One Mindanao - May 7, 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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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

“Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” helps 5,000 kids to read

Beverly Paoyon Central Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, May 7, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 251

page 4

Pops Gumana-Fruylan, Central Mindanao

Aquino plans to improve facilities in Corregidor Island; cites it’s tourism potential 8

TESDA-9 to implement Training for Work Scholarship Program region-wide

BSP orients businesses in Gensan on counterfeit money14Deployment ng mga benepisyaryo ng GIP sisimulan ngayong linggo16

DOLE-Caraga urges jobseekers to undergo TESDA skills trainings22DTI starts to monitor school supplies in Surigao del Sur23

DEDoguiles, Central Mindanao

Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

Greg Tataro, Jr., Caraga Region

Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western Mindanao

No rotating brownouts in Iligan City this May 30Anggot and Garcia Northern Mindanao

Zambo del Norte police adopts e-blotter system27Western Mindanao

OROCHAMBER holds techno confab31Northern Mindanao

28

9,220 migratory birds found in Davao Region34Southern Mindanao

CHR sa ARMM bukas na 18 Armm

7 10 12 17

20 24 29 32

4 Monday, May 7, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

The 15-day remedial reading program for more than 5,000 incoming Grade 2 and 3 pupils from all over Sarangani is underway to prepare

kids for the opening of classes in June.

Cover Story“Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” helps 5,000 kids to read

This “Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” was designed by the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) program of Governor Migs Dominguez basically to assist the Department of Education (DepEd) in reducing the number of “frustration readers” in the province. “Frustration readers” are those who can identify words but have inadequate or no comprehension at all. More than a thousand youth volunteers or “big brothers and big sisters” fondly called as “kuyas” and “ates” are helping the 288 teachers this

year in mentoring and conducting read-along sessions.

Three volunteers from T h a i l a n d

and one from Turkey are also joining the youth this year from the American Field Service Organization, an organization which provides future leaders exchange program to promote global citizenship. Nuth Sonthipanyahul, 16, from Bangkok, and three other foreign youth volunteers do their share through storytelling and teaching children to read. “It is tiring but it’s fun. It’s good to make them (children) happy,” Sonthipanyahul said. However, he observed quite a disparity of the children like those in Jose Warlito Berba Primary School they visited in sitio Kityan Gamay in Malungon. “In the city everyone has food, has money to buy their own food but here,

by Beverly Paoyon

Monday, May 7, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

they don’t have,” he said. “They have to walk like four kilometers five kilometers a day and then they have nothing to eat and the school is just made of wood and they study under the trees, something like that. It’s very bad.” When asked what he wanted to contribute to these children, he said it should be “education” and teaching them to speak “English because if you can speak English you can go anywhere around the world. You give them more

opportunity to work and have a better

future.”

“Children are the future of everything. If you give them good life then they will be good,” he added. Elif Gurcinar, an 18 year old youth volunteer from Turkey, meanwhile deemed the need for more interventions from the government “because some of the schools are really bad. Classrooms are not enough. Not enough materials.” She said SBB is a laudable intervention of Sarangani to help its slow readers and “a lot of volunteers are also coming to assist the children. It’s very helpful in their pronunciation. We teach them also English words and letters and how to pronounce them correctly. We also read stories with actions because sometimes they could not understand.” Malungon Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Earl Jared Galvez said “ I observe that these children wish to become volunteers themselves volunteers when they grow up like their

big brothers and big sisters.” Galvez recounted: “ Our experience here is more difficult because we have to climb some mountains, cross several rivers, experienced for falling from motorcycles and almost falling into ravines for several times but the overall feeling of helping the children is heart-warming.” At least, he said, the youth are involved not only in sports

activities but also with SBB where “we are able to touch their (children) lives” by helping learn to read. He then hoped that a few years

6 Monday, May 7, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

from now “ no Grade 2 and 3 would frustration readers” and that SBB would no longer teach remedial reading classes but would instead focus on a higher level to hone the knowledge and skills of these children. Jenneth Ruta, a Grade 1 teacher holding SBB class in Lun Padidu Elementary School in Malapatan said “it’s very difficult to deal with those pupils (frustration readers) because some of my pupils cannot identify letters in the alphabet.” To address this, Ruta said she conducted a one-on-one approach to the kids just to make her pupils read. “During my first day, I started with the alphabet, then the sounds before I was able to make them read words,” Ruta noted. SBB is very helpful because students are not only taught to read but also to develop their comprehension skills, she said. QUEST program manager Annalie Edday said “reading comprehension makes the difference between a passing and a failing grade in school. It is one of the most crucial skills for children to master.” “By Grade 3, children can probably comprehend simple texts but need to work on more advanced comprehension, including summarizing and analysis,”

Edday said. By reading frequently, she

said, is one of the “most e f f e c t i v e t h i n g s

children can do to improve reading comprehension in Grade 3, but there are enrichment activities to make frequent reading more powerful.” “Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” is a whole day remedial reading program from April 17 to May 8 implemented in partnership with the DepEd, QUEST, Sangguniang Kabataan and the Alcantara Foundation. The rest of the sponsors this year are Synergia Foundation, Sagittarius Mining Corp. and World Vision. Palawan and Compostela Valley are replicating Sarangani Big Bother in their own provinces to jumpstart their education reform program.


ACROSS THE NATION

“We remember the Fall of Corregidor 70 years ago. More than the Fall, we commemorate our soldiers’ acts of bravery and their unconditional sacrifice for country,” the President said in his speech during the event here.

The President said that the Pacific War Memorial, the site of the commemoration

rites, is consecrated to the memory of the Filipinos and the Americans who fought in the Second World War.

“It is a symbol of our gratitude, set in stone and steel. The bravery, the unity, and the sacrifice our soldiers sowed then have borne the fruit of a true democracy,” he said stressing that the Philippine-US partnerships

are formed not only in moments of triumph, but also in times of adversity.

The war memorial, which marks every sacrifice made by a Filipino and American soldier, may serve as a guide to the country’s quest for reforms and progress, the President said.

Aside from delivering a message, President Aquino

Aquino leads 70th Commemoration of the Fall of Corregidor

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the 70th Commemoration of the Fall of Corregidor saluting and honoring the bravery of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought the Japanese invaders during World War II.

8 Monday, May 7, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Aquino plans to improve facilities in Corregidor Island; cites it’s tourism potential

President Benigno S. Aquino III said he has instructed the Department of Budget if it can allocate funds for the repair of the port facilities in Corregidor Island to promote it for local and foreign tourists.

also led the wreath-laying ceremony at the

Dome Altar of the Pacific War Memorial.

The Corregidor Foundation Inc. (CFI) and the Filipino American Memorial Endowment (FAME) organized the observance of the 70th Commemoration of the Fall of Corregidor.

American and Filipino defenders surrendered Corregidor to the Japanese Imperial Army after one-month siege from the Fall

of Bataan on April 9, 1942, a strategic victory for the allied forces to hold off the Japanese advance that allowed Gen. MacArthur to regroup in Australia.

MacArthur eventually returned to the Philippines to retake Corregidor Island on March 2, 1945.

The President was accompanied by Vice President Jejomar Binay and members of his Cabinet that include Executive Secretary Paquito

Ochoa Jr. Presidential Communications Office Secretary Sonny Coloma, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo and other officials.

Also present were members of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc., American and Filipino veterans and their representatives, officials of the US Embassy in Manila and the Department of Tourism. (AS)


The Chief executive visited

Corregidor Island on Sunday for the 70th Commemoration of the Fall of Corregidor.

“Napansin natin ‘yung kalagayan noong wharf at medyo marami nang kailangang i-repair...binanggit natin ito sa ating Kalihim ng Budget and Management na kung puwede tingnan ito. Tapos ang Tourism, alam ko ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa Corregidor Foundation,” the President said when asked by local reporters how his administration intends to promote the island’s tourism potential.

Although the site is old and some of the tourist attractions is starting to deteriorate, the President said, this is the reason why

the government should preserve what is left by war in the island.

“Ito ang isa sa pinakamalapit na site kapag may dumarating tayong mga turista, kailangan nating mapaayos, mapaganda ito, ma-preserve ang nandito. Seventy years old na nga rin naman lahat ng mga nakatayo sa kasalukuyan,” he said.

The Corregidor Foundation Inc. (CFI) and the Filipino American Memorial Endowment (FAME) organized the observance of the commemorative event in the island.

CFI is a private, non-stock and non-profit foundation mandated to administer and maintain Corregidor and is working

under the auspices of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

CFI has partnered with FAME which also has ties with the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. for the preservation and maintenance of the World War 2 battle monuments and memorials (Bataan Death March Markers Project) in the island.

Corregidor Island was the last line of defense of the American and Filipino forces during World War II. It was eventually surrendered by the allied forces on May 6, 1942 to the Japanese invaders.

US General Douglas MacArthur retook Corregidor on March 2, 1945 when he liberated the country. (AS)


UFS, WFP join hands to boost school meals for 40,000 students in Central Mindanao

Through its innovative “Sandwich Heroes” campaign, Unilever Food Solutions, a subsidiary of Unilever, has raised Php 400,000 in the Philippines for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

The donation will allow WFP to feed 40,000 children under its school meals programme in conflict-affected areas of Central Mindanao, particularly in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. “We are very grateful to Unilever for its longstanding partnership with WFP in the Philippines, including its latest creative efforts to help raise awareness of the issue of hunger in

the country,” said WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Stephen Anderson. “The funds Unilever has donated will help WFP and its government

counterparts, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Education, provide hot nutritious meals for children in remote, conflict-affected


areas.” Thirteen restaurants took part in Unilever Food Solution’s pioneering project, which involved each restaurant offering their signature or best sandwiches for the campaign. Unilever Food Solutions made a donation to WFP for each featured sandwich sold from October 2011 to January 2012. Bigg’s Diner, Cibo, The Coffee Experience, CoffeeBreak, Figaro, HotShots, JD Bakeshop, KFC, Mushroomburger, The Flying Pig, Holy Cow, The Sandwich Guy and Wham! Burgers all participated in the campaign. “We’d like to thank our partner establishments for making our ‘Sandwich Heroes’ initiative a great success. We’re very proud to help feed 40,000 children in Central Mindanao,” said Unilever Food Solutions Managing Director Pinky Laurena. “While this is just a pilot programme, what we already achieved here in the Philippines has caught the attention of other Unilever offices globally. Now, the Philippines effort has become an example for other countries to emulate, so we’re planning to expand this ‘Sandwich Heroes’ campaign this year,” she

added. Unilever has contributed to WFP and its fight against hunger in the Philippines since 2008. Globally, Unilever has been a WFP corporate partner since December 2006, donating a total of US$17.7 million to support WFP’s work around the world.

About WFP WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in more than 70 countries. WFP now provides RSS feeds to help journalists keep up with the latest press releases, videos and photos as they are published on WFP.org. For more details see: http://www.wfp.org/rss. Twitter: @wfp_asia and @wfp_philippines and @wfp_mediaFacebook: WFP Philippines About Unilever and Unilever Food Solutions Unilever works to create a better future every day. We help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others. We are one of the

world’s leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong local roots in more than 100 countries. Our portfolio includes some of the world’s best known and most loved brands including eleven €1 billion brands, and global leadership in many categories in which we operate. Unilever Food Solutions is one of the world’s leading foodservice businesses. The business works with customers including caterers, restaurateurs and major hotel and fast-food chains to create food solutions that help grow their business. For more information about Unilever and its brands, please visit www.unilever.com . For more information, please contact: World Food Programme - Philippines (Email: [email protected]):Charlene Tordesillas, WFP/Manila, Tel: +63 2 7502561 Mobile: +639178809368 Unilever Food Solutions (Email: [email protected]):Liza Vengco, Unilever Food Solutions, Tel: +63 2 5887342 Mobile: +639088805776.


DOLE 12 chief says 100% wage order compliance, difficult to attainBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Full compliance of all business es-tablishments and companies in Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 to Wage Order RB XII No. 17 may be difficult, if not impossible to achieve, DOLE 12 Regional Director Chona Mantilla said.

Director Mantilla, however, assured that despite limited resourc-es, they could achieve higher percentage of management imple-menting the provision of the new wage order.

“While we aim good implementation, we do not claim 100 percent compliance to wage orders, but we do not want to be deterred by limitations,” in response to a participant during the wage clinic on May 1 in Koronadal City, who asked how DOLE 12 could assure 100 per-

cent compliance to the new order.

“No (DOLE) regional office has reached 100 percent compliance (to wage orders),” she add-ed.

Wage Order RB XII No. 17,which became effective on April 18, requires the integra-tion of the P15 per day cost of living allowance (COLA) mandated in the previous wage order into the present basic salary and grants a new COLA ranging from P10 to P14, depending the labor/industry sector.

The new COLA will be implemented in two tranches: first on the date the order became effective and second on December 1, 2012.

“Based on the data from last year’s routine inspections, compli-ance to Wage Order RB XII 16 has reached 70 to 75 percent,” she explained. “This is rela-tively high as compared to other regions.”

Those that did not comply with the order were issued compliance notices. She added that DOLE 12 is fast-tracking


resolutions of several complaints from labor groups who did not receive the mandated minimum wage.

Mantilla said, they will give companies ample time to implement the new wage rates and

added that routine inspections under the Labor Standards Enforcement Program will cover compliance to the new wage order after they have completed the awareness raising drive and wage symposiums.

DOLE 12 and RTWPB 12 aim to complete wage clinics across Region 12 before the end May.

She, however, confirmed that they are constrained by the lack of personnel to implement the Labor Standards Enforcement Program.

Currently, only 16 persons are available to conduct routine inspections to cover private sector employers in the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos City.

“Of the 16 pool of inspectors, only seven are actual inspectors,” she said. “The other nine are cashiers, bookkeepers, and administrative staff, who were also trained to conduct routine inspections.”

This is why, she added, besides the wage symposiums and massive information drive regarding the wage order, they are also encouraging employers and employees to sit down for dialogues regarding the implementation of the new wage order.


BSP orients businesses in Gensan on counterfeit moneyBy Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently conducted an orientation among business establishments here against the proliferation of fake peso bills in the market.

Cecilia C. Hortal, BSP senior currency specialist said business establishments should be more vigilant in identifying the security features of the new generation currency (NGC) so that they will not be victimized by counterfeiters.

Hortal explained that the NGC is more

She also urged workers to report to DOLE, companies who are non-compliant to Wage Order No. 17.

Effective April 18, minimum wages (including basic salary and first tranche of COLA) in Soccsksargen Region stand at P270 for non agriculture sector, P248 for agriculture plantation sector, P243 for agriculture

non-plantation sector, P246 for retail/service establishments employing more than 10 workers and P240 for retail/service establishments with not more than 10 workers.

With the implementation of the second tranche of COLA on December 1, 2012, minimum wages

will be P270 for non-agriculture sector, P252 for agriculture plantation sector, P249 for agriculture non-plantation sector, P250 for retail/service establishments with more than 10 workers and P246 for retail/service establishment with not more than 10 workers. (DEDogui les-PIA


with features that are difficult to copy like embossed prints, serial number, security fibers, watermark, see-through mark, concealed value, and security thread.

She disclosed that the P500 and P1,000 banknotes contain additional features such as optically variable

device and another optically variable ink for the P1,000 banknote, which is hard for counterfeiters to fake.

Ordinary people, she said, can also apply the feel, look, and tilt (FLT) technique in determining whether or not the denomination is genuine.

The new banknotes, which were launched in December 2010, are not smooth but a little rough to touch because they are made from cotton and the Philippine abaca.

Serial numbers are composed of one or two prefix letters and six to seven digits in asymmetrical or increasing size.

When viewed against the light, the watermark on the blank space shows a shadow image of the portrait and the banknote’s denomination; this can be seen on either side of the bill.

Security threads are readily observed on the banknotes when observed against a light source. In 20 and 50 denominations the security thread is continuous and 2 mm in width but in 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 denominations this is 4 mm wide, metallic and stitch-like.

Meanwhile, the BSP opined that it is advantageous for business establishments to have a counterfeit money detector especially that reproduction of fake


Deployment ng mga benepisyaryo ng GIP sisimulan ngayong linggoLUNGSOD NG KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Inaasahan ng De-partment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 na anumang araw ngayong linggo na magkapagsisimula sa kanilang trabaho ang mga benepisyaryo ng Expanded Government Internship Program (GIP) sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Soccsksargen Region.

Ani Monera Lidasan, deputy project manager ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), naisagawa na nila an orientation ng mahigit 3,900 na mga out-of-school youth at mga kakatapos lang ng kolehiyo nitong nakaraang Miyerkules.

Ang hinihintay na lang nila ay ang kautusan mula sa mga nakatataas na mga opisyal ng DSWD na maaaring nang magsimula ang mga government interns sa kanilang 52 araw na trabaho kung saan

tatanggap sila ang P260 na sahod sa bawat araw ng trabaho o kabuuang P13,520.

Kapalit ng kanilang sahod magtatrabaho sila sa mga tanggapan ng pamahalaan at institusyon sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng rehiyon na nagbibigay serbisyo kaugnay sa mga programa ng pamahalaan sa senior citizens, disaster risk reduction and management, crisis intervention, s u p p l e m e n t a r y feeding program, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, at sa 4Ps.

Magsasagawa rin sila ng mga field work sa mga kumunidad kung saan ipinatutupad ang mga programa at proyekto ng DSWD.

Ang Expanded GIP ay programa ng pamahalaang Aquino at DSWD na naglalayong palakasin ang partisipasyon ng mga kabataan sa nation-building, iparanas sa kanila ang pagpapaabot ng serbisyong panlipunan, at sanayin sa mga kakayahang magpapalago sa kanilang buhay, (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

bills has become easier because of technology.

BSP also urged people who have information

about counterfeiting operations to report immediately to authorities or get in

touch with the nearest BSP office. (DED/PGFruylan/PIA 12, GenSan)


Consultation dialogues continue in Mindanao, says GPH panelBy Perlita Changco

COTABATO CITY- The government peace panel continues the conduct of consultations and dialogues in different parts of Mindanao to gather and listen to people’s sentiments and opinions as part of the continuing peace process, assures a member of the GPH panel.


Based on latest published reports, some sectors in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) clamor for “transparency” in the GPH-MILF Decision Points as of April 2012 agreed upon by both panels during the latests rounds of talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

It is said that the 10-point deal would serve as a discussion framework for the discussion of remaining issues for upcoming peace negotiations.

According to GPH peace panel member

Prof. Miriam Ferrer c o n s u l t a t i o n s /dialogues continue in Mindanao in reaction to calls of various sectors for “transparency” on the status of the GPH-MILF exploratory talks.

“Nitong linggong ito, nagsagawa tayo ng konsultasyon sa Lake Sebu at General Santos para tingnan at marinig kung ano talaga ang saloobin ng mga tao sa paraan ng peace negotiation at ipaabot sa publiko ang nais ng gobyerno para maalis ang anumang agam-agam,” she said.

Ferrer said, the

panel is elated over the people’s support not only in the conduct of the consultations but to the GPH-MILF peace talks assuring that public sentiments and concerns are given due consideration.

While substantive gains have been achieved particularly the signing of the 10-decision seen by many that could enhance the peace initiative, she said that the signing of the final peace agreement between the GPH and MILF is unlikely to take place by middle of this year. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)

CHR sa ARMM bukas naLUNGSOD NG KORONADAL, South Cotabato -- May tanggapan na ang Commission on Human Rights (CHR) sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Ito matapos pormal nang binuksan noong Huwebes, Mayo 6, ang kauna-unahang ARMM CHR Field Office sa loob mismo ng Regional Government Center

sa Cotabato City. Pinangunahan ang

inauguration nina ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman at CHR chairperson Loretta Anne Rosales at sinaksihan ng mga

kinatawan ng iba’t ibang sector sa ARMM at mga peace advocate.

Kasabay rito, inaasahan ang pagpapatibay ng pagtatanggol ng karapatang pantao


sa ARMM pati na ang pagpapalawak sa kaalaman ng mga mamamayan ng rehiyon hinggil sa kanilang mga batayang karapatan at internal humanitarian rights.

Inaasahan ding makatutulong ang pagtatag ng CHR sa ARMM sa pagmonitor

ng nagpapatuloy na tigil-putukan sa pagitan ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front at tropa ng gobyerno.

Ang CHR Office sa ARMM ay independent sa tanggapan ng gobernador ng ARMM at hindi devolved sa ARMM regional government.

Uupo rin bilang miyembro ng Regional Peace and Order Council ang CHR-ARMM.

Sakop ng CHR-ARMM ang mga lalawigan ng Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu at Tawi-Tawi, at mga lungsod ng Lamitan at Marawi. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


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Agusan electric coop receive awardsby Nora CL Molde

The Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO) has received three major National Electrification Administration (NEA) Lumen awards.

According to Daniel dela Cena, ANECO public information officer, the electric cooperative received various awards. Arch. Horacio T. Santos was awarded

Best General Manager of the Year (Pedro G. Dumol Award); Electric Cooperative of the Year Award for Mega Large Coop Level; and Sunshine Region Award

for having the biggest number of house connections in Caraga region. The awards was given during the annual gathering of electric


cooperatives purposely to give awards to the outstanding performance of electric cooperatives (ECs) in the country, specifically the 2012 NEA-EC Conference and Recognition on April 25 to 27 at Waterfront Insular Hotel in Lanang, Davao City. Aside from the three major awards that the cooperative has received, minor awards was also given to ANECO namely:

Best Region Award – for being the Electric Cooperative of Caraga Region that maintains the Categorization A+; Sunshine EC Award – for having the Biggest Number of House Connections; and Model Multi-Purpose Hall – for having a Modern and Distinct Edifice. A special citation was also given to ANECO for its valuable contribution in providing electricity to 1,520

sitios under the “Sitio Energization Program” of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Thus, according to dela Cena, the awards demonstrates a strong involvement and contribution of ANECO to the progress and development of Butuan city and the province of Agusan del Norte particularly to the thousands of lives of its member-consumers and consumers.


This developed after the labor department observed the low percentage of applicants in Caraga who were hired during the conduct of Job Fest 2012, which the department spearheaded, in time with the celebration of Labor Day on May 1 D O L E - C a r a g a Technical Services chief Teresita Bonghanoy said this probably happened because the applicants

were not able to meet the skills standards set by the participating agencies and establishments who were hiring manpower during the event. However, Bonghanoy advised the unsuccessful applicants to see the TESDA office and undergo skills training to ensure that they can pass the skill requirements of the different establishments. The official further

said that those who want to join in the next job fairs and job hunting must be well-equipped with the knowledge, skills and right attitude that are beneficial to be accepted in whatever positions or job they want to apply in. Bonghanoy further said TESDA is offering more skills trainings that are needed both in the local, national and international labor markets.

DOLE-Caraga urges jobseekers to undergo TESDA skills trainings

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Caraga Region is urging job seekers to undergo skills trainings initiated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to prepare them for any job fairs and job hunting

by Robert E. Roperos

Photo Credit: TESDA


According to DTI Provincial Director Andres Yparraguirre, some office personnel have already been assigned to this effect in order to check the quality and prices of

such merchandise. It was learned that their areas of destination are the cities of Tandag and Bislig, as well as in Hinatuan town. These are places where businesses

are brisk. DTI usually conducts these intense monitoring activities on school supplies during times when opening of classes is drawing near.

Meanwhile, DOLE-Caraga reported that the two-day Job Fest held in one of the private schools here was a resounding success. With the theme: “Pagtutulungan. Pagbabago. Disenteng Trabaho,” the job fair was

participated in by around 1,500 applicants. Aside from the job fair, a MOA signing between DOLE and TESDA-Caraga on the PHILJOBNET registration of graduates was also done to ensure that graduates

can find jobs that fit their qualifications. Also, officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the region reported that the Labor Day celebration in Caraga was generally peaceful.

DTI starts to monitor school supplies in Surigao del Sur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here has already started to monitor school supplies in the province.

by Greg Tataro, Jr.

Photo Credit: TESDA


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OWWA-9 gathers youth for self-dev’t

Driven by a strong resolve to provide its scholars with an avenue for self-development, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

(OWWA) Region 9 spearheaded a two-day Scholars’ Conference on April 28 and 29, at the Woodland Resort, Zambowood in this city.


A total of 36 scholars from the entire region participated in the various games designed to have them interact and work together for a common goal which focused on self-awareness, team building and effective communication. According to OWWA-9 Designate Authorized Representative Leonilo Daymiel, the agency cited the need to ensure that the scholars are well-equipped to become more responsible, driven and productive members of the society. The scholars were engaged in a meaningful and active exploration of themselves and the issues facing their challenges as a student and as an individual. Sister Wendelina Mea,

Dominacan Nun and a Guidance Counselor at the St. Joseph High School was the resource speaker who imparted the knowledge on developing and enhancing self-awareness since understanding our own personality is also the key to unlock elusive human qualities like leadership, motivation and empathy. The scholars were made to participate on self-awareness activities like “hand map” wherein they were made to draw their own hand and in each finger they are to name a person whom they love; who have hurt them; whom they can’t live without; whose values they admired most; and who have changed them.


The event was graced by DOLE Regional Director Sisinio Cano who in his inspirational message affirmed that the scholars are the future leaders of our society thus he inspired them to become confident and leaders incorporating what they will learn from the experience. The Team building activities which were facilitated by Labor Communication Officer Mary Jane Amarado were designed to help scholars develop problem-solving skills and effective communication.

Activities like Building

Bridges, Castle-Making, Message Relay and Mine Field were enjoyed by the scholars. Furthermore, she also stressed the importance of these since effective communication encompasses a variety of individual skills. The scholars presented a song and dance number during their socialization which was facilitated by Administrative Officer Rosellie Florida which paved way for them

to develop camaraderie and unity among scholars.

A candlelight ceremony followed wherein each scholar were

made to light a candle and share the light to their co-scholars who in one way or the other made an impact and became their friend during the conference. The event was capped with a the declaration of each scholar’s commitment, which were placed into an illustration board which the OWWA will keep as a memorabilia of the said event. (JPA/MJRA/PIA9/ALT)


The ZNPPO through the leadership of its officer-in charge, Police Supt. Ramon M. Ochotorena has conducted a two-day training about the system at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Exhibition Center on May 3 to 4. Crime registrars of all police stations throughout the province have participated in the training conducted by the personnel from the Regional Investigative and Detective Manage Office and computer expert from Camp Crame. Ochotorena said similar training was also conducted earlier in Pagadian City where a Baseline has donated sets of computer to be used by the police for the project. Ochotorena added that Zamboanga del Norte has received 28 computer sets from the Regional Office to be distributed among the different police stations throughout the province. The Police Director disclosed that E-Blotter system will be adopted throughout Region 9. The new system aims to fast-track and

to ensure the accurate recording of crime incidents in the different municipalities of the province for its automatic transmission to the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office, to its Regional Office or direct to its National Headquarter in Camp Crame. Among the advantages cited by Ochotorena includes its accessibility, wherein the crime incidents record by the different municipalities could also be viewed by other municipalities and nearby provinces. For this Ochotorena, personally thanked Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rolando E. Yebes for the support extended by the Provincial Government in the conduct of the said training. Ochotorena has been designated Officer-in-charge of the ZNPPO following the retirement of then ZNPPO Director, Sr. Supt. Ulpiano Lopez who recently retire from active service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. (JPA/RI/ATR-PIA9)

Zambo del Norte police adopts e-blotter system

DIPOLOG CITY - To upgrade its capability to track down incidents happening in the province, the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office (ZNPPO) has adopted the new E-Blotter System Users.


TESDA-9 to implement Training for Work Scholarship Program region-wide

Engr. Macapili said they are ready to help schools who want to partner with them under this program. “The courses to be offered depend on the schools. They are to identify the program/s; we (TESDA) subsidize the training and assessment cost,” Macapili explained. He added that after the schools identify what programs or courses to offer, the latter also need to meet all requirements for the program. “The school will now have to secure proper documents, the number of participants, and there should also be a Memorandum of Agreement between the school and the industry that such program/s needs to be implemented,” Macapili pointed. Macapili stressed that all courses depend on the labor market requirements. “Of course we have to really see to it that the programs we will implement will directly address the

needs of the available industries in the area for wage or self employment,” the office chief said. For recruitment selection, Macapili said they will furnish the participating schools with the guidelines for the training coming from TESDA-Manila for implementation. Aside from this program, TESDA also has its community-based skills training program which is also being implemented in the region. “This program is implemented by various partners in the region. These are the local governments, non-government organization, and private sector among others. Our program is a convergence-anchored training program,” he said. This time, the courses offered are specific to the needs of the community. “Courses offered are “tailored fit” to the needs of the community,” Macapili explained. (JPA/MVC-PIA9)

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-9 is set to implement the Training for Work Scholarship Program all over Zamboanga Peninsula, TESDA-9 Regional Director Engr. Lorenzo G. Macapili said.


RLECC distributes relief goods to 150 Sendong survivorsby PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

Members of the Regional

Law Enforcement Coordinating Council (RLECC) in Northern Mindanao distributed relief goods to 150 Tropical Storm Sendong survivors at the Indahag Transitional Shelter Camp, this city, on April 25.

The activity is done simultaneously with the planting of 3,500 tree seedlings at the said barangay and the relief goods consisted mainly of food packs, rice, canned goods, pail, a bottle of water, a pair of slipper

among others. Earlier, RLECC met to discuss law enforcement matters affecting the

condition of peace and order, economy and environment in the Northern Mindanao. Meanwhile, 47 year old Dino Eman, a brave and good husband, father of four children and survivor


the devastating Sendong, has been relocated with his family in Indahag and was very much thankful for the relief goods they received from the RLECC 10. Dino could not further thank the government for the great help, and he humbly asks for one more, “apan gapasalamat gyud kaayo kami sa tabang nga gihatag sa amoa, labina karon nga wa pa intawon mi mga trabaho. Ang ako lang unta mahangyo kai ang pagtabang sa amo maka sulod og trabaho. Kai lisod kaayo wa’y trabaho…” Dino said. He hopes that one day he will be able to get a job since people in

the area have been depending on the government’s assistance and has quite been complaining about the very far relocation site by which they can hardly visit the city and apply jobs. Amidst the tragic calamity that occurred in the night of December 16, 2012, Dino still thanks the good Lord up until now for the second life and for having his family intact and safe from the tropical storm and from the diseases after the devastating calamity and for surpassing every step he took to start anew. (with reports from Noralee Denise M. Lluch /PIA-10)

No rotating brownouts in Iligan City this Mayby Melvin T. Anggot and Virgilio C. Garcia

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - The city of Iligan will not experience rotating brownouts or power curtailment for the entire month of May.


City Councilor Moises Dalisay, Jr., Committee Chair on Water and Energy, said Treasure Steelworks Incorporated (TSI) again allowed Iligan Light and Power Incorporated (ILPI) the use of its 10 megawatts of unused power. This is in accordance with an existing agreement between the city of Iligan, National Power Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, TSI, and ILPI. TSI allowed the use of its unused power as the plant opted not to operate

its accessory plants. Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz said this is only temporary and city officials will continue to look for a permanent solution to the power crisis in Mindanao particularly in Iligan, particularly medium-term and permanent solutions to get the 25 percent priority allocation of the capacity of Agus plants that are in Iligan and the re-operation of the Iligan diesel power plants. (CIO)

OROCHAMBER holds techno confab

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OROCHAMBER), in cooperation with the Misamis Oriental Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), conducted a two-day Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) Workshop last April 26 to 27, this city.

The two-day workshop is designed to assist chamber

member micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by tropical storm Sendong to acquire some grant assistance from DOST, especially for the replacement of damaged equipment. More than P2 million grant can be extended to MSMEs.

“This partnership with DOST in Northern Mindanao is vital as 38

percent of our general membership were hit by Sendong, with estimated losses amounting to P158.5 million for MSMEs,” said Acting Vice President Efren T. Uy of the Trade and Commerce sector.

He added that this is a good opportunity for them to avail of the much needed assistance. “TNA is one of the prerequisites of availing the grant facility through DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP),” said Miriam dela Plaza, DOST Camiguin Science and Technology Director. She reiterated that the TNA Plan will serve as one of the basis of evaluating the project proposals of potential MSME grantees. A follow up training on Project Proposal Preparation will be conducted on May 10 to 11. For related queries, please contact the OROCHAMBER Secretariat. (OROCHAMBER)


PPA teams up with DOT on cruise tourismby Rudolph Alama

Partnership between the De-partment of Tourism (DOT)–XI

and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is underway in prepping up the Davao Port here as an interna-tional hub for cruise liners. Davao is among the eight ports identified as Tourism Gateways by the DOT including Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, Metro Manila, Puerto Princesa, Subic, and Zamboanga. It forms part of the nation’s major nautical cruise arteries. Following the successful maiden voyage to the country of MV Princess

Danae, a Portuguese luxury cruise ship which first docked in Davao Port on March 29, 2012, PPA and DOT vowed to pursue more aggressive moves to capture foreign nationals on tour in the Southern Mindanao (SoMin) areas. “Tourism is a complementary sector to the maritime industry which certainly puts us on the map and PPA will always be an active ally in terms of infrastructure support,” PPA Port District Office-Southern Mindanao

Engineering Services Division Manager Engr. Asterio Gallardo, Jr. assured. During the recent meeting between representatives from both agencies held on April 12, 2012 at the PPA Port Management Office (PMO)-Davao, DOT-XI Regional Director Art Boncato, Jr. expressed optimism that the Davao Port will be able to handle prospective influx of foreign guests via cruise ships. RD Boncato cited the strict adherence to safety and security procedures of the Davao Port and


the organized conduct of local tour operators to guests as hallmarks in ensuring a snowball effect on tourism. MV Princess Danae will surely not be the last of the many luxury ships to come and to prove that truly the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign is true in every way, he added. The DOT-PPA tandem will form part of a Technical Working Group (TWG) that will prepare a masterplan which aims to invite cruise lines over to the Davao Region. The TWG also includes the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for a holistic approach on tourism packages, particularly addressing road access to inland attractions. DOT Central Office Supervising Tourism Operations Officer assigned in the Officer of Product Research and Development Ma. Valle A. Congzon who also attended the said meeting shared that she will be campaigning for the Royal Caribbean International, the world’s second largest cruise line to include Davao City as a port of call in its 2013 destinations. The real challenge, according to Congzon is how to tailor-fit the port according to the specific needs of the cruise ship and to sustain the positive impressions particularly in providing outstanding passenger comfort, safety, security, and sightseeing and shopping opportunities given the limited time of docking.

To jumpstart the action plans, the team also conducted ocular inspections of the neighboring ports such as the Km. 11 Sasa Boat Landing Facility, Mae Wess Ferry Terminal in Km. 10, Barangay Sasa and the Sta. Ana Wharf in the downtown area – the three major conduits from Davao City mainland going to the Island Garden City of Samal which is already part of Davao del Norte Province. Likewise, site visits were done to the receiving ports in Samal Island like the Babak Wharf in Barangay Villarica which is facing Sasa, Davao City, the Mae Wess Ferry Terminal also in Babak District, and the Tagpopongan Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) Port on the southern part opposite of the Pantukan RoRo Port in Compostela Valley Province. Except for Tagpopongan, these said are the most heavily used by current and prospective tourists – both foreign and local who wish to explore the countryside sites, sun, sand, and sea combined. DOT-XI Chief Tourism Officer Eden David conveyed that cruise tourism in not only about arrivals but an integrated experience of sights, sounds and senses that add up to the whole picture of satisfaction. Hence, part of the roadmaps of cruise tourism is to truly create tour packages embodying the best of the islands with the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” concept, David stressed. (PPA-XI)


9,220 migratory birds found in Davao Region

DAVAO CITY – A total of 9,220 mi-gratory birds were found in Davao Region during the bird watching/bird counting activity for the first quarter of 2012. The count of migratory birds found in 2011 reached to 7,836. The migratory birds came from different species like Godwit, Sand Plover, Common Greenshank and Black-winged Stilt, to name a few. The municipalities of Malalag in Davao del Sur; Carmen, Davao del Norte and Banaybanay, Davao Oriental are the only three identi-fied temporary habitats of migra-tory birds in the month of January after crossing the continents.

Regional Ex-ecutive Director Jim O Sampulna of the Depart-ment of Environ-ment and Natural Resources-XI ex-plained that the bird watching/bird counting ac-tivity aims to ob-tain information on the population of migratory birds at wetlands in the

region. The activity, being conducted by DENR’s Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD), would able to monitor on an annual ba-sis the status and condition of wet-lands. This is also in line with the Annual Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) for migratory birds. AWC is a yearly event which takes place during the second and third weeks of January. The census was initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent and has grown rapidly to cover over 32 countries. (DENR-XI)

Documents

One Mindanao - May 7, 2012