One Mindanao - May 13, 2014

DA 12 eyes replication of Quezon Province’s Sentrong Pamilihan Danilo E.DoguilesCENTRAL MINDANAO

TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 177

ASEAN vows to expedite roadmap for ASEAN community

NATIONAL

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CENTRAL MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Sta. Cruz folks availed of livelihood assistance

BFAR-13 joins celebration of farmers, fisherfolks month

New SMED Center to enhance growth of business sector -- Gabunales

NorthCot LGU holds 2nd Summer Reading Program

Keep children safe from dog bites - Solon

2nd batch summer job beneficiaries start work on May 8

Sibugaynons support construction of Sibugay Medical Center

Malaybalay city holds Fiesta Diskwento Caravan

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16 17

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33 34

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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CARAGA REGION

Forum on kidney disease prevention set in Butuan 21 Nora L. Molde

CdeOSP

Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Emmanuel D. Taghoy

Nilda S. Aniñon

Hazel P. Castilla

Susil D. Ragas

Aida C. Agad

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

DA 12 eyes replication of Quezon Province’s Sentrong Pamilihan

The Department of Agriculture in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DA 12) is intent on redoing the marketing strategy of a foundation in Quezon Province which has proven that middlemen can be taken out of the marketing chain and farmers who labored hard to raise crops actually earn better

income. In March, DA 12 sponsored an educational tour for 14 members of the local media, including a staff of the Philippine Information Agency 12, to Quezon Province where one of the destinations was the renown Bagsakan Center in Sariaya, Quezon being run by the Sentrong Pamilihan ng Produktong Agrikultura ng Quezon Foundation, Inc. (SPPAQFI). At the Sentrong Pamilihan, the team met with several farmer-growers and management people for a chit-chat on the organization’s operations and strategies. Amid the hustle and bustle of the early morning transactions , 35-year old Eldie Alinio, a member of the SPPAQFI, told visiting reporters that he did not regret leaving employment to go fulltime with what many described as a lowly profession -- vegetable farming. Eldie has a baccalaureate degree in

commerce, major in marketing. “With the Sentrong Pamilihan

helping us, the simple but often hard-to-

achieve dream to earn better has become a reality,” he said. As a n e o p h y t e member of the

o rgan iza t ion about five

years ago, he recounted that he

started planting assorted vegetables on barely a quarter hectare using a loan of P5,000. “Now, I am able to rent at least 6 hectares for vegetable growing and able to regularly hire a number of farmhands,” he said. With a very satisfactory records on the repayments of loans, he is now allowed to borrow P30,000 from the

by Danilo E.Doguiles

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SPPAQFI. Having experienced the benefits provided by the SPPAQFI, he added, he has embarked on a personal advocacy, encouraging especially young people to go into vegetable farming as a business. Meanwhile, Ramilito Barte , popularly called “Pangulo,” of Barangay Lutucan Uno, Sariaya and one of the group’s p i o n e e r i n g m e m b e r s attributed his success to the creation of the Sentrong Pamilihan along with its methods of developing farmers. “I have been farming for 14 years but I only realized benefits for vegetable farming when the Sentrong Pamilihan was organized,” he said. “It used to be that we as vegetable growers could not send our children to public schools. Being able to buy a carabao and a few farm implements was already glorious,” Barte said. “ At present, we are now able to send our children to private schools and the least that a farmer member could purchase out of earnings is a tricycle.” Barte owns an agri-supply store, which he said was established out of his income from vegetable farmer and a member of the foundation. Another farmer added that Mr. Barte’s agri-supply store

is one of the largest in Sariaya and that he also owns a hauler truck, a tractor, and a pick-up truck.

But how was this done? Carlos Cena, administrator of the

Sentrong Pamilihan, explained the SPPAQFI is a private,

non-stock, non-profit organization.

“ O u r objective is to eliminate the m i d d l e m e n from or at least limit their participation in the marketing chain and to

show to farmers that farming

can be a source regular income,”

Cena said. As members, he

explained vegetable growers primarily benefit from input loans and technical assistance. Input loan provided to members could range from P5,000 as much as P30,000, depending on the track record in paying the previous loans. These loans, however, he clarified are not paid out in cash but actual inputs like seeds and fertilizers at very minimal mark-up price. Technical assistance, on the other hand, include recommendations as to what crops to raise and guide on technologies to adopt for the entire cultural management of the crops, and post harvest.

“We recommend to our members what crops to plant considering several factors such as type of soil and volume of crops being raised in the area, among others,” he elaborated. “In this manner, we are able to control the volume of certain types of vegetables during the harvest season and command better prices and more profits for our members.” With this strategy, SPPAQFI is also able to geographically schedule harvest of certain types of products within its area of coverage – now already the entire province of Quezon. Anytime, growers could also consult with the organization’s technical people. They even provide free hauling of harvested vegetables especially among members who do not yet have

haul ing

facilities. “We assure farmers that if they follow our recommendations, in one year of operation they will definitely profit from their vegetable farms,” he emphasized. More importantly, farmer members benefit with the foundation handling the marketing their produce. At the Bagsakan Center, vegetables are recorded as to type and volume as well as sorted into “Good,” “Semi-Good,” and “Reject.” These are then loaded into the marketing bay (which occupies about a quarter of the main building of the Sentrong Pamilihan) where marketers of the organization bid the vegetables. “As to pricing of the vegetables, we consider the prices of the major markets in Metro Manila such as Divisoria and Balintawak. For example, once we have determined that a certain type of vegetable is sold at P30, we take that as basis and bid our produce considering

the principles of supply and demand such that when we know that supply

of that vegetable is low, we bid the produce here at a higher baseline price,” he explained further. Payments are received by the center’s cashier from whom the farmer-member will withdraw his sales -- usually in a day or two. For each kilo of vegetable produce brought to the Sentrong

Pamilihan, a vegetable farmer-member pays 50 centavos to

the organization. The amount is being used for the operations of the

foundation as well as in the provision of services (loans, technical assistance, marketing, etc.).

Another 50 centavos is also charged per kilo of vegetable as sort of a “forced savings” that the farmer-member can withdraw at the end of the year. Another official of the organization explained, the 50-centavo/kg was enforced to inculcate among farmers the value of saving for the future. Each of the farmer-members carries a card where all the transactions with the Sentrong Pamilihan -- volumes delivered, charges, savings, etc -- are recorded. Regarding the repayment of loans, Cena explained that the foundation carries out a 70-30 policy where 30 percent of the income the farmer-members are taken as instalment thereby allowing the grower to gradually pay the borrowed amount of inputs. SPPAQFI was first established in 2004 on a profit-management system that became unfavorable to both traders and farmers that eventually led to its fall. In 2007, the Congressman Proceso Alcala revived the center and led in changing the system into the current strategy, which Cena described is being run as a business. Barte, who was among the pioneers of the organization said the original group was comprised of less than 50 farmers. Currently, the SPPAQFI has roster of about 1,000 members and still growing. He believes that what they have

done i n Quezon Province with the SPPAQFI can actually happen in Mindanao. “You are fortunate,” he said, “because there are parts of Mindanao that do not typhoons,” he said, suggesting further that vegetable farming business the SPPAQFI way can actually be established here profitably for farmers. Recently, Director Datukan has directed the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA 12 to prepare a comprehensive plan for the establishment of a similar organization in SOCCSKSARGEN Region. “I want this organization of farmers to become a model for the food terminals that DA helped organize. Unfortunately, many of these food terminals have problems with sustaining their operations,” she said in an interview with PIA.

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Across the NationPresident Aquino graces the 34th ASEAN Chiefs of Police Conference

The conference was attended by the Chiefs of Police of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines together with their respective delegations.

In his speech, the President said that although the recently concluded 24th ASEAN Summit in Myanmar have fostered

agreements on a broader scale, the ASEANAPOL is vital in making sure these agreements become tangible realities.

The Chief Executive said crimes cross borders.

“Criminals often attempt to evade justice by crossing borders, thereby stretching the capacities of our respective police forces, oftentimes, challenging

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday graced the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Association of Chiefs of

Police (ASEANAPOL) Conference at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

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Across the NationPresident Aquino graces the 34th ASEAN Chiefs of Police Conference

the existing laws of each country in the region. This is one of the primary reasons why we are gathered here,” he said.

“Our goal: To make sure that such criminals are brought to justice in the swiftest and most efficient manner possible; and to allow all the peoples of Southeast Asia to go about their lives with peace of mind, knowing that they are protected by their respective governments.”

President Aquino underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation between ASEAN members and the International Police (INTERPOL), through shared databases such as the I-24/7 of the Interpol and the e-ADS

or ASEANAPOL Database System. “These are vital tools in identifying,

apprehending, filing cases against, and eventually prosecuting criminals in court,” said the President.

He said such enhanced cooperation helps in identifying stolen motor vehicles, apprehending wanted persons, rescuing missing persons, breaking up syndicates, and neutralizing terrorist elements.

Also present at that conference were the Chiefs of Police of Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand; Russia Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev; and the Secretary Generals of the ASEAN Secretariat and Interpol. PND

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This commitment was contained on the 28-point Nay Pyi Taw Declaration on Realization of the ASEAN Community by 2015, adopted by Southeast Asian leaders, including President Aquino, at the conclusion of the 24th ASEAN Summit.

Under the declaration, the leaders also agreed to intensify efforts in realizing the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 and implement the initiatives to achieve the ASEAN Single Market and Production Base, including trade facilitative initiatives.

ASEAN vows to expedite roadmap for ASEAN community

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will expedite the implementation of the remaining action lines

under the Roadmap for an ASEAN Community through concrete programs and activities.

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The ASEAN member states also pledged to accelerate efforts in enhancing regional connectivity through the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity.

They committed to strengthen its external economic integration to advance its collective interest in the region through the ongoing ASEAN Plus One Free Trade Agreements with partners, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

The ASEAN will also promote the sense of belonging to the ASEAN Community through the formulation and implementation of the ASEAN Communication Master Plan, according to the adopted declaration.

Meanwhile, the leaders pledged to enhance efforts to empower women, youth, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups by encouraging their active participation in the ASEAN community-building process.

They also agreed to strengthen and empower the existing ASEAN mechanisms and mutli-sectoral actions to improve prevention, preparedness, response, relief, and recovery on disasters

in a more coordinated manner.The declaration further noted that

the ASEAN members will “strengthen the environmental resilience and adaptive capacity to climate change of the ASEAN Community by effectively implementing the ASEAN Climate Change Initiative and the ASEAN Action Plan on Joint Response to Climate Change.”

Leaders of member countries of the ASEAN on Saturday gathered at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar’s capital, for the two-day summit. It was the first time for Myanmar to host the summit, since it joined the ASEAN 17 years ago.

Myanmar, as ASEAN chair, chose the theme “Moving Forward in Unity to A Peaceful and Prosperous Community” to highlight the importance of a united ASEAN. PND

12MAY2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

President Aquino invites BIMP-EAGA members to join trade fair and business conference in Mindanao

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Sunday invited Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia to send delegations to the trade fair

and business conference in Mindanao this October.President Aquino issued the

invitation during the 10th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit on the sidelines of the 24th Association of Southeast

Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here.The 2nd BIMP-EAGA and Indonesia

Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Trade Fair and Business Leaders’ Conference is slated to be held on October 23 to 26, 2014 in Davao City.


The trade fair and conference will gather key business players from the two economic sub-regions with the objective of contributing to the goals of the 2015 ASEAN Economic Community.

“I take this opportunity to urge member-countries to send their delegations to the 2nd BIMP-EAGA IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leaders Conference, and to help generate participation from other countries outside the sub-region,” President Aquino said in his remarks.

The President said the trade fair will showcase trade and industrial opportunities in the food, agri-based, fisheries, handicraft, and tourism sectors, particularly those involving small and medium enterprises.

“This conference is especially promising, as we foresee positive transformation in our island of M i n d a n a o , now that the Comprehensive A g r e e m e n t on the B a n g s a m o r o has been s i g n e d , ” he added.

P r e s i d e n t Aquino also lauded the establishment of new air linkages with

BIMP-EAGA partner countries.“We emphasize the importance of

sustaining these routes through the joint efforts of the air transport and tourism officials by means of incentives, policy support measures, and extensive marketing and promotions,” he said.

“We commend the efforts of the Chambers of Commerce of Davao, General Santos, and North Sulawesi for establishing shipping services within the sub-region. Now, work on making the Davao-GenSan-Tahuna-Bitung sea route operational is underway,” he added.

President Aquino, along with the Philippine delegation, returned to Manila early Monday following his successful participation in the 24th ASEAN Summit hosted by Myanmar from May 10 to 11.


Tacurong LGU receives P3-M for good governanceTACURONG CITY – DILG Assistant Regional Director Josephine Leysa, awards the P3 mil-lion Performance Challenge Fund to Mayor Lina O. Montilla during the LGU Monday flag-raising ceremony Monday. In the photo, the mayor was joined by City DILG Officer Alberto Sero Jr., Asst. RD Leysa, Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito, Tacurong City Police Chief Junny Buenacosa, city councilors, and LGU heads of offices. (Tacurong LGU)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Over 1,000 boys are expected to flock the city hall lobby here Tuesday and Wednesday for the city gov-ernment’s Tuli Festival.

Over 1,000 children undergo circumcision in Koronadal City’s Tuli FestivalBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Dr. Jean Genevieve Aturdido of the City Health Office told local media that in accordance with the two-day festival beginning today, they have directed parents to register their children with their respective barangay health stations for the mass circumcision activity

With the massive information drive in the 27 barangays, the CHO expects they would exceed the 1,300 lowest number of boys served in a single festival.

According to plan, boys scheduled for circumcision on Tuesday are those from Barangays Assumption, Cacub, Magsaysay, Topland, San Roque, San Jose, Esperanza, New Pangasinan, Mabini, Caloocan, Rotunda, and Paraiso.

Wednesday, on the other hand, is set for boys from Zone 1, Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV, GPS, Saravia, Carpenter Hill, Sta. Cruz, San Isidro, Namnama, Mambucal, Avancena, Sto. Nino, Morales, and Concepcion.

Doctors from the City Health Office, volunteer doctors, and medical teams of the Philippine

Army, among others will conduct the actual circumcision of candidate children at the lobby of the new city hall.

Mayor Peter Miguel, in an earlier interview, explained that the city government decided to conduct a yearly “Operation Tuli” to honor the Filipino practice of having their youngs boys circumcised while they are out of school for the summer vacation.

In a way, he added, holding such an activity for free would also help, especially the low-income families, by providing them with an activity where they could get the service and medicines for free.

Mayor Miguel also assured vehicles will be on standby to bring the newly-circumcised boys back to their homes after the operation.

Last year, the LGU suspended the conduct of the Tuli Festival due to the ban on conduct of activities and projects in time with the 2013 elections.

“Pagtutuli” is a customary


practice among Filipinos and is seen as a rite of passage to manhood among boys who needs to brave the ritual where the foreskin of the penis is removed. Filipino boys who do not go through

circumcision are likely to suffer from ridicule from his peers and are likely to be labelled as “pisot” (uncircumcised). (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato– Another addition to the sprawling en-terprise center in South Cotabato is the newly launched Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Center.

New SMED Center to enhance growth of business sector -- GabunalesBy: Aida C. Agad

Located at the Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) Business College in Koronadal City, the SMED Center had earlier received from DTI South Cotabato various office equipment such as two desktop computers, two laptops, one document scanner, one inkjet printer, one LCD projector, one photocopier machine and one DSLR camera.

This office implements, according to DTI South Cotabato, amounted to P314,364.

At the launching program on May 6, South Cotabato Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Flora Gabunales said that the full operationalization of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development Center will redefine and design a more service-oriented program that will address the very need of the local SMEs particularly on

business information, consultancy, and advisory services.

These services, Gabunales said, can be easily accessed by clientele, especially students, who have potentials in business and wish to become entrepreneurs.

The NDMU SMED Center, she said, will set up sustainable programs and projects that will support and maintain its operations.

It will also directly assist Small and Medium Enterprises on their needs in terms of information, network, human resources, physical and financial assets and many others on one-on-one basis, Gabunales added.

Last month, DTI South Cotabato also facilitated the opening of the SoCot Foods & Crafts Associaton. Inc. Pasalubong Center at YBL Building, Yellow Bus Terminal, this city. (ACAgad PIA 12)


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato-- To help nurture the love of reading and develop comprehension skills among children, the provincial government of North Cotabato, conducted a summer reading program.

NorthCot LGU holds 2nd Summer Reading ProgramBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

The two-day activity which was headed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan gathered more than 50 children, ages 7 to 10 years, from Binoligan village of this city.

“This program is now on its second year. Through our research and survey, we have particularly gathered kids from Barangay Binoligan of Kidapawan City which is considered as one of the most depressed areas in the province,” Aurora P. Nebrija, provincial librarian II said.

She also stated that the participants were divided into two groups, those with ages 9-10 concentrated on reading while those with ages 7-8 focused on coloring.

Meanwhile, Nebrija explained that the activity was not only limited to reading and coloring, it also held workshops for the

children where they can interact with one another.

“The children also enjoyed storytelling and film viewing which made the two-day activity full of fun and enjoyment,” she noted.

The program with the theme, “Ang Batang may Aklat, Bayani ng Bukas”, was aimed at inculcating to children the love of reading as an integral part of their development in school.

Launched in 2013, the Summer Reading Program is among the programs of the provincial government under its ‘Serbisyong Totoo’ advocacy which entails wide support to education and utmost priority to the welfare of the youth in North Cotabato. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-VBacarat-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)


RAFI accepts nomination for 6th triennial awardsBy Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY - The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), a non-stock, non-profit organization based in Cebu City is soliciting nomination for this year’s RAFI Triennial Awards.


The RAFI Triennial Awards was established to give recognition to individuals and institutions who have made tangible impact into the lives of the people, particularly in the areas of culture and heritage, leadership and citizenship, micro-finance and entrepreneurship, education and integrated development, said George Abcede, officer-in-charge of National Museum-Region 13 Branch.

Abcede added that RAFI awards are given to those who have committed themselves to building a more humane, equitable and caring society, reflecting the philanthropic, humitarian and holistic ideals and values of RAFI founders, Don Ramon Aboitiz and Don Eduardo Aboitiz.

The foundation is encouraging submission of the list of nominees both for individual and institution categories on or before May 16, 2014. Nominees from government agencies, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, civil society, academe, business and other sectors are accepted.

According to Abcede, the Ramon Aboitiz award for exemplary individual category is open to every Filipino natural born or naturalized citizen at least 30 years of age, upholding integrity, and has made significant contributions by enhancing the quality of life of various groups and communities.

For the outstanding institution category, Abcede said that it is open to all government, non-government and people’s organizations established at least three years with operational

programs and services and committed collaboration with other groups in bringing about comprehensive and responsible development.

Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.rafi.org.ph/triennialawards and send completed forms to Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., 35 Lopez Jaena Street, Cebu City 6000.

For additional information, Ehrliza Madale and Agustina Tamayo of Butuan National Museum can be contacted at (085)342-5328 or email at [email protected]. You may visit also their Facebook account facebook.com/rafi.org.ph and Twitter account @rafiorgph.

Abcede reiterated the invitation to join them in carrying out their comprehensive network of collaboration that brings out the role model in each individual by partnering with RAFI or nominating unsung heroes.


BFAR-13 joins celebration of farmers, fisherfolks month

SURIGAO CITY-- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga region joined the nation in this year’s celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month and the implementation of the Fisherfolk Directorship Program this whole month of May 2014.

By Susil D. Ragas

The month-long celebration will highlight the implementation of the Fisherfolk Directorship Program with the theme, “Mangingisdang Direktor Para sa Mas Matatag na Balikatan” which is pursuant to Department of Agriculture’s (DA’s) Special Order No. 88 series of 2005, aimed to give due recognition and tribute to farmers and fisherfolks as constant valuable partners of the government and recognize their efforts as the country’s backbone in poverty alleviation and food security program.

BFAR-13 regional director Nerio G. Casil, in his message, commended the efforts and noble endeavour of every farmers and fisherfolks as a pillar of the nation’s food security.

“This celebration is solely for them, to show that BFAR and DA are indeed recognized their effort and important

role in our daily living and survival,” Casil said.

The celebration kicked-off on Monday, May 5, 2014 with a grand motorcade around the city followed by an opening program and installation of the Regional Fisherfolk Director, and press conference held at Gateway Hotel, this city.

Fisherfolk Director 2013 Mr. Perfecto Lisondra turned-over the key of responsibility to 2014 Fisherforlk Director Mr. Sammy Suico of Surigao del Sur.

The kicked-off activity was attended by representatives from different government offices, national line agencies, farmers and fisherfolks stakeholders from different and agricultural technologists involved in fisheries from different provinces of Caraga region.


The event is in line with the National Kidney Month celebration in June with the theme, “A Healthy Lifestyle, makes you Kidneys Smile,” said Dr. Violeta M. Valderrama, chairperson on the 2014 Kidney Month Celebration.

By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 184, June is declared as the National Kidney Month by then President Fidel V. Ramos in May 1993.

Valderrama said the event aims to promote and increase awareness on the prevention and control of kidney diseases.

Dr. Antonio R. Paraiso, Adult Nephrology Consultant and Program Manager and assistant program manager Dr. Susan L. Jorge of the Renal Disease Control Program will share their knowledge on the kidney disease, its prevention and control.

Also, during the event, the Registry Data of Caraga Region and Organ Donation will be presented.

Around 300 multi-sectoral participants will be joining the said advocacy campaign.

Forum on kidney disease prevention set in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY - The National Kidney and Transplant Institute- Renal Disease Control Program (NKTI-REDCOP) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) will conduct an Advocacy Campaign cum Lay Forum on Renal Health and Disease Prevention and Control on May 28-30, here.

By Nora L. Molde

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


Tree planting highlights Brigada Eskwela 2014 in Ozamiz by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - A tree-planting activity will highlight this year’s Brigada Eskwela or the National Schools Maintenance Week (NSMW), observed from May 19-24, in Ozamiz City.


Conducted by the Department of Education, Division of Ozamiz City (DepEd-Ozamiz), the NSMW is a school maintenance effort that engages all education stakeholders to contribute their time, effort and resources to ensure that the public school facilities are ready in time for the forthcoming school opening. Dr. Rebonfamil R.Baguio, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd-Ozamiz, said the week begins on May 19 with a caravan in the respective schools of the city followed by a kick-off ceremony in their respective areas. In a memorandum to all Public Elementary/Secondary/School Heads and Supreme Student Government Program Advisers, Baguio also suggested the following schedule of activities: May 19, cleanliness, readiness

and preparedness, as well, as School Level Advocacy on Disaster Preparedness, to include putting up of school, earth quake drill and fire drill signages. May 20, check up/inspection.repair of water and sanitation facilities, pipes, drainage and plumbing fixtures, water, closet, lavatory, faucet, etc. May 21, repairs and repainting of classrooms, chairs, armchairs/desks, tables/furniture, ceiling, windows and doors, door jambs, grills and hardware, and electrical wiring and fixtures. May 22, cleanliness of school grounds and gardens/areas utilized for Gulayan sa Paaralan, Solid Waste Management, practice of waste segregation, summer reading and other school intervention and May 23, tree-planting around the school premises.

Keep children safe from dog bites - Solonby CdeOSP

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The City Council committee on health here reminds parents to keep their children safe from dog or any animal bites.

This summer, we can see children playing on the streets but we also see stray dogs within the premises, said Councilor Dante Pajo, chair of the committee. He further said, “Sa kainit sa

panahon, hasta ang mga iro ug uban mananap naapektohan, likayan ta nga mapaakan ang atong mga kabataan” (With the warm weather, dogs and other animals are also affected. Let us protect our children against bites).


Malaybalay city holds Fiesta Diskwento Caravanby Hazel P. Castilla

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - At least 12 product suppliers and sellers are joining the Fiesta Diskwento Caravan initiated by the City Government of Malaybalay and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here on Wednesday, May 14, in celebration of the annual fiesta of San Isidro Labrador Parish.

City Administrator Allan Ronolo said this is what the minimum and non-minimum wage earners would watch for at the City Covered Court from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., which is also timely for the opening of classes next month. Product suppliers who are joining the Diskwento Caravan include MCS Paper Supply and General Merchandise, Home Bookstore and Gift Shop, NOVO Merchandise, Botika ng Barangay, National Food Authority, Bukidnon Sugar Milling (BUSCO), JD Egg Store, Cagayan de Oro Oil Company, San Miguel Foods, Highland Fresh, and Virginia Foods. DTI Trade and Industry Development Specialist Eriberto A. Taban-ud said sellers offer discounted prices to at least ten percent, which is part of the government’s non-wage benefits program that provides

workers and their families’ access to basic commodities at discounted or affordable prices, thereby augmenting their income and providing them financial relief. He said suppliers offer discounted prices to at least ten percent, which is part of the government’s non-wage benefits program that provides workers and their families access to basic commodities at discounted/affordable prices, thereby augmenting their income and providing them financial relief. The Fiesta Diskwento Caravan is a coordination of the DTI, Malaybalay City Government, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, with the support from the local manufacturers and private business groups, Taban-ud said.

He also advised parents to always encourage their children to drink

plenty of water as this will prevent dehydration during the hot season.


Tabak troopers are putting people’s welfare first, says AFP official By Alma L. Tingcang

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Lt.Gen. Alan R. Luga, vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said soldiers are duty-bound to protect our countrymen and keep them free from fear and anxiety.


This, he said, during the 78th founding anniversary of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division (1ID), Philippine Army on May 7 at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an at Barangay Pulacan in this town. “This is why our soldiers are continuously being molded so that our dependable military does not stop from just being an excellent defender of the nation, but also become an institution that people trust,” Luga stressed. He lauded the Tabak troopers for upholding their mandate as defenders of the country, for being professional and disciplined and for putting the welfare of people first before their own. “The 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division is the fightingest division of the Philippine Army, standing strong

amidst the challenges and adversities of 2013 such as the Zamboanga siege and promptly responding to ensure the swift delivery of relief goods to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda,” encouraged Luga. Meanwhile, MGen Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad, commander of the 1ID, PA said being the premier division in the Philippine Army, Tabak remains steadfast in the performance of its mandated mission, adhering to democratic ideals and guided by the principle of good governance. “The midterm and barangay elections were the most peaceful and orderly elections in recent history,” Trinidad said. He also cited that there was never a violation of the ceasefire agreement by his troops, gaining the trust and confidence of the people.


2nd batch summer job beneficiaries start work on May 8By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The second set of beneficiaries under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), a joint undertaking of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the local government unit (LGU) here, started work on May 8 for a 20-day summer job program. A total of 1,271 student beneficiaries, mostly in their high school years attended the orientation held at the City Coliseum where Mayor Beng Climaco urged them to help build back a better Zamboanga. Vic Larato of the City Information Office (CIO) said the briefing was aimed at acquainting the students of their duties and responsibilities under the program. Larato said, for the whole duration of the summer job, “the students will help in the barangay cleanliness and beatification program, updating of barangay profile, census, clerical jobs in local government offices, janitorial activities, carpentry works and other non-hazardous activities. Each student-beneficiary will be

compensated/paid a total amount of P5,600 at the end of the program, Larato said. He added that of the P5,600 pay, 60 percent or P3,360 will be subsidized by the city government, while DOLE will shoulder the remaining 40 percent or P2,240. “For this year, the city government has allocated a total of P9.1M for the implementation of SPES in the city while DOLE allotted P5.5 million, which brings to a total of P14.6 million. The second batch of SPES will end on June 5 while first batch started working April 10 – May 12. SPES caters to a total of 2,589 high school and college student-beneficiaries in the city.

On the occasion of its 78th Founding Anniversary, the 11D also distributed Tabak Ventures Educational Certificates to 15 dependents at P10,000 each for their tuition and other school fees. Plaques of appreciation were

also given to partner agencies which have made immense contribution and invaluable support to the humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, of which PIA was one of the awardees.


Governor Wilter Y. Palma together with Dr. Nimfa B. Torrizo, Department of Health (DOH)-9 chief and Catholic Bishop Julius S. Tonel led the groundbreaking rites. Palma expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support of the national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine National Police (PNP), the civil society groups and the media who came to witness the activity. In his message, Palma said that the medical center, which will soon rise in the grounds of Barangay Tenan, shall address the medical needs of the Sibugaynons. “This Medical Center shall be known not only in this province but in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula region,” he said. The Zamboanga Sibugay Medical Center will be a two-storey edifice which will be built on a 57,335-square meter lot. Palma said that the laying of the time capsule, which highlighted the groundbreaking ceremonies, was the first step towards the construction

of the medical center. Mr. Roel Paloma, the province’s media officer, said “this is a dream-come-true for all Sibugaynons.” “Medical patients with serious illness need not travel to Pagadian or Zamboanga City for their medical needs. This medical center is the answer for the lack of good medical facility in the province,” he said. Dr. Nimfa B. Torrizo bared that a total of P120 million has been allocated by the DOH for the phase 1 of the medical center construction.“The original amount which was promised to Zamboanga Sibugay is P215 million but due to the calamities the country had experienced, part of the amount was taken to help our countrymen who were in need,” she explained. She also pointed out that the medical equipment for the medical center will also be included in the DOH’s budget allocation. The Zamboanga Sibugay Medical Center is one of the several projects promised by President Benigno S. Aquino III to the people of Sibugay.

Sibugaynons support construction of Sibugay Medical CenterBy Emmanuel D. TaghoyIPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Sibugaynons from the different municipalities of the province gathered here on Thursday, May 8, to witness the groundbreaking ceremonies of the Zamboanga Sibugay Medical Center at Barangay Tenan this municipality.


Sibugaynons support construction of Sibugay Medical Center

Duterte orders the police to step up operations amid power outagesDAVAO CITY- Mayor Rodrigo Du-terte ordered the police to step up their patrols amid the power out-ages experienced by the city. He said the police have to act de-spite limitations like they are not from the place where darkness thrives be-cause of the brownout. Duterte surmised that the local watchmen are more in the position to guard their locality against crime against property especially when power outages occur. “The police are hard pressed to run after petty criminals because they do not have a mental picture of the place,” he said. He said this situation has speed up deputizing the auxiliary police who will be trained to conduct police work.

Duterte said this plan might cost the local government P5-Million by which the approval is sought from the city council. He intends to deploy five auxil-iary police for every barangay of the total 182 barangays in the city. Duterte welcomed the applica-tion of able-bodied citizens and resi-dents of the city. “We have to take immediate measures to counter the activities of criminals,” he said. Duterte said residents who failed in military recruitment can also ap-ply. He stressed that auxiliary police candidates have to undergo training to ensure discipline in their ranks. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur- The provincial government of Davao del Sur is drumming up its goal to deliver basic services to the people who are in dire need for livelihood assistance. Committed and sincere to his intent, Governor Claude Bautista recently made its second round of P815,000-worth of livelihood assistance to a community in the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Some 163 beneficiaries from seven (7) organized groups in barangay Zone 3 of said town received livelihood funding last May 5, 2014. Each beneficiary was given P5,000. The recipients were fisherfolks, sari-sari store owners, vegetable vendors and those engaged in meat processing business. Vice-Governor Aileen Almendras-Uy inspired the recipients, urging them to use the seed money wisely. “If it is meant for the business

then use it for the business and never to divert it to other means,” Almendras-Uy stated. The Vice-Governor assured that the administration of Governor Bautista is working hard to help constituents of Davao del Sur through this livelihood assistance to boost their earnings. It can be recalled that the first release of livelihood assistance was conducted in barangay Astorga, also in Sta. Cruz. Gov. Bautista handed-over cash ranging from P3,000 to P5,000 each to 291 beneficiaries on April 16 this year. The governor told the beneficiaries that the assistance was in fulfillment to his promise to help especially those in the grassroots. Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez thanked the governor for having chosen his municipality to be recipient of this act of benevolence. (LGU-Davao del Sur/Nilda S. Aniñon)

Sta. Cruz folks availed of livelihood assistance


regional gallery

Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez (center seated photo) is shown here with Engr. Remegio Salanatin of the Salanatin Group of Company and Ms. Lani Manaloto of Development Bank of the Philippines during the Contract-Sign-ing Ceremony of the New Sta. Cruz Public Market. The public market is ex-pected to be constructed within this quarter.

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One Mindanao - May 13, 2014