One Mindanao - May 28, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

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

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

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

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 & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII THELMA B. OLIVER Regional Director, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

Benefits from eating unpolished, organic colored riceDanilo E. DoguilesCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Tuesday, May 28, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 193

page 4

Palace says Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is helping Filipino fishermen affected by maritime dispute in West Philippine Sea 9

Filipinos enjoined to display flag on National Flag Days 16

RDC-X supports ‘One Nation, One Map’ project of NAMRIA

KKS Cinemobile Project successfully launch in Surigao del Sur

Mayor Uy creates Local Governance Transition team14

19Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

Ritchel M. Molero, Caraga Region

OWWA-RWO 13 facilitates 10K livelihood grant 18

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Nida Grace B. Tranquilan, Caraga Region

26NGCP warns Mindanaoans vs. bogus personnel Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

27Abandoned logs seized in Mati CityJoey Dalumpines, Southern Mindanao30

7 11 13 16 24 29

Tuesday, May 28, 20134

Don Bosco Multi-purpose Cooperative based in M’lang, North Cotabato with help from the Department of Agriculture, shipped an initial stock 15 metric tons of organically produced black rice to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. On May 15, another 3 MT of assorted organic rice – black, red, and brown -- were exported to markets in Hong Kong. Agriculture Assistant Secretary Dante Delima, who also serves as the director of the National Rice Program, confirmed Don Bosco MPC’s latest shipment was part of the 40-ton scheduled for shipment to Hong Kong within six months. Notably, the same products are available locally, most especially in Bios Dynamis stores, the marketing

arm of the cooperative and its mother organization, the Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc. According to Rosela, storekeeper at the Bios Dynamis along Alunan Ave, here, said their sales of the colored rice has recently peaked owing to the increasing public knowledge of the staple and increasing popularity of chemical-free, organic foods.

Benefits from eating unpolished, organic colored rice

Early this month, Soccsksargen Region – particularly North

Cotabato -- takes pride in leading the revival of the country’s rice export industry from its 40-year hiatus.

CoVer StoRy

By Danilo E. Doguiles

Tuesday, May 28, 2013 5

“However, up to now we are repeatedly asked of the same questions: “How are the colored rice different from the traditional ‘white’ rice? How beneficial are the unpolished organic rice?,” Rosela enumerated. To provide answers to many customers’ – and the author’s questions -- she handed a thick folder filled with reading materials on their products. Below are some information gleaned from reading those materials. First, the benefits of unpolished rice as compared to the polished well-milled rice, the “white” commonly displayed in our favorite rice retailers. A grain of rice is made up of bran (the outer covering), germ or embryo, and an endosperm. The bran contains mostly fiber, some amount of protein and generous amounts of vitamins and minerals. The germ, on the other hand, is a very rich source of vitamin E and vitamin B-complex as well as several minerals and fiber. Unfortunately, in the process of milling, both bran and germ are removed and usually sold as animal feed. At Don Bosco MPC, palay undergo a process where removal of bran and germ is limited to the minimum. Based on a comparison made by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), polished rice provide more nutrients than the polished rice. To cite a few, fiber in a cup (190 grams) of unpolished rice is more than double compared to that of the well-milled rice: 2.92 grams against 1.14 grams.

Protein content is also much higher at 7.90 grams against 4.00 grams. Calcium in unpolished rice reaches 30.02 grams against the 20.90 in well-milled rice. Eating well-milled rice is not bad at all as this is rich in starch and low in cholesterol, but information from Bios Dynamis suggests unpolished rice is a better alternative, especially to the health conscious. What is more remarkable in the products -- not only their rice but also other products like sugar, teas and others, are produced organically, raised without the aid of harmful synthetic chemicals attributed to be source of many health problems, including cancer.

Now to the rice products. Black rice, the one recently exported to Dubai, are also called “forbidden rice” because it used to be only served to emperors and royalties. It is rich in nutritional value, particularly iron, and high in fiber. It has deep, nutty flavor and when cooked turns deep purple due to its high anthocyanin content, also present in blueberry, grapes, and red cabbage. It provides amino acids. The deep black color also suggests

Benefits from eating unpolished, organic colored rice


presence of phytonutrients that could help the body prevent disease and keep it working properly. It is best paired with fruits such as mango and lychee and ideal in making of rice-based desserts involving coconut milk. Red rice is the choice of health enthusiasts and those who are keenly watching their weight. It is notable for its high fiber content which encourages weight loss. Its antioxidant contents also helps prevent heart disease. Bio Dynamis’s brown rice, on the other hand is the choice of nutritionists and dieticians as an all-round nutrition because of its high quantities of vitamin E, thiamin, niacin, vitamins B1, B3, B6,

f o l a c i n , potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese and selenium. It could help to relieve constipation, prevent asthma. It is also known to help control cholesterol and blood sugar. A cup of brown rice provides 14 percent of the suggestes daily fiber intake. Fiber helps in the cleansing of the colon of wastes and toxins, thus, reducing the risk of colon cancer. Since these unpolished rice products are harder than the conventional rice, cooking requires more time and more water. Each cup of black, red or brown rice requires 2 ½ to 3 cups of water and should be soaked for at least 30 minutes.


ACROSS THE NATION

The Aquino administration is extending aid and

assistance to the families of the seven soldiers who died in an attack perpetrated by armed group in Patikul, Sulu last Saturday, a Palace official said on Monday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued the statement during a press briefing in Malacanang following reports that seven soldiers who belonged to the 3rd Marine Brigade were killed in a clash with suspected bandits in Barangay

Tugas, Patikul town at 6:45 a.m. Saturday.

Valte said the families of the slain soldiers will receive pension, burial and financial assistance, among others.

“Ang importante sa kanila ‘yung

Malacañang says Aquino administration extending aid and assistance to families of seven soldiers who died in Patikul, Sulu

8Tuesday, May 28, 2013

pension dahil killed in the line of duty po sila. So makaka-receive po, kung may asawa na po sila, iyong kanilang may-bahay na naiwan, makukuha ang kanilang pension; at kung wala naman ay sa magulang mapupunta,” Valte said.

“Pangalawa, meron din po silang educational assistance na matatanggap. Kung meron pong naiwang mga anak, makatatanggap ng scholarship sa kolehiyo,” she noted.

The government condemned the attack perpetrated by armed men against government troops, Valte said.

Valte also said authorities are now conducting investigations to identify the perpetrators.

The government also condemned the attack perpetrated by armed men against the PNP’s elite Special Action Force that resulted in the death of seven policemen in Allacapan, Cagayan province on

Monday morning.“I don’t want to comment first

on the identity, primarily, because we are still getting reports on the incident. However, what I can confirm at this point, is that meron nga po tayong seven na fatalities at meron po tayong pito na wounded,” she said.

Valte said the PNP is currently conducting pursuit operations against the perpetrators.

Reports said that a truck carrying members of the PNP-SAF hit the landmine while travelling in Barangay Cataratan at 8:30 a.m. After the land mine exploded, armed men fired at the PNP-SAF members.

“Without divulging the operational details of what the actions are, what I can say at this point, is that they are heightening their operations. Pinapaigting ho ang paghabol sa mga may sala sa mga pangyayaring ito,” she said. PND (js)


Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang that the BFAR had already deployed

aggregate fishing devices called “payao” in the waters off western Luzon to help local fishermen who were affected by the maritime

Palace says Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is helping Filipino fishermen affected by maritime dispute in West Philippine Sea

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is helping Filipino fishermen who were affected by the maritime disputes

in the West Philippine Sea, a Palace official said on Monday.

10Tuesday, May 28, 2013

disputes in the Scarborough Shoal or Scarborough Reef also known as Panatag Shoals and Bajo de Masinloc.

“Iyong mga payao po na tumutulong doon sa mga mangingisda natin ay nandun pa para hindi na sila lumayo mula sa pampang,” Valte said.

The payao, each composed of a metallic float --an “anchor” made of stone, rope and leaf fronds-- will enable small-scale fishermen catch big fish without having to go to the Scarborough Reef.

Valte said the BFAR had also encouraged local fishermen to find alternative fishing grounds.

“Hindi naman ibig sabihin na wala na pong ibang lugar,” she said.

The Aquino administration remains steadfast in using diplomatic solutions in resolving the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea, Valte said.

She said the government opted not to respond to provocative statements and provocative actions that would tend to escalate the situation.

“We have consistently reiterated that ‘what is ours, remains ours’, but there is a deliberate choice to avoid or to not respond to any provocative actions. We’ve decided to take it to the proper forum. We’ve chosen to take it to the arbitral tribunal and we are pursuing that particular action,” Valte said.

The government will adhere to a rules-based approach in finding a peaceful solution to the maritime disputes, including the Ayungin Shoal, Valte noted.

“I will have to defer to the DFA on that. As far as I know, they have already filed the diplomatic protest,” she said.

According to news reports, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest to complain China’s encroachment into the Philippines’ established maritime borders, with the entry of at least three government ships around the Ayungin Shoal. PND


ITCZ brings rains in some parts of Mindanao

Some parts of Mindanao will experience light rains Tuesday due to an intertropical convergence zone(ITCZ) near the area, according to Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration (PAGASA).An ITCZ is a merger of winds from

different directions, which is also a breeding ground for low pressure areas (LPA).

In its advisory, PAGASA said that Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms.


Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly over the western section.

Weather forecaster Fernando Cada said there is a high chance of rain in the afternoon and evening due to local convection or thunderstorms or rains in places where clouds have been formed due to the heating of the earth’s surface.

“Umaga hanggang tanghali, almost good weather. Then ang chances of thunderstorms sa hapon at gabi mas

mataas,”Cada explained.He also cited more signs that the

rainy season is almost here - four PAGASA stations had registered 25 mm of rain in one week.

At least five stations should register 25 mm of rain in one week to declare the start of the rainy season, he said .

PAGASA also said that light to moderate winds from the southeast to south will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the east to northeast over Mindanao.

The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.


RNC presents Nutrition Situation in NorMinby Mary Nathalie SoldevillaCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Regional Nutrition Committee 10-Technical Working Group cum Regional Evaluation Team (RNC-TWG/RET 10) in a meeting on May 20 has identified provinces with highest and lowest malnutrition incidence.

Based on Operation Timbang (OPT) conducted in the Region, Lanao del Norte ranked first among 5 provinces with severely underweight children for ages 0-71 months old, while Misamis Oriental got the highest percent of normal weight for children on the same age group.RNC-TWG/RET 10 also identified the Top Ten Nutritionally Depressed Municipalities and named the municipality of Matungao, in Lanao del Norte as the most nutritionally deprived area in the entire region. According to the National Nutrition Council (NNC), low income which leads to low allocation of budget for food is said to be the primary cause of malnutrition. Region 10 posted a poverty

incidence of 32 percent in 2009, and ranked 12th among the poorest regions in the country. Based on statistics, the largest household heads in the region are the farmers, forest workers, fisherman, and livestock/poultry raisers. The nutritional problems identified in the region are Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM), Iron


RDC-X supports ‘One Nation, One Map’ project of NAMRIA

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Northern Mindanao has expressed support to the implementation of the “One Nation, One Map” project of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

In a two-page resolution, the RDC has resolved to assist in the advocacy and promotion on the importance of geographically-referenced data and to collaborate among participating agencies and stakeholders to facilitate the integration of information. The One Nation, One Map project envisions a spatially-enabled and connected government providing consistent, authoritative, updated geographic information that can be accessed and shared online 24/7. It specifically aims to establish a spatial data infrastructure that provides and integrated geographically-

referenced data generated by various government agencies/offices, the academe, and other organizations using one standard base map; and provide a customer-friendly portal 24/7 web/online access to spatial data. It also seeks to provide and ICT platform for collaboration, data and resource sharing, integration, transparency and resource optimization. The project will be implemented in three years through e-Gov funds in the amount of P600 million. It aims to come up a one-multi-

Anemia (IDA) and Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) that are prevalent among preschool children (PS), Elem. School children (ESC), secondary students, adults, senior citizens, and pregnant/lactating women. Over nutrition is also being monitored by NNC. Accordingly, five in every 100 Filipino adolescents and about 3 in every 100 adults are overweight and obese in Region 10. The Regional and Local Nutrition

Committees has already deployed 2, 294 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (as of April 2013) to 2,022 local barangays in the Region to implement community-based nutrition programs on respective communities. RNC-10 is also now looking forward on this year’s Nutrition Month Celebration on July with the theme “Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Sama sama nating wakasan!”


Filipinos enjoined to display flag on National Flag Daysby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental -- All offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the government, business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the Philippine flag during the National Flag Days from May 28 to June 12.

This provision is stipulated in Republic Act (RA) 8491 entitled “An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines,” which was approved on February 12, 1998. Also known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, RA 8491 enjoins all Filipinos “to show reverence to the Filipino Flag at all times and inculcate in the minds and hearts of the people a just pride in the native land, with fitting respect and affection for it.” RA 8491 also specifies the following positions of the Philippine flag: If flown from a flagpole, the flag should have its blue field on top in time of peace and the red field on top in time of war.

If in a hanging position, the blue field should be placed to the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in time of war and the flagpole staff must be straight and slightly tapering at the top. If planted on the ground, the flagpole should be placed at a prominent place and should be of such height as would give the flag commanding position in relation to the buildings in the vicinity. If attached to a building, the flagpole should be on top of its roof or anchored on a sill projecting at an angle upward. If on a stage or platform or government office, the flag should be placed be at the left (facing the stage) or the left of the office upon entering.

scale framework map served and used for government planning, decision-making, monitoring of projects, and for the simple requirements of the general public for their personal and ordinary needs and activities; build-up, update and maintenance of databases are

guided by standards and established data policies; highly accessible and available map service; policies and procedures on data access, standards, sharing security and pricing; and well as broader private sector participation in ICT development.


CSWD to facilitate return of natives-turned-beggars to their home in the mountains

BUTUAN CITY -- The City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office will take action to facilitate the return of the members of the indigenous Mamanua tribe seen roaming around the city, begging for their daily subsistence, to their place of origin.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

by Noel B. Najarro


CSWD to facilitate return of natives-turned-beggars to their home in the mountains

The CSWD said it will coordinate with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) office, the provincial government and other concerned agencies to facilitate the return of the natives to the place where they came from.

The agency said it believed these natives known here as “Kongking” came from the municipalities of Kitcharao and Jabongga, and were remnants of those who had returned home after coming down from the mountains to

join the “Balanghai” festivities here in the city last week.

CSWD said they received reports that some of these natives, even the minors, are seen engaging in liquor drinking sprees and taking prohibited substances out of the alms given them.

One of the minors is even in detention at the Butuan City Police Station 2 for being involved in an infraction of the law. According to the CSWD, they will assist the minor and usher him back to his home.


The Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program aims to provide assistance to OFWs who are unsuccessful in their flight abroad due to the following reasons: maltreatment by the employer, poor working place/ condition, unpaid salary, contract violation, political unrest, global economic crisis, health problems and unjust termination from the employer.

On May 15-18, 2013, OWWA held a 4-day Entrepreneurship Development Training to 70 distressed and displaced OFWs. The training covers Values Re-Orientation, Financial Literacy, and Starting Your Own Business (SYOB). EDT is one of the requirements to avail the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program. It grants 10,000.00 Pesos livelihood assistance to its beneficiaries. Other

requirements include photocopy of passport and travel documents such as flight itinerary, tickets, referral letter from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Visa.

Distressed and displaced Caraganon OFWs who participated the training were working in the Middle East generally as Household Service Workers while some worked as Engineers. A few were skilled workers in the sea-based-category.

Since January 7 to May 21, 2013, OWWA-RWO 13 has facilitated grants amounting to 970,000.00 Pesos to 97 distressed and displaced OFWs.

OWWA-RWO 13 encourages OFWs with inquiries regarding the program to visit their office at Nimfa Tiu Bldg. II at J. P. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City or call at 09399259895.

OWWA-RWO 13 facilitates 10K livelihood grant

BUTUAN CITY -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office 13 in line with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs “Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program” continues to provide assistance for distressed and displaced Caraganon OFWs.

by Ritchel M. Molero


Cinemobile is a software project that brings a massive Information Education Campaign (IEC) as an awareness raising of the Civil Society against Sex trafficking to the identified barangays of Tandag City & Bislig City, as well as the municipality of Barobo and Cantilan.

The program implementation is in support with the Justice, Peace and

Integrity of Creation- Integrated Development Center (JPIC-IDC) in cooperation with the partner-agencies/stakeholders aimed to prevent people becoming a victim on human trafficking.

The launching was graced by stakeholders from the different sectors who play a vital role to address the quandary on human trafficking.

KKS Cinemobile Project successfully launch in Surigao del Sur

TANDAG CITY , Surigao del Sur -- The launching of the “Fight Against Sex Trafficking of Children & Women thru Awareness Racing, Mindanao, Philippines” under Karl Kubel Stiftung Cinemobile Phase-2 Project was successfully conducted in Surigao del Sur.

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

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In his message in last Thursday’s fellowship with the local press at the Officers’ Club House, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, Brigadier General Daniel Lucero underscored the crucial role of media in the

promotion of peace and security by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). BGen. Lucero recalled that when he was the commander of the 103rd brigade, he lost a number of good commanders for failure to

Tabak commander urges military officers to establish good rapport with media

LABANGAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR –The newly installed 1st Infantry division commander has recently urged military officers to establish and develop good rapport with the media.

By Gideon C. Corgue


Tabak commander urges military officers to establish good rapport with media

establish good working relationship with media. “They failed to properly relate themselves with the media, thus they were relieved from their posts,” Lucero declared. Lucero, who once served as AFP spokesman during the time of AFP chief Lieutenant General (LtGen.) Narciso Abaya from April 2003 to October 2004, admitted that though he has no formal education and training about media handling but he learned it in his own way. The Tabak chief recalled that on his first day of handling media at the AFP General Headquarters, he met American Public Affairs Officers and national media practitioners. “I received several phone calls from the media as early as 3:00 a.m. even during weekends. I have to attend to their calls because if I will not do so, they will report to my boss that I am sleeping on my duty,”

Lucero said. “I learned to smile even though I was not feeling great and that I called it as ‘media harassment’,” Lucero quipped. Lucero, however admitted that during his stint as spokesperson in the AFP he had learned many lessons. “One good lesson that I learned was to value media relations,” he said. He also shared with his senior and junior officers some important points in facing the media: Be ready of giving information, know their educational background and leanings, the message to send should be clear for them to absorb. The 1st Infantry Division has existing Tabak Defense Press Corps that is responsible for disseminating information on the programs and activities of the AFP under its president Leah Agonoy.


Mayor Uy creates Local Governance Transition team By Alfonso T. Ruda

Under Executive Order No. 2013-14, dated May 21, 2013, the LGT is tasked to handle the orderly and peaceful transfer of power and responsibility from the previous officials to the newly-elected city officials. Mayor Uy’s action is in compliance with Memorandum Circular No. 2013-33 issued by Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas ordering all Provincial Governors, City and Municipal Mayors, DILG Regional Directors, ARMM Regional Governor and other concerned government agencies to ensure the orderly “Local Governance Transition” on June 30, 2013. Uy also directed the Transition Team to make an inventory of all city government properties and prepare the copy of the 2012 State of Local Governance Performance Report; State of Local Development Report; Financial Performance Report; Commission on Audit Report; Contract and Loan Agreements, if there’s any;

Comprehensive Development Plan; Local Development Investment Plan; Calendar 2013 Annual Investment Plan; Comprehensive Land Use Plan or Physical Framework Plan; Capability Development Plan; Executive-Legislative Agenda; Organizational Structure; Inventory of Personnel by Nature of Appointment; Executive Orders; and full disclosure of the policy documents of the city. Allan Bengua of the City Information Office said the said directive aims to assure the Dipolognons of transparency of the Uy’s six-year administration with the “Swigapore 2030 vision” toward a God-centered, peaceful and self-reliant city by 2030. The good governance initiative is also in support of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s effort to get rid of graft and corruption in the entire bureaucracy, especially among the local government units as envisioned in his campaign for “Matuwid na Daan (Straight Path).”

DIPOLOG CITY - City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy has recently issued an order creating a Local Governance Transition (LGT) to handle a smooth transition of the operations of the different divisions of the city government.


NGCP warns Mindanaoans vs. bogus personnel By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has warned the public, particularly residents of the Zamboanga Peninsula region of the systemized scam concerning right-of-way (ROW) claims.

Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, NGCP spokesperson issued the warning after receiving report that an organized group claiming to be a representative of NGCP is contacting land owners who have properties or who live under the company’s transmission lines and facilities.According to Alabanza, the group is allegedly promising land owners of payment ranging from P50,000.00 to P300,000.00 for every tower to be constructed within their properties.The group requires land owners to provide the copy of their Certificate of Land Title or Tax Declaration to support their support claim from NGCP. In return, the group is asking for the 40 percent of their claim as the group’s commission.Alabanza said this activity is not sanctioned by NGCP and the group has no legal personality to represent the company. “We would like to warn the public to refrain from transacting with these individuals as they are not connected with NGCP and will only take advantage of your properties,”

she said.According to NGCP, they conduct ROW negotiations with land owners whose properties are and will be traversed by transmission lines but such negotiation is done professionally with no fees being required from land owners. Alabanza pointed out that NGCP directly deals with land owners and never hire the services of a third party as its representative to the negotiation.NGCP is a privately-owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high voltage electricity through “power super highways” that include the inter-connected system of transmission lines and towers, sub-stations and related assets.

NGCP’s regular maintenance activities and expansion projects aim to enhance reliability and delivery of quality of electricity to customers or power utility providers. (NGCP)



Tagum City receives DILG’s modernfire truck

CITY OF TAGUM, DAVAO DEL NORTE—This city’s local govern-ment recently received the brand-new and modern Rosenbauer TLF 4000 fire truck worth 18 million pesos, as part of the award of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to Tagum for its exemplary performance in local government through the Seal of Good Housekeeping.

Mayor Rey T. Uy led last May 27, 2013 the formal blessing of the fire truck at the Sub-Station of the Bureau of Fire and Protection at Barangay M a g u g p o South, together with LGU functionaries, and DILG personalities led

by City DILG Director Eliza Mendoza. The local chief executive hailed and thanked the DILG for awarding Tagum the said fire-fighting vehicle. The Austrian-made fire truck has the capacity to discharge 2,400 liters of water per minute, three times stronger than a regular fire truck. Its water cannon can push water to up to 62 meters horizontally and 24 meters vertically – equivalent to an eight-

byTagum City CIO


Abandoned logs seized in Mati Cityby Joey Dalumpines

DAVAO CITY - Authorities seized a total of 24 logs esti-mated at 21.64 cubic meters 5:00 pm Monday at Sitio Kwa-tin, Barangay Tagbinonga, Mati City, Davao Oriental. Captain Hector De Leon, acting civil-military operations officer of the 701st Infantry Brigade said members of the 701st IB, 104th Division Reconnaissance Company and personnel from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office headed by Matranillo Wines spearheaded the confiscation. Captain Hector De Leon, acting civil-military operations officer of the 701st ID said the operation was in line with the implementation of the Executive Order Number 23 or the Total Log Ban moratorium. He said the implementation

of Executive Order Number 23 (EO 23) was issued to the AFP and DENR declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forest and the creation the Anti-illegal Logging Task Force. “This is the result of the creation of Anti Illegal Logging Task Force Davao Oriental deputizing the military and police,” De Leon said. Colonel Paterno Morales, deputy commander of the 701st IB assured that the military will continue to support government units and agencies which have the mandate to protect and preserve the environment. “It was an interagency activity that shows the spirit of working together,” he said. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

storey building. It also has two quick response hoses and two regular hoses or a total of five firefighting weapons that can be used simultaneously for faster and better fire control action. Specially built to respond fire incidents especially in urban areas, it has also a capacity to kill fire caused by chemicals that can’t easily be suppressed by mere water. The truck

can also use water from other sources such as water hydrants and natural bodies of water. Aside from this, the new truck has four doors and can sit seven firemen. It also has side lockers and compartments for easy access of fire fighting accessories. Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum


Expect rainy days-PAGASA

DAVAO CITY - Expect more rainy days ahead, says the Philippine At-mospheric Geophysical and Astro-nomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Davao Station. Gerry Pedrico PAGASA Davao Station chief said that in the month of May they have monitored the start of Low Pressure Areas devel-oping which would results in rains. He said Dabawenyos should now expect the start of the rainy sea-son. Heavy rains is the source of in-convenience for many Dabawenyos as these would result in flooded streets, however it is also a serious cause of alarm as floods in January of this year swelled the Davao Riv-er which resulted in the evacuation of 10,000 families, a freak flash flood that rampaged across Matina Pangi River in June 28 2011, killed 32 people. Pedrico said that there is no immediate threat of tropical cy-clones to hit the region this part of the year as he said that it is in the period of November to February that tropical cyclones would enter this part of the country. He said that contrary to popu-lar belief that Davao Region is ty-phoon-free, there are cyclones that

do visit as per historical records in the 1910s, 1930s and the 1970s. However the recent years had seen cyclones increasing in ferocity par-ticularly Typhoons Sendong and Pablo.Meanwhile the Department of Sci-ence and Technology (DOST) is in-tensifying its information, educa-tion and communication campaign regarding its Project NOAH (Na-tionwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) website.P roject NOAH website (www.noah.dost.gov.ph) is designed to show the following: weather out-look which shows the probability or likelihood of rain in a particular area; flood map which shows loca-tion or areas prone to flood, includ-ing the flood height; and the weath-er station data which presents the amount of rainfall, temperature, wind speed and direction, air pres-sure and humidity in an area. According to Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, program leader of Project NOAH, the website is a tool for the public to become more aware and also be prepared as they can iden-tify prevailing weather conditions, weather forecasts and geo-hazards in their respective localities. (PIA/RG Alama)

by Rudolph Alama


GUMASA, Sarangani – Tourists from all over Mindanao and around the world flocked at the white-sand beaches of Gumasa, Glan to party since Friday (May 24) as Sarangani Bay Festival enfolds.

SarBay 2013 looks greater than everBy Catherine T. Apelacio


SarBay 2013 looks greater than ever

KORONADAL, South Cotabato – The Department of Health (DOH) has nomi-nated the local government of Makilala for the Red Orchid Award for its re-lentless drive against smoking in public places in the locality.

Award-winning photographer Cocoy Sexcion gauged SarBay this time as “(I think) this is the biggest and wildest beach party ever” as he compared that tourist count crowding the venue and nearby resorts are quite noticeable even in the first day where for the last seven years the crowd usually arrived at the culmination part.

“Even when it heavily rained early afternoon the first day, it never ceased the crowd from partying,” he added.

Several foreigners were seen around mingling with the locals.

SarBay kicked-off with the historic 15-kilometer swim-across-the-bay relay competition yesterday.

Simultaneous with the swim relay was the fun run for the environment of Smart Communications. Event organizer Eliodoro Alcaya reported around 500 runners finished the 8-km and 5-km races thru off-road and sloping trail that ended both with a 2-km beach run along the white, fine shores of Gumasa Cove.

A swim contest in Gumasa also drew a huge crowd. It was held in

500-, 300- and 150-meter races along the beachfront.

Organizer Ian Rodriguez said the race was conceptualized after the swim-across–the-bay which provided other swimmers another venue to compete.

Among the beach sports were volleyball, football, skim boarding clinic, jetski invitational challenge, and the sand sculpture which showcased the participants’ visual perception of the rich marine life of the bay.

Pinta sa Baybayon, on the other hand, was a body-painting competition that portrayed the artists’ combined skills and imagination to present in an artistic way the affluence of marine resources inhabiting the bay.

Also among the newest event of SarBay this time was the 30-km mountain bike ultra 3-men challenge where 30 bikers tracked rough terrains around Glan.

People thronged to the party zone Friday night particularly for the SMART and Talk & Text foam party and the beach party all-night long. (CTApelacio-PIA Gensan)

LGU’S relentless anti-smoking drive earns Red Orchid nominationBy Aida C. Agad


The anti-s m o k i n g campaign in the locality started since last year, consultant Odin Deseo.

said.Early this

month a team of evaluators from DOH Central Office and the Center for Health Development XII processed the LGU’s c r e d en t i a l s , Deseo said.

Ms. Anita L. Mauricio, head nurse of Makilala’s Office on Health Services, presented to the evaluators the LGU’s anti-smoking ordinance, counseling program, purok-level education campaign, and activities on removing cigarette campaign ads and posters in sari-sari stores within the Poblacion public market area and those within 100 meters from public schools.

Makilala’s Ordinance No. 28-98 prohibits selling of cigarettes to minors, and near the schools.

The LGU’s no-smoking policy covers all government offices, public vehicles, public market, and in places where people usually

gather.Re-elected Mayor Rudy S.

Caoagdan, MPA, who leads the anti-smoking campaign in the municipality, is himself withdrawing from the habit as he also promises to completely quit smoking, if Makilala wins the award, Deseo said.

The Red Orchid Award is a recognition given by DOH to municipalities and cities that push for the elimination of smoking and promotion of healthier living in their places. (ACAgad-PIA12/ with reports from LGU-Makilala)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- South Cotabato’s 362 public elemen-tary and high schools are catering to at least 140,000 students this school year, an official of the Department of Education confirmed today.

South Cotabato expects over 140,000 students in SY 2013-2014By Danilo E. Doguiles

Dr. Rafael Fontanilla, superintendent of the South Cotabato Schools Division, said 103,553 students were registered for Grades 1 to 6 while 37,243 were pre-listed for high school based on January pre-registration data.

Fontanilla said more students are expected as the actual enrolment of students only began last week.

Official registration of high school students began last week while that for the elementary, which was delayed because of the Brigada Eskwela, is expected to commence today.

South Cotabato has 291 public elementary schools and 71 high schools spread in 10 municipalities. The number excludes schools in Koronadal City, which has a separate schools division.

Meanwhile, Fontanilla has called on parents not postpone the enrolment of their children to ensure that their children will be included in DepEd’s estimates for allocation of books, classrooms, chairs and other equipment and facilities.

“Per memorandum of DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, the deadline of submission of DepEd Form 3 will be on June 7,” he said.

Form 3 specifies the number of teachers as well as the number of students per grade or year level enrolled in each public school. Data are used, among other purposes, to compute for the allocation of books, classroom, and other needs.

Fontanilla also assured parents that the schools division is strictly implementing DepEd’s “no collection” policy in all government elementary and high schools in the province.

According to the DepEd Order No. 41 series of 2012 or “Revised Guideline on the Opening of Classes,” no fees shall be collected from school children in Kindergarten until Grade 4 for the entire school year.

Moreover, collection of fees for Grade 5 up to Fourth Year high school may only be implemented starting August 1.

Classes of school year 2013-2014 will begin on Monday, June 3. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Documents

One Mindanao - May 28, 2013