One Mindanao - May 2, 2012

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

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

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

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

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

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

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

Cover Story

In handing over patrol boats to LGUs BFAR first picks Davao Region

Jeanevive D. AbanganSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 248

page 4

pbchangco, Central Mindanao

Aquino to inaugurate new radar station, hydropower plants in Catanduanes 7

More mothers breastfeed in Zambo Norte – Provincial Health Office28

New DIPO-Western Mindanao chief commits to prioritize law and order13Gawad Parangal ng Cotabato Police, isinagawa14Isabela City job fair offers 7,000 vacancies18Club officers commit to empower OFWs in Surigao del Sur22

DEDoguiles, Central Mindanao

Armm

Ritchel A. Molero, Caraga Region

Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao

Zambo City heath office launches ‘Nutrition on Wheels’29Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

40 TESDA specialista recognized 23 Michelle de Castro, Caraga Region

LGRC holds annual knowledge management review31Kim Rigonan, Northern Mindanao

Police plants 1,500 mangrove trees in Misamis Oriental32PSupt.Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga, Northern Mindanao

6 9 12 15

20 25 30 33

4 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

AMONG THE REGIONS in Mindanao, the Davao Region

is the first to get a share from the fleet of patrol boats given by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to municipal governments units.

Cover StoryIn handing over patrol boats to LGUsBFAR first picks Davao Region

BFAR Regional Director Fatma Idris gladly notes that Region 11 is one of the five regions nationwide, and the only one in Mindanao given such facility to strengthen community-based coastal resources management. Region 11 gets six of such patrol boats which cost P1.2 million each. These are given to the municipalities of Tarragona and Lupon in Davao Oriental; Maco and Pantukan, Compostela Valley; Tagum City, Davao del Norte; and in Digos City, Davao del Sur.

Each patrol boat not only has a boat cradle through

which it can be tugged

inland and be kept in a safe-house. It is also equipped with global positioning system (GPS), telescope, compass , life jackets, enabling Bantay-Dagat volunteers to go after illegal marine resource poachers. “Talagang mahuhuli sila ng mga Bantay-Daga. (They can surely be caught by the Bantay-Dagat.),” Idris said also hinting the high speed capacity of the units. The Davao Region may not be the only Mindanao region which is concerned with coastal environment protection but, Idris said, its LGUs are quick in complying the requirements of the Department of Agriculture which has given BFAR the funding for

by Jeanevive D. Abangan

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

“Improv ing the Inherent Capacity in Fishery

and Coastal Resources Management” project. Thus, it grabs the patrol boats way ahead of the other regions. Among the requirements are the coastal resource management certification from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), presence of active Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (FARMC) and the passage of a local Fisheries Code. BFAR is distributing such boats so LGUs can ably raise the level of vigilance along the coastlines. “This is in line with the thrust of our national director Atty. Asis Perez who prioritizes coastal protection and conservation,” she added. “Less investment is needed if we take care of our coastal environment,” she added. LGUs may have found it less

taxing to get such patrol units from the national government

because they are not r e q u i r e d

to put in a counterpart fund, except for fuel expenses in operating them. They are also required to shoulder the maintenance. BFAR counts in the active involvement of LGUss and coastal communities as its partners in protecting and nurturing the coastal environment upon which majority of the Filipino are dependent of their livelihood. “Hinihiling lang namin ang kanilang pagpapahalaga kung ano man ang binibigay ng gobyerno. (We are just asking them to value what the government is giving them.)

6 Wednesday, May 2, 2012ONE MINDANAO

ACROSS THE NATION

The President bared his instructions to the RTWPB in his speech on the occasion of the 110th Labor Day Celebration on Tuesday in

Malacañang.The President had earlier

expressed apprehension at supporting the proposed P125 across the board

wage increase saying it was counter productive and would raise prices on basic commodities and other services.

Aquino orders Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards to study possibility of wage increases

President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) to step up its consultations, dialogues and studies into the possibility of granting the Filipinos’ fervent wish for added remuneration.


Aquino to inaugurate new radar station, hydropower plants in Catanduanes

President Benigno S. Aquino III will inaugurate Wednesday the Solong and Hitoma 1 Hydroelectric Power Plants and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) new radar tower station in

Bato, Catanduanes.

“Kaya nga po kailangan ng masusing

usapan at pag-aaral sa pagtataas ng sahod, na dinadaan natin sa mga Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards. Inaapura ko na nga po ang kanilang mga konsultasyon sa mga unyon upang

makapagbigay na tayo ng bagong wage order sa lalong madaling panahon,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also said that he wanted further studies into the issue of subcontracting, which he said was prone to abuse from employers.

He pointed out that House Bill No. 4853, which addresses subcontracting, may do more harm than good as it may cause 10.3-million Filipinos to loose their jobs should the law be passed.

The President likewise said he has instructed the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council to look into this.

“ Ang kailangan dito ay masusing paghimay sa kabuuang sitwasyon, kaya nga inatasan natin ang Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) na bumuo ng consensus upang mapalawak ang konsultasyon sa usaping ito,” the President said.


Upon the President’s arrival,

Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo will assist him in unveiling the marker of the new radar station in Catanduanes. The President will also be briefed on the two projects after the unveiling rites.

The Solong and Hitoma 1 mini-hydro plants are the first ever to be developed by a private entity—Sunwest Water and Electricity Inc. in the small island grids covered by the special power utilities groups (SPUG) of the National Power Corp.

If developed further to almost 4 megawatts additional hydropower capacity, Catanduanes will be the first island grid in the country to source most of its power needs from a renewable source.

The project design is also environment-friendly because the run-of-river hydro projects such as the Solong and the Hitoma 1 do not cause flooding and nearby communities aren’t dislocated.

By running the renewable plnts, Catanduanes is relieved of at least P100 million in subsidies for bunker

and diesel-based power generation and the plants’ off-taker, Ficelco, and its consumers are exempted from paying value-added tax. The island province will also have a stable power supply.

It is reported that Sunwest Water and Electricity Inc. is committed to develop more hydroelectric plants in Luzon and the Visayas securing 17 service contracts with the Department of Energy with a total capacity of more than 50 megawatts.

Meanwhile, operating Pagasa’s new Doppler radar station in Catanduanes is expected to mitigate the impact of devastating typhoons in the country as the weather bureau effectively predicts incoming typhoons.

Catanduanes’s weather station is the first of three Doppler radars being built in the Philippines using the new Solid-State Meteorological Radar System (SSMRS) technology developed in Japan. The radar station in Catanduanes is supposedly the first such facility in the world to use solid state technology.

The facility will

complement two other SSMRS Doppler radar systems being completed in Guiuan, Samar province, and Aparri, Cagayan province

Through the new radar station, the bureau could also conduct more extensive weather monitoring, effectively measure rainfall, gauge destructive winds, and transmit and analyze information in real time.

Pagasa could also detect localized thunderstorms and tornadoes in the Bicol region as well as predict possible flooding and landslides.

The project replaces the existing Virac, Aparri and Guiuan metereological radar system and it established the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) connecting the Meteorological Radar Station and the National Forecasting Center.

The project, amounting to P1.7 billion, is funded by grant aid from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). On the other hand, the Bato Doppler Radar costs around P580 million, the government said. (AS)


Aquino government hails new study on the impact of Central Mindanao conflict and displacement

Cycles of violent conflict in Central Mindanao have resulted in the mass

displacement of nearly a million people from their homes over the past 12 years. In 2003, tens of thousands were displaced by armed conflict and, more recently, thousands of families had to leave their homes yet again when fighting escalated in parts of Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan in October 2011. Currently, several thousand people across Mindanao remain displaced, particularly in Maguindanao.

Disrupting livelihoods are presenting major challenges to both affected families and the government, these concerns do not necessarily end with the return of displaced individuals to their places of origin, a study by the World Bank (WB) and the United Nations World

Food Programme (WFP) during a launch at the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cabinet Cluster last April 26, 2012 revealed. The survey, conducted in the last quarter of 2010, interviewed 2,759 randomly selected households from a total of 231 barangays

across five provinces – Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), as well as Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. The study – “Violent Conflicts and Displacement in Central Mindanao: Challenges for Recovery


and Development” – reveals that four in every ten households in the surveyed areas experienced displacement from 2000 to 2010, with one in five displaced two or more times, and one in ten forced to leave their homes up to five times during this period. Displacement is detrimental to livelihoods,

welfare and social cohesion across virtually every key indicator: food security, access to basic services, income poverty and housing, the study found. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman welcomes the report’s “important insights on the

inter-related dimensions of conflict, displacement and economic growth” in Central Mindanao. “The data provides a basis that will allow the relevant departments of government and other development partners to offer targeted recovery and render extensive development support in affected areas, especially in the most vulnerable households,” she said. Secretary Teresita “Ging” Quintos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) also lauds the study, finding the report a “very relevant guide” in government efforts to address the needs of conflict-affected communities under the current Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities or PAMANA) program. “It is also important that interventions under PAMANA be based on detailed knowledge of livelihood opportunities and access to land, credit availability and food


supply. These indicators vary from place to place,” Secretary Deles noted. For his part, World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishi observed that the report sheds considerable light on the nature and extent of vulnerability across provinces, population categories, and livelihood groups in affected areas. “It can shape the operational choices of humanitarian, recovery and development agencies and improve outcomes for the population on the ground,” he said. WFP Representative and Country Director Stephen Anderson meanwhile said that the study would help agencies like WFP “better target food assistance as well as help communities strengthen their resilience to conflict and natural disasters.” Anderson noted that “the two ARMM provinces in Central Mindanao – Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur – suffer the highest levels of food insecurity. This is exacerbated by

high levels of exposure to shocks, such as recurrent flooding and crop disease that make people poorer and more food insecure.” Looking at the vulnerability of communities in Central Mindanao, the study found that households experiencing displacement have been “frequently exposed to violence.” Movements of armed military and rebel groups were cited by 29 percent of the surveyed households as one primary cause of their displacement, while 9 percent blamed it on clan conflict or rido. The report said that host families also feel the pressures of displacement from additional financial costs. Some host families, usually relatives, “had to resort to selling goods or assets to provide food and support” for the displaced people they were hosting. Of the areas surveyed, Maguindanao province accounted for the highest degree of vulnerability, with about 82 percent of all households

in the area affected by displacement due not only to violent conflict but also to weather-related disasters. These displacements represented the two poorest wealth quintiles, where households suffered the highest levels of food insecurity and the lowest incomes. When asked to identify their top priorities, surveyed households ranked money, employment, food, health and education, in that order. Respondents called for government attention to these basic needs, as well as the construction of roads and the need of electricity. Respondents also identified economic development, the signing of a peace agreement and ending impunity as critical interventions The DSWD and OPAPP, in partnership with the World Bank and WFP, plan to disseminate the results of this study through a series of presentations in various fora in Manila and Mindanao.


40 Midsayap fisherfolk to receive tilapia fingerlings, fish pondBy Dani Doguiles & Roderick Bautista

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Some 40 fisherfolk in confict-affected village in Midsayap, North Cotabato are set to benefit from tilapia fingerlings distribution and turn-over of nine units of fish fond from the government.


Plan for the fingerlings dispersal and fish pond turn-over in the remote village of Olandang is being finalized by the office of North Cotabato 1st District Rep. Jesus Sacdalan and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and official of the local government unit.

Dominador Aspacio, congressional district office staff said the fingerlings will be dispersed free to help residents begin a

sustainable livelihood. Aspacio also said

that the nine units of fish pond were built through Food for Work of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. These will be turned-over to the fisherfolk to provide them with facility where they can raise the dispersed tilapia.

Earlier, BFAR personnel conducted a series of lectures on the cultural management of tilapia with the beneficiaries

to prepare them for the implementation of the livelihood project.

Barangay Olandang is situated along Rio Grande de Mindanao and Liguasan Marsh, which make the village an ideal location for the tilapia raising.

Villagers there had experienced several conflicts as well as calamities in recent years. (DEDoguiles -PIA 12/Roderick Bautista-1st District NCot Congressional Office)

New DIPO-Western Mindanao chief commits to prioritize law and orderCOTABATO CITY -- Newly installed head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations for Western Mindanao PC/Supt. Manuel Barcena vows to give priority attention for more vigorous peace and security campaign to maintain law and order in the region.

Formerly assigned with PNP intelligence command, Barcena assumes his new post on April 17 vice PC/ Supt Felicisimo Khu who is assigned to head DIPO-Eastern Mindanao.

On April 26, Barcena held a meeting with members of the Cotabato City Police

Office (CCPO) led by city director PSSupt Danny Reyes to solicit support and cooperation as part of the commitment for vigorous and aggressive peace and security campaign efforts.

During the meeting, Barcena stressed the importance of continuous coordination

to establish strong partnership between the police, local government unit, community and stakeholders in the maintenance of law and order.

“We are now on the coordination process,” Barcena said. “I will give all I can, my sincerity and honesty in


Gawad Parangal ng Cotabato Police, isinagawaLUNGSOD NG KORONADAL, South Cotabato -- Isinagawa noong Lunes sa North Cotabato ang quarterly Gawad Parangal na nagbibigay-pugay sa best performing municipal police stations sa lalawigan.

Natanggap ng Arakan Municipal Police Station ang “Best in Intelligence Gathering,” “Best in Operations,” at “Best in Investigation, Detection, and Management System” kung saan mismong si Arakan Chief Insp. Joefrey Todenio ang tumanggap ng naturang mga parangal.

Nakuha naman ng Antipas PNP ang “Best in Administration,” at ng Makilala PNP ang “Best in Women, Children, and Protection Desk”.

Ginawaran naman ng “Special Awards” ang Kidapawan City PNP habang ang police station sa Midsayap ay tumanggap naman ng “Best of the Best Police Station” at “Best in Community Relations.”

Tumanggap naman ng cash incentives, office

supplies, at equipment na nagkakahalaga ang P120,000 mula sa tanggapan ni Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza ang mga himpilan ng pulisya na ginawaran ng parangal.

Samantala, mas pinaigting ngayon ng hanay ng pulisya sa buong North Cotabato ang intelligence gathering at monitoring sa masasamang elemento dahil sa muling pagtaas ng bilang ng kaso ng nakawan ng motorsiklo sa probinsiya.

Ayon kay P/SSupt. Cornelio Salinas, Cotabato Police Provincial Director, tumaas ng 11 o katumbas ng 137.5 porsiyento ang kaso ng nakawan ng motorsiklo sa North

Cotabato sa unang tatlong buwan ng taon kung ikukumpara sa kaparehong panahon ng nakalipas na taon.

Tinukoy pa ni Salinas ang lungsod ng Kidapawan at mga bayan ng Kabacan, Makilala, Magpet at Pigcawayan sa mga may mataas na kaso ng nakawan ng motorsiklo batay sa mga data na kanilang nakuha.

Sa mga nakaw na motorsiklo, 12 dito ang narekober habang tatlong mga suspek naman ang nahuli, ayon sa Police Director.

Sinabi pa ni Salinas na karamihan sa mga krimen na naitala sa probinsiya ay rido o clan feuds ang dahilan. (DED-PIA 12/Rhoderick Beñez-DXVL Radyo ng Bayan)

facing and addressing the challenges in law enforcement as a commitment to ensuring for a peaceful and stable community.”

As this developed, CCPO director Danny Reyes expressed full support and cooperation with the new head of the DIPO-Western Mindanao

for an aggressive and intensified campaign to curb all forms of criminal activities in the city. (pbchangco/Cotabato City)


Street dancing highlights Isabela City’s Cocowayan festival

Colorful street dancers from the five clustered groups of the forty-five barangays adorned the main thoroughfares as Isabela City marked its

11th Founding Anniversary Wednesday (April 25).

By Rene V. Carbayas


Various activities filled the week-long celebration of the Cocowayan Festival, which culminated on April 25 with street dancing, to

include medical and dental outreach program, hip-hop and ballroom dance competitions, mural painting competition, a mass wedding, some sports events for city employees, and the soft opening of the city’s children’s mini-library and playhouse center. In her message, City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar congratulated the city officials and employees and constituents for the successful celebration of the city’s founding anniversary. “For the past eleven years, all of us have been part of this celebration. I would like to thank all of you for supporting my administration,” the mayor said as she takes pride in the significant accomplishments of her administration in terms of infrastructure projects and services. “We have done so many things for Isabelaños. We have served many poor individuals and families


especially in burial assistance, medicines, and medical services, PhilHealth insurance, assisted many groups and organizations like the senior citizens in their different activities, provided scholarship programs to the indigent and deserving students, supported the military, police and barangay officials for peace and progress. All of these projects are visible anywhere in the city,” she said. The mayor proudly announced, too, that anytime this May, the groundbreaking of the new city police station will be conducted, wherein the DILG Secretary Jessie Robredo has allocated some Php10 million for its construction. The lady mayor further reiterated her advocacy of unity and cooperation as key to the progress, peace, and development of the city. “I believe, we can never attain peace if we are not united. We have to understand and respect people around us, help others with sincerity, be committed in our actions with the hope to reach-out to other people in the community,” she said.

“It is our social and moral responsibility to help the needy,” she stressed, as she renewed her call for cooperation and unity toward better quality of life. Impressed with the participation and efforts of the street dance contingents, the mayor gave additional Php10,000.00 for each group on top of the cash prizes. The contingent from cluster 3 bagged the Php100,000.00 1st prize plus P10,000.00, which consist of Carbon, Diki, Lampinigan, Lukbuton, Marang-Marang, Panigayan, Sta. Barbara, Tampalan, and Balatanay barangays. Second and third placers got P80,000.00 and P60,000.00 cash prize, respectively. The rest received a consolation prize of P50,000.00. The rain before the last contingent completed its performance did not dampen the festive mood of the people. At the awarding ceremony, the mayor went down from the comfort of the makeshift stage and joined the street dancers under the rain, bare-footed. The Cocowayan festival is a local annual celebration of the cityhood of Isabela. Cocowayan is coined from two dominant products: coconut and kawayan. Through Proclamation No. 352, Malacañang declared April 25, 2012 as special non-working day in the city to give people the “full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.” (RVC/PIA-9)


DOLE-Isabela said some 7,000 job vacancies were available for overseas employment offered by 12 overseas recruitment agencies and around 60 job vacancies for local employment offered by seven local employers. Engr. Wesley Tan, officer-in-charge of DOLE Isabela City Field Office said that the job fair was held in connection with the 11th Founding Anniversary of the city of Isabela and as a preliminary activity of the department in the observance of the Labor month in May. He said that this is part of the thrust of government to prevent Filipino job seekers from becoming victims of illegal recruitment activities and trafficking. He then advised constituents to seek employment in a DOLE-accredited activity like the job fair. Tan disclosed that 16 overseas recruitment agencies participated and mostly are members of the Association of Zamboanga City Recruitment Agencies (AZCRA). To provide equal opportunity

for new graduates, DOLE also invited about 11 local employers based in Zamboanga, too. “Kasi medyo dehado ang mga new graduates sa overseas employment because of age requirement as well as employment experience (The minimum age requirement for overseas work is 23), mga new graduates are in the age of 20 or 21 and the option for them is local employment,” Tan explained. He noted further that as of April 19, some 8,000 balanced job opening were available, meaning these aren’t filled up yet according to job orders of respective agencies. DOLE required applicants to fill up the National Manpower Skills Registration System (NMSRS) form. Tan said that data from this reveal that most of the applicants are actually qualified.

Isabela City job fair offers 7,000 vacanciesBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan - Over 7,000 job vacancies were offered to Isabelaños in Basilan during the Job Fair, April 20, hosted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).


Out of the 184 registered applicants, DOLE disclosed that 14 were hired on-the-spot for overseas employment and 23 for local employment, while the rest will undergo further interview or must submit the needed requirements, which most of the applicants failed to bring. Tan underscored that the Job Fair is an opportunity given by the department for Filipinos where Isabelaños need not spend much for fare and other travel costs in going to Zamboanga and other cities to seek for job or career options. “We bring the employers and job seekers in one venue as in a market. The employment opportunities are there so the challenge is for our applicants to match the demands in the labor market,” Tan added. Earlier, a soft opening ceremony of the job fair was held with City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar who urged her constituents and the neighboring municipalities to take advantage of the opportunity. She highlighted the partnership of the different agencies relative to the economic development of Isabela. The mayor expressed her gratitude especially to the overseas recruitment agencies which participated and whose presence she said, is a manifestation that in fact business is doing good in this part of the peninsula. Moreover, DOLE also facilitated the release of kabuhayan starter kits to ex-OFWs. Nineteen beneficiaries

received livelihood packages of assistance ranging from food processing, sewing, and preparation of native snacks in the total amount of P179,830. Meanwhile, the labor department has been intensive in its campaign on job generation. When asked about the status of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), Tan reported that Isabela City has 135 students employed by the Basilan State College (BaSC), the Claret College of Isabela, and the LARBAI cooperative. He said students will work for a minimum of 20 days to a maximum of 52 days. (JPA/RVC-PIA9, ZBST)


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The Department of Health (DOH)-Caraga Region has urged those who are affected with leprosy to coordinate with health center personnel in their respective areas.

DOH advises leprosy-stricken persons to seek health centers helpby Robert E. Roperos


Arlene Serrano, leprosy nurse coordinator of DOH-Caraga, said leprosy is an infectious skin disease but this will be cured if this will be treated during its early stage of development. The official added those people who are found to be having signs and symptoms of this skin disease are encouraged to see personnel in their respective health centers to get medicines for treatment. Serrano further said there are no commercial medicines available yet at present in pharmacies. She added medicines can be availed for free at the different health centers, as purchased by the national government through the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, Serrano said that aside from the availability of such medicines at the health center, personnel from the centers, as well as the Barangay Health Workers have the capacity

to handle cases of people having been affected with leprosy. Leprosy is a disease that has been known since biblical times. It causes skin sores, nerve damage, and muscle weakness that gets worse over time. People who are affected with such skin disease have skin lesions that are lighter than their normal skin color. Lesions can either have decreased sensation to touch, heat, or pain, or those that do not heal after several weeks to months. They also experienced muscle weakness and numbness or lack of feeling in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. A number of different antibiotics including dapsone, rifampin, clofazamine, f l u o r o q u i n o l o n e s , macrolides, and minocycline, are used to kill the bacteria that cause the disease. More than one antibiotic is often given together. Moreover, Serrano said leprosy can be prevented by avoiding close physical

contact with untreated people. People on long-term medication become noninfectious because they do not transmit the organism that causes the disease. In an earlier report of the World Health Organization (WHO), although the disease is considered to have been eradicated in the country, some areas remain leprosy hotspots after the Philippines registered the highest number of new cases in the Western Pacific Region in 2010. Also, former Health Secretary Alberto Romualdez said leprosy hotspots in the Philippines include some areas in Ilocos Sur, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Cebu City, Davao City, Tawi-tawi, Sulu, and Metro Manila. However, Sunshine Alipayo, DOH-Caraga information officer admitted that there are already leprosy cases in the region but the regional office has yet to determine the statistics of those who are affected with such skin disease.


The oath-taking ceremony, conducted during the Organizational Development Seminar here, was graced by representatives from the local government units, provincial government of Surigao del Sur, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment

– province of Surigao del Sur, and was spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration ( O W W A ) - C a r a g a

Regional Welfare Office, through the leadership of Regional Director Dr. Marietta A. Lumawag. According to Dir.

Club officers commit to empower OFWs in Surigao del Sur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- Sixteen sets of officers have committed to empower all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Surigao del Sur, after taking oath as the new officers for the OFW family clubs from the 16 municipalities of the province of Surigao del Sur.

by Ritchel A. Molero


Lumawag, more than 130 officers from the different municipalities and two cities of Surigao del Sur are now part of the legitimate officers of the OFW organizations in the region. Lumawag further said the newly inducted sets of officers were informed on their duties

and responsibilities as leaders of their organizations. O W W A - C a r a g a has also committed to continuously monitor, guide and support them in the movements they are to take for the welfare of the Surigaonon OFWs in the region.

40 TESDA specialista recognizedby Michelle de Castro

AGUSAN DEL SUR, April -- A total of 40 individuals were officially recognized as ‘TESDA specialistas’ during the launch of TESDA specialista technopreneurship program (TSTP) held recently.


According to Engr. Norberto Dorado, TSTP focal person of TESDA Agusan del Sur provincial office, the specialistas will be under constant monitoring for six months for them to prove that they have put into action and perform what they learned during their training. In an interview with Richard Fuentes, one of the specialistas from Trento town, he said he had discovered from within himself that in fact, he has so many hidden skills that were not applied before until they were discovered after he learned more from TESDA. “I am very grateful

and happy having discovered from within myself that aside from being a mechanic, I have still the talent to do welding jobs, machine shop, carpentry and so many other skills. Now I am not afraid to face the challenge that I will encounter in order to give my family a better life,” Fuentes said.

Also, Rufo Gause from San Francisco who finished a four-year course, had never practiced his profession, but instead, landed as appliances repairman. According to Gause, applying for a job in line with his course took him years, but was never given the chance. After a technical course that he finished with TESDA, he automatically earned a living that supports his family. According to TESDA Sec. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, the TSTP is an initiative of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III in order to give livelihood to the Filipino people. Because of this reason, TESDA specialista t e c h n o p r e n e u r s h i p program was introduced in Mindanao.


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Jobs, Livelihood assistance highlight 110th Labor Day Celebration By Alma L. Tingcang

National government agencies, non-government organizations, local government units, business sector and other concerned agencies converged

yesterday at the City Commercial Center (C3) after a motorcade around the city to join the 110th Labor Day Job and Livelihood Fair spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).


Hundreds of job seekers flocked to the C3 to hunt for jobs, for both local and overseas hiring. Participating business establishments were Non-Stop Overseas Employment Services, Verde International Manpower Services, Hotel Alindahaw, M. Lhuillier, among others. DOLE Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon said the theme, “Pagtutulungan, Pagbabago, Disenteng Trabaho” aptly describes the present situation wherein collective efforts of all sectors contribute much to employment generation as well as employment facilitation. Pagtutulungan of valued partners like the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Guidance Counselors’ Network (GCNet), Occupational Health and Safety Network, Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC), with national government agencies, non-government organizations, local government units through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), law enforcers, establishment owners and the private sector is very vital to provide decent jobs for our people. “Pagbabago in the sense that we have continuously focused in creating a climate of industrial peace in the region. If you listen to the news, there are incidents of strikes in other areas but we are thankful that it has not happened here. We are not into adversarial practice but we go for developmental practice,” Bonbon explained. Disenteng Trabaho could then be achieved because demands of


the labor market match the skills and capabilities of job seekers. ARD Bonbon lauded the sterling leadership of Mayor Samuel S. Co and the Sangguniang Panlunsod for institutionalizing the PESO as a department under the office of the City Mayor, the first to be institutionalized in the Zamboanga Peninsula region. Mayor Co, who was ably represented by Dr. Priscilla M. Fernandez, Chairperson of the City Tourism Council in his message lauded workers who have contributed much to our prosperity, strength and well-being not only in the city but in the country as well. “Our goal is to be one of the leading cities in Mindanao, assuring the employability and productivity

of every Pagadianon,” Mayor Co in his message said. It is interesting to know that the TIPC with the mayor as chairman has conducted peaceful resolution of labor and management disputes to ensure that the rights of both employers and employees are well protected. Meanwhile, DOLE also turned-over Starter kits to 84 beneficiaries amounting to P840-T, with 41 grantees from Pagadian City and 43 from Vincenzo Sagun, Zamboanga del Sur. SPES checks worth P195,000 representing the 40% counterpart from DOLE was likewise awarded to Mayor Caridad Balaod of Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur; and P44,880 to Pagadian Capitol College. Most welcome development was the


turn-over of livelihood check for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the amount of P194,550 which was received by its president, Mr. Rommel Mantele for their poultry project in Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur. Bonbon exhorted beneficiaries to prove to everyone - his neighbor, his town, to DOLE and even to President Benigno C. Aquino III that DOLE was not wrong in choosing them to be recipients of the livelihood

package and other benefits from the government by being good stewards of the starter kits thereby alleviating their living condition. National government agencies who joined the successful celebration of the 110th Labor Day include the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Professional Regulation Commission and Philippine Information Agency. (ALT/PIA9)

More than 95 percent of mothers exclusively breastfed their babies in 2011 said Rommel Jamolod, a staff nurse of the IPHO, during a gathering of health workers composed of barangay health workers, nurses, Municipal Health Officers (MHOs), media practitioners and other stakeholders. Jamolod also pointed out that the conduct of mothers’ classes and other Garantisadong Pambata (GP) activities had encouraged mothers to breastfeed their children. In pursuance of Republic Act

Nos. 7600 and 10028 better known as Breastfeeding Act of 1992 and Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, respectively, the government has intensified its campaign for exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers to raise healthy children. Breast milk is said to be the best food since it contains essential nutrients completely suitable for the infant’s needs. It is also nature’s first immunization enabling infant to fight potential serious infection. (ALT/FPG-PIA9)

More mothers breastfeed in Zambo Norte – Provincial Health OfficeBy Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte - Most lactating mothers in Zamboanga del Norte have been breastfeeding their babies, according to a report released by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) recently.


The program is another innovation adopted by the CHO headed by Dr. Rodel Agbulos to advance its vision of “Un Ciudad sin Enfermedad.” Mayor Celso Lobregat together with Councilors Nonong Guingona, Rudy Lim and Myra Paz Abubakar and Agbulos and staff of the CHO’s Nutrition Division spearheaded the launching of the program highlighted by a feeding program for young children at the CHO compound in Pettit Barracks, April 26. Agbulos said the CHO’s mobile van will be used to visit rural areas to conduct feeding programs and information campaigns on good nutrition for people of all ages. He stressed the program is primarily aimed to eliminate

malnutrition in the city. At least 10 barangays have been identified as top 10 in malnutrition problem with barangay Pasobolong as number one in the list. “The Nutrition Division of the CHO will conduct feeding programs, information drives and check on the nutrition problem in each of the city’s barangays through the use of the mobile van,” Agbulos said. The city government through the CHO has been cited for its aggressive nutrition strategies for several years now. Agbulos stressed that good nutrition is not the intake of costly foods or cuisine but the proper preparation of food and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. (JPA/SC/CIO-PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The City Health Office (CHO) has recently launched “Nutrition on Wheels,” an outreach program intended to empower communities through proper nutrition.

Zambo City heath office launches ‘Nutrition on Wheels’By Jocelyn P. Alvarez


Lala celebrates Alimango Festivalby Noel Saldajeno

A n agri-aqua fair,

showcasing the abundance of

various agricultural and fishery produce,

was held at the Town Plaza, Lala, Lanao del Norte recently

in celebration of the 11th Alimango

Festival and also to celebrate the 63rd

Araw ng Lala.

The fair was highlighted by a booth contest displaying their agricultural and fishery products composed of rice, fruits, vegetables, livestock, fish, shells, shrimps, and the crabs in abundant quantities from the nine coastal barangays. Spearheaded by Mr. Ronel Baroy, the Municipal Agriculture Service Officer, the Agri-Aqua Trade Fair is one of the most awaited events being featured during the town’s annual

celebration as far as farmers and fisherfolk are concerned, as this is the event wherein the locally available produce are given the opportunity to be displayed and marketed other than joining in the best dressed booth exhibits, contest of the biggest and smallest agriculture and fishery products, games, among others. To commence the program of the fair, a crab rodeo contest was heId in front of the stage. It was participated


in by the fisherfolk from the different barangays. The Municipality of Lala is known for its calamansi, yet the festival is attributed to the abundance of alimango (mudcrab) in the locality. This is a manifestation that the municipality is abundant in both agriculture and fishery products. BFAR-10 Regional Director Visa Tan-Dimerin, in her message as the guest speaker during the fair, requested the mayor, together with the Municipal Agriculturist and Fishery Technician, to include BFAR 10 in the celebration of

Alimango Festival in booth exhibits and in the conduct of trainings in appreciation for recognizing fishery product such as alimango to be a part of the festival. “Many years back, the Municipality of Lala was also known for its sugpo, P. monodon because there are more or less 3,000 hectares of fishponds which are viable for prawn culture. But this will only thrive today if our farmers will refrain from using chemicals so that our water will not be contaminated and our prawn will be free from white spot syndrome virus,” she said. Director Dimerin also emphasized the need for Panguil Bay to be revived in its state of wellness through the initiative of Panguil Bay Development Program, which would also be the concern of Gov. Khalid Dimaporo. Dimerin also concealed that there is enough fund for the establishment of aquasilviculture and lying-in hatchery for gravid mudcrabs to release their eggs for more survival of crablets.

LGRC holds annual knowledge management review by Kim Rigonan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - The Local Governance Resource Center 10 (LGRC 10) pooled in last week its Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee members to assess the “Knowledge Management Audit” carried out last December 8, 2011.

The LGRC is created to promote “knowledge management” that provides tangible processes of best processes in local governance, carefully selected and recommended for

replication by other local government units, offices, and organizations. Department of the Interior and Local Government-10 Assistant Regional Director Nilo P. Castañares


explained that the LGRC website will serve as a virtual and dynamic resource center. It also aims to further synergy and excellence, especially, among

local governments. “All these points towards sharing of right information with the right people at the right time,” Castañares said.

Police plants 1,500 mangrove trees in Misamis Orientalby PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

CAGAYAN DE ORO - One hundred forty-six (146) police officers of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in Northern Mindanao voluntarily participated in the planting of 1,500 mangrove trees along the shoreline of Libertad town in Misamis Oriental on April 21.

In cooperation with the Command Group of Libertad Police Station, the initiative is in support to the goal of PRO-10 in completing the planting of one million trees in the region by February 2013, said Police Chief Superintendent Catalino B. Rodriguez, Deputy Regional Director for Administration (DRDA), PRO-10.

PCSupt. Rodriguez said the Philippine National Police (PNP), in general, aims to plant 10 million trees nationwide as its commitment to the National Greening Program of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Town Mayor Joecel Tiu and Department of Environment and Natural Resources representatives

were among those who witnessed the event. Elements of the 1st Misamis Oriental Provincial Public Safety Company planted another 900 assorted seedlings in Barangay 20 of Gingoog City. (PRO)


Sta. Cruz flashflood brings P500,000-worth of damage to houses, infraby Carina Cayon

The flashflood that occurred in a barangay of Sta. Cruz, Davao

del Sur on April 26 has brought damage to houses and infrastruc-tures that amounted to P500,000. Some 15 houses in Barangay Zone 4 were totally destroyed, while six including two boarding houses were partially damaged, affecting 27 families with 136 individuals including 42 boarders who working at private companies situated in said barangay. The flashflood that happened along Pilan River in said barangay due to incessant heavy rainfall on Thursday evening from around 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm also impaired a hanging bridge con-necting Barangays Zone 3 and Zone 4. No casualty nor injury was re-ported. Adelaida Badilla, secretariat head of Sta. Cruz Municipal Disas-ter Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), reported that the total damage cost to houses and personal belongings of the affect-ed families reached to P300,000. The cost of damage to the

hanging bridge was estimated at P200,000, said Badilla who is also the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of said town. She said most of the affect-ed families are being housed at the evacuation center at Agripi-na Elementary School, while the rest are staying with relatives.In her MDRRMO report as of Sun-day (April 29), Badilla said the lo-cal government unit of Sta. Cruz has extended food assistance such as hot meals through its commu-nity kitchen and five sacks of rice. The Philippine Red Cross has donated two packs of used cloth-ing, kitchen wares and noodles. Members of the 39th Infantry Battalion and 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, together with the officials of the municipal and barangay LGUs have done immedi-ate rescue operation and transfer of victims to the evacuation centers.


Regional Gallery

KAYA NATIN CHAMPIONS. Second District Councilor April Marie Dayap (wearing white) and former councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta (wearing black) of Davao City joins the growing number of volunteers for Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy’s Care for School Chairs Program which fabricates hot logs into school chairs. Both women leaders who are members of the Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership were joined by 23 volunteers coming from Davao City last April 30, 2011 in the Fabrication Section of the Tagum City Motorpool. (Photo by Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum)

Documents

One Mindanao - May 2, 2012