One Mindanao - March 31, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

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

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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

LAYOUT ARTISTS

GIDEON C. CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

CONTENTS

DepEd lauds NorthCot LGU’s graduation initiative

Malungon certified 1st open-defecation free town in Sarangani

DSWD Caraga launches SLP Product Catalogue

PNP-Sibugay beefs up drive vs kidnapping

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2030

DSWD celebrates 2015 ‘Korambusan,’ emphasizes women and men partnership

DSWD continues to send aid to families affected by armed conflict

Palaro 2015 host sets benchmark for future Palarong Pambansa

DAR Surigao Norte turns-over first infra project under BUB fund

PCG reactivates the Passenger Assistance Center in Misamis Occidental Ports

NNC taps performing LGUs to push significant nutritional change

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

By: Daryll M. Tumbaga

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By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

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2526

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

By: DepEd


By: Jorie C. Valcorza

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Rutchie C. Aguhob

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERNNATIONAL23 Gov Cora cites women’s role in

developmentBy: PIO Davao Oriental

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4 MARCH 31, 2015One Mindanao

DSWD celebrates 2015 ‘Korambusan,’ emphasizes women and men partnership By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

“While we continue to empower women in our community, as we always should, it is important to keep in mind and heart that we are not in the competition with men – we are their equals, their counterparts, their partners.”

5MARCH 31, 2015 One Mindanao

This was the statement

emphasized by regional director Minda Brigoli of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga during its celebration of the 2015 Korambusan and at the same time launching of the department’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Product Catalogue held on Monday at the DSWD’s regional office here.

“This is what behinds our Korambusan celebration, which comes from our dialect that means cooperation and working together for a common objective. We therefore agree that both sexes can work together in ensuring that we both become recipients of development. Both sexes are essential in making this world a better place for all and for the generations to come,” disclosed Brigoli.

The lady director also stressed that more women should be empowered and gender-responsive. “On the quest of having a more gender-responsive community, I would like to remind every woman here, like me, on Maya

Angelou’s words and I quote, ‘A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim,’ end of quote. Surely, there is still more to be done to be fully gender-responsive and close the gender inequality gap in four areas, namely: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Political Empowerment, and Health and Survival. But it is certain as well that, us and the world, have already taken the necessary steps in defying the ordinary,” she said.

Brigoli further expressed that the department believes that Caraga region is a place where woman have all the freedom to be whatever they want and make a difference, just like men do.


“In the spirit of Korambusan, we put this in our hearts that this celebration is our way of reminding ourselves that we are all equal takers of this planet and has the equal rights o facilitate development for each other,” highlighted Brigoli.

This year is the second time that the department has celebrated the Korambusan with various activities for the whole day, which all employees of DSWD-Caraga will enjoy.


MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III signed last Friday a joint resolution with Congress, increasing the daily subsistence allowance of uniformed personnel from P90 to P150 per day, effective January 1, 2015, Malacañang has announced.

President Aquino signs resolution raising daily allowance of uniformed personnel


In a press briefing at the Palace on Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the current allowance is “no longer adequate to meet the basic needs of Filipino military soldiers and uniformed personnel… in view of the increasing prices of commodities”.

The higher allowance is for all officers, enlisted personnel, candidate soldiers, probationary second lieutenants, cadets and civilian active auxiliaries of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, commissioned and non-commissioned personnel of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy, Philippine Coast Guard, including candidate coast guard men, and National Mapping and Resource Information

Authority (NAMRIA).

“The amount necessary to implement the provisions of the resolution shall be charged against the savings of the DND (Department of National Defense), DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications), DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), and DENR-NAMRIA (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) for the current year and/or the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund,” Lacierda said.

In the succeeding years, the amount shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, he added. (PCOO)


DSWD continues to send aid to families affected by armed conflict

To securely address the needs of displaced families brought about by the ongoing armed conflict in Mindanao, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to send additional food and non-food relief supplies in the affected areas. As of March 30, the DSWD provided P24.76 million worth of assistance in the 13 towns of Maguindanao; in Pikit and Matalam, North Cotabato; and in Bitaugan, Surigao del Sur where a clash between the military and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) occurred on February 27.

The DSWD has also now included Brgy. Estado, Matalam, North Cotabato and Monkayo, Compostela Valley as among the areas it continues to assist after armed conflicts ensued there on March 20 and March 24, respectively. The DSWD released the

relief supplies either through the DSWD-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) or through concerned local government units (LGUs), as well as through the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH)-Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

As of press time, a total of 27,178 families or 132,870 persons have been affected by the incident.

Of this number, 20,078 families or 100,390 persons are inside 78 evacuation centers. The


evacuation centers in Pikit have already closed, but 1,629 families or 8,145 persons who opted to stay with their relatives continue to receive relief assistance.

The Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Teams in the affected towns remain in close coordination with the LGUs for further assessment of the needs of the evacuees. While at the evacuation centers, evacuees are given psycho-social counseling and children-evacuees undergo play therapy sessions to lessen their trauma.

Continuing aid for families of SAF 44

Meanwhile, the Department is continuously providing aid to the families of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) commandos who were slain in the Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash on January 25.

To date, a total of P1,226,440 worth of food packs, burial assistance, educational assistance, and medical assistance have been provided to the families through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

Concerned DSWD-Field Offices are currently expediting the assessment and processing of the livelihood and employment assistance to the qualified family members of the Fallen 44. DSWD offers them livelihood support suited to their skills.

The DSWD also received the initial batch of nine proposals for livelihood assistance submitted by the families of the SAF 44 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); the Department is set to submit these to the Presidential Management Staff of the Office of the President.

DSWD also provided P205,000 worth of burial and medical assistance to the civilians affected during the Mamasapano clash.

On the other hand, DSWD continues to receive donations as an aid to the families of the slain PNP-SAF commandos.

As of March 27, the Department has already received a total of P912,289.06.

The daily updates on donations transactions can be accessed through the DSWD website.


Palaro 2015 host sets benchmark for future Palarong Pambansa

Thirty eight (38) days before the opening, Palarong Pambansa 2015 host Davao del Norte received outstanding marks from Education Secretary Armin Luistro during the official launch held in Tagum City, Thursday (March 26). Luistro commended the preparations and said Davao del Norte could establish a

benchmark for all future editions of the annual Palaro.


“It’s really the first time that I really feel and can sense that we are one month ahead of the preparations for the Palarong Pambansa. Maraming-maraming salamat po sa probinsiya ng Davao del Norte at sa ating sanggunian ng Tagum City at sa lahat po ng mga kasama natin dahil parang hindi po kami masyadong harassed sa Palarong Pambansa 2015. In fact, way, way ahead of schedule, lahat po ng ating mga opisyales ay nagpakita na hindi naman pala kailangan parati tayong naghahabol at sana ito na nga po yung ating standard for a benchmark for succeeding Palarong Pambansa,” Luistro said.

He added that he was impressed by how Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario, kept his promise of delivering a remarkable and “the best Palarong Pambansa thus far.”

“Kahit po mag-ikot na kayo doon sa mga venues, gaya ng ating mga Regional Directors ay naririto so that they can see for themselves how much preparation has already been done prior to the opening of Palarong Pambansa. I am so certain that our friends in Media, our general public, will be very

pleased with what they see,” Luistro praised.

A pleasant addition to this year’s Palaro is the comprehensive guidebook featuring the billeting schools, playing venues, safety and security, and other essential details that athletes and spectators will need to know once the event commences. During the launch, the song “Palaro ng Pagkakaisa” sung by local favorite Maan Milan, was presented as the official theme song of the 58th Palarong Pambansa.

With the advanced groundwork accomplished by Davao del Norte LGU, DepEd can now focus on the real purpose of the Palaro—to ensure the well-being of the athletes and their coaches, and to assure the development of another world-class facility in one of our country’s provinces. (DepEd)


PAGADIAN CITY, March 31 (PIA) – “The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is tasked and mandated to investigate only criminal cases in the Philippines,” says the new NBI Pagadian City district office chief Atty. Mamerto Cortez during a media forum held last March 25 at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) office this city.

New NBI district chief bares duties, functionsBy Claro A. Lanipa


Atty. Cortez said the NBI was created by virtue of Republic Act 157 during the time of the 1935 Commonwealth Republic under the then President Manuel L. Quezon. “Under this law, NBI is mandated to investigate all crimes embodied in the revised penal code and other special penal laws, in short, all criminal cases in the country,” Cortez underscored. NBI was patterned after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States of America, because during its creation the Philippines is under the US government, Atty. Cortez said. NBI serves as the clearing house of all criminal records of the citizens of the Philippines and all foreigners who are arrested or apprehended by any law enforcement or agency such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the Bureau of Immigration (BOI). In 1945, during the Japanese occupation in the country, NBI agents served as the intelligence officer of the guerilla unit of the United State in gathering information on the movement of the Japanese imp

erial army, Cortez said. “To date, the investigation bureau serves as the clearing house of all criminal records and therefore, anybody who wish to apply for work locally or abroad will have to seek clearance from our office,” Cortez added. With the state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, NBI also provides technical services to the people of the Philippines such as finger printing, forensic examination, DNA testing, drug test and examination of substance both prohibited or regulated among others, the NBI chief said. “NBI was also tapped by the Supreme Court (SC) especially the Judicial and Bar Council to conduct background investigation of applicants for judges, justice position from municipal and regional trial courts to the Court of Appeals,” he said. “Moreover, NBI is the only law enforcement agency, which requires that an NBI agent should be a certified public accountant or lawyer or both as specified under RA 157,” Cortez added. Prior to his assignment in Pagadian City district office,


which covers the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay, Atty. Cortez was formerly assigned at the Anti-Organized Crime and Transnational Crime Division, NBI Manila. His order was approved by the NBI director on January 15, 2015 but assumed his new post on Jan. 28 of the same year.

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

PNP-Sibugay beefs up drive vs kidnapping


In a recent interview with the media, Gucela said that anti-kidnapping symposiums/forums have already been conducted in the different areas of the province with IEC (Information, Education and Communication) leaflets/ materials being distributed to schools and other sectors in the society to raise public awareness on kidnapping. “It is one of the important tools we consider to prevent

kidnapping incidents from happening and educate our teachers how they can avoid it,” stressed Gucela. Other than teachers, school supervisors and personnel from the local government units attended the said forums. “We wanted to establish an open line communication with these people, particularly the teachers as they are the most vulnerable group with the recent kidnapping incident in the island municipalities,” said Gucela.

“In the event of kidnapping, the victim could unknowingly be a contributor and participator for he/she might have flaunted his/her wealth in public, provoking the kidnappers to commit the crime,” he explained. Gucela said the effort of the PNP in conducting information drive would enable the teachers and other vulnerable groups to identify preemptive signs if a kidnap-for-ransom group is targeting them.


“In the context of law enforcement, there are only two factors that co-exist in order for a crime to be committed –opportunity and the desire. The former is being contributed and participated in by the victim,” emphasized Gucela. A recent report from the Police Regional Office (PRO-9) disclosed that two elementary school teachers of Tuburan Elementary School in Talusan

town were allegedly abducted by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) last March 5. According to Gucela, a special investigation task group has already been activated to look into the case. The police force has already coordinated with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the conduct of anti-kidnapping symposiums in schools.

Lanao del Norte culminates Women’s Month with activities

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte -More than 1,000 women from 21 municipalities of Lanao del Norte converged at the Mindanao Civic Center gymnasium on March 25, 2015, for the culmination activity of the Women’s Month celebration.

By: Lorry V Gabule

In his message, Governor Khalid Q. Dimaporo lauded the women for their role in boosting the province’s economy through their participation in livelihood trainings and how they were engaged into business, through the coordination of different government line agencies as partners. The day’s activity included women’s


PCG reactivates the Passenger Assistance Center in Misamis Occidental Ports

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Philippine Coast Guard (PGC) in Misamis Occidental has activated the Passenger Assistance Center (PAC) relative to the observance of the 2015 Holy Week, effective March 27, this year.

By: Rutchie C. Aguhob

Part of Operation Plan (Oplan) Ligtas Biyahe: Semana Santa (Safe Travel: Holy Week) 2015,

the reactivation of the PAC is in anticipation of the influx of passengers travelling by means

presentation of their talents on singing and dancing specifically from women’s group of the towns of Sapad, Linamon, Kolambugan and Bacolod. The groups were organized by the Provincial Social Welfare Office (PSWD), in coordination with Provincial Gender and Development Office (GAD). Other activities include talk on Rights of Women handled by Atty. Jonathan M. Puno, provincial legal officer of the province. While Dr. Lyndel Nisnisan-Jacobe , medical officer of the province, talked on Healthy Lifestyle. The women were surprised with various prizes through

a raffle draw, courtesy of the Congressional Office-First and Second District of Lanao del Norte through House Representative Imelda Q. Dimaporo. Women went back to their respective places bringing along handful of prizes. “A woman of today is now empowered, politically and economically involved, capping this year’s theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!” said Jocelyn dela Cruz-Zamora, president, Provincial Women’s Association, in her closing message.


of water transport through the ports, harbors and piers, nationwide. The PAC, aims to ensure the orderly operation of sea transport facilities and safe/convenient travel of the seafaring public, put up by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) at the different seaports of the country. It also ensure available safe transportation to address the expected volume of sea passengers who wish to go home and join their families thru the seaports, during the Holy Week, Lt. Cmdr. Jefferson L. Rico, Commander, Ozamiz Coast

Guard Station, said. In Misamis Occidental, the PCG will conduct safety inspection of transport vehicles/vessels at the Plaridel and Jimenez, Misamis Occidental, and Oroquieta City and Ozamiz City Seaports to ensure the orderly processing of passengers and traffic management, during the long weekend. Assisting PCG-Ozamiz are the 1002nd Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group and the K9 Unit of 55th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, Lt. Cmdr. Rico added.

NNC taps performing LGUs to push significant nutritional change

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin - To mobilize LGUs to contribute in increasing the potential to break from the slow and insignificant change in nutritional outcomes, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in region 10 is pushing for “replication strategy” by engaging outstanding performing local government units (LGUs) to serve as coaches and mentors.

By: Jorie C. Valcorza


In Northern Mindanao, there are LGUs with exemplary practices and mechanisms established that produced positive results on nutrition. Among these are the LGU recipients of the Nutrition Honor Award (NHA), the highest award on nutrition in the country. These include Malaybalay City, Don Carlos, Libona, and Kadingilan towns in the province of Bukidnon, as well as Ozamiz City. Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Marissa DM Navales said initial steps were already started last year, bringing two of the LGUs to provide technical assistance and coaching to the

municipalities and cities that were subjected to Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI). Navales said LGUs to be coached and mentored will be selected from the top nutritionally depressed municipalities using the Operation Timbang (OPT) or weighing results as basis, while they are developing more specific set of criteria. The initiative will also be supported with a conduct of a consultative forum among selected LGU mentors as well briefing and orientation of the respective local chief executives.

Regional DRRMC-XI braces for the Holy Week

DAVAO CITY-The Re-gional Disaster Risk Reduction and Manage-ment Council in Davao Region assured the public the readiness of its member agencies to ensure public order and safety. Retired Brig. Gen-eral Loreto Rirao, chair of the RDRRMC 11 and director of the Office of Civil Defense 11 said all agencies involved in pre-vention, mitigation and response to calamities either natural or man-made are on standby to handle any situation. He met with line agencies of government Monday to get a good grasp and picture of their state of readiness. Rirao expressed confidence that the gov-ernment can withstand challenges to peace and public order during the Holy Week and summer vacation. Representatives from the security sec-

tor like the police and military composed of the Task Force Davao, Eastern Mindanao Com-mand, Davao City Police Office and the Police Re-gional Office 11, Philip-pine Coast Guard, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Depart-ment of Interior and Lo-cal Government repre-sented their respective operation plans relative to the commemoration of the Holy Week and the summer vacation. “I am glad that ev-eryone is ready to re-spond to any eventual-ity,” he said. Rirao said the RDRRMC is also on its toes relative to the en-try of Tropical Storm Chedeng by Wednesday which might affect the movement of people through the rest of the Holy Week. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


Gov Cora cites women’s role in develop-mentDAVAO ORIENTAL —Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon highlighted women’s significant role in the society, particularly in terms of development, during the recent Women’s Month Celebration held in Tagum City. Gov. Malanyaon, who was guest speaker during the event, cited world-renowned leaders who stepped up in making a difference and whose leadership and actions improved the lives of many people. “Everything women enjoy now is the result of our collective efforts and struggle.”In her message, she stressed the need to further push for the protection and respect on women’s rights. She said that steps to boost efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment must be taken seriously by the all stakeholders of the society. “I believe that women should be accorded all the privileges befit-ting a woman and that men should never be denied the opportunity to perform their responsibility to accord us these privileges,” she said. In her province, Gov. Malany-aon took steps to improve women’s lives by implementing programs that would support them to learn, earn and take part in local decision-making. These programs cover the sectors of livelihood, health, and

agriculture, among many others. Through these programs, said the governor, ‘we boost opportunities for women’, thus empowering them. With the theme: “Juana, ang-Desisyonmo ay MahalagasaKina-bukasanngBawat Isa, Ikawna!” she noted women’s huge influence in all aspects of development, particularly in politics and economic endeavors. Held at Gaisano Mall in Tagum City, the celebratory event was hosted by the Tagum City Council of Women headed by its President Alma I. Uy. This celebration is held in commemoration of the International Women’s Day as declared by the United Nations to be celebrated in March as a way of recognizing wom-en’s part in development. By celebrating the Women’s Month, Gov. Malanyaon said this as a clear manifestation that all sectors in the country are recognizing the role and importance of women in Philip-pine society. Meanwhile, for the whole month of March, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental also commemorat-ed the Women’s Month Celebration in the different barangays and towns. During these celebrations, the gov-ernor challenged women to work for their own self development and en-couraged them to become efficient leaders in their own community. (PIO Davao Oriental)

PHL Halal lab seeks more international accreditationBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 31 -- The Department of Science and Technology in SOCCSKSARGEN Region ex-pects to gain another international for its Philippine National Halal Laboratory, an official of the agency said.

Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, regional direc-tor of DOST 12 told Philippine Information Agency that they are confident they could secure accresditation from Turkish Accred-itation Agency (TURKAK) based in Ankara, Turkey.

TURKAK is the holder of the standards and test parameters for Islamic Countries known as Science and Metrology Insti-tute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), she ex-plained.

Laidan said DOST 12 Halal laboratory filed application with TURKAK on February 13 for Halal testing parameters and ser-vices.

Once certified by TURKAK, DOST XII’s Halal aboratory testing cacilities can pro-vide a one-shop testing services for all stakeholders: consumers, industries and researchers who wish to venture into the highly globally competitive Halal markets.

She noted, the halal market needs safe, wholesome and Halal products which the DOST 12 laboratory can assure for the con


DepEd lauds NorthCot LGU’s graduation initiativeBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Mar. 31—The Department of Education (DepEd) in the province lauded the initiative of the pro-vincial government in extending assistance to the graduating pu-pils and studentsi n the province.

sumers. The S& T regional direc-

tor pointed out further that the DOST 12’ s Halal laboratory services provide quality and safety assurance to locally pro-duced and manufactured con-sumer products in line with the efforts to help local products penetrate the lucrative global Halal market

The Philippine National Halal Laboratory is equipped with the latest and state-of-the arts lab-oratory equipment, backed up by a Laboratory Quality Man-agement System duly accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 stan-dards.

Apart from the said ac-creditation, DOST XII Quality Management Systems has also been duly certified under ISO 9001:2008 standards.

In line with its efforts to poromote Halal industry in the

country, DOST 12 offers several training programs to entrepreneurs who are willing to overhaul their present set-up to comply with halal manufac-turing parameters.

Training courses like Ha-lal food safety and Halal Good Manufacturing Practices, she explained further would protect the integrity of the halalness of our locally produced products.

In 2014, Regional Develop-ment Council 12 pushed for the promotion of Halal indus-try in the region through RDC Resolution Number 78, series of 2014, ‘encouraging manu-facturing firms , food exporting entities and Halal accreditation and certifying bodies to make use of the DOST Halal Labora-tory to ensure Halal integrity in food and non-food products. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DOST 12)


The distribution of shoes to thousands of students and pu-pils, according to Cotabato Schools Division Supt. Dr. Omar Obas is a practical and use-ful way of helping poor families minimize their expenses.

“This is a sensible initiative which answers the predicament of the poor parents every time graduation day comes.

“This is also a very good ex-perience for the education sec-tor as we partner with the provincial government in this uplifting and inspiring project,” Dr. Obas added.

This year, a total of 43,893 graduating elementary and high school students were able to receive shoes in a series of dis-tribution conducted in the three districts of North Cotabato.

The distribution of black grad-uation shoes for male and fe-male students started as early as March 20, 2015, or a week before the synchronized gradua-tion rites on March 25-27 set by the DepEd for high schools and

elementary schools all over the country.

“In this time where money is the foremost concern of parents for the graduation of their chil-dren, it is but appropriate to as-sist them and at least lessen the burden of spending to buy shoes for graduation,” Governor Em-mylou Mendoza stated.

She also noted that the Pro-vincial Governor’s Office has collected the shoe sizes of the graduating students as early as February this year to make sure everyone will be able to receive the item and to avoid problems in the sizing of shoes.

Last year, the project was in-tended only to high school grad-uating students wherein more than 12,000 have benefited on the project.

Meanwhile, Gov. Mendoza looks forward for a greater number of beneficiaries of the shoes distribution project next year. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cot. Provincial Govern-ment)

Malungon certified 1st open-defecation free town in Sarangani By: Danilo E. DoguilesMALUNGON, Sarangani, March 31 -- The municipality of Malungon is officially the first open defecation-free town in Sarangani Province.


The 8th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Sarangani unanimously approved on its March 24 session Resolution No. 2015-08-035 declaring the Municipality of Malungon s the 1st Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) practicing town in the province.

The resolution which honors the municipal government unit’s initiatives for 100 percent access to sanitary toilet was handed to the municipality during the Municipal Health and Sanitation Summit Year 2 at Greeleaf Hotel in General Santos City on March 26-27.

Malungon Mayor Reynaldo Constantino started the ZOD campaign in 2013 to address a common albeit not openly talked sanitary issue: open defecation or people relieving themselves in bushes or wherever convenient places.

With a slogan Unli-Asenso Pag May Inidoro” the campaign aims to eliminate this unhealthy practice and encourage families to build their own toilets by 2016, but Mayor Constantino wanted the objectives achieved by end of 2014.

“We will be totally free of this problem by the end of December 2014,” Mayor Constantino said in an earlier interview.

His administration took on this challenge to raise awareness on this ill-effects of this unsanitary practicebecause open defecation is a serious health, social and economic issue, he pointed out.

“With this unhygienic practice, many in the community get sick. A sick child will have to skip school. Their parents will have to be absent from work, thus affecting the family’s livelihood,” he said.

The initiative included enacting legal measures to compel households to own a sanitary toilets, information campaign to change the behavior of residents, construction of sanitary toilets.

The Provincial Government of Sarangani also seeks to achieve zero open defecation by 2016.

In October 2014, Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon and Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao led the launching of the province-wide ZOD campaign at the Malandag People’s Center in Malandag, Malungon.

At the same even, Vice Governor Jinky Pacquiao also pre-launched JINKEENATION (Joint Initiative in Keeping Effective Ecology Noble Action Towards Improving Our National Sanitation). (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


DepEd Butuan City Division elects new PESPA officers By: Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division has recently elected the new sets of Philippine Elementary Schools Principal Association (PESPA) Butuan City Chapter during the 9th Division Management Committee (MANCOM) Conference held at the Division Training Center. Dr. Alejandro P. Macadatar, Principal-II of Butuan Central Elementary School was elected as the new president with Dr. Luisito G. Pero, Head Teacher-III of Don Francisco Elementary School as his Vice-President. On the other hand, Mr. Joseph Ampong,


DSWD Caraga launches SLP Product Catalogue

BUTUAN CITY - In time with its ‘Korambusan’ 2015 celebration, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga also launched the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Product Catalogue/Brochure on Monday at the department’s regional office here.


Principal-I of Anticala Elementary School was elected as the association’s secretary and Mrs. Ma. Ligaya A. Joyo, Principal-II of Pedro D. Duncano Elementary School as treasurer. Mr. Felix Acebu, Principal-I of Amparo Central Elementary School was elected as the Auditor, Mrs. Remedios Hinampas, principal-II of Ong Yui Central Elementary Schol was elected as P.I.O. while Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong, Principal-I of Bit-os Elementary School as Business Manager. PESPA is committed to

promote culture of excellence in its basic task of educating the Filipino child. Furthermore, its mission is to develop in every school head the value of commitment, integrity, and dedication as school managers. To advocate the interest and promote the welfare of the elementary school principals is the association’s mantra. Congratulations to the newly-elected PESPA officers Butuan City Chapter! Long live PESPA!


“In this catalogue, locally-made products by our SLP beneficiaries in Caraga region are featured and it will be made known not only in our region but also in other parts of the country,” disclosed DSWD-Caraga regional director Minda Brigoli. Brigoli also recognized the active involvement of the women SLP beneficiaries from the different provinces of Caraga in the continuous production of the different crafts with quality. The SLP is a community-based program which provides capacity building to improve the program participants’ socio-

economic status. First, its supports microenterprises to become organizationally and economically viable. Second, it links participants to employment opportunities. Meanwhile, Hanz Ulrich Krause, German International Cooperation (GIZ) Civil Peace Service Consultant, who graced said activity shared his experiences and memories working with DSWD-Caraga during its five years of partnership in the region. He also presented various activities and endeavors of GIZ and DSWD, as well as the Training Manual on Peace Building and Conflict Transformation.

DAR Surigao Norte turns-over first infra project under BUB fundBy: Daryll M. Tumbaga

SURIGAO CITY - The provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Surigao del Norte (DAR-SDN) turned over last March 26, 2015 a 90-meter footbridge to the local government unit of Barangay Roxas, Municipality of Mainit.


The said footbridge is DAR-SDN’s first infrastructure project to be turned over coming from its Bottoms-Up Budgeting (BUB) fund worth P500,000.00. Because of the provision of this access road, 35 households especially the students will benefit the most. The footbridge also provides easier transportation and hauling of agricultural products like rice, coco and vegetables. Rosemarilyn Ellazo, a day-care worker and a beneficiary, testifies how useful the footbridge is to their day-to-day living. She said that during rainy seasons, they find it hard to get to the other side because the water in the creek would overflow and it would be very dangerous to cross, especially for the children, because the current was too strong. Ellazo said that they have to traverse rice paddies just to be on the other side getting dirty and sometimes wet in the process, but now because of the footbridge, their lives are now easier and the children can go to school without having to get wet. Present during the turn-over were OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) I Ma. Elizabeth L. De Guzman,

provincial vice governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr., municipal mayor Ramon Mondano, and Roxas barangay captain Bebiano Febra. In his message, vice governor Egay is very thankful to the agency for implementing this kind of project because “it truly gives emphasis and more encouragement to the student-beneficiaries to continue their education.” On his part, mayor Mondano stressed that because of the BUB the people in the grassroots level are being empowered to identify projects that they truly need to improve their quality of life.




Documents

One Mindanao - March 31, 2015