One Mindanao - July 18, 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

MSMEs fueling Sarangani economy

Serafin RamosCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, July 18, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 303

page 4

Efficient management of water agencies bring more benefits to Filipinos – President Aquino 8

Gideon C. Corgue, Western Mindanao21 Press and media profession are purveyors of truth and balanced reporting, says PAO chief Bongalos

24 Clemencia C. Pague, Northern Mindanao

4Ps beneficiaries attend Popcom’s responsible parenthood seminar

High school ALS A&E test-passers get scholarship offers from Tangub City 25

Peace education to be integratedin Sarangani public schools 32

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Gervacio Dauz, J, Caraga Region14 TESDA rolls out competency certification for workers

17 Haidee Emmie K. Palapar, Caraga Region6th RAFI Triennial Awards opens nomination

Tagum City to create special office for children’s concern28Southern Mindanao

Pagsawata ng mga ilegal na sugal , muling ipinag-uutos ng PNP 12 34

Beverly Paoyon, Central Mindanao

Central Mindanao

7 11 13 19

23 27 30

4 Wednesday, July 18, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StoryMSMEs fueling Sarangani economy

Uswag, meaning “progress” in Visayan, stands for united towards a strong, wealthy and globally competitive Sarangani. Since 2009, existing and new MSMEs kept a steady growth in number, business name registration (BNR) and new products. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Nenita Barroso said, “Uswag is our means to help reduce poverty in the province, because we can have more new businesses in the area, which means that our economy is increasing.” “More entrepreneurs in the

area mean more jobs. More products mean more sales hence, increasing money in circulation,” Barroso added. In 2009, Sarangani listed 172 MSMEs, 177 in 2010, 255 in 2011 and 175 in the first half of 2012, data from the DTI said. New BNR, on the other hand, posted 581 in 2009, 399 in 2010, 633 in 2011 and 417 as of June this year. From 2009, each year did not pass without at least a dozen new MSME products introduced to the market. These data show that Uswag projects were contributing to the

The number of micro, small and medium

enterprises (MSMEs) in Sarangani is growing each year driven by innovations introduced by the Uswag Sarangani program, said trade and industry officials.

by Serafin Ramos

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

economy of Sarangani, Barroso said. At the Uswag Sarangani 2012 opening ceremony on Monday, July 9, DTI Regional Director Ibrahim Guiamadel said one of the innovations was the opening of Uswag in different towns each year. Guiamadel said Uswag’s goal is to create a “vibrant economy” fueled by MSMEs. “Some of these (MSME) products have already reached the national trade fair. In fact the packaging now is globally competitive,” Guiamadel said. Kiamba already has 686 MSMEs with license and P10 million new investments coming from MSMEs, he added. Governor Migs Dominguez lauded Kiamba entrepreneurs for coming up with their own line of “Kiamba’s Best” products. He also hinted at asking

Representative Manny Pacquaio to be the endorser of “Kiamba’s Best.” With the “world’s best endorser,” the governor told the entrepreneurs to maintain their products’ packaging, label, quality and consistency. “Kiamba’s Best,” common brand of the town’s products, are bamboo shoots pickle, corned fish, Spanish sardines, fish paste, Elvie’s nipa vinegar, Elvie’s nipa sinamak, Joe Dels corn coffee, Joe Dels peanut butter, Joe Dels turmeric powder, Joe Dels salabat, Joe Dels native coffee, and Joe Dels tablea. On the other hand, Cresing’s Food Products of Maitum credited MSME development programs like Uswag to its market sustainability and growth. “Cresing’s sales considerably increased. Outlets have increased too. Cresing’s has become a by-word among tourists and bloggers,” Cresing’s said in a statement. “Cresing’s has generated local employment. From rice and corn coffee, it has added other product lines with improved packaging.” Cresing’s Food Products, established in 2006, pioneered the production of organic rice coffee and corn coffee. Some of Cresing’s


leading products are rice coffee 3-in-1

plus moringa, Criselda Blend (roasted brown rice-based tea preparation in tea bag, enhanced with dried lemon grass and turmeric powder), colorless salted egg soaked in brine solution and home-grown herbs in a century-old jar called “wang-ging” by Ilocanos, “bagoong,” “dayok” and half-dried marinated “bangsi” (flying fish). Uswag Sarangani is an adaptation of the MSME development week held nationwide every second week of July which Sarangani expanded into a month-long activity. This year banners the theme “Sarangan, Business Tayo.” Uswag Sarangani has been institutionalized through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 2006-5-053,

“Adopting the Month-Long Celebration of Uswag Sarangani as Socio-Economic Festivity of Sarangani Province.”

In 2010, an innovation was made by having a component event, Uswag Goes to Town

(UGTT), which brought USWAG to each of the seven towns of the province. Previous opening ceremonies of USWAG were done in Malungon in 2010 and Maitum in 2011. UGTT aims to bring closer to the constituents in the municipality various business development and enabling services of the government and partner private sector. It also looks to strengthen linkage and partnership with the municipal local government units. For 2012 Uswag, the set of activities include trainings and seminars, product development clinic, mobile trade fair and pasalubong kiosk and recognition of MSMEs. The UGTT dates are July 11, Malungon; July 17, Maasim; July 19, Alabel; July 24, Malapatan; July 26, Glan; and July 3, Maitum.


ACROSS THE NATION

In his speech during the inauguration of the second phase of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System’s (MWSS) Angat Water Utilization and Aqueduct Improvement Project (AWUAIP) at the La Mesa Dam Portal in Quezon City on Tuesday, the President said

that by working together with other neighboring countries like China projects like this can be achieved faster.

“Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa pondong ipinagkaloob ng bansang Tsina upang maisakatuparan ang mahalagang proyektong ito,” the

Aquino thanks China for water supply project funding

President Benigno S. Aquino III extended his profound thanks to the People’s Republic of China for funding and providing Chinese expertise in the construction and completion of a water

supply project that aims to increase the number of households served with clean potable water and prevent the unabated loss of this valuable resource due to leaks.


P r e s i d e n t said.“Tunay nga pong

sa maigting na ugnayan ng magkakaratig-bayan, mas mabilis nating natutugunan ang mga problema at mas napaglilingkuran ang ating mamamayan,” he added.

He said the Philippines joins the whole world in its quest to unite all nations in bringing all individuals, communities and nations the respect and dignity that they deserve.

“Kaisa natin ang buong mundo sa ating adhikain -- isang daigdig kung saan ang bawat indibidwal,

bawat komunidad at bawat bansa ay iginagalang at kinikilalang may likas na dignidad,” the President said.

The AWUAIP was built at a cost of P5.2-billion financed thru the Preferential Buyer’s Credit of China Export-Import Bank.

The project was finished eight (8) months ahead of schedule as a result of efficient contract management by the MWSS and the improved construction methodology of the contractor, China International Water and Electric Company. (rck)

Efficient management of water agencies bring more benefits to Filipinos – President Aquino

The dream of every Filipino to have clean potable running water through their taps will soon be a

reality after President Benigno S. Aquino III inaugurated the second phase of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System’s (MWSS) Angat Water Utilization and Aqueduct Improvement Project (AWUAIP) at the La Mesa Dam portal in Lagro, Quezon City on Tuesday.


In his speech keynoting the projects inauguration rites, the

Chief Executive said that this dream would not have been made possible if not for the unrelenting efforts of the concerned government agencies and stakeholders to plug the “leaks” plaguing the water industry.

He thanked Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, MWSS chairman Ramon B. Alikpala; and MWSS Administrator Gerardo A.I. Esquivel for being instrumental in implementing clear-cut and decisive reforms in the water sector.

The President said that the trio had been key to uplifting the MWSS from being mired in the P34-million debt in 2010 to earning a P330-million profit in 2011.

He pointed out that the agency was able to pay its obligation of P236-million to more than 1,000 MWSS retirees as well as a P150-million dividend to government coffers.

“Taumbayan na nga po ang nakatatanggap ng bonus mula sa MWSS at DPWH sa mga proyekto nilang walang tagas, tapat at patas. Kung dati, kikilos lang ang inyong

gobyerno kapag nandiyan na ang problema, ngayon, bago pa dumating ang mga hamon, nakahanda na ang ating solusyon,” the President said.

He assured the Filipino citizenry that the government remains committed to provide them the basic necessities, such as water, food and shelter.

“Tinitiyak po natin na ang pondong mula sa taumbayan, ay bumabalik at napapakinabangan ng taumbayan. Ang hangad natin sa bawat sulok ng Pilipinas, mayaman man o mahirap, ay may tubig na papatid sa kanilang uhaw, aagos sa mga gripo, at didilig sa mga pananim,” the President said.

“Mahiwaga nga po ang katangian ng tubig. Minsan, isa itong patak na nagbibigay lakas; minsan nama’y ragasa itong nagdudulot ng pinsala. Sa pangunguna ng MWSS, DPWH, mga katuwang na ahensya, gayundin sa nagkakaisa nating pagbubuhos ng dedikasyon, tiwala at pananagutan sa tuwid na daan, pihadong aagos ang kasaganahan at kaunlaran sa ating bayan,” he said.

Built at a cost of P1.3-billion, the AWUAIP Phase 2 involves the construction of a new 9.9 km aqueduct


(Aqueduct No. 6) and the rehabilitation

of the deteriorated section of Aqueduct No. 5 that will

allow the more efficient conveyance of raw water from Angat Dam to the La Mesa and Balara water treatment plants.

The AWUAIP, which consists of three development project phases, aims to recoup losses of 394 million liters of water a day due to leakages.

The first phase, which was completed on February 2006, involved the construction of a 5.5 km by-pass of the deteriorated section of the existing Aqueduct No. 5.

The amount of P1.5-billion was invested for Phase 1 which was financed by the Philippine Government.

The second and third phases include the construction of the 9.9 km. section of Aqueduct No. 6, the rehabilitation of the Aqueduct No.5 and the construction of interconnection facilities. The total investment of P5.2-billion for the AWUAIP was financed thru the Preferential Buyer’s Credit of China Export-Import Bank.

Once completed, the AWUAIP will ensure the safety and integrity of

raw water conveyance from Angat Dam to the La Mesa and Balara treatment plants, thus maintaining security of water supply for the MWSS service area covering 12 to 14 million people. (rck)


Butuan City to host 21st Mindanao Business Conference

This city is hosting the annual Mindanao Business Conference, which will run from August 2 to 4 at the

Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort. Now in its 21st year of staging, the

“MinBizCon” is the main multisectoral platform for fostering competitiveness and accelerating growth in the region and for showcasing investment destinations, particularly in its host city and surrounding provinces.

The Mindanao Business Conference is organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Butuan Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its

Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program.

The MinBizCon is also supported by local governments of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte province, DTI, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture and other partners.

“We’re looking forward to hosting this event and drawing attention to opportunities here,” said City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., who cited several ongoing business developments, including the construction of a mall and a 150-room hotel by a nationwide chain, as well as a golf course.


“This is a good time for public-private investment. We’re finalizing BOT schemes for upgrading the ports in Nasipit and Masao, and have worked with the DENR, other government agencies and the local private sector to open up upwards of ten thousand hectares of land for development,” Amante said.

Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that in addition to its tourism and mining industries, the Caraga Region around Butuan City has strong competitive advantages in agriculture.

“Among the newer agri-businesses, we have a herbal processing plant for the export market that uses local raw materials, and ventures in sago flour and nipa sap sugar production, to name just a few,” Pagaran said.

Amante and Pagaran pointed out that Caraga has significant hydropower potential. One plenary at the MinBizCon will highlight current public-private initiatives in the energy sector in Caraga, with partners from Japan and China.

“The Asiga and Taguibo rivers have a 23-megawatt and 8-megawatt capacity, respectively,” said Amante.

Another MinBizCon session will focus on improved economic integration within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, through the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), which includes Mindanao and Palawan.

The MinBizCon is also an opportunity different stakeholders to speak on the region’s most pressing economic

policy concerns. The highlight of the conference is the presentation of the annual Mindanao Business Policy Agenda to the Office of the President of the Philippines.

The formulation of policy recommendations contained in the agenda was initiated through broad-based regional consultations held earlier this year by PCCI in the cities of Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos, in collaboration with MinDA and USAID/GEM.

At a series of roundtables held in Manila in early July, Cabinet officials and private sector representatives met to fine-tune these recommendations aimed at improving key business sectors and to draft appropriate government responses.

The MinBizCon is expected to draw more than 300 participants, including senior business leaders, members of chambers of commerce, government policymakers, investors and foreign trading partners.

Butuan City, which now has five weekly round-trip commercial flights to Manila and three to Cebu, has become known in recent years as a Mindanao convention destination, with accommodations for more than 2,800 guests.

Conference participants will be brought on a tour of the city’s main attractions, which include the Butuan National Museum housing ancient Asian artifacts and the Balangay Shrine. They will also have a chance to visit the ongoing archaeological excavation of another centuries-old balangay boat used in Southeast Asian trade routes. (MinBizCon/GEM/PIA-Caraga)


In a statement, CSC-Caraga Regional Director Adams Torres said the activity highlights the celebration of the 112th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary this September with the theme, “Kawani, Ikaw Ay Isang Lingkod Bayani.”

Torres also said the competition aims to showcase musical creativity of talented government employees and to promote Filipino culture and arts through choral singing. The CSC chief of the region also stressed one distinct feature of this

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

[email protected][email protected]

The regional office of the Civil Service Commission here in Caraga has enjoined government entities in the region to

participate in the nationwide government choral competition.

CSC-Caraga enjoins gov’t entities to join nationwide choral competitionby Robert E. Roperos


TESDA rolls out competency certification for workersby Gervacio Dauz, Jr

year’s choral competition is its wide-ranging quest for musical excellence extending search to Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and National Capital Region (NCR). The search shall be undertaken in two phases. Phase one is the selection of two semi-finalists for each cluster to represent the four clusters. Phase two is the competition proper of the eight semi-finalists to be held on September 17, 2012 at the University of the Philippines (UP) Theater, Osmeña Ave., UP Diliman, Quezon City. Interested choral groups may

submit registration form and other requirements directly to the following CSC regional offices until July 31, 2012: CSC Region 3-Pampanga (Luzon), CSC Region 6-Iloilo City (Visayas), CSC Region 11-Davao City (Mindanao) and CSC NCR-Quezon City (NCR). The eight finalists will compete for the 2012 Government Chorale Grand Finals slated on September 17, 2012. Meanwhile, CSC also reminds interested participants that competition requirements and all incidental costs will be shouldered by the participating agency.

AGUSAN DEL NORTE -- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Agusan del Norte rolled out the free National TVET Competency Assessment and Certification (NATCAC) for workers last July 9 via a ceremony at the Butuan Doctors’ College mini-gym in Butuan City.


The NATCAC, a support mechanism for the middle-level workers who desire to acquire national certification for their respective skills, has been launched in partnership with other TESDA provincial offices across the country. TESDA-ADN Provincial Director lauded the partnership arrangement with ANECO, a local electric utility, when GM Santos signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with TESDA as a mutual covenant in support of the continuing need to professionalize the private electricians, who are members of the AEMPC and who are ANECO-accredited. “This tie up with the industry is about making a difference between those who are certified and those who are not. If certified, then there’s a stamp of quality,” he said. In line also with said initiative, he said that TESDA Agusan del Norte had already conducted a soft launching of the Bitaug Certified Establishment Recognition Program, which was done last July 5 during the Department of Trade and Industry small, and medium enterprise caravan 2012 at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort.

This recognition program is TESDA’s way of acknowledging, valuing, and putting premium to establishments and institutions that hire a critical number of certified workers vis-à-vis the set standards. Part of the agreement forged by ANECO is to “require the current crop of accredited external electricians to upgrade their credentials such as undergoing assessment and certification” and to “Require the succeeding crop of applicant external electricians to have a National Certification as a prerequisite for their admittance as new members of the recognized aggrupation.” TESDA, for its part, agrees, in support for the AEMPC members, to “rromote the need of and encourage the external electricians concerned to undergo assessment and certification, and to facilitate the conduct of assessment and certification in order to saturate the industry and achieve a critical number of certified and qualified external electricians.” Liza B. Budtan, supervising TESD specialist, said that NATCAC “is a synchronized conduct of assessment and certification” all


throughout the country. It runs on July 9 to 20; August 20 to 31; and October 15 to 26 this year. She presented also that NATCAC is a scheme for the industry’s acceptance and recognition of the value of certification in quality-assuring the competencies of their workers, a tool to enhance the competitiveness and employability of workers; and a plot to upgrade the qualification of existing workers, trainers and assessors to a higher level of qualification. The free NATCAC program covers 24 qualifications under eight sectors and are held in more than four separate venues. Examples of qualifications are Carpentry

NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Technical Drafting NC II, and Photography NC II. Also, examples of sectors are information and communication technology, land transport, construction and electronics. Also present during the launching were Archbishop Horacio T. Santos, general manager (GM) of the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO), members of the Agusan del Norte Electricians’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative (AEMPC), tech-voc scholars, and school representatives from the Butuan Doctors’ College and Global-Competency-Based Training Center, Dr. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr.


6th RAFI Triennial Awards opens nominationby Haidee Emmie K. Palapar

BUTUAN CITY-- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation (RAFI) is now accepting nominations for the 6th RAFI Triennial Awards for the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual and the Eduardo Aboitiz Award for Outstanding Institution. The RAFI Triennial Awards is conferred every three years to honor men, women, and organizations who through their efforts and selfless commitment bring about change in the lives of the less privileged in various groups and communities in the Philippines. The Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual is open to every Filipino, natural born or naturalized citizen, at least 30 years old, and of good moral character whose dedication to their profession has made significant contributions to the advancement of the well-being of fellow Filipinos.

The Eduardo Aboitiz Award forOutstanding Institution is open to all institutions or organizations. They may be government organizations, non-government organizations, civic organizations, or people’s organizations that have been established for at least three years, with functional programs and work with other groups in bringing about comprehensive and responsible development. The nominees should exhibit unending commitment and dedication to uplift the socio-economic condition of the poor and


the marginalized sectors. Nominees for each category will undergo extensive screening process. The selection process starts whenindividuals and institutions are nominated for the RAFI Triennial Awards. The search committee is composed of representatives from the media, academe, business groups, and people’s organizations or non-government organizations. The RAFI Triennial Awards was launched on December 6, 1996 during the 39th anniversary of the foundation to commemorate the philanthropic, humanitarian, and holistic ideals of RAFI founders Don Ramon Aboitiz and his son Don Eduardo Aboitiz. Winners of each award category

will be given a trophy, cash prize of not less than P400,000, and the opportunity to travel in Visayas and Mindanao to share their expertise and experience to various groups. Online nomination forms can be accessed through RAFI’s website at http://rafi.org.ph/event/nomination-form/. Nominations are also accepted from government agencies, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, civil society, academe, and the business sector. Self-nomination is discouraged. For more information about the RAFI Triennial Awards, please contact (032) 418-7234 loc. 105 and look for Cathy Margate, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.


piazampen.blogspot.comhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-WesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310 [email protected]

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

“We may not be totally equipped but we can assure the Dipolognons of our readiness to respond to their needs in times of typhoons and other forms of disaster that may hit the city.”

“We’re not fully-equipped, but we’re ready,” says Dipolog City DRRMC by Alfonso T. Ruda


This was the assurance given by Engr. Silvestre Sabando, head of the Dipolog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, when asked on the capability of the local DRRMC to respond to emergency situations. Sabando said presently, the local DRRMC has fifteen (15) life jackets, 2 units of pump-boats, and speed boats with back-up support from the Special Forces based at Barangay Galas, this city which has also two speedboats. It has also procured additional life jackets, generators and hard hats for its rescue operations. However Sabando pointed out that Dipolog City DRRMC has established communication network with the different barangays, particularly those flood-prone areas to ensure the immediate deployment of personnel during emergency situations. The identified flood-prone barangays are Sta. Isabel, Sta. Felomina, Turno, Estaka, Dicayas, Galas, Punta, Miputak, Mibang, and Minaog. During the latest episode of Tapatan Roadshow on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation, Interior and Local

Government Secretary Jesse Robredo disclosed that 80% of the more than 1,700 Local Government Units throughout the country are ready in case typhoons and other disaster hit their communities. He also reported that 92% or 1,580 LGUs have already their own warning alarm system. 78% or 1,334 LGUs have also organized its emergency response, rescue and medical teams, while 86% or 1,473 LGUs have already put up their own evacuation centers. The DILG chief is optimistic that through the nation-wide conduct of the forum on disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation, more LGUs will be implementing measures that will make their communities disaster-resilient. To motivate the LGUs, the DILG Secretary said the Department had launched “Seal of Disaster Preparedness” as an incentive for those LGUs who have demonstrated exemplary performance in carrying out the government’s disaster preparedness and climate change program. The award is scheduled to be given during the month of December. (ALT/ATR/PIA9)


Thus declared Atty. Edgar Bongalos, Asst. Regional Director of the Public Attorney’s Office during the oath taking ceremony of ZPPI’s new set of officers for 2012-2013 at the ZAMSURECO Heroes Hall on Saturday with the theme “ Nagkakaisang Mamamahayag Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan”. “Your theme, Bongalos said, bespeaks of the need for unity in achieving what has to be achieved so that righteousness and propriety

in our day-to-day activities can be attained. You have to be one in dealing with critical issues affecting public interest otherwise the desire for the “Matuwid na Daan” cannot be realized. Bongalos said people in the community are looking up to you in the press and media profession as the purveyors of truth and balanced reporting, leaning on you as their hope for a better society and good governance. They look up to you as

Press and media profession are purveyors of truth and balanced reporting, says PAO chief Bongalos

Let me congratulate and commend the newly-inducted set of officers of the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian Press Club, Inc (ZPPI) for accepting

the responsibilities conferred by their respective offices. It is through your leadership that will lead and steer the club with utmost care so as to sustain its viability at all times.”

By Gideon C. Corgue

Photo by: Allyzza Dawn Lu


the voice of the public that echoes public sentiments to the concerned agencies. Bongalos has observed that some media were put in a difficult and life-threatening situation specially when they expose the truth. And yet, they have not ceased to expose and condemn the evils and wrongdoings that men can do or have done. “I highly commend your magnanimity, perseverance and dedication to your duties despite the odds,” Bongalos extolled. Meanwhile, newly installed president Vic del Pilar of Hardline publication in his speech said it is with great honor that he accepted the challenge of becoming the new president saying that accepting the responsibility is the biggest challenge in his life to lead and manage the media organization in the province. Del Pilar, a retired employee of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), businessman and a farmer vowed to introduce reform in the organization. “I envisioned to nurture a professional service ethics to all ZPPI members for them to serve its clients with utmost integrity and decency,” Del Pilar said noting that an illegitimate media organization was established in the city which was criticized for doing corruption activities. Del Pilar also appealed to the members to observe proper decorum in their profession at all times. “We want ZPPI as a professional media organization that is not tainted with corruption,” Del Pilar

concluded. The newly elected officials were Vic del Pilar, president; Don Sherwin Lu, vice president; Liberal Cabatcha, secretary; Ann Lu, treasurer; Manny Maulana, auditor; Jay Apales, PIO; Leah Agonoy, Remai Alejado, Medardo Gutang, Gideon Corgue, Charnyl Albaracin, Nestor Comendador, Lualhati Belen, and Leo Santillan, as board of directors. (ALT/GCC/PIA9)


LTO-10 revenue collections, up 3.09% in 1Qby Rutchie C. Aguhob

A total revenue of P128.07 million was collected by the Land Transportation

Office (LTO), region 10, during the first quarter, this year, higher by 3.09 percent compared to P124.23 million in the same period of 2011.

Lawyer Esteban M. Baltazar, Regional Director of LTO-10 said, this amount was generated from the various transactions, ranging from motor vehicle (MV) registrations, renewals, transfers, drivers’ licenses, permits, etc. through the region’s 16 district and extension (DO/EO) in the region.

The highest collection of P27.30 million was done by the Cagayan de Oro (CDO), followed by the Puerto EO, P21 million, Iligan City, P13.38 million and Ozamiz City, P10.34 million. The other DO/EO’s collected the following amounts: Malaybalay City, P9.38 million, Valencia City, P6.71 million, Gingoog City, P5.67 million, Oroquieta City, P5.07 million and Tubod, Lanao del Norte, P5.02 million. Maramag, Bukidnon, P4.28 million, CDO Licensing Center, P3.79 million, LTO-10 Regional Office, P3.69 million, Camiguin, P3.37 million, Drivers’ Licensing Renewal Center (DLRC), P2.95 million, E-Patrol X, P2.34 million and Tangub City, P2.26


4Ps beneficiaries attend Popcom’s responsible parenthood seminarby Clemencia C. Pague

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - The Commission on Population (Popcom) in Region 10 has conducted family development sessions (FDS) for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in four barangays in Maramag town, this province.

Psyche Paler, regional director, Popcom 10, said parents must exercise responsible parenthood by having children they can raise in a unselfish way. More than 200 couples participated during the discussion on fertility awareness, artificial, and modern scientific natural family planning methods.

During discussions, couples asked questions on how each family planning method is done. The FDS lecturers, in turn, explained that artificial temporary methods include pills, oral and

million. Meanwhile, a total of 62,939 MV’s was registered during the first quarter of the year, lower by 0.29 percent compared to 63,121 in the same period of 2011. The LTO-10 data show that the registration of new MV’s declined, from 12,539 to 9,838 or down by 21.54 percent while the renewals increased, from 50,582 to 53,101 or 4.98 percent. On the other hand, the registration of “new” private MV’s declined, from 12,438 to 9,757 or down by 21.55 percent while renewals

increased, from 43,991 to 46,129 or 4.86 percent. The registration of “for hire” MV’s during the period also declined, from 59 to only two (2) or down by 96.61 percent but renewals increased from 5,733 to 6,138 or 7.06 percent. Likewise, the registration of new government vehicles also increased from 42 to 79 or 88.10 percent but renewals declined, from 855 to 832 or down by 2.69 percent. However, the registration of tax exempt cars remained at two (2) MV’s during both periods.


injectables, condom and intrauterine device, while artificial permanent methods are bilateral tubal ligation for women and no-scalpel vasectomy for men. It was, however, emphasized that artificial permanent methods of family planning are for couples who have already achieved the desired number of children and do not want to have more children. The modern and scientific natural family planning, were explained by the experts from Popcom. It includes basal body temperature, billings ovulation, cervical mucus method, sympto-thermal method, and the

lactational amenorrhea method. Nineteen clusters of 4Ps beneficiaries from barangays North Poblacion, South Poblacion, Kuya, and San Miguel in Maramag town benefited from these sessions. The activity also aimed to give accurate and complete information to couples who intend to manage fertility and achieve pregnancy. “By providing them accurate information, couple participants will be guided to make informed choices. Thus, they are now empowered to make decisions out of their own choices and preferences,” Paler said.

High school ALS A&E test-passers get scholarship offers from Tangub Cityby Rutchie C. Aguhob

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental - At least 67 passers in the high school level of the Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) Test in 2011 from the Tangub City Schools Division (TCSD), have been offered scholarships by the city government.

Evangeline P. Tano, ALS Coordinator of TCSD, said the offer is contained in Resolutions 2006-09-1879 and 2006-09-1880 of the City Council, both dated Sept. 26, 2006. Such resolutions have asked the Northern Mindanao State College (NMSC) and the Gov. Alfonso D. Tan College (GADTC), both owned by the city government, respectively, to grant scholarships to all the passers of the ALS A&E and the Philippine Education

Test (PEPT) of TCSD, who wish to proceed their college education in the two institutions located in the city. Among the 10-point agenda of the mayor of Tangub is the strengthening and promotion of education and one of NMSC’s and GADTC’s missions is to provide quality education but lesser tuition fee to the students. “Granting scholarship to the deserving students is the best way of helping and encouraging them to


pursue their studies in college,” Mayor Philip T. Tan, of Tangub, said. Meanwhile, Tano said aside from the 67 who qualified in the high school level, 24 others from TCSD passed the ALS A&E test in the elementary level, posting an overall performance of 50 percent out of 183, the total number of ALS A&E test-takers, from TCSD. The ALS A&E Test is administered, yearly, to elementary drop-outs who are at least 11 years old and high school drop-outs who are at least 15 years old on or before the day of the test. Also qualified are non-passers of previous ALS A&E tests, learners/completers of the ALS Program and youths and adults, who are in-school, but over-aged for elementary level or more than 11 yrs. old or over-aged for the high school level or more than 18 yrs. old. This year, the ALS A&E Test will be conducted by the Bureau of

Alternative System (BALS), both at the elementary and secondary levels in 205 schools divisions of the country’s 17 DepEd regional centers within the month of October. Particularly for Region 10, Northern Mindanao, the ALS A&E Test will be conducted on October 7, together with Region 11, Southeastern Mindanao, Region 12, Central Mindanao, Region 13, Caraga and the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).


The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region

has called on stakeholders to ac-tively participate in the promotion of pangasius fish as a regular fam-ily staple. During the Pangasius Culture Management Seminar held at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) gymnasium here recently, DTI-Davao Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto, in a message read by DTI-Davao City Field Office director Teolulo T. Pasawa, has emphasized the need of an intensive marketing plan

to make the general public aware that pangasius fish is already available in the local market. “By having a sound and viable marketing plan, we can reap a number of opportunities – from generating investments and jobs to cornering sales in the domestic and international markets,” Loreto said. Per records of DTI-Compostela Valley Program Office, pangasius is currently sold at P185 per kilogram. DTI-CV is the anchor province for pangaius in the region. Merlyn Damaso, a food processor from Comval, said that contrary to catfish, pangasius can be part of the family’s daily menu. “Ang pangasius kay pwedeng everyday meal sa pamilya kay daghang luto ang pwedeng mahimo (Pangasius can be an everyday meal since it can be prepared or cooked in many ways),” she said adding that pangasius can be served deep fried, grilled, adobo, sweet and sour, among others. To date, Damaso also sells

DTI bats for pangasius marketing


Tagum City to create special office for children’s concernTagum City - Tagum Mayor Rey T. Uy has ordered the creation of a special office for children to assist all barangays in institutionalizing needed services for children. Uy made the decision to create a Special Office for Children during the exit conference of the area validation conducted by the Regional Awards Committee of the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities. While listening to the feedback of validators, Mayor Uy realized that barangays were expected to deliver numerous services for children’s welfare. To help the barangays

become enabled to render needed services for children, he directed City Interior and Local Government Officer Liza Mendoza and his executive assistant Delia dela Cruz to take lead in creating the office. Uy wanted children’s programs and projects to reach the barangays which he expected to also show full concern for children. However, he said the city government will continue initiating ways to advance children’s welfare, the city may won or loss the Presidential Award search this year.

pangasius burger patty and lumpia. Though, she is still in search for other pangasius preparations that she can produce eventually. Damaso added that the meat of this fish stays firm even when overcooked, a characteristic that makes it more palatable. Apart from satisfying one’s taste buds, the left-over of pangasius can also be processed into a new product. “Ang skeleton sa pangasius after nimo kaunon, pwede natong

i-process into feeds like fish meal ug hog feed (The pangasius skeleton can be processed into feeds),” said pangasius grower My Lady Rose Domingo of Davao City. DTI-CV Program Manager Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque said his office is matching Damaso with possible institutional buyers particularly restaurants and hotels in Davao City. “Through this way, we can create a local demand for processed pangasius,” he said. (DTI11/JenMendoza)


“Let’s keep the children smiling,” he said. Tagum City this year enters forth year in its bid to the child-friendly award, contending under component city category. It became one of the national entries in years 2008, 2010 and 2011. It only reached at the regional level in 2009 because there was no national level search during that year. Meanwhile, the RAC members of the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) 11 picked in ramdom Tagum City barangays San Miguel, Liboganon, Canocotan, Mankilam, and Magugpo East as field validation sites during

their area visit July 4 and July 13. The RAC members were looking at the level of day care services, barangay nutrition health services, education services and community support services in their field visits. The validation team also looked into the level of child participation of the barangays, as well as, inspect the facilities of their Barangay Information Center and barangay playgrounds, and the functionality of Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC). (PIA-11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan, Tagum school children photo by Leo Timogan Tagum CIO)


Reg’l drug rehab center in Soccsksargen to rise in Lake SebuBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato,- Negotiations on the establishment of Soccsksargen’s drug rehabilitation and treatment center in Lake Sebu town has already begun.


The negotiations on the said project happened between the provincial government of South Cotabato and the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH-12).

The Office of the Govenor has confirmed that DOH 12 Director Dr. Marlyn Convocar has visited Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. for initial talks regarding the conversion of the underutilized Lake Sebu Municipal Hospital to become the Regional Drug Rehabilitation Center of Region 12.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, also disclosed that formal talks on the matter could begin immediately after the celebration of the 13th T’nalak Festival.

“After the celebrations, I will call for a meeting with the Provincial Health Board to discuss the matter. We are also inviting regional director Dr. Convocar to the meeting,” he said.

Plans to upgrade the

Lake Sebu Municipal Hospital into a rehabilitation center began in June.

During the meeting of the Regional Social Development Committee of the Regional Development Council 12 at Villa Princessita, Koronadal City last June 19, Dr. Convocar proposed for the establishment of a drug rehabilitation and treatment center in the province, considering the province’s strategic location in Soccsksargen Region.

In response, Gov. Pingoy signified the willingness of the provincial local government unit (LGU) to donate the underutilized health facility in Lake Sebu for the drug rehab center.

He explained that the government could save on construction cost if the said hospital will only be improved and developed to fit the rehab center’s requirements.

In his regular weekly radio program, “Si Gov. Dodo kag

ang Katawhan,” Gov. Pingoy explained that the present underutilization of the hospital in Lake Sebu could worsen once the Upper Valley Community Hospital in nearby Surallah town becomes operational.

Thus, transforming the facility into a drug rehabilitation center is a better alternative to maximize its use for better purposes, the governor reasoned.

“Lake Sebu is an ideal location for such facility because of the ambiance and the presence of natural attractions that could help in the healing of the patients. So far, this is the third regional rehabilitation and treatment in the entire country,” he said.

Dr. Convocar explained that if plans will push through, the initial operations of the center may be placed under the supervision of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in coordination with the Cotabato Regional and Medical


Center, especially for some personnel requirements.

Lake Sebu is South Cotabato’s prime tourist destination. The municipality is well-known for its three lakes and seven falls as well as its zipline, which is the highest in Southeast Asia.

Besides the establishment of drug rehab center, the South Cotabato LGU and DOH has also partnered for the construction

of the Upper Valley Community Hospital (UVCH).

DOH, through its Health Facilities E n h a n c e m e n t Program, has provided the province with P28 million for the construction of the health facility that will serve as annex of the provincial hospital in Koronadal City.

As a private partner of the provincial government, the San Miguel Corporation,

through its mining firm, Daguma Agro Minerals, Inc. (DAMI), also donated P25 million to build the UVCH.

UVCH is targeted to begin operations next year, which should absorb patients in the municipalities of Sto. Niño, Surallah, Banga, Lake Sebu, T’boli and other nearby municipalities, and decongest the provincial hospital. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

Peace education to be integratedin Sarangani public schoolsBy Beverly Paoyon

ALABEL, Sarangani -- Peace education would soon be incorporated in the basic curriculum in all public schools in Sarangani.

Governor Migs Dominguez said this scheme would be challenging considering that the province belongs to a multi-ethnic society.

“We are the first one to do this,” Dominguez said optimistic that it would succeed in Sarangani.

He noted that key values of excellence, respect and integrity


are evident in the Department of Education Sarangani division which he cited as the values that support success in any community.

Dominguez then encouraged the teachers to try to develop how to communicate the culture of peace well.

“Because as people do not know how to respect the differences of individuals, differences in religion and differences in cultural practices. No matter how intelligent a student is in Sarangani, simple conflicts could not be avoided that may

eventually become large in nature,” the governor said.

Dominguez said the challenge for the educators rests more on the manner they will teach, guide and shepherd the students, urging teachers to identify their sphere of influence and maximize it.

In line with this, principals went through an orientation, Thursday, July 12 on the topic, “Institutionalizing Peace Education in Basic Education and Teacher Education” as provided

for under Executive Order No. 570 to support this mainstreaming.

Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda, Kalinaw Sarangani program manager, said that as teachers understand their role in peace building, they too will be motivated to re-examine and re-understand the principles of peace, conflict and genuine values that are applicable in schools.

Also, partnerships would be strengthened in propagating the culture of peace through formulation of common


framework for school-based peace initiatives, she said.

“Students will embrace culture of peace if they will first see transformation from us.

We can’t give what we do not have. We can’t be a model if nothing is on us. We want our children to understand already their role towards peace not tomorrow

but today,” Kanda pointed out. (DED/Beverly C. Paoyon/PIO Sarangani/CTA-PIA12 General Santos City)

Pagsawata ng mga ilegal na sugal , muling ipinag-uutos ng PNP 12LUNGSOD NG KORONADAL, South Cotabato -- Muling pinaalalahan ni Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 Director PCSupt. Alex Paul Monteagudo sa mga police provincial, city, at municipal police offices sa Soccsksargen Region na mas paigtingin and kanilang operasyon laban sa ilegal na sugal, kabilang na ang mga illegal numbers game, pati na rin sa ilegal na droga.

Sinabi pa ni PSupt. Monteagudo na maaring matanggal sa puwesto ang sinumang hepe ng pulis na mapapatunayang walang ginagawa sa mga iligal na gawaing ito sa kanyang nasasakupan.

Matatandaang, tatlong chief of police sa General Santos ang inalis sa kanilang puwesto kamakailan matapos napatunayang walang ginagawa ang mga ito laban sa talamak sa sugalan at mga kaso ng droga sa kani-kanilang nasasakupan.

Kinilala ang mga na-relieve na mga COP na sina CInsp. Leo Sua ng Pendatun Police Station,

CInsp. Samuel Cadungon ng Makar Police Station SInsp. Hover Antonio ng Bula Police Station chief.

Ayon pa kay Monteagudo, may ilang lugar na sa rehiyon kung saan masyado nang hayag ang iligal na gawain ng pagpapasugal tulad ng pagpapatayo ng mga

betting stations mismong sa mga pampublikong lugar.

Aniya, kailangang higpitan ang pagpapatupad ng “ one - s t r i ke -po l i c y ” na ipinatutupad ni PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

Documents

One Mindanao - July 18, 2012