One Mindanao - July 30, 2014

DENR-13 cites strategies to mitigate effects of climate changeJennifer P. GaitanoCARAGA REGION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 230

Palace seeks cooperation of Congress in passing proposed P2.6 trillion budget for 2015

NATIONAL

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CARAGA REGION

NORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

ARMM

4 policemen meet their families after 19 days of captivity by NPAs

IPHO confirms alarming incidence of dengue in Tandag City; joins call on public to take action

Ozamiz CDRRMC conducts bloodletting among NSTP students

ICTC formulates Tourism Framework Plan

Almost 100 bikers join NorthCot’s biking activity

Coop thanks DA for P2.9 M aid to its rice export business

Malita’s special school keeps on serving indigent students

Innovation starts with a heart that cares, says DG Oquinena

IPHO-Lanao urges parents to get their children vaccinated again

Multi-sector groups converge for a Greener Marawi

Sominot mayor hails MindaComNet for successful infocar

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Lorry V. Gabule

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Danilo E. Doguiles

Nilda S. Aniñon

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Greg Tataro Jr.

Alma L. Tingcang

Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Johaniah N. Yusoph

Gideon C. Corgue

DENR-13 cites strategies to mitigate effects of climate change

DENR-13 cites strategies to mitigate effects of climate change

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga headed by regional director

Nonito Tamayo revealed strategies in mitigating the effects of climate change, during the Regional Information Officers’ Summit on Climate Change advocacy with the theme, “Strengthening Partnership Among Communities for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation,” held on July 16-17, 2014 in one of the local convention centers here.

“The National Greening Program (NGP) is a massive forest rehabilitation program of the government established by virtue of Executive Order No. 26 issued on February 24, 2011 by President Benigno S. Aquino III. It seeks to grow 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares nationwide within a period of six years, from 2011 to 2016,”

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

COVER STORY

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bared Eric Herzon Gallego, chief of Regional Public Affairs Office of DENR-Caraga. Gallego, who represented director Tamayo during the day-2 of the said summit, said that aside from being a reforestation initiative, the NGP is also seen as a climate change mitigation strategy as it seeks to enhance the country’s forest stock to absorb carbon dioxide, which is largely blamed for global warming. It is also designed to reduce poverty, providing alternative livelihood activities for marginalized upland and lowland households relating to seedling production and care and maintenance of newly-planted trees. “There are actually many ways that we can do to mitigate the effects of climate change. One of which is to travel light. Walk or bike instead

of driving a car. Cars and trucks run on fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In the United States, automobiles produce over 20 percent of total carbon emissions. Walk or bike and you’ll save one pound of carbon for every

mile you travel,” relayed Gallego. Gallego also advised to use compact fluorescent light bulbs. These energy-efficient bulbs help fight climate change because they reduce the amount of fossil fuels that utilities burn. “You will save 100 pounds of carbon for each incandescent bulb that you replace with a compact fluorescent, over the life of the bulb,” he said. Products made from recycled paper, glass, metal and plastic also reduce carbon emissions because they use less energy to manufacture than products made from completely new materials. For instance, you’ll save two pounds of carbon for every 20 glass bottles that you recycle. Recycling paper also saves trees and lets them continue to reduce climate change naturally as they remain in the forest, where they remove carbon from the atmosphere. “If you own a car, it will get better gas mileage when the tires are fully inflated, so it will burn less gas and emit less carbon. Check your automobile monthly to ensure that the

tires are fully inflated. Follow this tip and save 300 pounds of carbon dioxide for every 10,000 miles you drive,” emphasized Gallego. Gallego further bared that trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and use it as their energy source, producing oxygen for us to breathe. A tree in the temperate zone found between the tropics and the polar circles can remove and store 700 to 7,000 pounds of carbon over its lifetime. A tree that shades a house can reduce the energy required to run the air conditioner and save an additional 200 to 2,000 pounds of carbon over its lifetime. “Raise your voices and take the

init iative in helping our planet so that the developing countries would be inspired to do their part. Participate in clean up campaigns, food waste reduction initiatives, walk-to-work days, plastic bans, art exhibits, tree-planting drives, concerts, recycling drives, and social media campaigns… Raising our voices is an opportunity for everyone to realize their responsibility to care for the earth and become agents of change. Imagine how viral it could get if we speak up and lead the change that we seek to happen,” stressed Gallego.-

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President Aquino cites infrastructure projects in the pipeline in his State of the Nation Address

Benigno S. Aquino III has announced that the bidding process for the government’s largest Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

project, the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike, would start before the end of the year.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Aquino said the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike project would address the flooding in coastal communities along Laguna Lake.

“Siguro po, narinig na rin ninyo ang pinakamalaki nating PPP project—ang Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike—bubuksan na rin ang bidding

bago matapos ang 2014,” he said.“Napakaraming benepisyong

maidudulot nito. Una, mababawasan ang pagbaha. Ngayon po, ‘pag pumalo ng 12.5 meters ang taas ng tubig sa lawa, tiyak, babahain na ang mga komunidad sa paligid nito. Ang solusyon: dikeng may taas na higit sa 15 metro.”

The project would also clean up the

Across the Nation

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waters of Laguna Lake and ease traffic congestion in the area, he added.

“Ikalawa pong pakinabang: Malilinis ang tubig sa Laguna Lake. Ang ikatlo po: Bawas ang trapiko. Sa ibabaw ng dike, magkakaroon ng expressway na babagtas sa Los Baños hanggang Taguig,” he said.

“Pag natapos ang C-6 road na kokonekta sa San Jose del Monte, may isa na naman tayong paraan upang makatawid ng Kamaynilaan nang hindi na kakailanganing dumaan sa EDSA.”

President Aquino also mentioned the projects approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, such as the Laoag City Bypass Link Road project, the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project, and the LRT Line 1 South Extension and Line 2 East Extension.

“Maliban sa mga proyekto sa Puerto Princesa Airport, abangan na rin ninyo ang Busuanga Airport,” he said, adding that the NEDA Board has also approved the Clark Green City project in Capas, Tarlac.

“Sa mabuting pamamahala, nanunumbalik ang tiwala ng merkado, ng mundo, at ng taumbayan sa ating gobyerno. Nagbubunsod ito ng isang siklo: Dahil nakikita ang resulta ng agenda ng reporma, nakikiambag ang bawat isa sa ating mga Boss,” he said.

President Aquino said that since December 2011, his administration has awarded and signed seven PPP projects

amounting to P62.6 billion, surpassing the combined six approved solicited PPP projects of the past three administrations.

“Sa apat na taon natin sa tuwid na daan, nalampasan na natin ang pinagsamang anim lamang na aprubadong solicited PPP projects mula sa nakaraang tatlong administrasyon,” he said.

He noted that a number of infrastructure projects that had been promised by the past administrations have already been completed, among them the Aluling Bridge, the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, and the Ternate-Nasugbu Road, while the construction of the Basilan Circumferential Road will soon be finished.

“Ilan lang po ito sa mga imprastrukturang wala tayong planong ipamana bilang problema; sa halip, ngayon, nagsisimula na itong mapakinabangan ng ating mga Boss,” the President said.

Citing good governance, the President said the government was able to find solutions to other problems, such as water.

He cited the approval of the Kaliwa Dam project in Quezon, the repair of the lines of Angat Dam, and the Water District Development project, under Local Water Utilities Administration.

Also in his fifth SONA, President Aquino said the government’s infrastructure budget has more than doubled from P200.3 billion in 2011 to P404.3 billion this year.

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Palace seeks cooperation of Congress in passing proposed P2.6 trillion budget for 2015

President Benigno S. Aquino III has sought the cooperation of Congress in passing the proposed P2.6 trillion National Budget

for 2015 which the Executive department will file soon.

He lauded Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson for his efforts to curb corruption in the agency. “Sa pamumuno ni Secretary Babes Singson ng DPWH: Bawal ang tongpats, bawal ang bukol,” he said.

“Tinapalan na ang mga butas sa lumang sistema, at pinatag ang proseso sa ahensya. Isang simpleng halimbawa po nito ang pagtatanggal ng Letter of Intent sa bidding process,” he added.

President Aquino said the DPWH has saved P28 billion from the reforms

and changes in the department, allowing it to accelerate the implementation of its next projects.

He further said that a total of 12,184 kilometers of national roads have been repaired, widened, or constructed since he assumed the presidency in 2010.

The number is equivalent to four roads that connect Laoag to Zamboanga City, he said, adding that this does not even include local farm-to-market roads or tourism roads.

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“Sa unang araw po ng trabaho matapos ang SONA, ihahain natin sa Kongreso ang panukalang P2.606 trillion na 2015 National Budget,” the President said in his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday.

The administration drew up the 2015 budget with the participation of the public and using strategies that will ensure that funds are only allocated to projects and programs that will truly benefit the people, he said.

“Umaasa po tayo sa pakikiisa ng ating mga mambabatas na pagtibayin ito, bilang pangunahing instrumento sa paglikha ng pagkakataon para sa sambayanang Pilipino,” he added.

The President also said that because

of the Supreme Court’s decision on the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), the Executive department will ask Congress for supplemental budget for 2014 to make sure that ongoing projects funded by the program are completed.

He also sought the cooperation of Congress in passing a joint resolution that will clarify definitions and issues that are the center of debates on the DAP.

“Kasabay po nito, nananawagan din tayo sa pakikiisa ng Kongreso, upang maipasa ang isang Joint Resolution na maglilinaw sa mga depinisyon at kaisipang tila pinagtatalunan pa—at iba pang mga usaping kayo lang sa lehislatura, bilang mga nagsulat ng batas, ang makakapaglinaw,” he said. PND

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President Aquino says he will not sacrifice quality over speed in drafting Bangsamoro Law

President Benigno S. Aquino III has addressed the concerns of some sectors over the delay in the submission of the proposed

Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), saying the government does not want to sacrifice quality over speed in drafting the legislation.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Aquino said they are still in the process of fine-tuning certain provisions that

would make the bill “reasonable, just, and acceptable” to all, hoping to complete it as soon as possible.

“Humihingi po tayo ng pang-


unawa sa ating Kongreso ukol rito. Mahalaga pong maging masusi ang paghimay natin ng bawat probisyong ilalatag,” President Aquino told members of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa.

Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, head of the government’s negotiating panel with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), earlier said that delaying the submission of the BBL is better than rushing it because there are issues that still have to be discussed.

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission, which is tasked to draft the bill, met last week with the MILF and members of the government peace panel to work on the details of the BBL, bearing in mind President Aquino’s intention to have it passed into law within the year.

President Aquino said he would certify the bill as urgent, once it is submitted to Congress so the government could finally conduct a plebiscite that would pave the way for a Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

“Kung maisasabatas nga po ang Bangsamoro Basic Law bago matapos ang taon at maisasagawa ang kinakailangang plebesito, mabibigyan ng isa’t kalahating taon ang Bangsamoro Transition Authority para ipakita ang positibong pagbabago. Kung maaantala naman ito, natural pong iikli rin ang panahon

para mapatunayan na tama nga ang landas ng kapayapaang tinatahak natin,” he said.

Drafting the BBL is the next step the Aquino administration is trying to accomplish after signing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the MILF last March, en route to a peaceful Mindanao.

President Aquino said it has taken his administration a long way to bring back the trust of Muslims in the government, and he has no plan to squander it.

“Napakarami na nga po nating nararating dahil sa tiwala—at wala tayong balak basagin ang tiwalang ito. Ang gobyerno ninyo ngayon ay mayroong isang salita,” he said.

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bansamoro is just the start of better things to come for Mindanao, the President said, as the government has also earmarked a P5.17-billion budget for the Department of Public Works and Highways next year to fund infrastructure projects in the south.

“Gusto po nating bigyan ng pantay na pagkakataon ang lahat ng Pilipino, kaya nga dapat may boost up, para naman maka-catch up ang ating mga kababayang nasa laylayan,” he said. PND


PopCom-Caraga, partner agencies reveal nominees for 100 millionth baby By Jennifer P. GaitanoBUTUAN CITY - The Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga headed by regional director Alexander Makinano visited on Monday the Butuan Medical Center and Rural Health Unit in Barangay Tolosa, Cabadbran City, where the two babies who are nominees for the Search for 100 Millionth Pinoy were born respectively on July 27, 2014.


Along with PopCom are the personnel of Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Caraga, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and some of the local media partners. Jonathan Rudado, 22 years old and Cherry Rudado, 21, are the happy parents of the baby girl born at 1:04 a.m. on July 27, 2014 at the Butuan Medical Center. The baby girl, whose name is yet to be decided by the par-ents is candidate for the Search for 100 Millionth Pinoy representing Bu-tuan City. Director Makinano person-ally handed-over the starter kits to the parents, witnessed by the physicians and patients of said health facility. “My husband and I were sur-prised when we were in-formed by PopCom person-nel that our baby is among those chosen candidates for the 100 Millionth Baby in Caraga… We are so glad to receive the starter kits from PopCom today and happy to hear what the government will provide for our baby. Thank you also to PhilHealth for letting us avail of the free newborn screening,” expressed Mrs. Rudado.

Another parents in Purok-8 Brgy. Tolosa, Cabadbaran City, Agu-san del Norte was identified by Pop-Com, namely: Marietes Caubay Ja-bonillo (mother) and Ariel Pasibong Damasco, both are 26 years old, who are also very happy that their new-ly-born baby girl named “Arhea Mae” was chosen among the nominees for the said search in Caraga region. The mother gave birth at the Rural Health Unit of Cabadbaran at 1:02 a.m. on July 27. It is her third baby on a normal delivery weighing 2.9 kilos. “We are so happy to receive the starter kit from PopCom and we were informed by PhilHealth that they will


give free newborn screening and oth-er services to our baby girl. This is a very big help to us and a blessing. Thank you to our government agencies for this effort,” articulated Damasco. Also, Makinano revealed that a baby was born at 12:03 a.m. on July 27, 2014 in Basilisa, Dinagat Islands, however, the required time for one to be declared as the country’s 100 Millionth Baby is 12:06 a.m. and be-yond. “We were not able to get the title since we lack three more min-utes to qualify. The baby was born earlier at 12:03 a.m.,” he disclosed. “This is a symbolic 100 Millionth Baby in Agusan del Norte and Bu-tuan City among other provinces in Caraga that we visited today since a baby who was born somewhere in NCR was already declared as the

country’s 100 Millionth Baby... We will monitor these babies and in co-ordination with other partner govern-ment agencies, we will provide ser-vices to the babies to help them grow well and healthy,” added Makinano. It was also learned that there are six baby-nominees from the differer-ent provinces of Caraga for the said search, which include the two babies in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City. Makinano further bared that the search was initiated to let the world know that despite the growing popu-lation in the country, the government is doing its best to provide the pro-grams and services for the welfare of the masses, and for the babies that they may grow well and healthy.


4 policemen meet their families after 19 days of captivity by NPAs KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte - PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquino finally met their families after being freed by the New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday.

At around 3:58 p.m., said police officers were finally released after 19th day of captivity following a negotiation between the national government officials and the NPA-National Democratic Fund (NDF) - North Eastern Mindanao Region (NEMRC).

The four police officers, together

with the negotiating team and some local officials which include Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Rosedell Amante-Matba, and Butuan City Mayor and concurrent Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chair Ferdinand Amante Jr., arrived at the Kitcharao Central Elementary School around 5:05 p.m. on the same date.


4 policemen meet their families after 19 days of captivity by NPAs

The freed policemen were then received by Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Alan Purisima, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPPAP) Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles at the said elementary school.

Hours before the negotiation, Bishop Rhee Timbang of the Philippine Independent Church, one of the third party negotiators, relayed during his interview that the wives of the four policemen who were held captives by the NPA came to their church and asked for their help to negotiate with the NPA for the release of their husbands.

“The third party negotiators really want the safe release of the four policemen who were held captives by the NPA. We also see the effort of DILG Sec. Mar Roxas to attain peace talks

with the other party,” Timbang articulated.

Negotiations for the safe release of the said police officers scored a major breakthrough after Sec. Roxas secured the commitment of the NDF to free their captives once the military and police agree to a five-day ceasefire in the six towns of Surigao del Norte.

It can be recalled that the four policemen were held captive by the NPA after the rebels raided on the Alegria municipal police station in Surigao del Norte last July 10.

Meanwhile, Sec. Roxas also awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting to PO2 Romero B. Dagsa and PO2 Reuben C. Salino. They were wounded in action while defending the Alegria Municipal Police Station during the attack of the NPA rebels on July 10, 2014 in the aforementioned police station.


IPHO confirms alarming incidence of dengue in Tandag City; joins call on public to take action

TANDAG CITY - The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Surigao del Sur led by Dr. Algerico Irizari has confirmed the alarming rise in dengue cases in the city.

By Greg Tataro Jr.

Through Rodrigo Gordo, Sanitation Inspector IV and Disease Surveillance Coordinator, it was learned that as of July 22, the number of cases has already swelled to 171, admitting that the data was sourced from Ephraim Toral, City Disease Surveillance Officer.

Gordo stressed that a meeting has already been held late last week purposely to address the problem.

He also agreed with the city government taking drastic action to get rid of dengue-carrying

mosquitoes due to the upswing of cases.

Earlier, Mayor Roxanne Pimentel, through former mayor Alexander Pimentel, now city administrator, already sought the support of both media and public to combat the situation.

Of the 21 barangays comprising the city, 13 have already made it to the list of dengue-hit areas; Barangay Telaje got the most number of “suspected” victims, Pimentel told.


Davao del Norte lauds blood gallonersDAVAO DEL NORTE - The pro-vincial government of Davap del Nprte recognized today the 169 blood galloners of the province at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan. Through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Provincial Economic Enterprise Development Office (PEEDO), blood galloners from the municipalities of the province received plaques during the 14th Blood Donors Recognition and Awarding Ceremony. Mary Beth Ruth Eculiada of the municipality of Asuncion, was the sole fifth time blood galloner in the province having donated a blood for more than 45 times in 20 years. Eculiada encouraged to continue donating blood as it is a blessing and a responsibility from the Almighty God. She said that as of now, she has zero balance in terms of blood units because she has given her donations to her family, relatives, friends and even to strangers. Eculiada said that it is more

rewarding when you give blood to strangers because she feels she took part of saving a God’s creation. On the other hand, the fourth time galloners were George Campaner and Susan Tuquib, both from Asuncion; while the third time galloners where Ronald Montealto and Galilea Abadia of Sto. Tomas. With at least three of the family donating blood, Morales family of Carmen and Canlas family of New Corella received the Family Donor plaques. Aside from that, there were 17 second time galloners, 125 first time galloners, six couple donors and 14 special awards that were presented during the ceremony. Ma. Eliza Andin, PEEDO head, disclosed that the province conducted a total of 151 mass blood donation as of 2013 and collected around 7,235 blood units. Andin added that this has helped 10,150 recipients of blood units and blood products. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)


Malita’s special school keeps on serving indigent studentsMALITA, Davao del Sur– A special high school catering to students from indigent families in Malita town, recently marked its 18th foundation day in honor of the late congressman Benjamin Bautista, Sr., from whom the school was named after. In its 18 years of existence, the Benjamin Bautista, Sr. Spe-cial High School has reached out to more students living in remote areas as it has established five ex-tension schools in five barangays in Malita. Established in the year 1996 on the birthday of Bautista, the school has adopted the “Earn and Learn” Program as conceptualized by the late congressman specially designed for poor and marginalized students who have the desire and belief that education is the only tool to pull them away from poverty. The concept was also deeply appreciated by poor parents know-ing that through this, they would only have less amount of money to spend in school for their children. The school’s vision has em-braced on courses that could easily help the students to earn income while they are still in school and

even beyond. Its major of concentration yielded more on agriculture, fish-ery and handicraft. The students are being taught on technical skills and equipped with the knowledge on how to fur-ther enhance their learning and put it in practice. As history unfolds, the former congressman’s main thrust was to alleviate his people from extreme poverty through proper education. He believed in his personal conviction that education is the ul-timate answer to free the poor from the clutches of poverty. Benjamin V. Bautista, Sr. and the school named after him will be best remembered a noble legacy for his people in Malita. It has molded and produced several graduates and profession-als all these years. His program “EARN and LEARN Program” has served as an inspi-ration to his son Governor Claude Bautista who in his present ad-ministration is giving importance to educational development in the province through his scholarship program. (PLGU-Davao del Sur/ Nilda S. Aniñon)


Vice Governor’s Office equips coop with financial management skillsMAITUM, Sarangani – Members and officers of Women In Development of Sarangani (WINDS) fish processing cooperative apply the strategies of the books of account such as planning, bud-geting, recording and preparation during the workshop in Gal E’ Libun: Financial Management and Documentation Training at Barangay Old Poblacion on July 22-23. Already on its third run, the training was facilitated by the Vice Governor’s Office. (Quenny D. Dandan/VICE GOV-ERNOR’S OFFICE)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The regional office of the Depart-ment of Agriculture here has recently downloaded over P90 million worth of livelihood and infrastructure projects to 14 local government units across the region.

P90-M livelihood, infra projects handed to 14 SOCCSKSARGEN LGUsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

These projects, according to DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, are being implemented under the national government’s poverty reduction initiative, Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) program.

Formerly called Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB), GPB allows local government units to identify livelihood and infrastructure projects adherent to their local poverty reduction action plans which were formulated with the strong participation of basic sector organizations and other civil society organizations.

Through GPB, the local government units, in consultation with their community-based organizations and farmer groups, determined the needed projects that will improve the economic status of their farmers and fisherfolk.

The largest bulk of checks amounting to P50.41 was turned over to eight LGUs in North Cotabato: Antipas, P5.7 M; Alamada, P 6.4-M; Aleosan, P4.05-M; Pikit, P13.6-M; Magpet, P 3.8 M; Banisilan,P6.8 M; M’lang, P6.06-M; and Kidapawan City,

P4-M.Meanwhile, the municipal

governments of Surallah, Tampakan and T’boli in South Cotabato province received P1.74 M, P3.7 M and P7.5 M, respectively.

Four municipalities in Sarangani,namely: Malungon, Maasim, Maitum, and Kiamba also received P8.05 M, P9.7 M, P2.46 M, and P6.8-M, respectively.

“We want to capacitate our LGUs by downloading to them funds which they can use in reducing poverty incidence by providing livelihood assistance to farmer groups in their respective localities,” Director Datukan said.

In this regard, she also rged the local chief executives to strictly follow timelines set in the implementation of their projects and immediately liquidate the fund transferred to their respective LGUs.

She also challenged local government to help DA 12 in utilizing the funds allotted to the region by submitting relevant project proposals and by being prompt in fund liquidation so that more development projects could be carried out in


their areas.For 2014, the Department of

Agriculture has allotted P3.04 billion budget for SOCCKSARGEN Region, comprised of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan

Kudarat provinces and General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato cities. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LMSalvo-DA 12)

ALAMADA, North Cotabato —Nearly 100 bikers from different areas in Re-gion 12 recently joined the province’s Centennial Eco-Tourism Mountain Bike Fun Ride 2014 held in this municipality.

Almost 100 bikers join NorthCot’s biking activityBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Leoginildo Calibara, former vice mayor of Alamada and the focal per-son of the event said the bikers were members of bikers’ clubs and asso-ciations in Mindanao.

These include bikers from LGU Pig-cawayan, LGU Aleosan, LGU Alama-da, Cotabato Government Employees Association, Dr. Dorvelo Bikers As-sociation, Cotabato All-Terrain Bikers Assiciation (CATBA), Cotabato-Pigc-awayan Off-Road Bikers Association (CPORBA), Midsayap All-Terrain Bikers Association (MATBA), GTRO- Maguin-danao, Midsayap Bikers Association, INTAK-Libungan, Cotabato Off Road Enthusiasts (CORE) , Biking Company Kidapawan City, Pres Roxas Mountain Bike Association (PROMBA) and the Philippine Off Road Bikers Organiza-tion (PORBO).

Calibara noted that the participants trailed that 75-kilometer road starting from Aleosan town to Alamada.

“The event did not only challenged the bikers but also gave them excite-

ment as they were given a chance to take a look at the majestic Asik-Asik falls in Barangay Dado, which is now one of the major tourist attractions in North Cotabato,” he added.

Calibara also revealed the follow-ing as winners of the bike challenge: Allan Castillo of the President Roxas Mountain Bike Association (PROM-BA) as the heaviest biker with 94 ki-lograms; Joven Echavez of GTRO as the lightest biker with 42 kilograms; Rodolfo Escaro of PROMBA as the old-est biker at 55; Kurt Louis Espelita of PROMBA as the youngest biker at 12; Arjay Kaul of CATBA as biker with un-dying spirit biking for three hours and 25 minutes biking duration; Agnes Ivy Alombro of PROMBA as distinguished lady biker and PROMBA as the biggest delegation.

“Cash prizes and certificates of par-ticipation from the provincial govern-ment were handed to awardees,” the focal person of the event stated.

The Centennial Eco-Tourism Moun


tain Bike Fun Ride 2014 is part of the province’s 100th founding anni-versary.

For her part, Governor Emmylou Mendoza extended her appreciation

to the biking clubs and organizations that joined the fun ride. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-North Cotabato Pro-vincial Government)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- General Manager Romano Laurilla, in behalf of the Don Bosco Multi-purpose Cooperative, has expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture for the P2.9 million worth of aid they received from the agency.

Coop thanks DA for P2.9 M aid to its rice export businessBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Laurilla was referring to the machineries they recently received in line with their efforts to improve the quality of the organic colored rice they produce.

Released to the Don Bosco MPC during the Buwan ng mga Magsasaka at Mangingisda in May, these machineries consisted of a rice color sorter worth P2.28 M, rice seed cleaner (P53,000), and double chamber vacuum packing machine (P160,000).

In addition to these, the cooperative also received a rice transplanter (P294,444) and a seed trading center support of P125,000.

In an earlier interview, DA 12 Regional Executive Director Datukan said the assistance provided to Don Bosco was meant to give a boost to the cooperative’s economic activities, particularly in

their organic colored rice export business.

Laurilla added that the machineries have been installed in the MPC’s rice processing facility in M’lang, North Cotabato.

“These rice mill implements really help in sustaining and improving the quality of the organic colored rice we export,” Laurilla.

This is proof, he added, of the support and dedication of the national government to the sustained efforts towards exporting high quality rice product.

Based on the latest reports, Don Bosco MPC has already shipped over 70 metric tons of organic brown, red, and black rice to Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Germany, and other countries. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LMSalvo-DA 12)


Philhealth conducts ALAGA KA caravanby Philhealth Iligan

ILIGAN CITY - Philhealth Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO), Iligan City/ Lanao del Norte, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte distributed ALAGA KA Member Data Record (MDR) at the Mindanao Civic Center gymnasium, Tubod, Lanao del Norte on July 24, 2014.


In Iligan City, the 2-day ALAGA KA caravan was set on July 26- 27 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Iligan City Plaza, distributed the MDR to the beneficiaries at the city’s barangays, to include the distribution of 2014 PhilHealth Identification cards sponsored by the local government. The Philhealth Coverage is a program of the National Government which benefits not only the member but also the qualified dependents like the parents age 60 years old and above, legal wife/husband, including children age 20 years old and below. In a report, Christine Mae M. Garcia-Magno, chief, LHIO- Iligan City/Lanao del Norte, said that for 2014, around 234,443 members were enrolled under the Philhealth Indigent Program for the entire Iligan and Lanao del Norte. Summing it up, Iligan has 54,259 members, with additional 11,583 members sponsored by the city, while Lanao del Norte has 168,601 beneficiaries.

Magno h a s reminded those members under the Indigent Program to participate in the ALAGA KA caravan thru the Iligan Community Affairs Office, while at the provincial level thru the Provincial Community Affairs Office, Lanao del Norte or at the municipal level.

Through the ALAGA KA 2014 Member Data Record (MDR) manifests that residents are an active member of Philhealth for this year. Every member is advised to go to the Rural Health Unit, City Health Office or at the TseKap Provider for health profiling. The health profiling is the first hand free physical check-up.If admitted in the hospital, no need to go to the Philhealth office to secure MDR, said Magno. All hospitals in Iligan and Lanao del Norte, either private or government, already has hospital portal. The Hospital Portal has the member’s record of complete premium remittance, to be able to avail Philhealth benefits. Magno said, you may visit our office for updating of additional beneficiaries. And for more queries, you may call us through telephone nos. (063) 223-3018 o 223-0257 or visit your nearest PhilHealth Office.


The activity was done by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for the NSTP students of Misamis University (MU), and Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro, Sr., Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (MHARS-RTTH) for those in Our Lady of Triumph Institute of Technology (OLTIT) and Misamis Institute of Technology (MIT). The bloodletting is part of the month-long activities lined-

up by the CDRRMC in observance of the July 2014 National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) with the theme: “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran (Community Preparedness and Safety, Foundations of Progress).” However, Mark Vincent C. Israel, CDRRM Officer, clarified that the bloodletting drive of the Council will continue beyond the NDCM, as “part

Ozamiz CDRRMC conducts bloodletting among NSTP studentsby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Ozamiz City Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has initiated a bloodletting activity among the National Service Training Program (NSTP) students in the city, last July 26.

http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/index.php/article/news/1473


With the Reconstitution of Iligan City Tourism Council, we have come up with this activity- the Iligan City Tourism Council Visioning and Framework Plan Workshop, explained City Tourism Officer Donna Belle G. Olado of Iligan. Participants were composed of representatives from business sector, barangay tourism triangle, local government unit offices, and government line agencies. In the opening statement, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Maria Elena O. Manalo, DOT

10, stressed the scouring of Iligan City tourism potentials and identifying areas with manifested or potential tourism value. As resident in the area , we shall be the one to have first hand experience through familiarization visits, Manalo emphasized. ‘Sana, hindi tayo maging dayuhan sa ating lugar’ (I hope we will not be strangers in our place), she said. Olado said, we are into a Private-Public partnership, its shared leadership between public and private sectors with common goals, realistic

ICTC formulates Tourism Framework Planby Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY - Some 30 members of the Iligan City Tourism Council (ICTC) converged for the formulation of the tourism framework plan to boost the city’s tourism industry at the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House, Timoga, Iligan City, on July 23-24, 2014.

of our disaster preparedness is to make sure we have enough supply of blood in the blood banks to cater to the needs of the residents, at all times, especially during calamities and disasters,” he said. He said the CDRRMC is planning to make an inventory of the addresses of patients who have used the blood in the blood bank of hospitals in the city, such as, the MHARS-RTTH, a government facility. “We know that patients from the

neighbouring provinces are brought in to the city, to seek medical help and we wanted to know, particularly where they come from,” the CDRRMO said. “This way, we can arrange with the local government units (LGU) of the patients’ origin to help us in the bloodletting drive in their areas. Conducting it among the NSTP students is a good start, as they mostly come from the nearby provinces, Israel added.


expectations and benefits for all parties, to be able to have a doable partnership, Lately, we just entered a Memorandum of Understanding between Iligan City Government and National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), for the identification of Iligan’s heritage sites by the NCAA, said Olado. In her presentation, Olado enumerated the Tourism Programs and Projects from July to December 2014, which would be the basis of interest of this 2-day workshop from members of the Tourism Council. Identified activities are Diyandi Festival sa Iligan City; Repair and Renovation of Bahay Salakot, City Tourism Office; Gathering and updating of tourism-related data/information for data banking; Concept Design for the initial rehabilitation of Tinago Falls property (stairway, toilet, parking area, etc); Installation of Directional Signages for Tourist Destinations; Documentation of Waterfalls (Tourism Triangle and Barangays Dalipuga, Bonbonon & Pugaan); Dancing Traffic Enforcer Training; Documentation of Higaonon version of Iligan’s history; Development of Concept Design of Welcome Arch; Community Awareness Seminar for barangays with tourist destination potentials; and Coordination and facilitation of the Taoid Heritage Program. Decius L. Esmedalla, Tourism Operations Officer of DOT 10 presented the basics of marketing and promotion of tourism products, which he

considers as an important aspect to establish high level of public awareness about products /services.Its essence is to inculcate the sense of nationalism and pride of the local destinations and attractions, create social and economic impacts, and promote cultural heritage and belongingness , said Esmedalla. With the inputs of resource persons, participants were tasked to fill up the six matrixes, focused on inventory of local tourism attractions; re-assessment of the local tourism industry; situational analysis of the local tourism industry; priority projects/programs; product positioning; product calendar; and tour packages. At the end of the workshop, all these presentations, including issues and concerns of interest from the point of view of the ICTC members shall be consolidated, said Manalo.We shall be meeting again, another series of convergence to come up with the final plan based on the workshop presentations, Manalo concluded.


Zambo IP elder to youth: Change stereotype about usBy Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - A respected indigenous people (IP) elder in Zamboanga encouraged the youth belonging to various tribes in the city to change the stereotype the public has about them.


Zambo IP elder to youth: Change stereotype about us Dr. Tuan Raja Agong, a leader

of the Sama Badjao here lamented that other groups perceive them negatively. “Sinasabi nila, IP ka lang, ignorante, walang pinag-aralan.” (They say that if you are an IP, you are ignorant and have no education.) “But just like any other people, we have the potential to achieve more. It does not mean that if you are an IP, you have no potential,” Dr. Agong told the 28 youth participants to a journalism seminar here conducted by the Philippine Information

Agency (PIA) in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Embassy of the United States. “Huwag kayong magtago, huwag kayong mahiya (Don’t hide and don’t be shy),” Dr. Agong exclaimed. “This is the time for our youth to stand up and be proud of their heritage.” Meanwhile, NCIP-IX Regional Director Timuey Woy Lim P. Wong told the participants that it is only through “education that we can compete.”


Director Wong shared that during his days as a student, he was very shy and hesitant to speak in front of people, mainly because of his feeling of “inferiority.” But through inspiration from a teacher of his, he learned to cope with insecurities, studied hard and worked hard eventually reaching his current position. “The journalism seminar that we are conducting aims to hone and develop your talents so you can go back to your communities and be the voices of the IPs to other people,”

said Director Wong. The NCIP looks forward to developing a newsletter focused on IP issues and development, with the youth comprising the pool of writers. The IP students also elected officers for the IP youth for climate change mitigation and adaptation movement as follows: President – Robert Aroman, Vice President – Mumar Ibbin, Secretary – Raffy Daud, Treasurer – Zildjian Eduard Dulaca, Project Managers – Mohammad Jibrimar Sandag, Amraida Tangkapa, and PIO – Saddam Omar.


These were the questions posed by PIA Director General Jose Mari M. Oquinena to some 71 information center managers (ICMs) who attended the 2014 ICMs’ conference in Makati City recently. He lauded the information officers for being agents of change who need to strike a balance between the mind and the heart. “Being with PIA for one year and six months, you changed the way I looked at government and

government employees. You guys never give up. You are made of the same stuff,” he said. He cited the dedication of information officers in their work, given the limited resources of the agency yet still deliver more than what is expected and doing media coverage even at the height of typhoons and whatever incidents which put their lives in danger. Highlighting the conference was the PRAISE Awards giving

Innovation starts with a heart that cares, says DG OquinenaBy Alma L. Tingcang

MAKATI CITY - “Do we need more trainings or do we need more inspiration? Do we need more workshop or do we need to build our relationship stronger?”

PHOTO COURTESY: Darwin Gulfan Gernale


recognition to PIA employees who have rendered considerable years of service. “The PRAISE awards is not something to brag about, but our achievements should inspire and encourage us. Continue to widen your perspective as info officers,” Oquinena said. Even after the term of President Benigno C. Aquino III, the landscape of communication is changing and citizens now openly express their views, wanting to be heard. In one click, you will reach thousands through social media. He called on them to be servant leaders and not to stick on old ways but to innovate. “Never be afraid to fail. If you’ve never failed, you never tried anything new,” he quoted, telling them to spend more time with their children who use social media frequently and be updated with new trends.

“As we live in a world which is so fast moving, we should move in two ways, from being information to formation and inspiration,” the DG advised saying we could also be called Philippine Inspiration Agency through the stories we write the good things we do for others. He shared that in UK, flexi time is already being implemented. “As long as you complete your minimum number of working hours, you can adjust. So they have time to bring their children to school, bring them home, prepare their food and feed them before going back for work after they have settled.” People become very productive in this set-up, according to DG Mari. “If we live in a rigid world, mahirap yun (it’s hard) especially for information officers. You can’t be in a rigid world. You also need to fulfill your dreams,” the PIA chief who is very family-oriented concluded.


The infocar brought the different line agencies to the municipality to give and apprise the townsfolk of their programs and services that aim to reduce proverty in the area. “Dako kaayo ang akong pagpasalamat sa presensya sa mga national government agencies nga naghatud sa ilang libre nga mga programa ug serbisyo sa mga mulupyo sa akong lungsod. (I am very grateful for the presence of the national government agencies which are offering their programs ans services for free to my constituents in this town),” Acosta announced. “Pinaagi ning maong kalihokan, masayon sa mga tawo nga modoul sa mga ahensya sa kagamhanan nga gipahiluna sa usa ka dapit aron mopadangat sa ilang mga isyu ug problema,” the mayor added. (With this activity, it would be easier for the people to approach the national government agencies which are now gathered here.) Acosta said some of his constituents seldom see these agencies in his town. The NGAs were gathered at

the gym and were provided with individual tables to attend to their clients. In the same activity, the medical team of 1st Infanry (Tabak) division of the Philippine Army through the 32nd battalion performed free circumcision to 66 boys and haircut to 36 children. The Department of Health (DOH) and Rural Health Unit (RHU) provided free general health checkup and distributed vitamins to 216 poor families. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DSENR), on the pther hand, distributed 300 mahogany and narra seedlings. The NFA also provided supplemental feeding to 160 children while the rest of NGAs informed the residents of their respective programs and services. Sominot was chosen by the MindaComNet as the pilot area for the information caravan, as it has the second highest poverty incidence in the region based on the results of the National Housing Targetting (NHTS) survey after Midsalip town.

SOMINOT, Zamboanga del Sur – Mayor Stephen Acosta of this town has expressed his gratitude to the Mindanao Communicators’ Newtwork (MindaComNet) for spearheading the conduct of information caravan here last Thursday which was attended by 22 national government agencies (NGAs).

Sominot mayor hails MindaComNet for successful infocarBy Gideon C. Corgue


That breakfast serves as your morning, lunch and mid-afternoon meals. It has to sustain you for the next 14 hours because you’ll break your fast once the dusk prayer (6:00 p.m.) is heard. But fasting isn’t about getting hungry and thirsty. It’s not about burning calories. It’s about burning the bad habits until you are trained to do nothing but all forms of goodness. Fasting also means fasting of the senses. It’s about “see no evil, hear

no evil, and talk no evil.” This practice lasts for a month and hopefully, it won’t just be good for this month but for the rest of our lives. Eid’l Fitr is a one day celebration of the Muslims after having completed a one whole month of fasting. Muslims get up early and prepare themselves to go to Masjed (Mosque) to perform the Eid’l Fitr prayer. The Eid’l Fitr prayer is usually performed at 7:30 a.m. Before going to Masjed, each family are busy

Feature: Celebrating Ramadhan, Eid’l Fitr

You wake up daily as early as 1:00 a.m. to pray and eat. You pray Tahajud (early prayer) and eat breakfast until 4:00 a.m. or when

the call of prayer (dawn prayer) is heard.

by: Johaniah N. Yusoph


preparing foods in the kitchen because they have to eat before proceeding to Masjed. Oh the feeling is unexplainable! You’ve been used on eating so early that the sky is still dark and yet here you are going to eat with the clear blue sky. It’s just not the same. Some have mixed emotions. Some are sad because Eid’l Fitr is an official reminder that the Holy Month has just ended; while some are happy simply because they feel the high spirits of others. On this day, fellow Muslims are also too busy for their “Sadaqatul Fitr.” Sadaqatul Fitr is an obligation of every Muslim who can afford to give. It could be in form of rice (2 kilos will do) or cash to be given to the relatives who deserve it. But most Muslim scholars advise to give rice instead of cash. Every member of

the family has to give “Sadaqatul Fitr.” For the children, it will be the parents who will provide for them and give to the needy ones. After performing such, you’ll see fellows rushing to the Masjed to join the “Takbir.” Takbir are statements you utter to praise The Almighty. You keep on repeating it until the Imam, the one who

leads the prayer, initiates the Eid’l Fitr prayer. The Eid’l Fitr Prayer is just short. It won’t take you fifteen minutes. After the prayer, people will then scatter and you start to hear collective voices and laughs. Fathers, mothers, aunts, cousins, sisters, brothers and friends will go to one another, hugging, greeting, and asking each other’s forgiveness. You get to see contagious smiles painted in each other’s faces and you cannot


IPHO-Lanao urges parents to get their children vaccinated againby: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) here in the province is urging parents to have their children immunized against measles in any government health center.

The call was made by IPHO chief Dr. Alinader Minalang after the province registered 118 measles cases from January to July, this year. The measles cases are quite alarming but parents have no excuse not to let their children be immunized because we have walk-in barangay health centers in every municipality, Minalang said. He said vaccination is a regular program wherein parents can go any day at any government health center. Minalang further gave assurance that they have enough supply of measles vaccines. “We never had shortage of vaccines,” he said. Measles is a viral infection. According to Minalang, the infected one cannot sometimes tell whether he is already infected not until the rashes appear.

“Measles is also very contagious four days before the rashes appear and four days after the rashes has gone that is why immunization is the best prevention,” he further said. Meanwhile, the IPHO is intensifying its information drive to prevent the spread of the disease. Minalang said they are regularly conducting information dissemination through text brigade and airing of radio plugs. IPHO also holds measles control and prevention meeting in municipalities and conducts mass immunization of children in the affected barangays. Minalang said they also conduct prompt investigation of reported cases and provide Vitamin A and supportive medicines to measles cases. (with report from Johaniah N. Yusoph/PIA-10)

Each family will then proceed to their homes. Some gathered at one place and they celebrate, eat, share some talks and of course, in our modern time, taking pictures is always included in the day’s activity. Indeed, Muslims start the

Ramadhan right by asking forgiveness from one another and it has to end like that too. No negative feelings, no hatred, just happiness and pure gratitude.


Multi-sector groups converge for a Greener Marawi

“Marumi City, Langaw Del Sur (Dirty City, Fly Del Sur) is the impression being thrown to Marawi,” said SWMB Board Chairperson Mokiin Malna. She said the problem on garbage is not new in the city. “It has been a problem decades ago because a large part of the population in the city were not accustomed of throwing their trash properly.” According to her, the SWMB was created to make the city

greener through proper solid waste management. Among the attendees of the meeting were representatives from the Ulama League (religious group), Philippine National Police (PNP), and members of the media. Representatives from USAID’s Enhancing Governance Accountability & Engagement (ENGAGE) led by its communications specialist Luis Mendoza Jr. also graced the meeting. ENGAGE has been providing technical

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB) of the city together with representatives from various organizations here converged on July 23 at the DxSR Sallam Radio conference room to discuss how they can contribute to the ecological solid waste management program of the city government.

by: Johaniah N. Yusoph


assistance to the city government in the implementation of its SWM program. Discussed during the meeting were the efforts of each sector to make the program successful. The religious sector through the Ulama Council integrates the value of cleanliness in Islamic teachings. They convince people by emphasizing that cleanliness is mandatory in Islam. They also discuss the health issues on garbage mismanagement in religious fora. DxSR Sallam Radio, on the other hand, has a program on air dubbed “Matanos a Marawi” which tackles the importance of cleanliness and other topics related to proper solid waste management. It also targets the youth by educating them on how to throw garbage properly. Philippine Information Agency (PIA) also expressed support to the

program as it has just launched its newest advocacy on climate change “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago.” The advocacy campaign focuses on four priority areas which include solid waste management. Malna reiterated that the five-year SWM program will be successful through the collective effort of the agencies and stakeholders stressing that a collective effort will really make a big difference. (Johaniah N. Yusoph/APB/PIA-10)

One Mindanao - July 30, 2014

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Transcript of One Mindanao - July 30, 2014