One Mindanao - September 2, 2014

Jennifer P. GaitanoCARAGA Region

Govt agencies continue to fight against illegal drug crimes

COVER STORY

Government forms task force to boost Anti-Hazing Law

DSWD conducts orientation to newly hired community workers

DA Caraga propels toward farm mechanization

CSC Caraga stays assertive to crackdown illegal red tape

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

by Aurell P. Arais

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Page 4

NATIONAL

Information to Empower Filipinos

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WESTERN MINDANAO

CARAGA REGIONNYC launches Abot-Alam, spearheads voter’s registration in CDO

OWWA 12 provides financial aid to 34 Libya repatriates

Mayor urges public to practice proper solid waste management

by Oliver Ross V. Rivera

by Shahana Joy E. Duerme

NORTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

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15 16

27

32 33

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22 12

by Venus L. Garcia

by NYC

MisOr intensifies information campaign against dengue, partners with DepEd 28by PIO Misor

Govt agencies continue to fight

against illegal drug crimes

Philippine National Police (PNP) Agusan del Norte provincial director PSSupt Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said that PNP personnel are constantly upgrading their capabilities in order to help solve

problems in the community. Regional director Erwin Ogario of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga said that drug problem cannot only be solved by the

PDEA and PNP. Solution should start within the homes, families, and each individual. “The agency is continuously obtaining more information to develop concrete bases for apprehension of illegal drug pushers presently operating in the region,”

In celebration of this year’s National Crime Prevention Week, government officials have intensified the awareness campaign in their fight against illegal drug crimes in

Agusan del Norte, and Caraga region as a whole.

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

Govt agencies continue to fight

against illegal drug crimes

stressed Ogario. “As much as we welcome all business entities in the province, we are urging all companies to submit all security plans and corrective measures on their security lapses to ensure maximum safety and security in doing business. Business owners must be compelled to act on fortifying their security,” remarked Agusan Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba. Matba further emphasized that a collective efforts of all government and concerned

agencies must be synchronized in solving drug and peace problems in our community. As to the efforts of the local government units, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion bared that the local government units are being monitored by the DILG on its community development efforts. “Plans must be properly integrated with equal participation of all peace and order enforcers/councils and community members

to enable these anti-

illegal drug measures to work effectively. We are aware that these illegal drugs became a precursor to other problems in the society,” added Famacion. Meanwhile, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Marylin Pintor bared that her office is continuously promoting human rights laws. “These laws created should really be enforced. The CHR aims to recognize and protect the rights of the people. We have mechanisms and tools in fighting

against illegal drug

crimes. There are laws being implemented to protect the people from these harmful drugs and punish the responsible ones… We promote the rule of law. We are all human beings and we are not barbaric. That’s why we should all follow the law and its processes. Our challenge now is not to lose hope and let’s all contribute to peace and development of our region,” she highlighted. This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Krimen ay Labanan: Karapatan ay Igalang Tungo sa Mapayapang Pamayanan.”

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 7

President Aquino launches nationwide anti-measles, Polio

mass vaccination campaign

Some 11 million to 13 million people in the country are at risk from measles, polio and rubella (German measles), he said, asking the public to cooperate in

eradicating the preventable diseases. He said he is glad that the Department of Health (DOH) is carrying out the initiative aimed at preventing

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday led the launch of the Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio mass immunization campaign at the San Lazaro Compound in Manila, encouraging the public to participate in the program.


outbreaks. “Ito na nga ho ay mga pagbabakuna para mailayo sa kapahamakang madudulot kung tatamaan ng polio o pati na ng measles, lalo na ang kanyang mga komplikasyon,” the President said in his speech. “Ngayon, ang Department of Health po ay talagang nakagayak na at binigyan ng sapat na pondo para maipaitupad ‘yung hinahabol nga nating 95 percent na vaccination.” The DOH will try its best to reach remote communities to carry out the vaccination program, he said, emphasizing the importance of coordinating with local government units throughout the country to ensure the program’s success. He however called on parents to take it upon themselves to have their children vaccinated. “Pakiusap po sa lahat, itong ‘Ligtas sa Tigdas’ na programa natin ay ating suportahan. Doon sa mga hindi pa nakakarinig nitong programang ito, makidamay na po tayong ipaalala sa kanila ang obligasyon natin sa kabataang ito,” he said. The nationwide vaccination campaign, which targets 9- to 59-month old children, is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization. It aims to eliminate the threat of measles and

rubella, protect communities against the poliovirus, and identify high-risk communities for routine immunization through the ‘Reaching Every Purok’ strategy. The government’s goal is to vaccinate 95 percent of all children who are at risk of contracting these diseases. Although there has been no reported case of polio in the country based on government monitoring, the DOH is implementing the anti-polio campaign in compliance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Health Regulation on polio as a public health emergency. The campaign intends to maintain the county’s polio-free status. The mass vaccination campaign started Monday (September 1) and will run until September 30, according to health officials. All health centers throughout the

country will serve as vaccination posts. PNDD


Government forms task force to boost Anti-Hazing Law

“President Aquino shares the concern of many parents and educators over the violations of the Anti-Hazing Law,” Ochoa said. “The task force seeks to address the need to ensure that there is justice for hazing fatalities and their families. At the same time, we have to look at whether the law can be improved so that its objectives are met.” Under Memorandum Circular No. 68 which Ochoa signed on August 28, the Secretary of Justice will lead the task force and will be given the full executive authority within the law to carry out the functions of the interagency body. The task force chair may also give direct operational instructions to any member agencies, which include the Departments of National Defense and the Interior and Local Government, the Commission on Higher Education, the

Philippine National Police, the National Youth Commission and the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs. One of the key functions of the interagency task force is to review the Anti-Hazing Law or Republic Act No. 8049, which was put in place in 1995, in order to prevent fraternity violence similar to the back-to-back incidents involving students from two prominent universities last July. The interagency body is also tasked to formulate policies and develop modes of coordinating and monitoring of the implementation of programs, projects and guidelines to prevent hazing fatalities, according to the memorandum circular which takes effect immediately. The task force is ordered to submit a periodic report to the Office of the President.

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. has signed a memorandum circular for the creation of an interagency task force in order to step up government’s response to fraternity

violence and strengthen the implementation of the Anti-Hazing Law.


Sajahatra Bangsamoro boosts sustainable farming and livelihood

prospects in Zambo Sibugay

Villagers of Barangay Datu Tumanggon in this town recently received a boost in their livelihood opportunities, thanks to the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a joint, initial socio-economic development initiative of the Government of the Philippines

(GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). On Tuesday (August 26), the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program (SBP), through the Department of Agriculture (DA), distributed substantial farm inputs and conducted post-harvest trainings to the Moro and non-Moro residents of the barangay. The Datu Tumanggon community, heavily

dependent on agriculture for livelihood and sustenance, had longed throughout the years for better means to cultivate and maximize their natural farm resources, eyeing long-term economic self-reliance. “In the past, we could only dream of having a


better source of livelihood here in Datu Tumanggon,” said Winnielyn Jainuddin, president of the local people’s organization known as Peace Loving People of Datu Tumanggon. “High interest loan rates, along with the lack of financial windows for farmers to buy seeds and other tools to cultivate our lands, were major challenges to us villagers. With the free farm inputs provided to us by the Department of Agriculture under the Sajahatra program, those dreams can now be achieved,” he said. DA Assistant Secretary Edilberto M. de Luna led the distribution of farm kits, livestock, and seeds to the villagers in a symbolic turnover ceremony held at the barangay hall. “We respect and recognize your aspiration for self-determination as Bangsamoro people,” De Luna told Datu Tumanggon locals, adding that the support does not end in providing seedlings alone, but will also involve farmer trainings to ensure the sustainability of the program within their communities. DA’s livelihood assistance manifests the agency’s commitment to the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program which aims to uplift Bangsamoro communities through the delivery of health, education and livelihood opportunities as initial dividends of peace. De Luna said they are providing at least a thousand coffee seedlings, several vegetable seeds, and livestock to include 45 chickens, 21 goats, and two water buffaloes to enhance the agricultural activities in the village. Tuesday’s event is the first among a series of livelihood distribution events that the DA is initiating in all 10 SBP beneficiary sites across Mindanao, which the joint Sajahatra team had identified. Fair and equitable distribution Jainuddin said the farm inputs and livestock will be distributed to the villagers. Each family will have a fair share of

seedlings and the chance to breed the livestock. “The impact of this program is huge. Considering how the level of living conditions here is so low, the program will certainly help each family here earn more,” she said. For Merlyn Melindres, a Visayan settler who grew up in Datu Tumanggon, the potential for prosperity that they are being given now could not have been realized if not for the strong determination and sincere commitment of the Philippine government and the MILF to pursue the path to peace. “The good thing about the Sajahatra Program is that it is not selective in terms of its beneficiaries. Even we Visayan members of the community can still gain from the program,” she shared. Beyond economic advantages, the joint initiative also puts in effect a grassroots-level effort to cater to the political and historical rights of the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao. “Muslims and Christians here share a mutual understanding. Their (Sajahatra program’s) purpose upholds this and promises to bring progress to our village. We, the people here, express our gratitude to them for coming down to meet our group,” Melindres added. Jainuddin affirmed that the southern peace process between the GPH and MILF has not only created a peaceful environment in their area, but also enabled a significant improvement in the delivery of basic services. “We have huge regard to the [GPH-MILF] peace process. It has provided us with better livelihood and education opportunities for our children. Now, we are even expecting a health center to be constructed in our village; we don’t have to travel far to get free medical services anymore. The (peace process) has truly uplifted the living conditions of the families here,” she said.

PDEA, PNP seek community cooperation to sustain order, security

BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Caraga region shared the same bearing in keeping the safety and security of the local communities with a target to get a full cooperation of the general public.

“We want to assure the public that the police forces are looking after

everybody’s safety and security needs and always ready to render service

byVenus L. Garcia


PDEA, PNP seek community cooperation to sustain order, security

& assistance whenever needed. Let us always keep in mind that the community is the police and the police is the community,” remarked PCSupt Keith Ernald Siñgian representing PNP Caraga regional director PCSupt Dominador Aquino, Jr. in his welcome address during the kick-off activity of the 20th National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) celebration hosted by Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council on Monday held at the provincial capitol covered court, this city. This year’s NCPW’s celebration from September 1-7, 2014 is anchored on the theme, “Krimen ay Labanan, Karapatan ay Igalang Tungo sa Mapayapang Pamayanan.” Siñgian urged the public to promote peace in their respective community by participating in the activities for the welfare of everyone. “Peace and order can be attained by continuous coordination of the government agencies and although all sectors of the society are enjoined to take part in the celebration, the heightened attention and active participation of schools particularly the students has been emphasized because of young people’s vulnerability to fall as victims of any crime and the increase in violent school related incidents,” he said. Natinal Police Commission

(NAPOLCOM) regional director in Caraga Atty. Remeneo Valenzuela also invited everyone to foster interest and participation to deter crime and criminals for a safer community. Meanwhile, PDEA Caraga regional director Erwin Ogario stated during a press conference on Crime Prevention that the agency is continuously obtaining more reliable information fro reliable sources to develop concrete bases for apprehension of illegal drug dealers presently operating in the region. Ogario said that drug problem cannot be solved by the PDEA and PNP alone. He added that solution should start within homes, families and oneself, and what will determine still is the solid evidence before proceeding to the tactical approaches in apprehending the law offenders. “Then again, we seek for


the cooperation of the community to help contain the problem of drug problem in our locality. The PNP, PDEA and other law enforcement agencies are working hand in hand to counter this illegal drugs issue,” said Ogario. Moreover, JSSupt Dennis Rocamora, BJMP regional director likewise assured that his office does not tolerate unscrupulous acts within his agency. “Those officials who will be caught being involved in the different crimes will surely face the consequences. There have been officials who were already dismissed in the service because they were protecting the criminals,” disclosed Rocamora.

Government employees who were present during the opening of the Crime Prevention Week celebration witnessed the audio-visual presentation where efforts against crime prevention by law enforcement agencies in this region were featured followed by the symbolic releasing of balloons.


Farm mechanization makes the farm more productive, thus, DA has lined –up an array of farm machineries including farm tractor, which an interested cooperator can avail of through an easy counter parting scheme. Since 2013, farmer-cooperators can avail of the farm tractor through an 85:15 counterparting scheme. Based on inventory, DA Regional Field Office had distributed a total of 21 farm tractors since 2009 funded under the AgriPinoy Corn Program. Recipients of the said farm tractors were local government units and farmer cooperatives in five provinces of Caraga region. To fully optimize the advantages of the said farm machineries, DA RFO 13 conducted Farm Tractor Operators Training recently in Trento, Agusan del Sur. On the said activity, farm tractor operators were trained the proper methods of the operation and maintenance especially on trouble shooting in case of technical problems that may arise in their respective service areas. One of the participants, Ronelo Quiñonez of Bayugan

City said that the training greatly enhanced his skills as farm tractor operator and thankful to DA for giving them an opportunity to meet each other for the first time. “Nalipay gyud kaayo ko kay first time pa gyud ni nagkatapok-tapok ming mga operator, talagsaon ra kaayo ni nga higayon ug unta masundan pa ni (I am overwhelmed because this is the very first time that we operators were converged and hopefully more engagement to come),” he said during the closing program. Corn program is looking on the possibility that farm tractor operators will be given a certificate possibly through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) certification programs.

DA Caraga propels toward farm mechanizationby Aurell P. AraisTRENTO, Agusan del Sur- The AgriPinoy Corn Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga is on full swing to fur-ther push for farm mechanization in the region.


All government offices are mainly responsible to implement the Republic Act No. 9485, also known as the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA), the government’s weapon in fighting bureaucratic red tape. According to CSC Caraga regional director Resurreccion Pueyo, “the commission is serious in motivating them to fully comply with the ARTA rules.” Through a Report Card Survey (RCS), a mechanism provided in the ARTA used to rate agency performance, offices must meet the required presence of Citizen’s Charter, anti-fixer campaign materials, a manned help desk, and observance of “No Noon Break” policy. Pueyo reiterated that in drawing up a Citizen’s Charter which will be posted in most conspicuous place, it should

identify the frontline services offered; show a step-by-step procedure of service available, the employee responsible for each steps, documents required, time needed to transact, fees; procedure for filing complaints; and apply feedback mechanisms. Public assistance and complaint desk shall be set up and manned even during breaktime. The officers and employees transacting with the client are likewise required to wear an official identification card. In order to avoid delay in the processing of transactions, “the law limits the number of signatures of officials and employees directly supervising the evaluation, approval or disapproval of the frontline service to a maximum of five signatories,” and Pueyo further emphasized, “all

CSC Caraga stays assertive to crackdown illegal red tapeby Venus L. Garcia

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Su- In its effort to eradicate red tape in government agencies, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Caraga remains driven in raging war against corruption and inefficiencies to make services more business-friendly and to improve frontline ser-vices delivery.


applications/requests for frontline services shall be acted upon within five to ten working days.” Also, clients’ satisfaction can be assessed by the quality of service rendered, time it took to complete the transaction, physical setup of the agency (directional signages, accessibility, cleanliness, etc.), and availability of basic facilities (comfort rooms, waiting area, etc.) Disciplinary actions or penalties will be imposed to public employees who violate the Act. Under grave offense for fixing and collusion with fixers in consideration of an economic gain or advantage, he or she will be dealt with administratively through dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public service. Likewise, fixers shall suffer a corresponding criminal liability or a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding six years, a fine of not more than P20,000 but not more than 200,000, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court. “CSC Caraga seeks for cooperation among government public servants to promote excellent services to transacting public, help simplify procedures, expedite the transactions, and

be accustomed to effective practices and transparency to prevent graft and corruption that would gain integrity and public trust,” remarked Pueyo. It was learned that there are two tracks following the conduct of the RCS – recognition and assistance. High flyers are awarded the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence, symbolized by a wall-mountable glass seal, and given a cash reward that an agency can use to further improve their delivery of frontline services. On the other hand, agencies that received a failed rating in the RCS are recommended for the Service Delivery Excellence program (SDEP) where they will be assisted in reviewing and improving their service delivery systems. The service offices that shall be subjected to a client satisfaction survey are Bureau of Internal Revenue, Government Service Insurance System, Home Development Mutual Fund, Land Registration Authority, Land Transportation Office, National Statistics Authority, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Professional Regulation Commission, and Social Security System.

1st FAB spearheads tree planting in Tukuran townBy Gideon C. Corgue

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Some 1,000 seedlings of mahogany and narra trees and other non-fruit-bearing trees were planted by the residents of Barangay Tinotongan here on Friday, Aug. 29, during a tree planting activity led by 1st Field Artillery Battalion (FAB), Philippine Army.


1st FAB spearheads tree planting in Tukuran town

1st FAB commander Lt. Col. Sonny Sales said the activity was in support of Executive Order No. 26 issued by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III dated Feb. 24, 2011 to implement the National Greening Program (NGP) with the private sector and other concerned agencies and institutions to address climate change problem. Sales also said the activity also brought government services to the people in the area such as medical and dental services. It was the first time that such an activity was held in the said barangay. 1st FAB plans to replicate it in four other barangays, namely: Man-ilan, Sto. Rosario and Tinotongan of Tukuran town, and San Isidro and Tawagan Norte of Labangan municipality. Speaking on behalf of Mayor Francisvic Villamero, Municipal Councilor Leomi Saysip said she lauded the efforts of 1st FAB at teaching and encouraging the people “to love our mother earth by doing their share in planting trees.” “By planting trees in our mountains, we are helping the government in greening our environment and subsequently, we can mitigate the adverse impact of climate change that we are experiencing today,” Saysip pointed out. Noame Mata, school principal of Tinotongan Elementay School


said their teachers and students also actively participated in the tree planting activity. “We are helping the government in planting trees because we want to preserve our environment. We don’t want to suffer from disasters like landslides and floods,” said Mata who led a group of teachers and students joining the activity. Barangay kagawad Ronie Poro thanked the 1st FAB for leading the activity, saying “Akong gipasalamatan ang liderato sa 1st FAB tungod kay pinaagi sa maong kalihokan maprotektahan nato ang atong kalikupan (I thanked the 1st FAB leadership because through

this activity, we can protect our environment).” Participating in the tree planting activity were the 1st FAB personnel, barangay officials, teachers, students, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, and Civilian Volunteer Organizations.


Attending the said orientation were Area Coordinators, Community Technical Facilitators (Engineers), Community Financial Facilitators and Community Empowerment Facilitators who were hired under the Kalahi CIDSS-National Community Driven Development Program (NCDDP) of the DSWD. They will soon be deployed to the different target municipalities in the region to implement the NCDDP in coordination with the municipal and barangay local government units. They are also tasked with providing technical assistance to the community volunteers. DSWD-9 in a news statement said “the two-day orientation tackled the processes, features and basic principles of the program. Aside from this, pre-entry activities and the technicalities of the program

implementation were also briefly discussed.” The said orientation was the first in a row, as two more batches will be conducted in the cities of Pagadian and Dipolog. The DSWD news statement further disclosed that a total of 46 Area Coordinators, 46 Engineers, 46 MFAs and 248 CEF were hired, and are scheduled to be deployed in first week of October after undergoing an extensive training and orientation on the program. Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP is an expansion of the Community Driven Development (CDD) strategy that has been proven effective by the Kalahi-CIDSS Program for over 10 years. The program rests on the main objectives of empowering the communities, improve local governance and reduce poverty.

DSWD conducts orientation to newly hired community workers By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Zamboanga City - More than a hundred newly hired community development workers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 attended recently a two-day pre-deployment orientation to acquaint them with their tasks and duties.

DILG gives 4.29M livelihood aid to Bukidnon’s 66 ex-rebels

by Ruby Leonora R. balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) distributed a total of P4.29 million in livelihood assistance to Bukidnon’s ex-communist rebels.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II led the distribution of the P65,000 check for each of 66 former rebels (FRs) and their families, which is under the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), spearheaded by the DILG. Speaking before the FRs at the 403rd Infantry Peacemaker Brigade in Malaybalay City, Roxas said “we really are delighted in this historic event because on the day before Bukidnon marks its centenary, the government also openly welcomed you. Your decision of getting back on track, to the fold of the law, is everybody’s success.”


DILG gives 4.29M livelihood aid to Bukidnon’s 66 ex-rebels

Abot- Alam is a national program for out-of-school (OSY) youth who are between 15-30 years of age. This is to effectively address the needs of the fast growing number of Filipino youth who are not attending formal

schooling such as those dropped out or never had schooling at all. Further, the program seeks to undertake the following activities: Data Banking, to enable the government to know the total percentage of

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The National Youth Commission (NYC) launched Abot – Alam and spearheaded voter’s registration on August 28, in time for the city fiesta in Cagayan de Oro City.

NYC launches Abot-Alam, spearheads voter’s registration in CDOby NYC

He said each of these former Red fighters will now receive their P15,000 immediate aid and 50,000 livelihood assistance. Aside from this amount, the provincial government of Bukidnon will also be giving livelihood cash assistance of P50,000 each, he said. But at the same time, Roxas reiterated that this program should be carried out in partnership with different partner agencies and individuals who are willing to help the FRs live a normal life. He cited that the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) could give them free skills

training, depending on what that need be, and put in plain words how does livelihood help them to live fruitfully and have peaceful life. The Department of Trade and Industry could also help them to undergo counselling, how to become prudent and be wise in spending the government’s livelihood grant, he said. Records show that forty of the rebels laid down their arms last March 22 while 26 surrendered voluntarily in 2009 to the Philippine Army based in Bukidnon. The awarding of livelihood assistance to the ex-rebels coincided with the province’s celebration of its 100th founding anniversary.


OSYs in the country and locate these OSYs through the barangay targeting system; Unified National Framework, to unify the initiatives and resources of government agencies, NGOs and institutions, volunteer groups and other sectors; and Reintegration ( Equal Opportunity), to ensure that all OSYs will be given equal access to programs and services of partner agencies and institutions. A ceremonial turnover of the resolution of Abot-Alam and press

briefing were held consecutively at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol and the City Hall Compound on the same day. Meanwhile, a Book Donation of YES Pinoy Foundation was conducted at Consolacion Elementary School and Voter’s Registration and Education Campaign at SM City led by Assistant Secretary Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III, Commissioner-at-Large, NYC.

MisOr intensifies information campaign against dengue, partners with DepEdby PIO Misor

MISAMIS ORIENTAL - The provincial government of Misamis Oriental through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Provincial Health Office intensifies information and education campaign against dengue.

This is through by conducting series of organizational meetings among municipal and village coordinators, health coordinators, educators, and capitol department heads and chiefs of offices. Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano convened on August 28 (a holiday in Cagayan de Oro) stakeholders and ordered provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer

Edmundo Y. Pacamalan Jr., provincial health officer Dr. Patricia P. Lim and other stakeholders to formulate immediate plans and courses of actions to combat the rising cases of dengue in the province. “I am deeply saddened by reported deaths due to dengue, I cannot bear anymore if another lives will be loss. We heap on intensifying information and education campaign


against dengue,” the governor said. Thus, series of information and education campaigns in partnership with the Department of Education will be held in different public schools in the province, tapping not only educators but also parents. Capacity building for educators and parents will be on August 29 at Initao National Comprehensive High School (INCHS) for schools from the municipality of Opol to Lugait and

Paula’s Conference Room for schools from municipality of Tagoloan to Salay and on September 1 at Gingoog City Division Office, for schools from the municipality of Binuangan to Magsaysay. According to Dr. Louell Sala, chief of hospital management and operations system that from January to August this year, there was 1,158 reported cases of dengue in the province.

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Today, September 1, begins the month-long nationwide mass measles-rubella and polio vaccination.

Mass measles- rubella, polio vaccination begins By: Danilo E. Doguiles

Parents are advised to bring their children, 5 years old and below, including those who have already undergone vaccination, to the nearest health center or the nearest designated vaccina-tion center.

The campaign aims to immunize at least 11 million children across the country.

In South Cotabato, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in partnership with health service providers in the 199 barangays of the province are set to reach at least 97,000 chil-dren in the measles-rubella vaccination and 113,000 in the oral polio vaccination campaign.

“We are urging especially the parents to par-ticipate in the mass measles-rubella and oral po-lio vaccination on September 1 to 30,” Ludgaria Larong, provincial immunization program coor-dinator, appealed in a press conference for the event.

“Please bring your children to your barangay’s rural health station or barangay health midwife to avail of these vaccines,” she said, emphasizing further that vaccines are free of charge.

Unlike in the past vaccination campaigns, she added, this year’s activity will be done on fixed locations, which means that parents should bring


their children to the health cen-ter to receive the vaccine injec-tions.

In large barangays, Larong add-ed, several locations may be des-ignated as vaccination centers; thus, parents are advised to coordi-nate with their local officials for the nearest designated vaccination site.

On the other hand, Cecil Lorenzo, disease surveillance officer, ex-plained that children who have re-ceived measles-rubella vaccination may receive another injection after one-month.

Thus, children who were vacci-nated against measles in the third week of August may bring their children to the health center for a

booster dose in the third week or around the end of this month.

The booster dose, she explained, would improve the immunity of a child against measles.

She also advised parents not to worry about children about chil-dren experiencing slight fever after the vaccination because “this is a normal reaction of the body to the vaccine.”

Larong warned measles could be fatal to children, especially among those who have not been immu-nized against the disease.

Data from the Provincial Epide-miology and Surveillance Unit indi-cate that from January 1 to July 19 this year, South Cotabato recorded


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato– Some 34 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) repatriated from Libya have been given immediate financial assis-tance by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration 12 (OWWA-12), an official of the agency said.

507 suspected measles cases; 16 of these have been confirmed.For the vaccination campaign South Cotabato has been allotted

11,250 vials of measles-rubella vaccines and 6,000 oral polio vaccines.Each vial of measles-rubella vaccine is good for 10 children while a

vial of the oral polio vaccine may be used on 20 children.Records from the DOH indicate that from January to April this year a

total of 31,550 suspected cases of measles were reported nationwide. Of these, 9,185 have already been confirmed.

Most cases were reported from Region IV-A (37%), National Capital Region (35%) and Region 3 (14%). (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

OWWA 12 provides financial aid to 34 Libya repatriatesBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

OWWA-12 acting Regional Direc-tor Marilou Sumalinog said their of-fice has already released a one-time grant worth P10,000 each to 34 OFWs from the region.

The official assured that there are sufficient funds for the financial as-sistance to repatriated OFWs.

In a radio interview, Sumalinog said repatriated OFWs may also avail of other assistance such as job refer-ral, livelihood and others.

“Aside from the financial aid, these repatriated OFWs may also avail of other assistance such as job place-ment and livelihood loan through the OFW Repatriation Program,” the official said.

Sumalinog said based on the list provided by the OWWA central office, a total of 85 OFWs from the region are qualified to avail of the financial assistance.

However, the official noted that only those repatriated OFWs who arrived in the country from July 20 onwards are entitled to receive the cash grant.

“OFWs who were repatriated from Libya starting July 20, 2014, when the Philippines raised Crisis Alert Level 4 (Mandatory Repatriation) in the troubled African country, shall be granted the financial aid,” the official said.

Sumalinog said repats can visit


TUPI, South Cotabato —The local chief executive of nearby Tupi municipal-ity is encouraging his constituents to follow proper solid waste management (SWM).

their office and submit their pass-port, Libyan Visa and ticket from Libya to the Philippines to qualify them to receive the assistance.

Most of these repatriated OFWs from Libya are male skilled workers, the official said.

The grant is part of the govern-ment’s repatriation assistance pro-gram that aims to cushion the im-pact of employment and income displacement affecting OFWs upon their repatriation to the country. (ORVRivera-PIA12)

Mayor urges public to practice proper solid waste managementBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Mayor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. said that this is in line with the town’s aim for economic progress.

“Infrastructures are already in place and funds for construction and reha-bilitation of roads going to our baran-gays are already set and would soon commence. We are preparing our mu-nicipality for an economic boom, and we need to have proper waste man-agement so wastes won’t pose prob-lems to our town once economic prog-ress takes off.

“We need your help in enforcing SWM ordinance, we need this to be culturally practiced by everyone be-fore we will be overtaken by economic opportunities that would be taking place in the next few years.” Tamayo told the residents.

To strengthen the call, SWM enforc-ers here will be assigned to various

locations to help in educating Tupin-ians on proper waste management, apart from a number of billboards and signages installed at municipal parks’ strategic locations highlighting ordi-nance penal provisions.

Further, they will be setting up an SWM Action Center booth at the mu-nicipal plaza to help in educating the people of Tupi on issues with regards to environment. Also online SWM Ac-tion Center via Facebook will also be available to the public for exchange of information.

It can be noted that Tupi started strict implementation of SWM on July 1 this year. Setting the example, Tamayo started the implementation within the municipal government offic-es, public market, and public schools. (SJDuerme-PIA12/Tupi LGU)

Documents

One Mindanao - September 2, 2014