One Mindanao - September 1, 2014

Venus L. Garcia CARAGA Region

LGU reps ink manifesto for climate change adaptation mechanisms, access to PSF

COVER STORY

Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights now ‘reposition’ in safe camp

PIA bats for massive campaign on climate change resiliency, adaptation

RSY multi-trade shop bags Regional Best SETUP Adoptor Award

AgSur upgrades TINA water system

by Emmanuel D. Taghoy

by Nancy L. Charcos

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NATIONAL

Information to Empower Filipinos

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WESTERN MINDANAO

CARAGA REGIONExec calls on community to help address hunger issues of MisOcc

NAPOLCOM-9 leads NCPW celebration

Painted carabaos highlight in Tagum festival

by Claro A. Lanipa

by Jeanevive Abangan

NORTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

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13 14

25

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9

21 11

by Cherry Galarion

by JJVGomez

Convenience stores not exempted from price freeze under state of calamity--DTI 30by Angelo A. Devero

LGU reps ink manifesto for climate change

adaptation mechanisms, access to PSF

These LGUs are Hinatuan, Lanuza and Marihatag, all in Surigao del Sur; Jabonga, Kitcharao, and Las Nieves, all in Agusan del Norte; Prosperidad and Bayugan City in Agusan del

Sur and Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte. As contained in the manifesto, the parties will take pride and actions in pursuing comprehensive climate and

multi-hzard assessments significantly involving vulnerable communities under the project, “Building Resilient and Adaptive Communities and Institutions,” an Australian Aid support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The representatives from the nine local government units (LGUs) in Caraga region have recently signed a manifesto that would put forward their ongoing initiatives to

establish appropriate mechanisms to adapt to the looming impacts of climate change.

by Venus L. Garcia

LGU reps ink manifesto for climate change

adaptation mechanisms, access to PSF

implemented by Oxfam and partner non-government organizations. “The project has helped them develop a comprehensive concept on adaptation wherein priority adaptation and risk reduction actions are integrated and funded under their local disaster risk reduction management plans despite limited resources,” said Dante Dalabajan, Mindanao Coordinator of Oxfam Philippines. The partakers, however, have recognized that their existing initiatives are not sufficient to attend the wide range of adaptation projects that would benefit more vulnerable communities. But they identified that these communities have the capacity to adapt and would be able to experience economic growth amidst limited resources to fund such adaptation projects. They were putting high hopes on the Peoples Survival Fund (PSF) as a finance mechanism that

would help LGUs address the challenges of increasing capacities of vulnerable communities. Thus, the signifying parties expressed their interest and readiness to submit proposals to access the PSF as it should be made available and accessible while mechanisms should also be in place by now to ensure that the

funds go directly and transparently to adaptation and risk reduction

projects based on the comprehensive assessment of climate change and disaster risks in highly vulnerable communities. “As cited in the manifesto, it also calls on international donor agencies to integrate climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in their development

investments,” added Dalabajan.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 7

Malacañang welcomes World Bankõs new þnancial package

“Ikinagagalak natin ang pagpapahayag ng World Bank hinggil sa US 508-million dollars o 22.4 bilyong pisong loan at financial package para sa Pilipinas,” Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a press briefing over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. This financial package called the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) to be implemented by the

Department of Agriculture will benefit more or less 2 million farmers and fishermen. Under the PRDP, more than 70 percent of the fund will go to infrastructure projects that include: farm-to-market roads, bridges, tire trucks, communal irrigation, potable water systems, post-harvest facilities, production facilities, fish landings, fish sanctuaries, storage facilities, trading posts, greenhouses, solar

Ma l a c a n a n g welcomed on Sunday the World Bank’s announcement

that they will extend a 22.4 billion pesos financial package intended for rural infrastructure development and assistance for Filipino fishermen and farmers.


Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights now ‘reposition’ in safe camp

“As of 7:00 a.m. today, lahat po ng mga Filipino peacekeepers mula sa Position 68 at Position 69 ay naka-reposition na sa Camp Ziuoani,” said Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a press briefing over radio station dzRBRadyo ng Bayan. On August 29, Syrian rebels overran the position of Fijian United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), taking their firearms and holding the 44 Fijian peacekeepers hostage. Since then, the rebels advanced and surrounded the positions held by Filipino peacekeepers, until they attacked on Saturday (August 30) morning. The Filipino peacekeepers on early Sunday morning were able to escape and reposition themselves in Camp Ziuoani. Coloma said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Pio Catapang lauded the Filipino peacekeepers for their gallant effort in defending their positions. “Pinapurihan nina Secretary Gazmin at General Catapan ang ating mga magigiting na kawal sa kanilang matatag at ‘di matinag na determinasyong ipagtanggol ang lugar sa Golan Heights na sakop ng kanilang responsibilidad. Patunay ito sa determinasyon ng Pilipinas na gampanan ang commitment nito sa United Nations,” said Coloma. The Communication Secretary also thanked the nation-members of UNDOF together with the government of Syria, Israel, Qatar and the United States for their support to defuse the tension in Golan Heights. The UNDOF is composed of 1,223 troops from six countries: Fiji, India, Nepal, Netherlands and the Philippines. PND (

After almost a two-day standoff with Al-Qaeda-linked Syrian rebels, the Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights are now safe and repositioned in Camp Ziuoani, a Palace official said

on Sunday.

driers, and slope stabilization works. Among the benefits of the financial grant is increasing the level of the annual household incomes (real household income) of farmers and fishermen by no less than five percent. Also included in the financial package is a 7 million

pesos grant aimed in at strengthening the conservation

efforts of marine-protected areas of Tayabas, Quezon;

Green Island in Palawan; Ticao Pass between Sorsogon

and Masbate; Guimaras; Danajon Bank in Bohol; and,

Guiuan, Eastern Samar. PND


President Aquino sees bigger role for Mindanao in

2015 ASEAN integration

President Benigno Aquino III said Monday Mindanao is currently in the best position to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the integration by next year of the 10-member states of Association of Southeast Asian

Nations (ASEAN).


In his keynote speech delivered by Mindanao Development Authority chairperson, Secretary Luwalhati Antonino at the opening of the 23rd Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) here, the President said the island will play a major role in the country’s participation in the integration efforts, especially in terms of the opening of a single ASEAN market and production base. He said the integration initiatives will be characterized by the free flow of goods, services, investment, capital and skilled labor, which will “pose tremendous opportunities for our country, especially for Mindanao that plays a big role in the nation’s economy.” “With its active participation in the BIMP-EAGA, Mindanao plays such an important role in the nation’s economic well-being that it is worthy to note how it will also fare in the coming ASEAN economic integration,” President Aquino said in his speech. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines–East ASEAN Growth Area, a sub-regional grouping that mainly involves Mindanao and Palawan as well as other key east ASEAN areas. The President said Mindanao‘s prospects for growth and development now appears very promising as the national government foresees positive transformation in the island with the signing earlier this year of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. He said that with the dawning of peace and development “in an area that is the nexus of our bloodlines and heritage,” the government and other stakeholders may now look forward to further strengthening convergence initiatives through existing growth corridors within the BIMP-EAGA. He specifically cited efforts towards the

promotion of sub-regional cooperation in trade, investment, and the tourism sector, “with a view of contributing to the region’s goal of realizing the 2015 ASEAN Economic Community.” “We have aspired for many years for bigger markets in trade, tourism, and investments. This will become a reality in 2015 when ASEAN member countries integrate their economies into one ASEAN community to make it more globally competitive,” the President said. “As ASEAN starts to look closely at regional sub-groupings, now is the best time for the BIMP-EAGA to put its best foot forward,” he said. The President further urged Mindanao businessmen to move closer to forging more direct investments in the island, especially in establishing globally competitive industries that will spawn more business activities, provide employment opportunities to our people, increase the region’s productivity, and drive economic growth. “I urge everyone to continue fostering greater understanding of the challenges and prospects, as well as finding the common ground for policy directions that underpin business growth and economic development in Mindanao,” President Aquino added. Around 1,300 businessmen, professionals and government officials gathered here on Monday for the three-day Minbinzcon, which is considered as the biggest gathering of business chambers in Mindanao. The conference focuses on discussions regarding the country’s preparations and policy directions for the 2015 ASEAN integration. The 23rd Minbizcon, which adopted the theme: “Growth Beyond Convergence,” is co-hosted by the business chambers of this city and nearby Sarangani Province.(

Senate approves more allowances for soldiers, cops

BUTUAN CITY - Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, chairman of the Senate national defense and security committee, said the Senate finally approved the joint resolution that will give more allowances to Filipino soldiers and other uniformed personnel. “The Senate Joint Resolution No. 2 or the resolution increasing the subsistence allowance of soldiers and other uniformed personnel to P150 from P90 starting

on January 1, 2015 has been passed on third and final reading in the Senate,” said Trillanes in a press conference here. Trillanes, principal author and sponsor of the


said measure, said “by providing a modest increase on the existing subsistence allowance of our uniformed personnel, we hope to uplift their morale and recognize their sacrifices for this country.” Those covered are the officers, enlisted personnel candidate soldiers, probationary second lieutenants, and civilian active auxiliaries of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; the commissioned and non-commissioned personnel of the Philippine National Police,

Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology; the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy and the Philippine National Police Academy; and the Philippines Coast Guard. The counterpart resolution at the House of Representatives was filed by Magdalo Party-list Rep. Ashley Acedillo and Gary Alejano. The proposed measure is still pending at the House of Representatives.


Plaque of Recognition and a cash prize of P10,000.00 was personally awarded by DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo to Robert S. Yuipco, firm’s owner and manager, together with his wife Honorata A. Yuipco during one of the highlight activities of NSTW, “Celebrating Emerging Innovators.” Yuipco said he was very thankful for the privilege to be given such recognition and most especially for the technology assistance of DOST which greatly contributed to the success of the industry. Said opportunity also contributes to the credibility and reliability of the firm. According to him, it was even the first time that his efforts to be afloat in running his business was recognized. It was a big advance birthday gift for him, he added. The award was also a form of recognition of the firm’s good standing in complying its commitment to return what has been

infused by DOST to the company. RSY Multi Trade Shop is a single proprietorship business enterprise started in 1978 which offers only welding and fabrication and was able to expand its operation after few years into machine shop, welding and fabrication, automotive-electrical services, plastic signages, plaques and tarpaulins, allied services (septic tank and construction), and the latest, pension house and catering services. It has gained attention and recognition among customers and partners making it the leading machine shop in Surigao City. Through SETUP, their capability in servicing large engines and machines primarily for large mining companies in Surigao del Norte has improved. The company had also been one of the many Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program beneficiaries of DOST in assistance for the firm’s product competitiveness.

RSY multi-trade shop bags Regional Best SETUP Adoptor Award by Nancy L. CharcosSURIGAO DEL NORTE- In recognition of the exemplary and commendable performance in terms of affecting improvement in the quality of products and services rendered to customers, RSY Multi Trade Shop of the Department of Science and Tech-nology (DOST) Caraga’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrad-ing Program (SETUP) gained Regional Best SETUP adoptor dur-ing the DOST’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 2014 celebration recently at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia.


PEO field engineers immediately took such move in the wake of reports that there was positive existence of Escherichia coli or e. coli bacteria based on the study conducted by an expert from partner NGO, the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center. The engineers however took necessary measures to address the water source problem. The upgrade at the same time solved the low water pressure coming out from its sources which earlier caused several beneficiaries to no longer use the biosand filter. The delivery of safe drinking water in the remote areas in the province forms part of the province’s one of the major thrusts which is “Tubig Imnonon Natong Agusanon (TINA)” which stands for the name of former governor and now First District Representative Maria Valentina “Tina” Plaza. Tina was conceptualized to address the scarcity of potable

water in the countryside even as the province has been blessed with abundant lakes, rivers and springs. According to 2005 Community Based Monitoring System data, only 68 percent of the 109,103 total household population are being served with potable and safe drinking water. Out of the 74,170 households served with potable water, 930 depended on purified bottled water; 13,176 are served with Level III; 26,286 served with Level II and; and 33,275 with Level I. Field engineer Julie Burlat conceptualized and initiated the upgraded biosand which worked well than the previous version. So far, there are three types of facilities of which 67 units of biosand were upgraded apart from 205 units rain collector and three units of spring development projects already completed. TINA projects served 10,189 households for 13 towns and one city.

AgSur upgrades TINA water systemby Cherry Galarion

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Su- The Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) here has recently upgraded its biosand facilities in the benefi-ciary farflung villages to address the impending problem of the un-sanitary water system in the countryside.

AgSur upgrades TINA water system

RDC-9 member-agencies vow support to climate change campaign By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY– Member-agencies of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-IX’s Development Administration Committee (DevAdCom) and Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) have expressed support to the Climate Change Advocacy Campaign (CCAC) now being spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.


In two separate meetings held here recently by the DevAdCom and RSDC, the CCAC branding, “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago” and “Nagbago na ako” was presented to the members and they all agreed to support it.

Samples of official templates of CCAC branding materials were also shown to the members of the two committees by the PIA.

To drum up public awareness on climate change and other

environmental issues, all national government agencies (NGAs) as well as the schools and non-government organizations (NGOs) are enjoined to adopt the CCAC branding by hanging tarps, streamers and/or wearing CCAC T-shirts. They may also use the CCAC logos in their information, education and communication (IEC) materials including letterheads.

The CCAC branding will again be presented and discussed in the regular RDC meeting on Sept. 23, 2914 at Zamboanga Economic Zone, Zamboanga City.


PIA bats for massive campaign on climate change resiliency, adaptation

The PIA-Sibugay team on Friday visited national high schools of Alicia, Imelda and Buug towns, which are identified as disaster-prone areas, to coordinate the conduct of advocacy forums for high school students. “As climate change affects all

of us, we believe that being partners with the academe would spell success for our advocacy efforts and equip students with knowledge in coping with disasters,” explained Ms. Tingcang. The Climate Change Advocacy

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 is now embarking on a massive advocacy campaign relative to climate change resiliency and adaptation, said Zamboanga Sibugay Information Center Manager Alma L. Tingcang in a statement.


Forum will be participated by a maximum number of 60 students composed of class presidents, vice presidents and secretaries of each school. “For people to be proactive, we need to inform them how to handle emergency situation, what to prepare and what to do during typhoons, storm surge, floods, landslides, earthquake and other disaster preparedness tips which would eventually save lives,” she

stressed. According to Ms. Tingcang, the forum will only last for two hours so as not to disrupt much of school activities. “We will have a 30-minute video presentation after a brief program to be followed by a forum proper.” She also emphasized that there will be no lectures; instead, students are encouraged to raise issues and concerns about the environment based from what

they have observed in their locality. “We will make the students youth advocates of the environment, as such, they will be asked how in their simple ways they can help address environmental issues,” furthered Ms. Tingcang. The advocacy forum for the three schools will be conducted this month, as agreed by the school heads.


PAGADIAN CITY– Anchored on the theme “Krimen ay Labanan, Karapatan ay Igalang tungo sa Mapayapang Pamayanan,” the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM)-9 together the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9 leads today the observance of the annual National Crime Prevention Week in the city. NAPOLCOM 9 Regional Director Atty. Macapado T. Guro said the 20th NCPW celebration will kick-off with a motorcade in the city’s main streets to be followed by a short program at the Amusements and Events Center (AEC) stage, Provincial Capitol Compound with Governor Antonio

Cerilles as the keynote speaker. National government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), government owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), the academe, private sectors and the public are expected to participate in the activity, Guro said.

NAPOLCOM-9 leads NCPW celebrationBy Claro A. Lanipa


“The observance of National Crime Prevention Week will generate wider awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of crime prevention and foster interest and participation of the general public,” Guro added. To ensure the success of the various programs and activities to be undertaken during the week, all agencies and LGUs are enjoined to participate and support this undertaking, he stressed. The first week of September of every year has been declared as National Crime Prevention Week pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 461 series of 1994 issued by then President Fidel V. Ramos.

MoA to enhance poultry industry in NorMin forgedby DTI

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for Manpower Capability Building Program was forged between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Mindanao Poultry Industry Cluster signed respectively by Regional Director Edgar A. Sales and Chairman Manuel G. Boniao during the 102nd Regional Development Council (RDC) Full Council Meeting on August 19, this city.


The Manpower Capability Building Program is part of the Northern Mindanao Poultry Cluster Productivity and Technology Program, one of the five-point cluster programs which include Export Market and Investments Promotion, Domestic market Competitiveness, Regional Cooperation and Integration and Business Enabling Environment. The MoA seeks to enhance the capacity of the poultry cluster in the region to undertake projects with improved productivity and competitiveness. TESDA, through its Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), endeavours to assist the private sector-led cluster to fill up the skills gaps and job requirements of the poultry industry. The scheme involves the provision of TWSP Scholarship Vouchers in the amount of P1 million for distribution among 200 trainees in

Animal Production NC II qualification. The Northern Mindanao Poultry Industry Cluster, on the other hand, will identify potential training beneficiaries subject to eligibility requirements of TESDA. The training is for implementation from September to December 2014. It is recalled that the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 has identified Industry Clustering as a major development and promotion strategy to achieve inclusive growth and employment generation. In this regard the Department of Trade and Industry instituted the National Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Program (NICCEP) in coordination with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Poultry Industry Cluster of Northern Mindanao is among the identified priority industries covered by NICCEP.

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - Misamis Occidental governor has called on all government agencies, non-government organizations, private sector, civil society organization and the community to help address the hunger and malnutrition issues of the province.

Exec calls on community to help address hunger issues of MisOcc by JJVGomez


Gov. Herminia M. Ramiro sounded the call thru Gerardo Ruben, executive assistant to the governor, during the culmination of the National Nutrition Month (NNM), last July, who stressed that the Ramiro Administration is serious in its commitment towards eradicating malnutrition of the province and aims for a healthy and well-nourished community for Misamis Occidental. The NNM focused on the theme: “Kalamidad Paghandaan Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan (Disaster Preparedness Prevents Hunger and Malnutrition),” that underscored the importance of preparedness and prevention of hunger and malnutrition to minimize the impact of calamities and disasters. It also aimed to increase awareness among families and individuals on coping with resiliency through the promotion of strategies to prevent malnutrition and worsening of nutrition status in times of emergencies and disasters, among others.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) chaired by the governor has undertaken the following activities during the culmination of the NNM: Community singing, where all the Barangay Nutrition Scholars(BNS) from the 14 municipalities of the province, together with PNC sang the invocation. Nutrition “Hataw”/mass dance and oath-taking of the BNS federation and the Mindnao Nutrition Action Officers (MNAO) federation that will soon represent Misamis Occidental in the regional level. Float contest by the 14 municipalities showing the nutritional status of their respective locality, poster slogan contest elementary and secondary level showing the children’s view on the theme. Cooking contest among Fathers which aimed to increase awareness of fathers in addressing hunger issues in times of disaster and to acquire practical preparation of meal that is very affordable yet nutritious.


Convenience stores not exempted from price freeze under state of calamity--DTIby Angelo A. Devero

ILIGAN CITY - Whenever areas are declared under State of Calamity (SOC), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) clarifies that convenience stores in these areas are not exempted from the imposition of price freeze.

Provincial Director Ruel B. Paclipan of DTI Lanao del Norte pointed out that prices of basic necessities being sold in convenience stores located within the areas under SOC must be frozen at their prevailing prices. Paclipan said that during normal times, however, convenience stores may sell basic necessities and prime commodities ten to 15 percent above the suggested retail prices or SRPs. Basic necessities under the jurisdiction of DTI include canned sardines, processed milk products, coffee, detergents, candle, bread, iodized salt, instant noodles and bottled water. Flour, processed/canned pork, processed/canned beef, vinegar, patis, soy sauce, toilet soap and batteries comprise the prime commodities under DTI’s authority. The margin is due to high costs for 24-hour operation, limited range of products and higher cost per peso sale of convenience stores as compared with regular supermarkets and groceries. It can be recalled that in 2011

when Typhoon Sendong hit Iligan, convenience store owners clamored before the DTI to approve a different pricing level based on these same reasons. At present, convenience stores are not part of the list of establishments being monitored by the DTI given that these only cater to ambulant customers and sell narrower product assortment. As such, they do not significantly affect the market unlike supermarkets, groceries and wet markets which serve as the mainstream go-to places for consumers’ needs. In his statement, Undersecretary Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba, DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG), said that for a retail store to be included in the price monitoring, it has to be a major market player that it can cater to most of the demands of the consumers and fill the gap to a certain extent during times of calamity. Nevertheless, non-inclusion in the monitoring is not tantamount to exemption from any law and policy, or declaration such as price freeze, said Usec Dimagiba.

DOH eyes negative-pressure rooms in SPMC

DAVAO CITY- The De-partment of Health has asked its regional office to canvass the price for the construction of a negative pressure facil-ity in the Southern Phil-ippines Medical Center (SPMC). Guesting at Kapihan sa Abreeza at the Abreeza Ayala Mall today (August 29) DOH-XI Regional Di-rector Abdullah Dumama Jr. M.D. said the facility

is aimed at isolating po-tential Ebola Virus Disease patients in the region. A Nega-tive pressure room uses a ven t i l a t i o n t e c h n i q u e which gener-ates negative pressure to the air flow into the room but does not allow it to

flow out. Dumama said the DOH is preparing for any eventuality in case the Ebola virus is found in the region. Howev-er aside from Ebola, the negative pressure rooms can also be used to iso-late patients stricken with SARS (Severe Acute Re-spiratory Syndrome), MERS-COV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus), Avian Flu and other deadly highly


contagious diseases. “We really need this kind of facil-ity.” Dumama said, adding that in case Ebola is found in the locality medical personnel can handle patients using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Dumama said there used to be an isolation facility intended for SARS victims in SPMC but has been con-verted into other uses as SARS didn’t enter the region. Ebola virus disease is a severe

disease with a fatality rate of up to 90%. Transmission is through direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected people and animals. There is no known cure for the disease. There is an epi-demic in areas of West Africa and as of August 26 there has been a recorded 3,069 cases and 1,552 deaths. (PIA/RG Alama, SPMC facade photo by Kiwi Bulaclac)

did you know....That the present-day Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas complex in Davao City was the site of the former Davao Jail Jail. An American colonial structure built in the early 1900s and was torn down in the 1980s to make way for the Central Bank building


Painted carabaos highlight in Tagum festival

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte- Décorated carabaos will march along Tagum City’s major thor-oughfares on September 2 to kick off the month-long holiday for farmers called UGMAD Festival UGMAD which stands for “Uma Gamiton, Mag-uuma Atong Dayegon (Farms we have to use, farmers we have to praise),” will feature on the opening day the Pintados Y Carroza de Carabao parade or the parade of painted carabaos. Other than the painted ca-rabaos, the month-long farmers’ festival will also highlighted with Palarong Pansakahan contest and freebies of manicure, pedicure

and free medical check up exclusively for farm-ers and their families. The City Information Of-fice (CIO) said that the UGMAD Festival will also bring in the participation of fisherfolks and live-stock caretakers aside from the farmers. There will be trade fairs to showcase the best produce of Tagum’s farm, fishery and livestock pro-duce on top of the series

of farming technical demos and presentations, fora and caucus with farmers. Cooking demos, cooking competitions and technology presentations are among the ac-tivities that the public can watch out for and learn from within the entire month of September in Tagum City. Tagum City Mayor Allan Rel-lon said UGMAD Festival is de-signed to give honor to farmers, fisherfolk and livestock raisers for serving as society’s backbone of food security. (PIA 11/Jeanevive D. Abangan)

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One Mindanao - September 1, 2014