One Mindanao - July 13, 2012

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 Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, 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 Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’Building,AntonioLunaStreetCagayandeOroCity9000TelefaxNo.(08822)72-66-83Telephoneno.(088)856-8178/729-594Cellphoneno.0928-52043050917-3084969E-mail:[email protected][email protected]:www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/FKantoMotorsBldg.,QuimpoBlvd.,NewMatinaDavaoCity8000Telephoneno.(082)297-0991/301-8580Telefaxno.(082)297-0992/304-2044Cellphoneno.0917-7053606/0918-9202950E-mail:[email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.KoronadalCity,SouthCotabato9506Telephoneno.(083)520-0249Telefaxno.(083)228-9736/228-9739/520-0100Cellphoneno.0921-6873373/0928-5204307E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)ViceMayors’LeagueofthePhilippinesBldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephoneno.(085)341-5285/360-1239Telefaxno.(085)341-2370Cellphoneno.0917-7188834Email:[email protected],[email protected],phBlogspot:www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook:PIACaragaUpdates,PIAAgusandelNorte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Cover Story

Liboganon River: more than a river-cruising destination

Jeanevive Duron-Abangan

Southern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Friday, July 13, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 300

page 4

Palace says President Aquino is satisfied with action of Congress on Palace-backed proposals 9

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao21 The drive to build a strong local economy

continues says local exec

DSWD-Tesda to launch cash-for-training program 28

DOH-CHD Caraga implements measures to combat dengue in Agusan del Sur 32

Aida Agad, Central Mindanao

Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western Mindanao16 Teachers, students participate in disaster preparedness symposium and earthquake drill

20 Lorebeth C. Reguiroso, Northern Mindanao

Kagay-An Festival Run 2012 to be like no other, councilor says

Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao24 NSO-10 to conduct data dissemination on 2011

health survey results

Carrascal kicks off 93rd Town Fiesta celeb 31 Nida Grace B. Tranquilan, Caraga Region

7 11 13 19

23 26 29

4 Friday, July 13, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StoryLiboganon River: more than a river-cruising destination

The seat of the provincial government, Tagum City hosts such river-cruising adventure in Liboganon River which stretches 8.8 kilometers from the national highway to the Davao Gulf. It traverses barangays Liboganon and Bincungan. When sailing through the river, one will surely marvel at how its waters glisten under the sun. Mangroves sway with the blow of Northeastern Monsoon (hanging Amihan) while the surrounding air provides revitalizing freshness. Liboganon River is actually a tidal creek where sea water from

Davao Gulf flows in during high tide and ebbs during low tide. As a sea-water catchment, Liboganon River serves as a feeding ground of deep sea creatures. Sea turtles, blue crabs, shellfish, squids and sharks have found their way into it seeking food, and even spawning at its wilds of mangroves. Its 30-meter average width provides enough space for river cruising, for hook-and-line fishing as well as for fish caging. It can as well accommodate traps for fish, crabs and prawns along its banks.Aside from live community fishing activities, the boating adventure of

T AGUM CITY, Davao del Norte: It’s high time for

people to know that Davao del Norte keeps in its bosom a river-cruising destination that gives not only a delightful experience of water adventure but also showcases efforts in mangrove rehabilitation and fish production restoration.

by Jeanevive Duron-Abangan

Friday, July 13, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

fisher-folk children is also

fascinating to watch while cruising Liboganon River. They skillfully maneuver through the river using paddles to swiftly row their boats. Children can also be seen fishing with either their father or mother. Such sights bring moments of closeness with fisher-folks whose lives at the waters are less seen, therefore less understood. Making their presence felt and their voices heard, fishing residents of Liboganon have bound themselves together into Liboganon Fisherfolk Association (LIFA). LIFA men extend river-cruising services as boat-rowers. They may at times, have their boats rented for

river-cruising adventure, while LIFA women accommodate tourists as guides. They also sell souvenir items and serve visitors with native delicacies especially during river adventures of big delegation. Not only does river-cruising in Liboganon bring visitors close to fisher-folks, but it communes them with nature. The mangroves that border its riverbanks appear like eye-refreshing green curtains. Some 95,000 hills of Bakhawan mangrove specie have been planted since six years ago. They are growing alongside with centuries-old mangroves, providing cool shade for river-cruisers, home for birds, and spawning ground for marine fish, crabs and prawns. Such invigorating experience started to happen when the city government of Tagum passed in 2007 the Fisheries Code of Tagum. City Agriculturist George Grandia said Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy led in January 2008 the clearing of Liboganon River from 380 fishing


structures t h a t obstructed the water-flow and drained so much of its marine resources. After clearing Liboganon River, the city government then waged massive reforestation of its riverbanks and started planting mangroves. It prohibited the use of fine mesh nets and allowed only hook-and-line, traps for crabs and prawns, and fish cages. “It became dead for sometime. Fish-catch was almost nil,” Grandia said. “But now, it is easy for them to catch two kilos of fish in an hour,” Grandia said referring to fisher-folks who now find Liboganon River as a vital source of food. Later, it embarked on promoting Liboganon River as a river-cruising destination, tapping the private sector to provide the ancillary services such as bookings and food catering. It

also brought in the participation of the Council of Women of Liboganon to support the eco-tourism venture. The city government through its City Agriculturist Office is working closely with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to sustain efforts on environmental protection and fish production restoration. Along with extending technical assistance, BFAR has provided training on marine law enforcement and has assisted the City AGRO in its bid to strengthen the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (FARMC) and the Bantay-Dagat. Through the Philippine National Aquasilviculture Program (PNAP), BFAR also provides fingerlings of Kitang, Bangus, Lapu-lapu and Tilapia to Liboganon fisher-folks. BFAR has also entrusted to the city government the operation and control of two patrol boats. Patrolling the Liboganon River forms part of the major task of Tagum City Bantay-Dagat which does regular surveillance operation along the city’s coastal area. Aside from being refreshing and invigorating, river-cruising at Liboganon River becomes safe, as law enforcement is being integrated into its care, protection and development. It’s but right to hop in the boat now and take a river-cruising experience at Liboganon River.


ACROSS THE NATION

The President attended the “Tapatan Roadshow” on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation spearheaded by the Department of the Interior

and Local government at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The national government continues to empower LGUs, according to the President adding

Country now more prepared to handle disasters, says President Aquino

The country is now more prepared to handle disasters

after empowering local government units and communities throughout the country, President Benigno S. Aquino III said during a disaster risk reduction roadshow on Thursday.


local disaster risk-reduction management

plan is already in place.From April of this year, 92

percent of LGUs have area-wide warning and alarm systems, 86 percent have their own evacuation centers, and 78 percent have emergency response, rescue, and medical teams, he said.

Also, the national government helped LGUs put up their own disaster command and auxiliary command centers so they could easily respond to disasters, the President said.

The field offices of Department of Social Welfare and Development were given standby funds of up to P500,000 for every office. This will enable LGUs to immediately provide relief goods whenever disaster strikes, the chief executive said.

The national government will also recognize LGUs that made successful preparations to make their communities safe, the

President said noting this is the essence of the seal of Disaster Preparedness of the DILG.

“Tunay po na ang mga local government units ang mga kamay at paa natin sa pamahalaan; kayo ang nagpapausad sa ating bayan sa pagbagtas sa tuwid na daan tungo sa kaunlaran,” President Aquino said.

“Nawa’y ‘di na tayo lumihis pa sa direksyon ng tapat, mabuti, at mapagmalasakit na pamamahala. Abot-kamay na po natin ang Pilipinas na matagal na nating lahat inaasam. Kaya po, wala nang kailangan hintayin kung hindi kumilos tayo tungo sa direksyong na gusto naman natin talagang maparoonan,” he added.

DILG’s roadshow is aimed at raising awareness, acceptance and participation on disaster risk reduction and management among local governments and communities. (AS)


Palace says President Aquino is satisfied with action of Congress on Palace-backed proposals

President Benigno S. Aquino III is satisfied with the way Congress is handling the bills he had proposed in his last State of the Nation Address (SONA), a Palace official said

stressing that most of the said bills are in the advanced stages of legislative deliberations.


In a press briefing on Thursday in Malacanang,

members of the media asked Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte about the President’s thoughts on the bills he had pushed for Congressional approval last year when he delivered his SONA.

Some of the bills mentioned in his 2011 SONA include the Kasambahay Bill and the Human Rights Compensation Bill.

The President also called on Congress to work on the proposals seeking improvement on pensions for soldiers, the expansion of government scholarships granted to underprivileged students, the advancement of universal quality healthcare, the responsible management of the environment, and the formation of facilities that assist calamity victims.

Also mentioned by the Chief Executive is his support for the development of the Bureau of Corrections, National Bureau of Investigation, National Electrification Administration, and PTV 4 for the

better fulfillment of their mandates.Out of 32 remaining bills, 22

of them are in advanced stages of deliberations, Valte said adding that the congressional bicameral committee has recently passed the Data Privacy Act.

“Mukhang marami namang pumasa na sa House. More than 10 have passed the House on third reading. So OK naman yung progress. We are cognizant of the legislative process that the bills have to go through,” Valte said.

With regards the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, Valte said that while LEDAC has not been meeting this year, the Palace is in close coordination with both houses of Congress.

Both the executive and legislative branches have been closely working together as evidenced by the swift passage of the two anti-money laundering measures that needed to be passed to avoid being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Valte said. (AS)


Malacanang strongly condemnsrecent violence in Mindanao

Malacanang expressed strong condemnation of the recent violence in Mindanao that has hurt scores of civilians and

killed several individuals as it assured that the various concerned agencies are exerting all efforts to determine the culprits and bring them to justice.

In a press briefing on Thursday in Malacanang, members of the media asked Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte about the President’s thoughts on the bills he had pushed for Congressional approval

last year when he delivered his SONA.

Some of the bills mentioned in his 2011 SONA include the Kasambahay Bill and the Human Rights Compensation Bill.

The President also called on


Congress to work on the proposals seeking improvement on pensions for soldiers, the expansion of government scholarships granted to underprivileged students, the advancement of universal quality healthcare, the responsible management of the environment, and the formation of facilities that assist calamity victims.

Also mentioned by the Chief Executive is his support for the development of the Bureau of Corrections, National Bureau of Investigation, National Electrification Administration, and PTV 4 for the better fulfillment of their mandates.

Out of 32 remaining bills, 22 of them are in advanced stages of deliberations, Valte said adding that the congressional bicameral

c o m m i t t e e has recently passed the Data Privacy Act.

“Mukhang m a r a m i n a m a n g pumasa na sa House. More than 10 have passed the House on third reading. So OK naman yung progress. We

are cognizant of the legislative process that the bills have to go through,” Valte said.

With regards the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, Valte said that while LEDAC has not been meeting this year, the Palace is in close coordination with both houses of Congress.

Both the executive and legislative branches have been closely working together as evidenced by the swift passage of the two anti-money laundering measures that needed to be passed to avoid being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Valte said. (AS)


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The activity is one of the highlights of PPA’s 36th founding anniversary on July 24 with the theme “PPA-DOJ at 36: Performance, Professionalism and Accountability

in Community Corrections. In a brief program held at the municipal mayor’s office, OIC-Regional Director Tarcisia Tampos said the tree planting activity was

Almost 2,000 mangrove seedlings were planted by the staff of the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA), Volunteer Probation Aides, and its clients on

Thursday at Tambonan Beach, Tabina, Zamboanga del Sur.

PPA conducts mangrove planting activity in Tabina By Gideon C. Corgue


conducted in Tabina because the municipality has a fish sanctuary and sustainability practices in promoting the conservation of marine protected areas. SPPO Josilyn S. Bael of the Pagadian City Parole and Probation Office said, “we involved all our clients (offenders) because it is the mandate of the Supreme Court that they should plant trees and we also train them to be socially responsible members of the community.” “This is a way where we can help fight against climate change. With the continuous tree planting campaign, there is no doubt that we will no longer feel the serious effects of global warming,” ARD Tampos expressed her optimism. Meanwhile, Mayor Greg Dayondon was happy that PPA has chosen his municipality to be the planting site. “I am happy that our municipality was chosen as the site for the tree planting,” Dayondon said. “I also appreciate that clients of the PPA have joined this activity which will help instill their love for the environment,” he added. Dayondon gave an informative power point presentation on coastal resource management and environmental protection


and conservation which was implemented in their municipality in 2002 making Tabina a consistent winner in the Search for Outstanding Coastal Resource Management in the entire country for four consecutive years. VPA Zamboanga del Sur chapter president Leonardo Radan, Jr. said he was happy to take part in the project undertaken by the PPA saying that it will help save and protect nature. Radan who managed the association for 4 years said he encouraged the VPAs and their clients to actively join the activity every anniversary celebration of the

agency to mitigate the effects of climate change. VPA Evelyn Abergonsado, who were among the few women who joined the activity said she was very happy that for the first time, she joined the activity. “Ang pagtanom sa kahoy mao ang akong dugay na nga pangandoy tungod kay gusto nako nga makatabang pagluwas sa atong kalikupan(Tree planting is my long time dream because I want to help save our mother nature),” Abergonsado said.(ALT/GCC/PIA9-Zambosur)


ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least 3,000 students and teachers of the Ayala National High School participated in an earthquake simulation drill last July 10 as part of the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

Teachers, students participate in disaster preparedness symposium and earthquake drill

The activity was initiated by the Philippine Information Agency, in partnership with the Office of the Civil Defense-9, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao


(PAGASA)-Zamboanga City, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS). With the school having the most number of student population in the city’s west coast, OCD-9 Regional Director Adriano Fuego said it is the most suitable area for the drill and disaster preparedness symposium. Dir. Fuego also said the area is near the shoreline, making it vulnerable to tsunami. OCD-9 Chief of Operations and Planning Mr. Jose Eric Castillo also explained to the students the need for such activities saying, “Barangay Ayala was once a major river in Zamboanga City and was

only converted as residential area, thus, your area is very vulnerable to landslides and flashfloods”. The whole day activity started with a symposium on disaster preparedness in the morning, participated by at least 450 teachers and students, followed by the drill in the afternoon. Mr. Castillo talked about Republic Act 10121, an act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System that provides for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and Institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan.


Castillo said the new law makes their office, the local government units, and the community, in general proactive against potential hazards in a particular area. “Our disaster preparedness initiatives now involve the different barangays in our area. Even students like you are now encouraged to help inform others on disaster preparedness, that’s why we are holding this activity. You will serve as our partners in disseminating what we have shared with you so we can at least lessen the effects of any disaster that might come”, Castillo said. He added, “Now, we are not just concerned about disaster response. We also cover preparation against potential disasters, reducing and managing risks, and more important, we focus on rehabilitation of areas affected by disasters”. PAGASA-Zamboanga City Officer-in-Charge Ms. Maribel Enriquez lectured on the different hydrological hazards the city is prone with. She said the mountainous topography of Zamboanga City makes it susceptible to floods, flashfloods, and other related risks. Enriquez warned those living near river banks to be vigilant, especially during rainy season. Engr. Eduardo Lauron of PHILVOCS, on the other hand, spoke about geological and other related hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and even tsunami, and what to do when these occur. Engr. Lauron explained that the city, and the region as a whole,

is prone to earthquakes and is also vulnerable to tsunami as two trenches surround the area, the Sulu and Cotabato trenches. “You were not yet born when the Cotabato trench moved causing earthquake, and later tsunami, hitting Pagadian City. That was in 1976. Zamboanga City is in between Sulu and Cotabato trenches. This explains why we are at risk from earthquakes and tsunami”, Lauron said. After the lecture, the earthquake drill was held in the afternoon, with about 3,000 students, guided by their teachers, taking part in the drill. The teachers and students were taught what to do if ever earthquake happens. Ayala National High School Principal Dr. Socorro P. Canaya thanked the speakers and participants for the successful conduct of the drill. “We are very thankful for choosing our school for this activity. The activity we had played a very great role in the students’ lives, because if ever disaster happens here, we can really save the lives of the students, not just the students but the community as a whole, as these student will help inform the public, their families, and so everybody will learn what to do during disaster”, Dr. Canaya said. Canaya said they will now be conducting disaster preparedness drills every quarter so that students and teachers will get used to it and be prepared in case of any eventualities. (ALT/MVC/PIA9-ZBST)


CSC-10 bares activities for 112th Civil Service anniversaryby Apipa P. BagumbaranThe Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Region 10 has announced

the different activities in celebration of the 112th Philippine Civil Service anniversary in September.

Lawyer Lourdes Clavite-Vidal, CSC-10 director, said a physical wellness “hataw” and flag-raising ceremony on September 3 will kick-off the month-long celebration that is anchored on the theme “Kawani, Ikaw ay Lingkod Bayani.” Other activities that will highlight this year’s celebration in Northern Mindanao are a thanksgiving mass on September 4, government

express transactions with agencies on September 5 and 6, “Talakayan sa PIA” on September 6, fun-run for Pondong Pamana on September 7, inter-agency friendship games on September 10 to 14, barangay outreach program on September 14, blood-letting on September 18, and musical show of government employees on September


Kagay-An Festival Run 2012 to be like no other, councilor saysby Lorebeth C. Reguiroso

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Festival Run 2012 will be a fun run like no other according to local official.

Councilor Ramon Tabor, chair of the activity, said innovations will be introduced to make it more fun and lively. The fun run is one of the seven core events being mulled by the fiesta executive committee chaired by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas to highlight this year’s Kagay-an Festival celebration. Tabor said this will include a

42-kilometer run that will start from the Rodelsa Circle to Villanueva and back. He also said that this is the first time that a race of this kind will start and end in Cagayan de Oro. This is expected to draw runners and marathoners from all over the country. Foreigners likewise expected to come for the race. Tabor said there will also be 3-km, 5-km, 10-km and 21-km races

20. An awarding rites, dubbed as “Parangal at Pasasalamat” to honor outstanding government workers, will cap the celebration on September 25. CSC-10 is encouraging all interested government employees to join and submit their entries in the 2012 CSC photography and essay writing contests. The 2012 Give It Your Best Shot Photography Contest is a nationwide contest for public servants who can capture the essence of public service at its best. Acceptance of entries is ongoing at any CSC regional and field offices and ends on July 16. The 2012 Essay Writing Contest, on the other hand, will focus on the theme “Lingkod Bayani Working for Gender Responsive, Accessible,

Courteous and Effective Public Service. The participant must answer the question “As a Lingkod Bayani, how can you contribute to and ensure a gender responsive, accessible, courteous, and effective public service?” Entries must be stamped received by the CSC central office on the deadline of submission which is August 3, 2012. In addition, the CSC will also hold a Government Choral Competition 2012 at the UP Theater on September 17. Participating choirs must be composed of 20 to 30 members inclusive of the conductor and accompanist. Two finalists each from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and National Capital Region will be selected for the finals. The deadline for submission of entry for this competition is on July 31.


and a global walk for stroke victims. He said one innovation is that there will be different races for professional runners. “A post activity for runners is also being mulled,” Tabor said. The councilor said different barangays where the race will pass through will be invited to participate in a cheering contest to spice up the activity. Prices will be given to the winners, he said. (CIO)

The drive to build a strong local economy continues says local execby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The drive for “Better Image, Better Lives” as a priority thrust of the nine-year old “Bag-ong (new) Ozamiznon” to build a strong local economy with basic securities for the people will continue.

This was the central message of Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez to all the residents of Ozamiz when she laid down her scorecard and delivered the State of the City Address (SCAD) before the Sangguniang Panglungsod in a special session, officials of the city’s 51 barangays and city government

employees at the City Gym, here. “The second SCAD during my term as Chief Executive, I had faced the challenges of managing the coffers of the city government, as the youngest and the first Lady Mayor of Ozamiz, with a sense of duty to widen the delivery of the basic services to our constituents,” she said.


The Mayor said aggressive collection efforts in revenue generation resulted to a significant increase in local taxes and fees. “From July 2011 to May 2012, total local revenue stands at P140 million. This includes almost P20 million in remittance from the city’s economic enterprises. In 2011, realty property taxes (RPT) reached P43.6 million, a 68 percent jump from P26 million in 2009,” she said. The increase in RPT that allocates one percent to the Special Education Fund (SEF) has benefitted 17,000 grade school children in the city, with P5 million spent for upgrading the science laboratory equipment in all high schools and P2 million for classrooms. “Having exercised fiscal prudence of matching income and expense requirements has also won for the city, the Bronze Category of the Seal of Good Housekeeping, an award given by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to local government units for their transparency and accountability of public funds,” she said. The mayor also said that due to a good track record the city was able to get, for road improvements the following funds: P35 million from external sources, P3 million of the performance challenge fund from DILG for the roads of Barangays Pulot, Gala and Montol-Tipan Link, P5 million for farm-to-market roads from the Department of Agriculture through the initiative of Governor Herminia Ramiro for Barangay

Dalapang and P10 million from the Department of Public Works and Highways for the Bukagan Hill Road. The Mayor also said efforts to bring down the rate of malnutrition in the city paid off, and as a result, the city was awarded the “Pabasa sa Nutrition” Hall of Fame Award and the CROWN Maintenance Awards from the National Nutrition Council and the Regional Nutrition Council, respectively, in 2011. About 27,000 individuals have been benefitted by the Barangay Nova Medical-Dental Outreach Missions for the first half of 2012, of whom 1,500 male children availed of the circumcision services, in coordination with Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro, Sr. Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, Misamis University and the Organization of Registered Nurses of the Philippines. (MHARSRTTH) The three-storey building at MHARSRTTH worth P30 million from the Department of Health will result in more hospital bed-capacity while its additional P5 million for the improvement of the puericulture center will provide for the safe delivery of children. Sponsorship for the health insurance services of 10,000 indigents with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. worth P6 million this year has also eased the financial burden of those availing hospital care while easing up the pressure on public hospitals to subsidize these costs, the Mayor added.


Hedcor, the largest developer and producer of run-of-

river hydropower plants in the Philippines, will plant over 3,000 seedlings this month at Talomo District to support the sustainability of Talomo Watershed. Cacao, durian, rambotan, narra (endemic trees) and rubber are among the species that Hedcor will plant in the area as requested by the host community. This week, Hedcor will plant 1,000 trees in Barangay Tawantawan,

Baguio District part of Talomo Watershed. On July 21, 2012, over 2,000 trees will be planted in a simultaneous tree planting activity with the Aboitiz group of companies. “Tree planting in partnership with host communities, has been observed regularly,” said Engr. Boy Jabonillo,

Hedcor vice president for Business Development.As part of the Watershed Management Plan (WMP) of Hedcor, the company conducts programs like reforestation, roadside rehabilitation and riverbank stabilization in the areas that host its hydro plants.Almost 45,000 trees have already been planted this year. Each employee of Hedcor plants at least 20 seedlings annually. Hedcor’s target is to plant 282, 402 seedlings

Hedcor to plant over 3000 trees to protect Davao watershed


by the end of 2012. Hedcor’s concern for the environment does not stop at tree planting. The company’s company forester also monitors and maintains the trees planted by Hedcor for up to three years to ensure their growth. “There is a need to preserve our watershed. We ensure its protection and preservation by planting more trees each month of every year and ensuring a high survival rate,” Jabonillo stated. Hedcor’s conservation of Talomo Watershed will support the generation of 4.47-MW Talomo Hydro Plants. Hydropower generation is highly dependent on a healthy watershed. A steady supply of water is the lifeblood of Hedcor’s hydro plants. Another of Hedcor’s various environmental initiatives is the Race-

to-Reduce Program in which Hedcor monitors employees’ daily consumption of water, electricity and paper. This program encourages individuals to become responsible consumers. Hedcor also partners with its host communities in eco-market activities and practices proper waste segregation. The company pays for segregated garbage that it collects from residents of host communities on a quarterly basis. Hedcor, the AboitizPower wholly-owned subsidiary, has 19 generating plants in the country. Hedcor is ISO 14001:2004 certified for Environment Management Systems as a direct result of the company’s commitment to stewardship and environmental activities. (Hedcor pr)

Indonesian regional airliner revives Manado-Davao linkDAVAO CITY- Advances in air connectivity and trade between the neighboring cities of Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) are showing signs of resurgence as Wings Air Indonesia re-launches its chartered flight serving the Manado-Davao-Manado route. Wings Air, a subsidiary of Indonesia’s largest privately run

airline Lion Air, started reviving the Manado-Davao flight last month using a 70-seater twin-engine aircraft. The airline has served the same route back in 2008.“ This progress will greatly benefit our traders and businessmen who have major transactions in either Manado or Davao, and other nearby cities,” said Shelly Sondakh of the BIMP-EAGA Secretariat in Manado. These two proximate EAGA areas situated along the southern


part of Mindanao and North Sulawesi, Indonesia have for years established twinning ties through a sister-city relationship that has helped enhance the ongoing free exchange of tourism, socio-cultural and economic benefits in both cities. Prior to Wings Air’s launching, passengers bound for Manado would need to take the circuitous and subsequently costly Davao-Manila-Jakarta-Manado route.“Connectivity initiatives like this truly present a cheaper and faster movement of goods and travelers. We hope to see more of these efforts in the coming months,” said Luwalhati Antonino, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson and Philippine Signing Minister for BIMP-EAGA. MinDA, being the Philippine National Secretariat for BIMP-EAGA and DOT XI have committed to work closely with the Manado transport and tourist ministries for the marketing promotions of the said route to ensure its sustainability. Dreamworld Travel and Tours,

the official ticketing and booking office of Wings Air, added that most of their passengers are crew of some Indonesian fishing vessels in General Santos and Davao City who opted to fly back home whenever ships are not available. “We should also come up with various BIMP-EAGA wide fellowship and tourism activities like friendship games, student exchange programs, and yacht tours to attract more

mainstream passengers to take these direct flights,” said Zaenur Rofid, Indonesian Consul General in Davao City. Manado is also a home to word-class diving sites, which has been a favorite destination of local and international tourists. Another inter-EAGA flight is likewise expected to be launched within the year, serving Davao-Manado-Kota Kinabalu and Puerto Princesa-Kota Kinabalu routes, which will be pioneered by MaSwings. “We urge our local tourism and transport sectors to create enticing tour packages that will highlight the unique eco-tourism sites of each destination as one of the ways to sustain these routes” said Antonino. Governments of the four countries signed the Expansion Air Linkages MOU in 2007 with the end goal of promoting and enhancing trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange in the sub-region. (MINDA)


PNP 12 swears in 212 new police officersBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Two hundred-twelve new Police Of-ficer 1 (PO1s) have been added to Soccsksargen’s police force, an official of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 office said today.

P/Insp Benjamin Mauricio Jr, head of the Police Regional Public Information Office, said the new recruits, who were sworn to office last July 2 at the regional headquarters in Tambler, General Santos City consisted of 36 female and 176 male police officers

One hundred thirty-seven of them were set through regular recruitment while 77 were from the attrition quota.

Among them, 51 were from General Santos City, 40 from

North Cotabato, 40 from South Cotabato Province, 30 from Sultan Kudarat province , 44 from Sarangani and 7 from Cotabato City.

“They will undergo six months physical and mental training at the Regional Training School, and another five months for their


field training exercises at the different police stations within this region in order to observe and experience the kind of job they’ll be doing in the future,” Mauricio said.

They will also be exposed to three phases of police works including patrolling, investigation and traffic management.

After the field training exercises, they will be brought

back to Regional Training School 12 for assessment before they can be declared as probationary members of the Philippine National Police, to be later conferred with their official badge.

Mauricio also denied allegations that to become a police officer, a person only needs to pay or ask r e c o m m e n d a t i o n from politicians and influential personalities.

“That’s a big lie and a big ‘no’ in our organization,” he said.

“During the recruitment process, every applicant is being tested fairly and justly and get through stages in the process that include the following: written competitive examination; neuro–psychiatric exam; physical, medical and dental examinations; physical agility test; and final board interview. Every individual needs


to prove that he is worthy to be called a police officer,” Mauricio said.

At the ceremony, PRO 12 Acting Regional Director Alex Paul Monteagudo told the new police officers to

“never step on your dignity. Keep in your heart they duties and responsibilities you are sworn to accomplish.”

“Do not put your organization to shame; instead, protect, promote, and help the

organization retake its honor. Let us always remember that every good deed we do would surely result in good for the organization, the citizenry and the country,” he said. (DEDoguiles/PIA

DSWD-Tesda to launch cash-for-training programBy Aida AgadKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) here will launch a cash-for-training program.

Under the “Cash for Training in Partnership with Tesda,” 2,484 disadvantaged youth from the Soccsksargen Region will be trained for possible employment and will venture into entrepreneurial activities, a report from DSWD-12 said.

The youth-trainees are allotted P20,000 each as scholarship or training package. This amount will cover a scholarship voucher worth P7,000; a tool kit worth P6,200 and transportation allowance which costs P6,800.

The program, which is funded with P1.3 billion all over country,

shall be implemented into two independent components such as the “training-for-wage-employment” or “trabaho” and “training-for-hanapbuhay.”

Under the training-for-wage-employment, trainees aim to work in companies and establishments where their skills are needed while those who complete training-for-hanapbuhay are expected to establish their own livelihood.

Qualified trainees, after passing the evaluation by the DSWD-12 under Director Bai Zorahayda T. Taha shall

be afforded free trainings in courses of their choice in any TESDA-accredited training providers in the region.

After graduation from the training, jobs-bridging activities shall also be facilitated by the partner agencies so as to make possible the beneficiaries’ entry to “Trabaho.”

Partner agencies shall also provide beneficiaries with basic tools, equipment and supplies as well as assistance in organizing them to go into small economic activities in their communities. (ACA/DED-PIA12)


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The Anti-Illegal Task Force of the country has vowed to stop illegal logging operations continuously proliferating

in Caraga Region.

Govt’s anti-illegal task force vows to stop illegal logging operations in Caraga Regionby Robert E. Roperos


This is the statement of retired MGen. Renato Miranda, chief of the task force organized by President Benigno S. Aquino III through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in an interview over a morning radio program here on Wednesday. Miranda said they are here in the region not only to stop illegal logging operations but also to plan out legal activities for those involved in said logging operations to not use illegal logging as means of livelihood. Miranda said with the rampant illegal logging operations in the region, there is a need for all stakeholders, public and private alike, to work hand in hand and give proper attention to this problem, the cause of disasters in some areas. “Sa ngayon ay talagang dapat bigyan na ng kaukulang atensiyon ng mga taga-Caraga ang mga illegal logging operations na nangyayari dito … at hindi lang sa paghuli at pag-confiscate ng kahoy, but more importantly ang pagplano kung paano natin mabibigyan ng development ang mga kaibigan natin na nakatira sa kabundukan … alam naman natin na hindi talaga matatapos ito kung ang tingin nila sa mga kahoy ay pambili ng gamot, pagkain at iba pa (There is a need for the people in Caraga to

give proper attention on the illegal logging operations happening here. and it is not only on apprehending and confiscating illegally-cut log, but more importantly is to plan how we can give development to our friends living in mountains … we all know that this illegal logging operations will never stop if they see those logs as a means of livelihood.),” Miranda said. Because of this, Miranda said these people must be given alternative sources of livelihood. He added this can only be attained through the support of local government units in the region. Miranda said he was able to talk with local officials of the province of Agusan del Sur and is on the process of crafting and finalizing the plan to give livelihood opportunities to these people in the area. Meanwhile, Miranda said that DENR Secretary Ramon Paje has reiterated that the campaign against illegal logging and corruption remain as the top priority of the Aquino administration. Last week, the office of the Anti-Illegal Task Force was transferred here from Metro Manila to conduct a thorough investigation on the illegal logging activities in the region as well as to intensify the government’s campaign against illegal logging.


Carrascal kicks off 93rd Town Fiesta celebby Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

Anchored on the theme, “Kultura Nato Ipasigarbo, Sanan ipalambo Ta,” the annual activity is in honor of its patron saint Lady of Mt. Carmel, which is celebrated every July 16. Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel and 1st District Representative Philip Pichay graced the occasion during the opening program, participated by officials and employees of the province’s local government units down to barangay level. In his message, Mayor Vicente Pimentel Jr. emphasized that he himself is in favor of responsible mining, with Carrascal being a mining capital in the province. According to him, mining industry contributed several developments in the community. He said the income of the people here now has increased as compared in the previous years. One of the activities highlighted is the “Hiyas nan Carrascal” beauty pageant joined by 17 lovely candidates sponsored

by different offices from LGUs, NGOs, and stakeholders here. During the opening program held at Baywalk Community stage yesterday, Barangay Doyos was proclaimed champion for Carrascal’s Bunting Contest. Barangay Baybay, Embarcadero, and Saca got the second, third, and fourth prize respectively. The following are the activities set for the celebration: variety show featuring Bella Padilla and stand-up comedians on July 12, basketball exhibition game and variety show featuring Vina Morales with Dos-Agodos stand-up comedian on July 13; Mayor’s Cup Lawn Tennis Tournament, Hiyas nan Carrascal 2012 swimsuit & talent competition, and variety show featuring Rosanna Roces, Valerie Concepcion and Joy Diva on July 14; motocross competition with celebrity rider Jordan Herrera, Mayor’s Cup Basketball Open invitational Tournament and variety show featuring Ara Mina with Mr. Fu, Sexbomb Girls and Playgirls on July 15.

CARRASCAL, Surigao del Sur -- The 93rd Town Fiesta Celebration of the municipality of Carrascal kicked off with a grand parade as an opening salvo for their weeklong celebration, Tuesday.


DOH-CHD Caraga implements measures to combat dengue in Agusan del Sur

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga, together with the provincial government, has undertaken measures to fight dengue and control the situation in Agusan del Sur. Data from different disease reporting units in the region revealed that there were 144 dengue cases in the province from January 1 to July 9, 2012, the health department reported. DOH-CHD however reported there is an increasing number of cases detected in June 24-30, 2012 in the municipality of Esperanza, also in Agusan del Sur province. Because of this, DOH-CHD officials said they are regularly conducting information drive that is scheduled by purok for which DOH-CHD personnel are assigned to advocate the residents in the area on how to combat dengue. Simultaneous cleanup drives focusing on searching and destroying breeding sites were also conducted. Personnel from the agency were also designated by team to conduct a weekly case monitoring per purok.

Aside from this, officials of the agency also said a regular fogging is conducted that focused in destroying the infectious aedes Agepti (dengue) mosquito. Other activities conducted include the conduct of basic human surveillance, referral of dengue cases with warning signs, and on-site environmental inspection were also conducted. Based on the surveillance investigation conducted by the agency as of July 10, 2012, there were 70 cases of suspect dengue from Puroks 9 and 10, Brgy. Poblacion, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur reported from May 1 to July 8, 2012, where 45 of these cases were admitted. The DOH said age range of cases is from five months to 57 years old, composed of 26 males and 44 females. Out of these cases, two deaths were reported, both females, aged four years old and 10 years old. (RER)

Documents

One Mindanao - July 13, 2012