PIA Mindanao - June 30 to July 1, 2016 issue

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Encounters with “Digong”

Duterte takes historic oath as first Mindanaoan President

Business sector hails President Duterte’s first directive

DOLE facilitates over P305 million monetary package to 11, 873 workers through SeNA

Zambo Norte elected officials take oath of office

New Basilan guv to address security, other challenges

Volunteer bats for community-driven development

EMB showcases notable Solid Waste Management projects in NorMin

DSWD to build 135 classrooms in IP communities

Koronadal’s 6th Tree Growing Fest zeroes in on riparian zones, springsDipolog turns 103, inter-school quiz bee held

Making Davao City ports the center for cargo loading in Mindanao - a boon to local economy

NorMin police kicks-off 26th PCR month celeb

Nine city councilors bid farewell

Public Market sets-up Presidential inauguration screening venue

DSWD-12 facility helps rehab of 98 juveniles in conflict with law

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CoverStory

DidYouKnow

NationalNews

MindanaoRound Up

EFREN ELBANBUENAREGIONAL DIRECTOR, PIA-XI

CLUSTER HEAD, PIA MINDANAO

June 30, 2016 is a milestone in our history as a nation. By noon, the 16th President ofthe country is sworn into office.

We would like to thank former President Benigno Aquino III for his six years of publicservice as the president of this country, His platform of Tuwid na Daan, the advocacy ofclean and good governance has attracted investors and business activity powering thecountry to unprecedented six years of high economic growth. The former “Sick man ofAsia” is now one of the fastest-growing economies.

His contribution to the growth of Mindanao will be left unnoticed. One of the benchmarksperhaps in the upcoming administration is the level of budgetary allocation forinfrastructure which hovered at around 27 to 30% of the total budget.

Of course we would be very excited with the ascent of the new president, the firstpresident from Mindanao. Rodrigo Roa Duterte served as the City Mayor of Davao for22 years and had also served as chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council.

Most of his cabinet are from Mindanao, which provides an initial peek of how the newadministration will treat Mindanao, perhaps in its rightful stature no longer as aneglected frontier but as linchpin of national growth and development.

The cover story provides a picture of Rody Duterte as a political leader and also as aperson, based on our experience in covering the local government of Davao plusanecdotes of friends and colleagues as to their close encounters with the new chiefexecutive.

Happy Reading!

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Efren ElbanbuenaCLUSTER HEAD, PIA MINDANAO

PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCYSouthern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors, Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000

From a reluctant candidate to a runaway winner in the May 9 elections with 16 million Filipinos voting for him, Rodrigo Roa Duterte has now a new mandate far larger than being the mayor of the world’s largest city (Davao-in terms of land area) for 22 years. Inside the tough-talking veneer of a man is a personality unlike other politicians we have known. Being an information officer assigned to the local government of Davao City, I have had numerous encounters with the president and also anecdotes from friends who have worked with him or who were his friends and neighbors. When Digong tells you that he will do it, he will really do it.During a presidential visit of GMA, I and other media personalities saw the mayor inside a hotel lounge

and asked him for an

interview. He obliged and queried if we already had dinner. We hadn’t, so he ordered club sandwiches. He did not allow us to leave until we had consumed the food we ordered because he does not want food to be wasted. He asked me to finish my sandwich so we could all go home. We left the hotel at about 2 a.m. after I had swallowed the last bite. It was a showcase of his uncompromising integrity which had transformed a city and potentially, a nation as he assumed its mantle of leadership.

Swift action On Tuesdays, he reports to the City Hall to meet his constituents, people lining up to air their concerns, ask for assistance or help. It can run to hundreds of people waiting in line. He does not leave the office until he has entertained the last constituent. One time, a friend of mine posted thru facebook a photo of the mayor who was entertaining his constituents at 4 o’clock in the morning. Once, I interviewed Davao City Police chief, then SSupt. Ronald dela

Rosa (the new Chief PNP) regarding

his wish list for

Encounters with “Digong”By Rudolph Alama

the Davao City Police Office which included new patrol vehicles and radio communications equipment and new assault rifles, tear gas and stun grenades for the SWAT Team. He submitted the list to Mayor Duterte. A year later, DCPO got new patrol vehicles, radio communication equipment and SWAT gears. He is no Epal He is not publicity-hungry or epal unlike many politicians. You cannot see his name posted on government projects. Thus, he is uncomfortable with unwarranted attention. Another attribute of the mayor is that he likes to kid around during presscons and interviews, and the Davao media know if it’s serious talk or bugal-bugal (poking fun).

He shows genuine concern for his constituents

There was another well-known story where in the middle of a heavy

downpour,the mayor saw a woman with her three stranded looking for a ride home. He immediately got out and assisted the hapless lady to his pickup and instructed the driver to take the lady and her children home. V e t e r a n photojournalist Rene Lumawag recalls the story of the Davao Penal Colony hostage situation in April 1989 involving Felipe Pugoy, wherein he and his group commandeered a jeepney.They were later intercepted in the boundary of Agusandel Sur and Davao del Norte. Mayor Duterte convinced the hostage-takers to go to Davao and offered himself as one of the hostages as a sign of sincerity. Pugoy and his group eventually surrendered.

He knows his prioritie One time, Orvil Bantayan, a Dabawenyo filmmaker was given a grant to make a film about an indigenous practice.To augment his production budget, he

sought an audience with the mayor. The mayor politely told him that though the filmmaker’s intentions are good, there are those who need immediate assistance in the hospitals who badly need help. He asked that they should be prioritized. “Next time let’s talk, I might want to try a new career in acting, I’m tired listening to all this people’s trouble like this old man here, who is trying to feign sad face,” he said in vernacular and in his trademark humor before parting with the filmmaker. These are among his many qualities which had endeared him to his constituents and also the traits which had served him well transforming a once violent backwater known as Nicaragdao or the “killing fields” into one of the country’s most progressive cities.

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P r e s i d e n t - e l e c t Rodrigo Roa Duterte was sworn into office on Thursday (June 30) in a historic feat as the country’s first president hailing from Mindanao. Supreme Court Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes administered the oath in English as the

President’s children — Paolo, Sara and Sebastian — stand in witness. His youngest daughter Veronica held the Bible used for the ceremony that took place at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace at 12 noon. As the curtain of the hall opened, it was followed

by a 21-gun salute and the playing of the Mabuhay March. Known for his extemporaneous messages, the incoming President delivered a 15-minute speech in a mix of English and Bisaya before a live crowd of more than 600 people, broadcasted via

Duterte takes historic oathas first Mindanaoan President

President-elect Rodrigo Roa Duterte was sworn into office on Thursday (June 30) in a historic feat as the country’s first president hailing from Mindanao.

National News I 30 June - 01 July 2016 7

RTVM and live-streamed worldwide for the first time through social media giant Facebook. After his inauguration, President Duterte immediately started his duties by administering the oath of his Cabinet members. He later met them again at2:20pm for their first meeting as anointed officials of the new administration. Before the inaugural rites, the new President led the customary send-off for outgoing President Benigno Aquino III. “As part of tradition, President Duterte took part in the Departure Honors for outgoing President

Aquino. They have a brief encounter at the President’s Hall,” said Presidential C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar. Duterte arrived in the Palace at 10:30am accompanied by his Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. They were met at the President’s Hall by the outgoing Chief Executive and his Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa. “In a symbolic gesture of a peaceful turnover, President-elect Duterte and Executive Secretary Medialdea ushered outgoing President Aquino and Secretary Ochoa to the Palace’s main staircase

toward the grounds, where their vehicles await them,” Andanar said, relating the details of the day’s activities. President Duterte also met with the members of the Diplomatic Corps led by new Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Perfecto Yasay at a reception that took place at the President’s Hall. At the reception, the President offered a toast to which the Papal Nuncio delivered a response. The day concluded with a tour of the Presidential Museum and Library with approximately 300 visitors joining the activity. (PCOO News Release)

Business sector hails President Duterte’s first directivePresident Rodrigo R. Duterte, the 16th President of the Philippines, is known for his strong words against illegal drugs and criminality, but his first order as the country’s new executive to ease the process of government transactions, is now making the business community rejoice.

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In his inaugural speech Thursday (June 30), President Duterte directed all Cabinet secretaries and agency heads to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications from the time of submission to release. He also ordered to remove redundant requirements and “compliance with one department or agency, shall be accepted as sufficient for all”. The Chief Executive likewise instructed all government offices to refrain from changing and bending the rules of government contracts, transactions and projects already approved and awaiting implementation. “We laud President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s first order to all cabinet secretaries to reduce requirements and processing time of all applications across agencies and remove redundancies in these requirements and to respect the sanctity of contracts,” MBC Executive Director Peter Angelo Perfecto said. “The President’s position of reducing red tape and streamlining of permits and requirements together with observing the

sanctity of contracts give the much needed credibility to the government. This will surely attract local and foreign direct investments,” said Francis Chua, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Chairman Emeritus and founder of the International Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ICCP. Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. added that President Duterte’s speech touching on easing transaction with the government is “very reassuring and will put to rest whatever doubts they (the business community) have”. “This shows his pronouncements during the campaign and during the Business Forum were no idle words but will be the foundation of a stable relationship with business and foreign investors,” he said. For his part, PCCI President George Barcelon said PresidentDuterte’s message boils down to improving the lives of Filipinos, hoping it would soon result to creating more jobs and inclusive growth. “He is telling all sectors of society for change. Everybody has

to come on board,” said Barcelon. Barcelon said that not changing existing rules on government contracts, transactions and projects would encourage businesses to further partner with the public sector. “These words bring back businesses’ faith to the government,” Barcelon said. President Duterte said that easing doing business with the government is something “that cannot wait for tomorrow to be announced”. In his inaugural speech, the Chief Executive cited lines from the late President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th US president, noting that this will serve as among the foundation of his economic and financial policies. “And from Lincoln I draw this expression: You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong; You cannot help the poor by discouraging the rich; You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer; You cannot further the brotherhood by inciting class hatred among men,” President Duterte said. (PNA)

National News I 30 June - 01 July 2016 9

“The commitment of the DOLE Regional Offices and attached agencies to the conciliation and mediation mode of dispute settlement led to the timely and efficient dispute settlement using the DOLE’s flagship program, the Single Entry Approach mechanism,” said Baldoz. SEnA is an administrative approach that provides a speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and accessible settlement procedure of all labor issues or conflicts to prevent them from ripening into full-blown disputes. Initiated by Baldoz in 2010 through Department Order No. 107-10, the SEnA was a success that the Congress of the Philippines legislated it into a law, R. A. 10396. Baldoz, citing a report from Executive Director Shirley Pascual of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), said that of the total monetary benefits, P196, 744, 727.69 was facilitated by the Department’s Regional Office, benefitting 8, 111 workers, or a per capita benefit of P24, 256.52. On the other hand, DOLE attached agencies facilitated a total of P109, 157, 777.98 monetary package for 3,762 workers, or a per capita benefit of P29, 015.89. Executive Director Pascual also said a total

of 16, 740 requests for assistance (RFA) were filed at the DOLE Regional Offices and Attached Agencies which are implementing the SEnA program. About 5,182 RFA were filed at the DOLE Regional Office and 11, 558 RFA were at the attached agencies, the bulk of which, or 6, 157 were filed at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). The attached agencies which implement the SEnA program are the NCMB, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and DOLE-Legal Service. Most of the RFA were for non-payment of overtime pay, minimum wage, holiday pay, and 13th month pay, illegal dismissal and non-coverage and/or non-remittance of social protection premium or contribution under SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-ibig. Majority of the new RFA were filed in labor intensive regions, particularly at the National Capital Region which recorded 1, 628 RFA, or 36 percent of the total RFA filed at the DOLE Regional Offices. This was followed by Region 4-A, with 644 RFA, or 14 percent; Region 7, with 504, or 11 percent; and Region 3, with 312, or seven percent. The total number of RFA

filed at t he OWWA and POEA in the first quarter of 2016 marked an increase of 55 and 31 percent compared to the 873 and 1, 289 RFA recorded in 2015, respectively. According to Pascual’s report, the combined disposition rate of the DOLE Regional Offices and Attached Agencies, including those of the NLRC, from January to March 2016 is at 77 percent. The settlement rate is at 65 percent, an increase of two percent covering the same period of the previous year. The DOLE Offices and attached agencies also disposed the filed RFA in less than 30 days, or ranging from one to 25 days duration. DOLE Regional Office No. 12 settled the RFA fastest, or with an average of two days only. Fifteen of the 16 DOLE Regional Offices settled the RFA within five to 25 days, or an average of 13 days. The DOLE Regional Office-NCR has the most number of request for assistance which it settled in an average of 25 days. Attached agencies, on the other hand, settled the filed RFA within five to 24 days. A total of 7, 215 RFA, or about 43 percent are still on process of conciliation-mediation proceedings under the SeNA program. (DILG)

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz reported that DOLE regional offices and attached agencies facilitated the award of a package of monetary benefits amounting to P305, 902, 405. 67 to 11, 873 workers through the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) mechanism in the first quarter of 2016.

DOLE facilitates over P305 million monetarypackage to 11, 873 workers through SeNA

The five Regional Trial Court (RTC) and two Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) judges were present during the said event to officiate the oath-taking ceremony. “ M a g s e r b i s y o

kita sa katawhan nga kinasingkasing ug tinud-anay,”(We will serve the people wholeheartedly and truthfully) Governor Roberto Y. Uy said during his inaugural speech. Governor Uy is now

serving the people of Zamboanga del Norte in his second term focusing on health and welfare of the people with more infrastructure projects on his fresh mandate. He added that as

DIPOLOG CITY – All re-elected and newly elected officials of Zamboanga del Norte from governor, vice-governor, board members, district representatives, mayors and vice-mayors including the city and municipal councilors took their oath of office on June 30, 2016 at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center, this city.

Zambo Norte elected officials take oath of office

30 June - 01 July 2016 I Volume 1 N

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public servants, they have to look towards the welfare of the people and put the needs of others first before their own. “We deny ourselves so that we can give our time, talents and treasure to our constituents,” he stressed. He encouraged the people in the province to be wise and make the most of every opportunity. “Let our conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone,” he concluded. (Mary May A. Abellon)

DAVAO CITY - Nine members of the 17th SangguniangPanlungsod ng Dabaw vowed out of office as the body held its final session on Tuesday,June 28. Councilors Lory Avila, Atty. John Mahamud, Tomas Monteverde III, Rachel Zozobrado, Edgar Ibuyan Sr., Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, Louie John Bonguyan, Karlo Bello and MelchorQuitain who served as city administrator took turns in conveying their valedictory address to the SP. Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte thanked the members of the SP for their contribution in coming up with relevant legislation for the city. Councilor Nilo “Small” Abellera, Jr. read the message on his behalf. Atty. Marlon

Casquejo, acting city election officer and chair of the city board of canvassers read the members of the 18th SangguniangPanlungsod, namely: Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte as presiding officer, with Councilors Maria Belen Acosta, J. MelchorQuitain Jr., Edgar Ibuyan Jr., Leah Librado-Yap, BonifacioMilitar, NiloAbellera Jr. , Joanne Bonguyan-Quilos and Pilar Braga representing the first district of the city. Second district is composed of Councilors Marissa Salvador-Abella, Ma. Cherry Ann Bonguyan, Al Ryan Alejandre, Danilo

Dayanghirang, Dante Apostol Sr., April Marie Dayap, Jimmy Dureza and Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Sr.Third district is composed of Councilors Bernard Al-ag, AvegayleDalodo-Ortiz, VictorioAdvincula Jr, Jesus Joseph Advincula Jr., Antoinette P r i n c i p e - C a s t r o d e s , Mary JoselleVillafuerte, ConradoBaluran and Rene Elias Lopez. Councilors January Duterte and HalilaSudagar represent the association of barangay chairs and indigenous peoples, respectively. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Nine city councilors bid farewell

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Volunteer bats for community-driven developmentCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A volunteer in a fourth class municipality in the province of Lanao del Norte expressed hope the community-driven development continues as it greatly helped the area.

The municipality is located along the Panguil Bay area facing Ozamiz City in the province of Misamis Occidental, 48 kilometers (29 mi) west of the capital town of Tubod, Saipah Angni, 23, of Barangay Bubong, Kolambugan, started out her volunteer work as a Day Care School teacher in their area. Saipah narrates how she started out as a volunteer, “Volunteer teacher ko sa day care school, graduating ko adto sa Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), akong mama treasurer sa Barangay Bubong, wala ko adtong panahon sa pag-elect sa mga KALAHI-CIDSS committees pero akong mama ang nagvolunteer sa ako as bookkeeper, didto

nagsugod ang tanan, sukad adto, naa na gyud ko pirme dayon sa mga aktibidades sa KALAHI-CIDSS.” (I was a volunteer teacher at a day care school, I was a graduating student of Bachelor of Elementary Education, my mother is the treasurer of Barangay Bubong, I wasn’t there during the election of committees for KALAHI-CIDSS but my mother volunteered me as the bookkeeper, that started it all for me, after that, I was always present during KALAHI-CIDSS activities). Her experience as a volunteer in the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program gave her the opportunity to help others in her community where part

of her work as a bookkeeper was to submit reports on a monthly basis with regards to the expenditures and cash flow of the community and money in the community’s bank account. Saipah said she noticed that her lifestyle changed when she started volunteering for KALAHI-CIDSS “Nausab, kay sa una half day ra man ang daycare, after – naa ra ko sa balay, matulog, tan-aw TV, pero pag-volunteer na nako sa KALAHI-CIDSS wala na ko’y time sa pagtanga. Nag-improve ko as a person kay karon always na ko ready, dili pareho sa una nga magtanga lang.” (It changed, as day care was only half-a-day’s work, after I was just in the house, sleeping, watching TV, but when I volunteered for


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KALAHI-CIDSS, I did not have time to be lazy. I improved as a person, now I am always ready, unlike before that I just bummed around). Barangay Bubong in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte is a Muslim community, a traditional one at that since according to Saipah “Muslim community na nga lugar, tanan Muslim, traditional pa ang community gamay, dili pa kaayo open sa pagbag-o (the place is a Muslim community, all are Muslims, the community is still a little bit traditional, not that open to change).” Saipah, however tells us that while these traditions still exist, programs on women empowerment are slowly changing the mindset of the community. “Sa aspeto sa women empowerment, naa na may mga programa nga para sa kababaehan, naa naman hinuon mga organisasyon gumikan sa Local Government Unit (LGU), sa KALAHI-CIDSS medyo gakakuha na nila ang pagsalig sa among komunidad (in the aspect of women empowerment, there are programs that are for women, there are already organizations through the Local Government Units, in KALAHI-CIDSS slowly we have earned the trust of the community).” This trust then led to the implementation of a subproject that would benefit not only their barangay but neighboring communities as well. “Dako gyud ang kabag-ohan, paghuman sa among project nga farm-to-market road, dako gyud ug tabang sa katawhan ang proyekto kay dili na mahasol ang mga tawo, dali na makaabot ang mga

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tawo sa ilang paignan kay ayo na man ang dalan (after our farm-to-market road, it made a big difference, the project is really of big help to the community because it makes it easier for the community to reach their destination because the road is now good),” Saipah enthused. “Dili ra among barangay ang natabangan sa among proyekto, pati ang tanan nga mulabay dadto sa among barangay (the project doesn’t only help our barangay but everybody who passes through our barangay)” Saipah continued. The impact of the projects goes to the communities go beyond the numbers on the reports and expenses incurred during its implementation, says Saipah with conviction. “Nipaspas na ang mga lihok sa komunidad, ang dili paspas sauna, nahimo nang paspas karon. Ang komunidad mao’y nagdumala ug nagbuhat sa mga proyekto. Dako gyud ug tabang ang KALAHI-CIDSS, dili lang sa barangay apil pud ang kadaghanan sa katawhan (The community’s movements are now faster, the ones that were not before are now faster. The community now manages and implements the projects. KALAHI-CIDSS is really a big help, not only to the barangay but also to the majority of the people)” Saipah said. Now that she is part of the Municipal Coordinating Team of Kolambugan, Saipah says she is thankful for the opportunity to volunteer in KALAHI-CIDSS

and that now she has to work even harder to achieve the vision of community-driven development, “Ang panglantaw nako, hopefully, magtinabangay mi para dali ra mahuman ang mga buluhaton dili na maglangy-langay (my hopes include that we would be able to work together for the faster delivery of our work and no delays).” Saipah says “dili sa mag-judge kung unsa ang KALAHI-CIDSS, tan-awon una sa komunidad kung unsa’y pasabot sa programa, kung naa’y mga assembly o mga aktibidades sa KALAHI-CIDSS – mutambong gyud sila para makabalo sila sa unsa’y tumong ug tinguha sa progama (don’t judge just yet what KALAHI-CIDSS is all about, the community should look into what the program means, if there are assemblies or activities of KALAHI-CIDSS – they should join and participate so that they will know what the programs goals and objectives are).” “Hinaot nga mapadayon ang community-driven development, dako man gyud ni ug tabang, daghan man gyud ta ug makita nga nangahuman nga mga proyekto diri ug sa ubang munisipyo, dako nako gyud siya’g tabang dili lang sa barangay pati na sa tibuok katawhan (I hope that the community-driven development continues, it is really of big help, you can see a lot of finished community projects here and other municipalities, it’s also a big help not only to the barangay but to the entire community),” Saipah concludes.

The KALAHI-CIDSS brought in 111 community sub-projects to Kolambugan from 2012 to 2016 amounting to P67,391,692. The NCDDP brought in 29, 11 of which are on-going (2016), community sub-projects from 2012 to 2016 amounting to P35,700,750; the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) modality poured in 78 sub-projects from 2012 to 2015 amounting to P23,400,000; and the Australia’s aid program - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (AUSAid/DFAT) brought in four amounting to P8,290,942 from 2015 to 2016. Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP is one of the three poverty alleviation program, along with Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Sustainable Livelihood Program, of the Philippine government being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development) DSWD that aims to empower communities of targeted municipalities to achieve improved access to services and participate in more inclusive local planning, budgeting and implementation. Community-Dr iven Development refers to an emerging approach in community development practice where processes, principles, strategies and resources are applied to ensure community empowerment by giving the people authority and control over decisions and resources. (Shaun Y. Uy)


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DSWD-12 facility helps rehab of 98 juveniles in conflict with lawKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – About 98 children from all over SOCCSKSARGEN region who are in conflict with the law have been rehabilitated by the government-run regional facility, an official of the agency said. R e g i o n a l Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) officer-in-charge Elda Grace Balaro said the facility based in Tupi town in South Cotabato serve as temporary rehabilitation and treatment center for children below 18 years of age who are in conflict with the law through a center-based structured activity. Presently, the center only attends to 29 youth offenders, as some of them have already been released, Balaro said. She said, most cases the children committed are rape, theft and robbery and homicide, among others. At a hillside treatment center, the “residents” - as these children

are called - undergo intensive treatment and rehabilitation to prepare them for reintegration to their families and communities, she said. Each child has a unique “management plan” that considers his strengths and weaknesses, she noted. This, she added is done through a case study undertaken by a team composed of a social worker, a psychologist, a nurse or a doctor, a house parent, a teacher and a manpower development officer. However, while there is a specific program for each resident, the facility also provides overall programs and services that include social (group counseling sessions, therapy), home

life (chores, personal hygiene), productivity skills training, and spiritual and psychological education. A very important part of the rehabilitation process is the “life skills activity,” which starts with introspection on why they are committed to the facility and what they can do to be better, says Balaro, a Social Worker who took the reign of the center for six months earlier. Since some of the boys-residents are facing rape complaints, respect for women, especially their mothers is one of the lessons being taught them, Balaro said. (ACAgad)

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Newly-installed Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman has vowed to address security, investment, energy issues and challenges at his inauguration, Thursday. Speaking in Filipino, Gov. Jim said one of the issues that the provincial government needs to confront is illegal drugs which drew applause from spectators. “This is not just

because of the call of our new President of the Philippines, but that we already have done something. We just need to intensify the campaign versus illegal drugs,” he said.

Thus, he asked those who are engaged in the trade to surrender, while the government is still exercising diplomacy, but warned those stubborn traders that the full force of the law will be enforced

New Basilan guv to address security, other challenges

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against them. He also cited one of the immediate concerns to address is the problem of cocolisap. “We had a meeting recently with the secretary of the Presidential Assistant for Food and Security. There, it was revealed that more than two million coconut trees were already affected by the infestation,” he said. The governor revealed that income from the coconut industry reaches over two billion every year and that this will be lost if all our coconuts will be destroyed. He said that he will look into what has been done already and intensify those effective measures. He banks on the support of the legislative body to solve the problem. “If there’s a need

for us to declare a state of emergency in the province, we will do it,” he declared. He expressed concern over the state of business and investments in the province. He cited the issue of extortion that affected the business community. Added to this the perennial problem of terrorism, peace and security involving the lawless Abu Sayyaf group. He stressed the need for the government to identify and analyze the underlying factors that hindered the attainment of genuine peace in Basilan and address them not only through military force, but through alternative means. Recalling the golden years of industries in Basilan, like the presence of multi-national companies

such as Menzi, Sime Darby, and BF Goodrich, that has brought better life for workers, Gov. Jim lamented the state of cooperatives in Basilan today that struggles to cope with the daily needs of its workers. The new governor recognized the need to address the peace situation to accelerate the economic potentials of the province, especially with the good roads at hand. Plans to hold a power summit soon to address the energy problem of the island province are also underway. He urged the public and all stakeholders in Basilan to help his administration attain the vision of development for the people through good governance. (Rene V. Carbayas)


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DAVAO CITY - Mallengke, a commercial strip located inside the Bankerohan Public Market complex has established a livestreaming viewing area for the inauguration of erstwhile Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as the country’s newest President. Tenants, shoppers and members of the media congregated in the area to watch their beloved Mayor being sworn in as the country’s chief executive. Nelita Bañagaw, leasing operations manager of Northbank Holdings who owns the commercial area said they decided to set up the livestreaming area to provide an opportunity for shoppers and tenants to watch live on a wide LCD projector screened thru a 10x10 tarpaulin the goings-on of the historic day. The tenants were initially excited about the

event, Bañagaw said. The screening attracted a motley crowd mostly market-goers and shoppers in the area. I thought there were many who were doing it (livestreaming venue) but we realize we were the only mall doing the livestreaming event.” Bañagaw said.Several media outfits also covered the event. “I am really excited because a Dabawenyo has become the country’s president and he is no less than our Mayor,” says Kristoffer Fuentes who was buying fruits in the market when he decided to drop

by at the livestreaming venue. The viewing center became lively as the crowd cheered when President Duterte arrived in Malacanang and met with outgoing President Benigno Aquino III. They also cheered when the outgoing President left the Palace, which symbolized the peaceful transfer of power to the long-time Davao City mayor. Apart from the Mallengke, a livestreaming venue was also established at San Pedro Street, in a giant LED screen infront of the Davao City Hall. (RG Alama)

Public Market sets-up Presidential inauguration screening venue

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Northern Mindanao’s finest experts in solid waste management shared their innovations and notable strategies to various partners and members of the Northern Mindanao Ecology Center (NMEC) and the Cagayan de Oro River Basin and Adjacent Rivers Water Quality Management Area (CDOBAR-WQMA) Governing Board in Cagayan de Oro City on June 29.

Practitioners from the academe, local government unit, and commercial e s t a b l i s h m e n t ,

namely, Xavier U n i v e r s i t y , Gingoog City local government unit (LGU) and SWM consultant Engr.

Sin del Jamorol graced the learning event, which also highlighted the environment month culmination

activities. In his opening message, Department of E n v i r o n m e n t and Natural

EMB showcases notable Solid Waste Management projects in NorMin

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Resources-Environment and Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) acting officer in-charge, lawyer Abbas I. Lao said the event seeks to capacitate the members, especially the local government units, highlighting that to date, only 37 percent of the LGUs nationwide have complied

with the guidelines set by Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The EMB, he said, has already filed its first 50 administrative cases for the non-compliant local governments at the Ombudsman, and two of these cases are from

Northern Mindanao. Regional SWM Chief Dovee Cherry Geollegue said only 10 LGUs in region 10 have established and operated a Sanitary Landfill and 36 percent or 737 barangays have materials recovery facility. (Jorie C. Valcorza)


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Sof ron ioJucutan, vice president of the DCCCI said every ship that arrives in Davao City pays a docking fee. However he said it is unknown where the fee given by vessels ends up. Jucutan said one pineapple company alone loads 80 containers of pineapple a day in a local wharf and its goods pass through the Carlos P. Garcia towards the loading area. “It adds up to the usage of the road that will affect the road serviceability including the bridges,” he said.

Jucutan said he is not privy how the local government collects taxes from these industries and stressed that there is sure benefit with the use of the ports. Jucutan observed that the port in General Santos City no longer offers services to ocean vessels. He said vessel owners opt to dock in Davao City since docking in Gensan will accrue them more fees inclusive of the pilotage. Making Davao City a docking area also benefits the docking pilots who

guide the vessel from the sea to the docking area.Accordingly, docking in Davao portsis more advantageous than in General Santos and the Polloc port in Parang, Maguindanao. “Ocean vessels come to Davao than any other port in Mindanao. Davao is the center of exports in Mindanao,” he said. Jucutan said it is good for the local economy since sea farers buy food here, go shopping and also become clients of local entertainment. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Making Davao City ports the center for cargo loading in Mindanao - a boon to local economyDAVAO CITY - An official of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCI) revealed plans to make the port in the city the loading area of all banana, pineapple and other raw materials impact on the local economy.

DSWD to build 135 classrooms in IP communities KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Some 135 classrooms are scheduled to be constructed in indigenous peoples (IP)communities in SOCCSKSARGEN Region. Just recently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 gathered IP leaders from these communities for a consultation dialogue regarding the project.

Bai Zorahayda T. Taha, DSWD-12 regional director, said the dialogue aimed to make sure that stakeholders, especially IP leaders, are taking active roles in the project with their important insights and

recommendations. “Aside from its unique implementation mode, this project will not follow the conventional type of classrooms as of non-IP areas, instead its design and other aspects will be based on the

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suggestions and wisdom of IP communities,” Taha said. She added that the classroom project, a support to the establishment of new public schools for the IPs in Mindanao has been allotted Php114.75 million by the national government and World Bank. Some 65 indigenous peoples mandated representative (IPMR) and tribal leaders attended the dialogue. Meanwhile, Joey Bogay, regional director of National Commission on Indigenous Peoples said that the consultation with IP leaders is a gesture of respect and recognition for various tribes in order to ensure that

these projects will not compromise traditions and cultural integrity of IP communities. Other national government agencies including Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH) also presented programs and projects for IP communities to discuss policies and recommendations for the said project. Eighteen local government units are set to benefit from the project, namely: Kidapawan City, Libungan, Magpet, Makilala and Tulunan in North Cotabato; General Santos, Koronadal, Banga, Polomolok and T’boli in South Cotabato; Kiamba, Maasim, Malapatan,

Malungon and Maitum in Sarangani; Esperanza, Senator Ninoy Aquino and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat. The project will follow the community-driven development (CDD) strategy of Kalahi-CIDSS, one of the DSWD’s flagship p o v e r t y - r e d u c t i o n programs. Under the program, local communities are empowered by giving them opportunity to plan, design, and implement their projects. Local communities are also taking control over resources and d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g in an accountable, participatory and transparent manner. ( H T E s t a c i o n /DEDoguiles)


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CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Northern Mindanao Police Regional Office kicks-off last June 27 its 21st Police Community Relations Month celebration in Camp Alagar with the theme Matatag na Ugnayan, Ligtas na Pamayanan. National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Regional Director Joseph D. Gonzalo graced the event as guest of honor and speaker. He said the PCR Month celebration aims to develop closer interaction between the police and the community in handling peace and order concerns. Gonzalo underscored the importance between the partnership of the police and community in

achieving peace. He said that the attainment of peace is not solely the responsibility of the police and that the community plays a crucial role in it. “Increased police manpower and better equipment brought about by a police modernization program cannot, by itself, provide the total answer to the problem of crime. Community involvement is an essential factor,” he

said. However, Gonzalo also pointed out in his speech that a police should serve as a model to the community, and should not misuse and abuse the authority vested on them. “For sure, these few misguided elements will have to answer for their misdeeds. Definitely, they have no place in the police organization,” he said. In line with the encouragement of the

NorMin police kicks-off 26th PCR month celeb21

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police community relation, the NAPOLCOM is currently conducting a national search for PNP Model Families to encourage and strengthen partnership between the police and community. This will be highlighting the PNP’s capability as a leader and a partner of the community in the maintenance of peace, order and security for an

improved socioeconomic society. One of the aims of the PNP Model Families is also to emphasize the importance of having strong family ties that is important to the overall success of preventing crime in communities. Among the activities during the celebration includes ‘Pulis sa Barangay’ orientation seminar,

friendship basketball game with media, information dissemination, bloodletting, gender sensitivity among others. During the kick-off, Misamis Oriental Provincial Police Office (PPO) and Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) were named Outstanding PPO and ICPO of the Year in PCR respectively. (Hazel Mae Pacturan)


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Koronadal’s 6th Tree Growing Fest zeroes in on riparian zones, springsKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - Some 250,000 trees were planted in the 6th Tree Growing Festival of the city government here Wednesday, June 29.

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Unlike in the previous tree growing festivals, this year, volunteers planted seedlings of coconuts, cacao, coffee, durian and hardwoods and other trees near riparian zones or areas along rivers, streams and creeks as well as in places near sources of spring water. City Administrator Cyrus Urbano explained the decision to prioritize riparian zones and spring water sources was prompted by the city’s experience in the last onslaught of El Nino phenomenon when about 60 percent of the spring

sources stopped producing water and many streams and creeks dried up. Urbano also noted that for the 6th Tree Growing Festival, the city government did not focus on recruiting a large number of tree planting volunteers. “This time, we want to make sure that the volunteers who join are really committed to plant and grow trees and not there to take photos of themselves,” he said. The city government delivered the seedlings right at to the target areas in Quezon and Roxas mountain

ranges surrounding Koronadal to make sure that the planters were not encumbered by having to bring the planting materials to intended planting holes. After the tree planting, volunteers proceeded to the city hall for a lunch courtesy of Mayor Peter Miguel who celebrated his birthday. Malacanang has declared June 29 a special non-working holiday for the City of Koronadal to allow the people here to participate in the 6th Tree Growing Festival. (DEDoguiles)


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DIPOLOG CITY – Holding a quiz bee is one way of making the young aware of the goings-on as well as the history of their place. In an effort to drum up awareness among the students on the city’s history, “places of interest,”achievements and current events, the city government conducted an inter-school quiz bee for elementary and high school students on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The quiz bee, which was one of the highlights of Dipolog’s 103rd founding anniversary celebration, has covered the city’s significant history and events, which contribute

to its socio-economic-political growth and development. Eleven elementary pupils from private and public schools in the city turned up to participate in the quiz bee and a certain JolRejiv A. Aban of the Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School emerged as champion, followed by Kint Louise Borbano of Miputak East Central School and Anielle H. Masion of Global Springs of Learning Academy, all of this city. In the secondary

level, John Alec N. Cañoneo of Dipolog City National High School bested other contestants by obtaining a perfect score. Second place went to Anne Marie Abegail C. Nalugon of St. Mary’s Academy and Rhod Vincent J. Tayong of Sicayab National High Schoolgot third. Dipolog became a municipality on July 1, 1913 and a city in 1970. It serves as the provincial capital of Zamboanga del Norte. (FPG)

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Documents

PIA Mindanao - June 30 to July 1, 2016 issue