One Mindanao - March 4, 2012

Cover Story

Convergence in divergence in GenSan’s 2012 Kalilangan Festival

CT ApelacioCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue...Sunday, March. 4, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 203

page 4

DSWD warns 4Ps beneficiaries against text scamAlfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

2 Zambo students emerge champs in Nat’l Sci quest17Sheila Covarrubias, Western Mindanao

Surigao Norte integrates day care centers into mainstream schools21Caraga Region

Mambajao LGU passes ordinance to protect White Island24Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

‘Its more fun in the Philippines’ Tourism campaign to be launched in International Trade Exposition in Berlin11DA 12 to present programs , plans to local execs13Central Mindanao

GSIS grants emergency loan for members in La Paz, Agusan del Sur22Caraga Region

Implementation of greening program continues in Mis. Occ.26Pat Nano, Northern Mindanao

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800 Pinay Muslim nurses needed in Saudi Arabia 28RG Alama, Southern Mindanao

Photo Credit: Paul Bernales, CPIO – GensanDAMOSA inaugurates 3rd IT building 29 Anflocor/Honey Wong, Southern Mindanao

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

Managing Editor ……......... ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern 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

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4 Sunday, March 4, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

This is people’s simple and plain expression of joy for this year’s festival

of the people, the “Kalilangan Festival” which gathers and

connects people.

The 16th Kalilangan Festival and

the 73rd Foundation Anniversary celebration of General Santos City ended Monday (Feb 27) with a even as the day was also declared special holiday for the Generals (people of GenSan) pursuant to Proclamation No. 331 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

It’s more fun sa Kalilangan!

Cover Story

Convergence in divergence in GenSan’s 2012 Kalilangan Festival By CT Apelacio

Sunday, March 4, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

Festival Director Mimi Abiera

said this year’s celebration highlighted the “convergence in divergence” celebrating the cultures of tri-people who despite being diverse have lived to co-exist with one another and enriched these cultures even more. Tri-people refers to Indigenous Peoples (IPs), the Muslims and the Christians who for decades now have

shared common histories, cultures and traditions manifested by

a long-time respect for coexistence.

Ka l i l angan 2012 is an annual

c e l eb ra t i on that gives

recognition to its founding p i o n e e r s — t h e early inhabitants who were the Blaans and Maguindanaons and the pioneering settlers represented by the Luzon-Visayan speaking peoples, said Abiera. With the theme, “Convergence in Divergence: Enriching Heritage, Bridging Cultures,” this year’s celebration was all poised to give more fun and entertainment out of the rich culture and heritage the city has been endowed with. But the Kalilangan was not just fun, it was also jampacked with educational and relevant activities that offered to engage diverse audiences. These

activities aimed to promote increased awareness and appreciation of the city’s heritage and uniqueness. According to organizers they were very proud of the event as it did not only feature GenSan’s heritage and culture but also complemented with the city’s vision of “economic activity, promotion of tourism and agriculture and responsible entertainment.” “Our aim is to revitalize and invigorate our experiences of these vibrant and wonderful cultures and traditions,” Abiera mused saying last year the 12th ATOP (Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines) named Kalingan Festival as 2011 Best Tourism Event of the Philippines, Culture and Arts Category-City Level..


On February 10, a Soft Opening for the

fest was held at the Oval grounds with Mini Zoo, Plaza Bazaar, Food Galore and Carnival rides as the celebration’s opening salvo. The Festival’s Grand Opening on February 21 highlighted various activities such as the traditional houses

exhibit, snake and fish show, agri fair, recoreda sa barangay,

farmer’s day - fiesta bonanza and Caritela, Tanghal-

Mindanao State U n i v e r s i t y

Thea te r, h i p h o p dance contest, RGMA Singing for Peace in Mindanao, cookfest of indigenous products, Laro ng Lahi, sports competitions, motocross, rodeo competition, dance dport competition, battle of the banda-

layag and many others. Once again, the crowd drawer ethnic sports competition “Laro Ng Lahi” has “hooked” audience to either participate or cheer for their most betted traditional game. These included Kadang Marathon, Sack Race, Patintero, Palosebo, Tug of War, Sungka, Skipping Rope, Tabanug (kite-flying) and the board game Dama. It was also an awesomely fun-

filled adventure for the young and the techno-savvy as they were introduced to new brand of activity---the Cosplay or Costume Playing but this time, it was the Pinoy heroes who took center stage, not the foreign characters. As it has always been, the Closing or Salubungan “Parada ng Lahi” at 5:00 A.M. Monday was dramatic as Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio led some 1,000 people in a parade to commemorate the arrival of different tribes headed by General Paulino Santos, by whom the city was named after. Custodio, reminiscent of the contributions of the pioneering settlers

Sunday, March 4, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 7

during the early years chanted tributes and salutes in honor of them taking pride of the significant developments they have introduced in this area. The finale also brought contingents from all over SocSarGen (South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos City) garbed in multihued costumes and props for a dance challenge in Kadsagayan Street Dancing. The barangay City Heights-sponsored Bambad National High School was named champion with Php120,000.00 cash prize. The SPED Integrated School bagged the first-runner up while the GenSan Trade School’s Indak Kabataan Performing Group earned the 2nd-

r u n n e r up title. For 17 days straight, not only the Generals became living witnesses to the fun, parties and merry-making but also international and local tourists alike who came in to take a peep of the widely popular Kalilangan fest. Nighttime fell and so the festivity ended with an artistically-crafted colorful fireworks display, however, the Disco sa Kalye went on to heat up discogoers till the wee hours. To the organizers, the 2012 Kalilangan’s success was all worth the efforts and pains they have to go through in the course of the event preparation. Now they smile and bask at people’s testimony of success—a proof that their hardwork has indeed paid off!



ACROSS THE NATIONAquino issues EO 67 to fast-track interconnected mass transport system

President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to accelerate the establishment of an integrated mass transport network to spur economic development in the country, Executive Secretary

Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Sunday.

The Chief Executive signed on February 21 Executive Order No. 67, providing for the creation of an integrated and multimodal transport system under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

as the administration’s centerpiece strategy for infrastructure development.

“President Aquino recognizes the

importance of an organized mass transportation system, which is why he has made it a priority to interconnect the nation’s mass transportation systems such as buses and railways within his

10 Sunday, March 4, 2012ONE MINDANAO

term,” Ochoa said.“This seamless transport

network system is one of the focal points of the Aquino administration’s i n f r a s t r u c t u r e development program under the 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan and under the Public-Private Partnership framework,” he added.

The DOTC is mandated as the primary policy, planning, programming, c o o r d i n a t i n g , implementing, regulating and administrative entity in the promotion, development and regulation of dependable and coordinated networks of transportation systems for fast, safe, efficient and reliable transport services.

Under EO 67, the project, which will be called the Integrated Transport System (ITS), will include establishment of two integrated transport terminals with international standards in the north and south of Metro Manila. The locations of the transport terminals are envisioned to provide effective

interconnection between different transport modes and services for seamless travel for the commuting public.

Other integrated transport terminals may likewise be established for the same purpose, according to the President’s directive.

Ochoa explained that on the instruction of the President, the project will be included in the 2011-2016 Public Investment Program (PIP) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and will be structured under any of the modes provided for in the build-operate-transfer law.

The presidential issuance also provides for the creation of an interagency committee, which will serve as the advisory body that will ensure the immediate implementation of the project.

The DOTC secretary and the Metro Manila

Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson are designated as the interagency committee’s chairman and vice chairman, respectively.

Other members of the committee are the secretaries of the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Interior and Local Government (DILG); director general of NEDA; chairman of the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB); and the assistant secretary of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Aside from overseeing the implementation of the ITS, the interagency committee is tasked to regulate the terminal fees that may be charged for the use of transport terminals and other facilities established under the project.

Funding for the operation of the interagency committee will be drawn from regular budget of each member-agency.

EO 67 shall take effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.


‘Its more fun in the Philippines’ Tourism campaign to be launched in International Trade Exposition in Berlin

Malacañang expressed confidence that the country’s tourism campaign “Its more

fun in the Philippines” will be favorably received by potential tourists during its initial launch at the International Tourism Bourse in Berlin, Germany on March 7 to 11, 2012 Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Sunday.

Valte said in an interview aired over government-run radio dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez is in Berlin now to oversee the government’s participation in the event dubbed “The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show,” that brings together over 10,000 exhibitors and 170,000 visitors from 180 countries that will take part in what the industry offers.

“So medyo significant po ‘yung participation ng ating

Department of Toursim dahil doon po natin unang iro-roll out ang ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ campaign natin in a global setting or in a global event,” Valte said.

“Important din po ang participation natin doon because half of the travel business natin, ‘yung mga tourists natin, find out about the country through these travel expositions,” she added.

S h e pointed o u t that

“travel wholesalers” will take advantage of travel expositions such as ITB-Berlin to pitch for the top tourist spots of a country, such as the Philippines, by promoting travel packages that give prospective tourists more value for their money.

“So we are very confident that the new (tourism) campaign ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ will be received well by the international audience,” Valte said. (RCK)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- South Cotabato’s environment office and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-12 have joined hands in establish-ing geographical coordinates in high-risk areas in gold-rich T’boli town, an environment official said.

PEMO, MGB-12 set up geo-hazard map of mining sites in S. Cotabatoby Dani Doguiles

Engr. Siegfred Flaviano, acting provincial environment management officer, said in a press conference at the provincial capitol on

Thursday that the activity is line with their efforts to ensure safety in small-scale mining sites the mountains of T’boli.

“Mining tunnels

that are identified within the high-risk area will not be granted renewal of their permits to operate,” he declared.

There are at least 300 mining tunnels in Barangay Desawu, T’boli, which is now being targeted for the geo-hazard mapping.

Flaviano pointed out that this move is meant to avoid tragedies in the area like the landslide in March last year that killed at least three people.

He said this is also


in accordance with their drive to curb illegal mining operations in the area and to protect the environment from further degradation.

In 2011, South Cotabato earned P9.7 million from mining-related fees -- an increase of about P3.1 million compared to 2011 collection of P6.6 million. According to Flaviano this was because of more stringent implementation of policies pertaining to mining and quarry operations.

Activities include closure of tunnels that have failed to secure permits, establishment of checkpoints along exits from the mining sites, installation

of closed-circuit television cameras to monitor transportation of mineral ore, organization of a multipartite monitoring team especially in areas considered as hotspots in illegal mining operations, and granting barangay and municipal LGUs authority to conduct raids and apprehend illegal miners.

In a bid to protect the environment around mining sites, Flaviano added, PEMO has required mining associations to identify at least five hectares as their reforestation areas.

“Five mining associations in T’boli have already allocated five to eight hectares

for their reforestation projects,” he said. This, he explained, is part of the social responsibility of the mining operators.

PEMO has also proposed a new policy subject to the approval by the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board for the collection of a development fund from the mining operators.

“We had initial meeting with the mining operators and they are very willing to support this policy,” he said.

“From this development fund we will implement projects such as repairs of bridges, rehabilitation of roads, and rural electrification.”

DA 12 to present programs , plans to local execsKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Congressmen, governors, and mayors in the entire Soccsksargen Region will meet on Tuesday in General Santos City in a meeting with officials of the Department of Agriculture 12.


A press release from the DA 12 announced , the complementary meeting and forum , which will be held at the Family Country Homes in Gensan will serve as venue for DA-12 to lay down its projects and programs before local chief executives in the region.

D A - 1 2 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, in a statement said this event is part of the agency’s advocacy to divulge to public its plans and programs to be undertaken this year along its transparency initiative.

Included in the event are the presentations of the department’s a c c o m p l i s h m e n t reports on its AgriPinoy programs on rice, corn, livestock, and high value crops development as well as its special projects like the Mindanao Rural Development Program

(MRDP).Through the activity,

DA would also like to gather information from the local executives regarding issues and concerns confronting them as well as their comments and suggestions on the implementation of DA’s programs and projects.

Among those expected to attend the complementary meeting and forum are representatives Jesus Sacdalan and Nancy Catamco of North Cotabato, Roden Sakaluran and Arnulfo Go of Sultan Kudarat,

Pedro Acharon of South Cotabato First Distric and General Santos, Daisy Avance-Fuentes of South Cotabato Second District, and Manny Pacquio of Sarangani.

Also invited to the meeting were Governors Migs Dominguez of Sarangani, Arthur Pingoy of South Cotabato, Teng Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat, and Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza as well as a the mayors of 50 city and municipality LGUs. (LMSalvo/DA-RAFID 12/ DEDoguiles/PIA-12)


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Brgy Tumaga gets P2.2M wellness centerBy Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Barangay Tumaga recently received a P2.2 Million newly constructed wellness center for the use of its constituents.


According to the text message, Pantawid is giving away prizes to its beneficiaries once they will call the number that will appear on their cellphone. Ms. Glynda P. Torculas, 4Ps

Administrative Assistant II said, Mr. Jose D. Cruz, 4Ps Provincial Link in Zamboanga del Norte, thru a text message instructed her to inform the 4Ps beneficiaries of the text coming from unscrupulous individuals who

DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development is warning the public, particularly the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries of the text messages that have been spreading lately.

DSWD warns 4Ps beneficiaries against text scam By Alfonso T. Ruda

Mayor Celso Lobregat who led the inauguration/unveiling said, the wellness center project is in line with the city government’s effort to accelerate health services. Sheila Covarrubias, city Information officer (IO) in a press statement said, “the wellness center is also a lying-in clinic and has other features that can adequately provide the needs of the constituents. In fact, during its inauguration, a healthy baby girl was born via normal delivery at the maternity room.” Covarrubias said Tumaga chairperson Carol Gaganting thanked the city government for the health facility stressing that it will surely help improve health services in her barangay which has thousands of residents.

The active lady IO said “the city government is also set to construct at the Tumaga Elementary School, a 2-storey 24-classroom building, one of the biggest school building projects in the city, this year to help in the education needs of the children in the barangay.” She informed “for 2012, health and wellness centers will be constructed in barangays Pasonanca, Sangali, Ayala and Mariki. The operating room at Quiniput Hospital will also be constructed while the health centers of barangay Guiwan, Tetuan, Talon-talon, Putik, Culianan and Sibulao will undergo major reconstruction, expansion and improvement.” (JPA/SC/CIO/PIA- ZBST)


pretend to be officials of DSWD handling the program. Mr. Cruz stressed that 4Ps is not and never give away prizes to its beneficiaries or has given authorization to any individual or group of individuals to act in their behalf for this purpose. The warning was issued by Cruz after being informed that this illegal activities have been spreading in

Luzon lately. So to avoid becoming the first victim of this text scam in Zamboanga del Norte, Cruz urged recipients of this kind of text message to report to the nearest DSWD office or inform the office by texting mobile phone number 0 9 1 8 9 1 2 2 8 1 3 . ( A T R / P I A 9 -Zambo Norte)

2 Zambo students emerge champs in Nat’l Sci quest by Sheila Covarrubias

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Two students from the Sta. Maria Central School Special Science Class emerged Science Quiz Bee champions in the recently concluded 9th National Science Quest held in Baguio City from February 10-12.

Kayla Clarisse T. Cabilin of the Special Science Class Grade IV with coach Agnes T. Marcos and Datu Aysar B. Amilbangsa of the Special Science Class Grade V with coach

Lynette G. Talaid, displayed their supremacy in science knowledge by topping in the Science Quiz contest held for their individual levels. Amilbangsa also placed 3rd


and Cabilin 6th in the science quiz contest held during the 2012 National Children’s Science Congress in Puerto Princesa Palawan from Feb. 1-3. As this developed, Mayor Celso Lobregat has commended Cabilin and Amilbangsa for their feats and praised them for bringing honor and fame to Zamboanga. The two science wizards with their coaches and school Principal Luzbella R. De Leon paid a courtesy visit in City Hall Tuesday afternoon where they showed their trophies, medals and certificates. Mayor Lobregat said the two science champions can be considered good examples of young students who can obtain their goals if they are diligent and persevering in their studies. He likewise lauded the coaches for their prudent guidance and training. Meanwhile, Mrs. De Leon, former senior coordinator of the USAID-

EQuALLSII Project implemented by Save the Children with Sta. Maria Central School as pilot implementing institution, also thanked Mayor Lobregat and Assistant City Schools Superintendent for City Schools Pedro Melchor Natividad for their support to the two children before and after the contest as well as for supporting the Special Science Class program. When she ended the 3-year secondment contract with the USAID-EQuALLSII project, de Leon was assigned as principal of Sta. Maria Central School. The US-funded program afforded support training for teachers, provided science kits and books and ensured sustainability of learning partnership program. The Special Science Class program of the Sta. Maria Central School is funded by the Special Support Fund of the Department of Education. (JPA/SC/CIO/PIA- ZBST)


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PRC exceed targets on disaster management setting, blood and public health servicesby David M. Suyao

The Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur Chapter (PRC-AdS) exceeded in most of its targets as presented in their annual accomplishment report for the year ending December 31, 2011.


All non-trainers training on basic disaster management, standard disaster management training, community based disaster management training and disaster response registered 160 percent against target, while trainers training on disaster response course and disaster management course registered 600 percent each. During last year’s floods, PRC-AdS record showed excellent performance of 777 percent in extending technical aid to municipalities and barangays affected. Although records show that only 37 percent or 687 persons were served of relief goods in the municipal level, it registers 125 percent or 3,199

persons were served in the barangay level. But due to shortage of relief goods packed in bags, the number of relief goods distributed were only 57 percent or 687 bags against target of 1,200 bags. On blood services, donors recruitment record shows that new individual donors were not met when only 1,698 were recruited against the target of 1,800. However, repeat blood donors increased by 315 individual donors hitting 150 percent. Targeting 100 recipients in nutrition feeding, PRC-AdS had served 1,932, registering 1,932 percent, while another 201 percent were registered when the chapter targeted 100

persons for community health care and hitting 201. In the dissemination and prevention education on HIV, dengue, H1N1 and other illnesses, PRC- AdS also exceeded by 20 percent after registering 300 persons served against the 250 target. Mobilization of volunteers also hit the same percentage with the same targeted figures. PRC-AdS also exceeded in all three other public health services when they registered 34 hygiene promoter against 30, targeted 150 person to be reached and recorded 164 person reached. The number of volunteers to be mobilized were targeted to 30 persons but the persons that were actually mobilized were 32. “We will be coming up with reports on what we did in our social services when we reconcile our records. But I am sure that we also exceeded in almost all of our targets,” said PRC-AdS administrator Christyll Basan.


SURIGAO CITY -- Governor Sol Forcadilla-Matugas on Wednesday announced the integration of day care centers into the mainstream elementary schools in the province.

Surigao Norte integrates day care centers into mainstream schools

Matugas made the announcement during a medical mission sponsored by the provincial government in Barangay Rizal attended by local officials and school teachers of B. Vasquez Central Elementary School wherein she committed to put up a pre-school day care center worth P400,000 for the said school. “ I n t e g r a t i n g preschoolers into the mainstream elementary

schools would result to accelerated development of their social skills, particularly peer interactions and basic self-care tasks such as grooming, feeding and the like. It would also hasten their learning skills considering DepEd could supply them with the latest learning materials and technology,” Matugas stressed. “The classroom will be constructed inside the school’s premises and

will be available before the opening of classes in June.” School Principal Eda Equibal-Ensomo thanked the governor for choosing her school as a pilot project of the latter’s education program. Matugas said more preschool classrooms will be constructed within this year as part of their innovations to improve the quality of education in the province.


According to Vergara, GSIS members in La Paz may apply for the loan from March 1 to April 2, 2012, saying that a total of 750 government employees in La Paz will benefit from the program. These employees are part of the 6,000 families who were affected by flash floods in the area that caused extensive damage to property, livestock, poultry, rice and corn fields, and infrastructure. G o v e r n m e n t employees in La Paz are employed in three public agencies: Agusan Del Sur Division Office of the Department of Education, Municipal Government of La Paz and La Paz

National High School. They may apply for the loan through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System kiosk using either the eCard or Unified Multi-Purpose ID eCard. GSIS members who lost their cards but who are eligible to apply for the loan may apply over-the-counter in any GSIS office. “The GSIS Board has reduced the interest rate for the emergency loan from eight to six percent. We also removed the service fee in the loan to make it more responsive to the needs of members especially during difficult times,” Vergara explained. Eligible members who may file for emergency

loan include bona fide employees of the agency located in the declared calamity area or are resident of the declared calamity area; in active service and not on leave of absence without pay; have no pending criminal or administrative charges; have no arrearages in the payment of mandatory social insurance contributions; and have no loan that has been declared in default. Members in agencies whose loan privileges were suspended because of non-remittance of premium and loan payments are not eligible to apply for the emergency loan.

GSIS grants emergency loan for members in La Paz, Agusan del Sur

BUTUAN CITY -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has approved the grant of emergency loan for GSIS members in La Paz, Agusan Del Sur who were affected by flashfloods caused by heavy rains in the area during the early part of the year, announced yesterday by President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara.


The Philippine Coconut Authority

(PCA) in Northern Mindanao signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the establishment of a hybrid coconut seed production farm with the Tagpako Free Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TFFMC), a project

started in Northern Mindanao and will be replicated in the entire country.

Philippine Coconut Authority and farmers coop ink MOA on hybrid coconut productionby Elaine O. Ratunil

Represented by Administrator Euclides G. Forbes, PCA will provide the funds for the purchase and delivery of its recommended good quality seeds at a ratio of 167 Tacunan green dwarf and 83 Tagnanan tall

coconut seednuts or a total of 250 seednuts per hectare. PCA will also provide technical assistance during nursery and farm establishment and maintenance, and will provide the technical training,


Mambajao LGU passes ordinance to protect White Island by Jorie C. Valcorza

CAMIGUIN, Mambajao - Camiguin’s White Island is now strictly enforcing the “no-take zone policy” within its marine protected sanctuaries following the passage of an ordinance establishing it as a marine park.

especially on naturally directed pollination techniques, coconut by-products utilization, and sequential toddy/nut production. The TFFMC as a farmer-stakeholder will make an area available for the nursery where the coconut seednuts will be sown and taken cared of. Further, TFFMC

will maintain the coconut seedling population in the project sites among other responsibilities. Simultaneous to the program was the ceremonial turn-over of the Participatory Coconut Planting Program Phase III incentive checks and seedlings for the Hybrid Coco Seed Production Farm Project.


Touching and removal of any marine o r g a n i s m inside the “White Island M a r i n e Park” will be meted with a corresponding fine as a p p r o v e d by the local government. The White Island Marine Park has a total area of 315.6 hectares and is divided into several management zones with corresponding technical descriptions and regulations per zone. The marine sanctuary zone only occupies some 37.74 hectares of the total protected area. Other management zones identified were the sustainable fisheries zone with 230.5-hectares coverage, a 25-hectare recreational zone, 2.543-hectare regulated gleaning zone, and the 9.653-hectare regulated anchovies fishing zone. The approved Municipal Ordinance No. 2010-04 further cited that recreational activities such as diving and snorkeling is still allowed within the marine sanctuary zone provided that is shall follow the allowed number of

persons in the dive site at any one time and with the supervision of a dive guide. Diving within fisheries zone, however, takes second priority to traditional fishing to prevent any conflict regarding resource use between fishermen and recreational divers. The extraction of sand, corals, and use of jet skis and speedboat within the marine park is prohibited and all other activities that may damage its ecological balance such as dumping of waste, mutilating and defacing of the island’s natural beauty. Within a year from affectivity of the newly passed ordinance, the local government will start marking the boundaries of the Marine Park with visible permanent markers.


Implementation of greening program continues in Mis. Occ.by Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - At least 843 hectares of vacant spaces in the second congressional district of the province have been targeted to be planted with trees of different species under the National Greening Program (NGP) this year.

This, after 287 hectares of land comprising the timberland and protected areas of Mt. Malindang was covered by the NGP last year. Forester Clark Carbonilla, Chief of the Forest Management Division of the Ozamiz City Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Office said that once completed, this measure will return the abundance of trees in

the Philippines, Carbonilla added. Carbonilla said the NGP is a program that will restore the environment through the initiative of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, wherein he envisions a total of five million hectares of land nationwide will be planted with different species of trees at the end of his term in 2016. (PIO)


Army salutes DavNor guv’s peace and order program

Military officials recognized the pro-people peace and

development program of the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, in pursuing the peace and security framework of the Aquino administration. Major General Jorge Segovia, commanding officer of the 10th Infantry Division, said the support of the province, under the leadership of Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario, has considerably helped the armed forces advance its Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan in the

region. “The support of Governor Rodolfo del Rosario and all his executives at the Capitol has truly been very helpful to the military,” he said at the 4th Founding Anniversary of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade on Wednesday. Segovia was alluding to the trailblazing Davao del Norte Convergence for Peace and Development, where the province joined forces with the army, along with the police, other national government agencies and the private sector, in bringing basic government services to far-flung, depressed barangays. “The program has intensified the peace-building and development works of our soldiers in the remote villages of the province,” he said. In recognition of the active involvement of the governor in the campaign to “win the peace,” Gen. Segovia, along with 1003rd IB Commander Colonel Lysander Suerte, presented the Gawad Bayanihan award to Gov. del Rosario, who was also the event’s guest of honor and speaker.


Del Rosario, who is the chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-XI, said the convergence initiative is now painting a very nice picture of peace and development in the province that is “so wonderful to behold”. “I think Davao del Norte at the moment is quite ahead in terms of peace and development,” he stated in his message. Col. Suerte said the convergence program has brought the government closer to the people, as well as, advanced the military’s thrust of non-combat and people-engagement approach in addressing security issues. Last year’s convergence missions to eight remote barangays

provided medical, dental and other basic government services to more than 10,000 indigents. The convergence team has now started holding outreach activities to 30 distant and underserved barangays this year. Other distinguished guests who were present to receive their Gawad Bayanihan recognition include, among others, Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel member Ednar Dayanghirang, Vice Gov. Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr. Kapalong Mayor Edgardo Timbol, San Isidro Mayor Rosebella-Abelita Nana, Laak Mayor Reynaldo Navaro, and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Agapito Hornido. (PIO-DavNor/Noel Baguio)

800 Pinay Muslim nurses needed in Saudi ArabiaDAVAO CITY – The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) here announced the hiring of 800 female Muslim nurses by the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. POEA regional center for Mindanao Maria Carolina B. Agdamag said that the position offers a monthly salary of 3,150 Saudi Riyal or about P35,800 in the current exchange rate. Agdamag said that KSA’s Ministry of Health requires graduates of Bachelor of Science in Nursing

(BSN) with or without board license to qualify for the position. Applicants must not be more than 40 years old, and with at least two years hospital work experience or one year hospital experience but with Prometric exams. Agdamag advised qualified applicants to register online at www.poea.gov.ph or www.eregister.poea.gov.ph., and personally submit a detailed resume with job description, school credentials, employment certificates, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) credentials, and photocopy of Board Certificate


rating. Other required documents are: valid National Bureau of Investigation clearance, original and photocopy of the first page of the passport and six pieces of 2x2 recent photo. The documents must be submitted at the Manpower Registry Division, Window M, ground floor of

Blas F. Ople building at Ortigas Ave. corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City. Agdamag said that submission of applications is open until further notice at POEA Regional Center in Mindanao: Davao City, Zamboanga City, Cagayan De Oro City, Butuan City and/or at POEA office in Mandaluyong City. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

DAMOSA inaugurates 3rd IT buildingDAVAO CITY– Towering five-storey tall, the Topaz Tower is the newest IT building in DAMOSA. It is the most recent addition at the DAMOSA IT Park, the first PEZA-registered IT park in Southern Mindanao. The construction of the building began in January 2011 and is officially open for business on February 28, 2012 through a formal blessing and inauguration rites. It is the 3rd in the series of expansion of DAMOSA IT Park and is said to be the most viable solution to accommodate the booming industry of Business Process Outsourcing in metro Davao. Edgardo O. Villaver, Damosa Land, Inc.’s VP and general manager said the construction of Topaz Tower is part of the comprehensive mixed-use master plan of DLI for the DAMOSA Complex. Within reach are Anflocor Corporate Center, Damosa Market Basket, Damosa Business Center, Damosa Gateway, and Microtel-Damosa and other business

establishments that provide a multitude of services to clients. “Thus, it creates synergy and complementation of DAMOSA Complex as a city destination that provides complete convenience and efficiency of service from shopping, dining, accommodation, and other facilities,” Villaver said. The 8,800 square meter area can adequately house a huge number of offices that needs space for business and other corporate and commercial dealings. The building features a fire protection system, a 24-hour security service, covered parking spaces and is equipped with 2 units of elevators and 24/7 standby generators. SGV & Co., a professional services firm based in Metro Manila, European/Japanese BPOs and possibly their existing US-based client, the Synnex Corporation – Concentrix will be based in Topaz Tower. (Anflocor/Honey Wong)

Documents

One Mindanao - March 4, 2012