this coming Feb. 8, which is free of charge in consonance with this month’s celebration as of civil registration month. “Birth Registry is the primary and most important document to be possessed by a person, that’s why I’m urging parents to take advantage of this free birth registration,” Miranda concluded.


Twelve gorgeous, young and talented women from the 12 coastal barangays vied for the title in a beauty pageant held at the wharf area here on Friday. Miss Regatta organizer and choreographer Michael Matulin said candidates were all bonafide residents of the city, 16-23 years old, and with good moral character. The candidates amazed the audience with their production number, as they flaunted their stunning beauties on stage. Geraldine Talibong of barangay Kawit was unanimously chosen and crowned Miss Regatta 2013. Talibong also won three of the seven special

awards, namely: Miss Tanduay, Best in Talent and Best in Sportswear. Dorie Sapong of Muricay emerged as 1st runner-up award while Jamaica Valdez of Lumbia got 2nd runner-up and was also named Miss Nature’s Spring. Crystel Suizo of barangay Napolan was adjuged Miss Silka and Ramzel Villarin of Dumagoc bagged the “Best in Production Number” award. The top three winners have each received trophies and cash prizes of P5,000, P3,000, and P2,000, respectively. The beauty pageant was an added attraction to the city fiesta.

Kawit lass bags 2013 Miss Regatta crownBy Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY - An 18-year old lass from Barangay Kawit in this city has bested other contestants in the recently held search for Miss Regatta 2013 during the city’s 39th annual parochial fiesta.



Local DRRMC to continue with its disaster preparedness trainingby Rutchie C. Aguhob

TUDELA, Misamis Occidental -- The local government, here, will continue its disaster preparedness training in the barangays, especially those that have been identified by the geo-hazard map as highly susceptible to floods and landslides.

This was revealed by Mayor Estela Obot-Estaňo who said the LGU is bent to conduct the training, during the first quarter of the month according to

its Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council l (DRRMC) Plan. These trainings will include drills that are focused on finding higher grounds as evacuation areas for safety and preventive evacuation rather than rescue to reduce the risk of the residents, she said. Last Sunday, Jan. 20, six persons were injured due to a pocket landslide that took place in Sitio Tungo, Barangay Namut, some 18 kilometers away

from the town center. The victims were just passing by the Civilian Auxiliary Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Detachment located at the hilltop


4ID soldiers scores anew against NPA rebelsby Rutchie C. Aguhob

The troops were conducting combat-clearing operation when the civilian residents tipped them off about the presence of the NPA rebels who were conducting force taxation and collecting foodstuff from the poor farmers in the area. A firefight ensued that lasted for about 40 minutes which resulted to the recovery of one US Springfield single shot Garand rifle (defaced serial number) with four rounds of live ammunition and subversive documents. No casualty was reported on the government side while the rebels were believed to have

suffered casualties based on the unconfirmed information from the locals. Colonel James V Jacob, commander of 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade said, “We are very thankful to the residents for their timely information that resulted to the successful encounter with the rebels and recovery of high-powered firearms and subversive documents from the NPA rebels. This is a concrete proof of the efforts of the people in the community to thwart the long existing abuses of the rebels. They are now awakened and want to end their sufferings in

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - Soldiers from 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division encountered around 10 NPA rebels at Sitio Kasilaan, Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon at around 5:20 a.m., Tuesday.

when the place gave way due to the intermittent rains in the area during the previous days. Mayor Obot said all the victims have been immediately discharged after they were rescued and brought to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries, five of them to the Tudela District Hospital and one to the Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Hospital, nearby. All their hospital expenses were shouldered by the LGU and the victims were given cash assistance before

they went home, Mayor Obot also said. In February 10, last year, 11 barangays in Tudela were submerged in water after the heavy rains that took place the day before, resulting in huge damages to property, particularly, rice production in the area. Affected by the floods were Barangays Sebac, Basirang, Pan-ay Diot, Yahong, Locso-on, Bara, Cabol-anon, Centro Napu, Taguima, Nailon ug Tigdok.


BIR-RR16 collects P7.51B, exceeds 2011 collectionby Aimee D. Valencia

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Revenue Region No. 16 (RR16) collected P7.51 billion in tax revenues in 2012. It registered a P284 million surplus or 3.94 percent above the assigned collection target. The collection for 2012 is higher by P1.38 billion or 22.56 percent than the collection in 2011.

the hands of these rebels.” Lieutenant Colonel Jose Maria R Cuerpo II INF (GSC) PA, commanding officer of 8th Infantry Battalion said that the Dependable troopers will continue to exert proactive actions to foil any forms of armed threat from hampering normal activities of the community. He also said that maintenance

of peace is their prime objective in carrying out their tasks to pave way for development in their area of operation. Lieutenant Colonel Eugenio Julio C Osias IV, 4ID spokesperson said, “Let us work together to put this extortionists in jail or better, convince them to stop these criminal activities.”

All the six Revenue District Offices

under RR16 exceeded their collection targets. The revenue region covers the cities and municipalities under Northern

Mindanao and Lanao del Sur.


This is a big accomplishment for BIR RR16 under the leadership of Regional Director Alberto S. Olasiman. “It is the first time since 2008 to 2011 that BIR RR16 exceeded its collection target,” said Collection Division Chief Blandina Florante. “Nothing is impossible if we will just think positive. Without reservation we could say, we had an excellent collection performance for 2012. We had done our part, which is to collect taxes for the government,” said Olasiman to the revenue district officers during the first Regional Staff Conference in Cagayan de Oro City last January 21. It can be recalled that when Olasiman reported last September 2011, the region suffered a deficit of more than P200 million. For the last remaining quarter of the year, he managed to reduce the deficit by yearend to P58 million. He said the region could have done better last 2011 had it not been for tropical storm Sendong which resulted to damage to property, loss of lives, and adversely affected the economic well-being of the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. During the Conference, Olasiman recognized the efforts of each of the revenue officers and their personnel which led to the good collection performance of the region. First to be recognized was the 2012 Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee - Revenue District Officer (RDO) Aminoding Macarampat. He led RDO 102 Marawi City and Lanao del Sur to achieve the highest percentage of

excess over goal in the region. RDO 102 collected P388.73 million, exceeding the assigned collection goal by P26.83 million or 7.41 percent. Olasiman also acknowledged the performance of OIC Samson Carcueva Jr. who led RDO 98 Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental to achieve its collection targets since he assumed as officer-in-charge. For 2012 RDO 98 collected a total P4.02 billion in tax revenues. The district exceeded the goal by P121.21 million. RDO 98 has the highest contribution with 53.59 percent share of the total collection of the region for the year. Also recognized were the new billionaire RDOS, – RDO Myrna Bernardo of RDO 99 and RDO Judith Pacana of RD 101. They breached the P1 billion-mark in tax collection. RDO 99 covers the cities of Malaybalay,Valencia, and the Bukidnon Province. The collection reached P1.027 billion with P69.7 million or 7.28 percent excess over the goal. RDO 101, on the other hand, which includes Iligan City and Lanao del Norte collected P1.13 billion with a surplus of P53.7 million or 4.99 percent more than their assigned target. Next was RDO Gledonio Teope Jr. of RDO 97, the 2012 ARTA Seal of Excellence Awardee. RDO 97 covers Gingoog City and Camiguin Province. The district collected P275.79 million with a surplus of P5.84 million or 2.17 percent over goal. Finally, RDO Maria Alfonso of RDO 100 covers Misamis Occidental and the cities of Ozamiz, Oroquieta, and Tangub. RDO 100 collected P663 million exceeding their goal by P6.97 million or 1.06 percent.


DAVAO CITY – The City Govern-ment of Davao will be setting up CCTV (Close Circuit TV) cameras in identified upstream rivers as a pre-emptive measure in case Davao River swells up again and cause massive flooding.

According to Magno Adalin chief of the Davao City Public Safety Office the system dubbed as Telemetric Monitoring System will be installed in Tamugan and Lacson Rivers identified as upstream tributaries of the Davao River.Adalin said that based on studies it would take two hours for the waters of Lacson and Tamugan to flow into the Davao

River. The system will have CCTV cameras transmitting images of water levels in these upstream rivers the system will also be equipped with water level sensors which could transmit

Davao City to set up CCTV in upstream rivers


TF Davao to keep tight watch on City amidst disaster response mode

DAVAO CITY- Tighter security is still being imposed in Davao City despite the rescue and emergency response mode observed by au-thorities due to the unpredictable weather condition. Colonel Casiano Monilla, commander of the Task Force Davao said tight inspection on random and established checkpoints and security patrols are conducted regularly by his unit to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. He said that while many of his members are on standby to assist in the rescue operation,

a large number of soldiers are also asserting the directive to guard the city against terrorism and other criminal elements. “We remain alert with the conduct of checkpoint operation in Lasang, Lacson and Sirawan and with the security patrol on public places,” Monilla said. He said that the TF Davao also sup ports the election checkpoints set up by the Davao City Police Office which imposes the gun ban. Monilla said the TF Davao has organized nine teams with

data and images in real time. “These will give us enough lead time to prepare for the flood.” Adalin said describing the system as giving them the situational awareness on the upstream portions of the Davao River. Adalin admitted that currently there is no system in place to warn people in case the tributaries would bring in a deluge of water to the Davao River. He added that the human monitoring is flawed as there is no standards in determining if the water level is normal or already is in excess.

The PSO chief said that they contacted the supplier of the City’s CCTV cameras if they could come with a prototype of the CCTV-based Telemetric Monitoring System the soonest time possible. Last January 20, a swollen Davao River inundated several riverside communities forcing the evacuation of about 42,000 residents in Davao City. Aside from the river CCTV cameras the City is eyeing the acquisition of 170 CCTV cameras which will be used for traffic management and securing critical infrastructure. (PIA/RG Alama)

by Joey Dalumpines


seven members as responders to support the rescue effort spearheaded by the city government through the Emergency Response Center Central 911. “I reorganize our response teams in order to effectively respond distressed communities. We now have nine-seven-man-teams ready for deployment to conduct disaster relief” he said. Monilla also cited the need for equipment which responding personnel brings to conduct rescue operation once the flood

gets worse. He said members of the TF Davao usually conduct house-to-house verbal warning once imminent rise in the flood water is sighted. “Our responders need safety gears and equipment to respond effectively,” Monilla pointed out. He supported the plan of the Public Safety Command Center to purchase more life jackets and sturdy rubber boats to be used by rescue workers in areas of the city that are prone to flash floods.

This is a free ad

Documents

One Mindanao - January 24, 2013