One Mindanao - July 8, 2014

Camiguin coastal safety net programs setRuby Leonora R. BalistoyNORTHERN Mindanao

TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 215

DSWD gets AU$12.2-M grant to build 468 classrooms, day care centers

NATIONAL

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Page 4

CARAGA REGION

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

DAR Dinagat Islands distributes 427 titles to landless farmers

NRCO-Caraga continues to provide livelihood assistance, skills training to OFWs

Davnor gov’t center, hospital get Red Orchid

Labason mayor bares accomplishments on 50th birthday

NorthCot LGU calls for support on nutrition in emergencies campaign

Campus journalists urged to communicate for development

CDO Price Coordinating Council reactivated

100 boys avail of free circumcision during Operation Tuli in Calamba

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34 38

30 31

12 13

Information to Empower Filipinos

6DTI-MOR

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Daryll M. Tumbaga

ORVRivera

Alfonso T. Ruda

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Oliver Ross V. Rivera

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Jennifer P. Gaitano

Camiguin coastal safety net programs set

Camiguin coastal safety net programs set

After years of pursuing the establishment of proper marine protection and management here,

the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project (CCRMP) is now on its final phase, geared up with a sustainability plan.

This plan is an updated and revised approach that incorporates phase interventions and ensures continuity of the programs and activities beyond the project life. The project began in 2007 with the aim of

institutionalizing coastal resource management (CRM) as a basic service of the local government

units, thereby increasing natural productivity and enhancing the integrity of the coastal and marine

resources in the island-province. The second phase commenced in February 2012. Building on the achievements of Phase 1, CCRMP Phase 2 aimed at strengthening further the local governance and capability in CRM, as well as in promoting conservation-based

by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

COVER STORY

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economic development that is compatible with coastal resource management efforts. Specifically, theproject facilitatesthe development of enterprises that provide viable supplemental income to the community while promoting wise use of natural resources and minimizing coastal ecosystem threats such as fishingpressure. These include projects like bottled sardines and coco-sap sugar production as well as the establishment of the Taguines Lagoon Aguasport and Recreation Facility, Pasil Eco-tourism Support Services Enterprise, and the

Fish Trading, Cold Storage and Fish Landing Facility. Considering also the island’s

collection of natural underwater treasure, more than 30 marine protected areas (MPA) are currently established in the province, either declared through a barangay

resolution or municipal ordinance which restricts human activity to protect the living, non-living cultural or historic resources. Fifteen of these already exist prior the inception of CCRMP. The Protection includes limit on development, fishing gear types,fishingseason,catch limits,moorings,to complete bans on removing marine life of any kind in hope to restore

damaged habitats, improve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health and processes, permitting fish to mature andreproduce. Other project components include the delineation of its municipal waters,

establishment of the Interpretative Center,deputizedfisherywardens,reef monitoring, and regular coastal clean-up activities.

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Across the Nation

TESDA urges Japan-bound caregivers to take skills assessmentThe Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

(TESDA) said it is prepared to assist caregivers seeking employment in Japan by giving them competency assessment and issue National Certificate to passers.

Japan opened its doors anew to Filipino nurses and caregivers under the Framework for the Movement of Natural Persons of

the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

“There is a window of opportunity for stable jobs abroad, and we

7 JULY| PAGE

Across the Nationwant to take this opportunity,” Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA Director General, said.

Villanueva urged graduates of caregiving course to visit TESDA-accredited assessment centers and provincial/district offices nationwide to undergo the competency assessment, which will be the basis for the issuance of the National Certificate (NC).

One of the requirements for applicant caregivers is the TESDA certification.

“The National Certificate represents the seal of excellence, which says that our workers can deliver quality work,” Villanueva said.

The assessment on caregiving may be taken in TESDA-accredited assessment centers nationwide. The assessment fee is PHP400.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) recently announced that it is now accepting qualified applicants for nurses and caregivers for deployment in Japan under the JPEPA.

It said that applicants for the nursing positions must be a graduate of Nursing, with Board License, at least three years hospital experience, preferably 20 to 35 years old and must be medically

and psychologically fit to work.For caregivers, the requirements

are: Graduate from any four-year course and certified as a caregiver by TESDA; graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (under board) or any allied profession; preferably 20 to 35 years old and must be medically and psychologically fit to work.

Interested applicants are advised to register online at www.eregister.poea.gov.ph and personally submit the documents to the Manpower Registry Division, Ground Floor, Window T, POEA Building, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City.

TESDA has also assisted Japan-bound nurses and caregivers by giving them language and culture training, in cooperation with the Japanese government.

In May, a total of 186 Filipino candidates (36 nurses and 150 caregivers), which composed the 6th batch of trainees, finished the Preparatory Japanese Language Training, aimed to contribute to the enhancement of a candidate’s ability to adapt and settle in faster in their new work environment.

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DSWD gets AU$12.2-M grant to build 468 classrooms, day care centers

An additional AU$12.2 million grant was extended by the Australian Government to the Department of Social Welfare

and Development (DSWD) for the construction of early childhood care facilities in the country.

Under the grant, a total of 468 classrooms and day care centers will be constructed by the DSWD through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP).

KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP is the expanded version of the Kalahi-CIDSS, piloted by the national government in 2002 and launched in 2003 to alleviate poverty in poor rural communities using the community-driven development (CDD) approach.

CDD focuses on empowering and building up the capacities of citizens and local government units so they will be able to lift their own communities out of poverty, giving them the opportunity to make informed decisions on locally identified options for development and manage resources to implement sub-projects that address the needs they have identified.

Approximately 117 of the target classrooms and day care centers will be constructed in ‘Yolanda’-affected areas.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Australian Department of

Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Deputy Secretary Ewen McDonald visited this town on Wednesday where they led the launching and groundbreaking ceremonies for projects funded by the grant.

Sec. Soliman thanked the Australian Government for the additional aid which is a big help in the rehabilitation efforts in ‘Yolanda’-hit municipalities.

She urged the townsfolk to work together in building the educational facilities, citing the urgency to bring schoolchildren to classrooms and no longer stay in tents.

For his part, Dep. Sec. McDonald said, “We are committed to our strong partnership with DSWD because Australia recognizes the potential of CDD to effectively alleviate poverty.”

Sec. Soliman stated that aside from the AU$12.2 million additional grant, the Australian Government financed the construction of 626 day care centers and classrooms in communities covered by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the country’s conditional cash transfer program, worth US$10 million in 2012.

9JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Statement of GPH Panel Chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the Proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

The implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is in the critical stage of processing a draft

Bangsamoro Basic Law that the President can confidently submit to Congress and certify as urgent upon its adoption as an official bill in Congress, shortly after the reopening of Congress on July 28.

We know that the review process conducted by the Office of the President (OP) on the proposed law submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) has raised some apprehension over some content where modifications were recommended by the OP review team.

That is why we are taking the necessary steps to ensure better understanding of the concerns, and to find a good resolution through frank and open discussion.

Last July 3, in an en banc meeting held in Cotabato City, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission passed a resolution “elevat(ing)


the matter or process to the Panels for clarification, discussion and resolution of issues that may have been affected by the proposed revisions in the proposed BBL, in the higher interest of finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Mindanao.”

The Government Panel readily accepted the task. Together with the MILF Panel, Malaysian Facilitator Tengku Ghafar and the members of the International Contact Group, we will be meeting in Kuala Lumpur this week in a workshop that would thresh out the various substantive matters that have arisen from the BTC submission and the subsequent OP review. The members of the BTC will also be present, thereby ensuring close coordination and processing.

To begin with, neither the BTC draft nor the OP-reviewed text is so complete and perfect to leave no more room for discussion, or no other option but to choose between one or the other.

Closed options have never been the practice in our past negotiation. It shouldn’t be now in the implementation stage. Then and now, “problem-solving” has defined our modalities and this approach has produced the workable results that brought us this far.

For both the Government and the MILF, the bottom line is set by the signed documents that make up the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. There is no backtracking on either side. Any perception of backtracking can be duly addressed and rectified during the discussion. On the other hand, details or aspects beyond the signed documents are policy options that the BTC has taken and which the OP team took care to study and uphold as much as possible. But as in any legislation, there

are various ramifications to any single text, or gaps that might not have appeared at first instance. The Kuala Lumpur workshop will help sort out these grey zones.

If we are going through this difficulty now, it is because we want the next stages to be less difficult not only between the government and the MILF, but among all the institutions and actors that will be or have been playing a role in the process. A well-processed bill that goes through the legislative mill, with the certification of the President as urgent, will stand much better chances of smooth-sailing passage in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

As we have said many times in the past, this partnership between the GPH and the MILF is not for the fainthearted. It is also not for the impatient and the impetuous who, in the face of difficulty, immediately throw in the towel.

Rather, it is for those who persevere so that when the going gets rough, they get going. They do not turn back to their old comfort zones, or to the familiar sound of their war cries.

Surely, we are not throwing in the towel because we do need the towel for this laborious task that is 99 percent perspiration.

We appeal to the understanding of all sectors who have accompanied this process and who like us desire to institutionalize a Bangsamoro that is grounded on a solid foundation and enjoying very strong people’s support.

Let our peace process continue to be the bright spot amid the violent conflicts that beset many countries in other parts of the globe today.” (PNA)


NorMin’s corn production grow by 16%by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Total corn production in Northern Mindanao grew by 16 percent during the first quarter of 2014 reaching 292,247 metric tons (MT), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region said.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/grow-your-own-corn-zmaz72jaztak.aspx

Both yellow and white corn varieties posted increases in production with the biggest increase registered

by yellow corn at 20 percent, said Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete, chief economic development specialist of NEDA-10 in


CDO Price Coordinating Council reactivatedby DTI-MOR

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Through the approval of Executive Order No. 089-2014, city mayor Oscar Moreno reactivates the Cagayan de Oro City Price Coordinating Council (CPCC) on June 26, 2014.

The creation of the CDO-CPCC is in line with Section 5 Rule VI of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7581 “An Act Providing Protection to Consumers by Stabilizing the Prices of Basic Commodities.”

Meanwhile, mayor Moreno inducted its members on June 30, 2014 during the city hall’s regular convocation. The composite members are city mayor Oscar S. Moreno, Atty. Jose Edgardo Y. Uy, Chair,

a media forum last week. Northern Mindanao produced 202,429 MT of yellow corn and 89,818 MT of white corn. Total area harvested also increased by 3.96 percent. Although the harvest area of white corn was reduced by 3.65 percent, the area harvested for yellow corn have increased by 13 percent to 54,096 hectares. Average yield likewise posted improvements at 2.75 MT per hectare. Both varieties posted increases in yield, but yellow corn registered the biggest yield at 3.74 per hectare. In terms of value, the 11 percent increase in the farm gate price for white corn (P13.44 per kilo) coupled with the six percent increase in its production pushed the value of white corn to P1.207 billion, up by 18 percent year-on-year. The value of yellow corn also went up by 21 percent totalling

P2.263 billion mainly attributable to increased production volume. By provinces, Clarete said production growths were more pronounced in Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte for both yellow and white corn varieties. Bukidnon produced 209,251 MT during the quarter, 22 percent higher than the registered production last year while Lanao del Norte produced 52,229 MT, up by 11 percent from last year’s level. The positive corn production performance by the two provinces was due to sufficient rainfall during vegetative and reproductive stage in Lanao del Norte, usage of RR varieties, and the increase demand of yellow corn variety for commercial (feeds) purposes which resulted to increase in yellow corn areas in Cabanglasan and Malaybalay City in Bukidnon.


CDO Price Coordinating Council reactivated

100 boys avail of free circumcision during Operation Tuli in Calambaby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental - Close to 100 boys availed of free circumcision and medicines, during “Operation Tuli,” a side event of the 1st Diskwento Caravan cum Consumers’ Fair, in this town, in the second quarter, this year.

Task Force HapsayDalan and consultant of Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) and City Economic Enterprise Department (CEED), Ma. Eliza A. Pabillore, Department of Trade and Industry – Misamis Oriental Provincial Office (DTI-MOR), and Nestor M. Banaag Jr., head Xavier University Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana-Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO). Further, membership also includes president, Cagayan de Oro Grocers, head, Social Action

Center, Jerry Orcullo, president, Cagayan de Oro Press Club, Rene Michael Baños, president, Konsumanteng Kagay-anon, Inc. (KKI), Graciano Mijares, city director, CDO Police Office, E.R. Tamok Jr., President, TRAFECO, Hector R. San Juan, head Agricultural Productivity Office, Engr. Peter Abejuela, Head, (CEED), Atty. Donald Delegencia, head, City Legal Office, and Edna Dahino, chair, City Council on Trade and Industry.

Held as part of the medical mission brought about by the four-day Diskwento, Operation Tuli was done by the Municipal Health Office (MHO) under the local government unit’s (LGU’s) social services program for local communities, Mayor Ezel Villanueva of Calamba, said. Meanwhile, Delia M. Ayano,

provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Misamis Occidental, said the Diskwento Caravan was conducted to ease the burden of the people amidst the high prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, who bought products at discounted prices from the following 12 exhibitors:


Virginia Foods, Inc., PSWRI Nature’s Spring, Wellmade Corp., San Miguel Purefoods, ACS Manufacturing Corp., Mega Fishing Corp., Novo Ozamiz, Bryant Milling and Marketing, RMK General Merchandise, D’Dales Shopping Center, Aldrin Fred General Merchandise and Joy Asumbrado Fresh Eggs. Ayano said it helped that the caravan was held during the town fiesta as many people came to the town center for other activities, thereby generating a total sales of P539,928.67 that posted an increase of 7.98 percent over its target of P500,000. On the other hand, Villanueva

said the side events supporting the caravan included the information drive of programs and services of participating government agencies, such as, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Distribution of seedlings was done by the Department of Agriculture (DA), while sports activities, like basketball, boxing and carnival fair, among others, went on during the caravan, Villanueva added.

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/15206626


Safety, protection of workers our main priority, says DOLE-13 chief By Jennifer P. GaitanoBUTUAN CITY- In a press conference on Monday, regional director Atty. Johnson Cañete of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga stressed that safety and protection of workers in the region are their main priorities aside from provision of livelihood assistance and employment programs.


“The Occupational Safety and Health Training with contractors and companies’ safety officers in Caraga is ongoing today at the Balanghai Hotel, this city, and said training will end on Friday. This is one of the requirements for accreditation for the Safety Prac-titioners in the region,” said Cañete. Cañete added that along with their programs, DOLE has also been imple-menting the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting, six months Government Internship Program, Emergency Em-ployment Program in the different con-gressional districts in the region, and Livelihood Programs in the provinces. “Guided with our mission to pro-mote gainful employment opportuni-ties, develop human resources, protect workers and promote their welfare, and maintain industrial peace, the DOLE is doing our best to look after the issues and concerns of our work-ers and provide them the services they deserve,” Cañete emphasized. On its livelihood assistance,

Cañete disclosed that DOLE-Caraga has al-ready implemented 13 projects in the region having 3,980 beneficiaries, and released the total amount of P11,537,388.00. It was also learned from the good director that on June 30, 2014, 120 individuals from the Industrial Tripartite Councils of Construction, Plantation, Transportation, Educa-tion, Wood-based, Security, Gen. and Other Services, Eco-Tourism and Mining gathered for the first time to sign and signify their com-mitment towards the adoption of Voluntary Code of Good Practices. “The Voluntary Code of Good Practices involves the promotion of labor laws compliance system, oc-cupational health and safety, pro-ductivity, dispute settlement, col-laboration of government partners, corporate social responsibility and monitoring code,” bared Cañete.


DAR Dinagat Islands distributes 427 titles to landless farmers By Daryll M. Tumbaga

DINAGAT ISLANDS- A total of 427 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) received their land titles or Certificate of Landownership Award (CLOA) during the distribution ceremony conducted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Dinagat Islands provincial office held recently at the Navarro Gymnasium, Barangay Poblacion, Libjo, this province.

DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Jamil P. Amatonding, Jr. together with Dinagat Islands lone district representative Arlene J. Bag-ao led the distribution of the CLOAs that covered 632.5067 hectares of land located in seven barangays of Libjo and one barangay respectively in both municipalities of Basilisa and Tubajon.

In his message, PARPO Amatonding reminded the beneficiaries that it is

their prime obligation to make the awarded lands to be more of use and productive.

Amatonding further urged them to register as members of the existing ARB organizations in the province as support services will be coursed through to these organizations.

On her part, Cong. Bag-ao was so happy that she gets to spend her birthday with the farmer-beneficiaries.


She also assured the public that when the Congress resumes, the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) will be a priority so that extension of services to the farmers will continue.

The said activity was also graced

by Libjo municipal mayor Lamberto T. Llamera, Jr., PARPO I Leoncio Bautista who represented DAR Caraga regional director Faisar Mambuay, guests from other line agencies, some municipal councilors, and DAR employees.

NRCO-Caraga continues to provide livelihood assistance, skills training to OFWs

BUTUAN CITY - “Along with our partner government agencies under the Department of Labor and Employment, we in the National Reintegration Center for the Overseas Filipino Workers are also providing livelihood assistance and skills training to OFWs in Caraga region.”

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

This was the statement of Labor and Employment Officer Nancy Jacinto of National Reintegration Center for the Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO) Caraga during a press conference on Monday

with the member-agencies of the Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) held in one of the local convention centers here.

Jacinto also bared that their office has released P530,000.00


for some 53 distressed or displaced OFWs. “We were also able to process/submit 163 applications for the P10,000.00 Livelihood Assistance under review to date,” she said.

“With the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, we monitored 100 OFWs/families who were given an Entrepreneurial Development Training and Financial Literacy Training in the entire Caraga region,” revealed Jacinto.

Jacinto further relayed that in partnership with the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) and DOLE, the NRCO has provided ISTIV training to 21 OFWs with P10,000.00 livelihood assistance beneficiaries as continuous enhancement and support in the creation of entities of the OFWs/families.

The ISTIV Bayanihan Training is a values-driven human resource strategy for quality and productivity (Q&P) improvement that is rooted on the following five (5) ideal attributes of a productive individual: Industrious, Systematic, Time-conscious, Innovative and strong value for work (ISTIV).

The program aims to provide technical support for the growth of the microenterprises to

become productive and competitive in the market arena.

“Our targets for this second quarter include the following: provision/release of livelihood assistance to each of the 163 OFWs already submitted to central office amounting to P10,000.00; conduct of Financial Awareness Seminar to 250 OFWs/families (4 seminars; 1 per province; 50 participants per province); conduct of Small Business Management Training (ISTIV Bayanihan) to 250 OFWs/families who will also benefit the P10,000.00 livelihood assistance; and conduct of four Skills Training (as needed/in demand) to 63 distressed/displaced women OFWs for Balik Pinay Hanapbuhay Program,” revealed Jacinto.

The National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), an agency of the Department of Labor and Employment was institutionalized pursuant to Republic Act 10022 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Center provides the mechanism for the OFWs’ reintegration into Philippine society, serves as a promotion house for their local employment, and tap their skills and potentials for national development.


Diskwento Program rolls out with BarangayanGENERAL SANTOS CITY - Cheaper basic goods are sold Friday, July 4, in Barangay Bawing as part of the first Diskwento Program of the Integrated Barangay Affairs (IBA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and City Mayor Ronnel Rivera. IBA head Joel Sy Duterte tapped the Gaisano Mall of Gensan to sell goods in a much lower price. (GENSAN CPIO/ Russell Delvo)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Six micro, small and medium enter-prises (MSME) in Maguindanao Province and Cotabato City recently re-ceived technical aid amounting to P6.2 million from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12.

DOST 12 releases P6.2 M to MSMEs in Maguindanao, Cotabato CityBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, DOST 12regional director told Philippine Information Agency, the assistance were extended via the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) through the Transition Investment Support Program (TISP) of the government for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

TISP is a major component of the roadmap crafted to fast-track key development initiatives and governance reforms in the ARMM.

Dr. Laidan affirmed that five of these beneficiaries are from the province of Maguindanao and one from Cotabato City.

Pamatuladan a Bayanan People’s Organization in Datu Saudi Ampatuan was granted P1.2 M for its project Halal Feed Mill: Upgrading of Equipment and Facilities while the Al Rahman Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Mamasapano received P1.2 M for their proposal Foliar Organic Fertilizer and Vermi Cast Processing: Upgrading of Facilities and Equipment.

Meanwhile, the Samsiya Coffee and Bakeshop was granted P300,000 for the upgrading of its bakeshop operations while the Mustapha Mangulamas Kalilintad Agricultural Marketing Cooperative in GSK Pendatun was given P1 M for its Bangsamoro Integrated Cooking Oil Production business.

Makapya Association and Furniture Shop is also set to upgrade its equipment and operations out of a P500,000 assistance.

Moreover, the popular Sardonyx Coffee and Grill in Cotabato City also received P2 million for the upgrading of its operations.

Laidan added that the technical assistance should be able to address problems in their enterprises and improve product quality and productivity.

SETUP is a nationwide initiative of DOST that intends to empower firms and help MSMEs grow into industries. The assistance is a complete package to boost their productivity and competiveness.


It enables the beneficiaries to address their technical problems, through technology transfer and technological interventions to improve production and product quality through human resources development, cost minimization, waste management and other operation-related activities.

Support includes appropriate technologies, manpower training, access to capital, access to market, product standards and testing, appropriate packaging and labelling, raw material supply, and others.

Assistance also includes the necessary and appropriate machineries and equipment.

Types of enterprises covered by SETUP in Region 12 include: food processing; furniture and home furnishings; gifts, holiday decors and fashion accessories; marine and aquatic resources, horticulture, metal and engineering, information and communication technology and Halal. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from BKTagitican-DOST 12)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato—To further cater the nutrition needs of the people especially in times of emergencies and disasters, the provincial government is calling for support on the National Nutrition Council’s (NNC) nutrition in emergencies (NIE) campaign.

NorthCot LGU calls for support on nutrition in emergencies campaignBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

The move was made after Governor Emmylou Mendoza accentuated the importance of having a healthy community that benefits from proper nutrition and the advantage it will give the people when calamity strikes.

“This Nutrition Month, we don’t only have to create greater awareness on proper nutrition, we also have to brace up our disaster preparedness and we can make it by supporting the campaign of the nutrition council,” Mendoza said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Nutrition

Action Officer Ely M. Nebrija emphasized that the help of all sectors are important as NIE has a vital role in the nationwide campaign to strengthen disaster preparedness through nutrition.

“The NIE refers to the nutrition services that are part of emergency preparedness, response and recovery, nutritional assessment among others.

“Everyone should be actively involved in our campaign especially in understanding NIE which if effectively absorbed, will prevent


death and protect the right to nutrition of the people especially the children even during the occurrence of disasters,” he added.

On the other hand, to check whether the villages in the province have incorporated the aspect of nutrition in emergency situations, Nebrija noted that they will be launching a search for the greenest, cleanest and safest barangay which is also prepared for emergency situations.

He explained that this is one of the

activities in line with the celebration of the 40th Nutrition Month.

This year’s nutrition celebration centers on the theme, ‘Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan!’ which according to Nebrija, aims to provide venue for communities to realize the importance of preparedness during emergencies and calamitous situations. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)

ESPERANZA, Sultan Kudarat – Student journalists from Esperanza National High School were recently organized as members of the Campus Develop-ment Communicators Network (CDevComNet).

Campus journalists urged to communicate for developmentBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

CDevComNet is a brainchild of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 12 headed by Regional Director Olivia Sudaria, who led the organization in the campus.

Dir. Sudaria told some 88 news editors and writers that campus journalists can help the government by disseminating information and writing stories of interesting developments in their area.

“As student writers, it is also your responsibility to inform and educate your fellow students about

the developmental efforts of the government by including them in your newsletters,” Sudaria said.

Meanwhile, ENHS Principal Rosalia E. Estrellan said they are very pleased that their school now has a CDevComNet and said it is a good venue for the students to get actively involved in government communication activities.

“Involving the younger generation through communications is a “channel of change” in helping the government,” Estrellan said.


DavSur provincial LGU steps up livelihood assistance in barangays

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – The provincial government of Davao del Sur has stepped up its liveli-hood projects in the barangays across the province, as part of the poverty reduction program which is one of the priorities of the LGU.

Marivic Hubac, executive assistant to Governor Claude Bautista, said the local government has been vigorously pouring in various livelihood assistance because “the governor wants to ensure that his constituents could meet their daily needs.”

by Carina Cayon


Among the recent undertaking was the distribution this year of 400 motorized banca (small fishing boats) through financial loan to fisherfolks in various municipalities like Sta. Maria and Sta. Cruz and Digos City. The motorized banca loan amounting to P30,000 per unit is giving the beneficiaries the chance of paying at least PhP50 pesos a day, and to have it fully paid in less than two years. Gov. Bautista bared during the celebration of the 47th Araw ng Davao del Sur on July 1, that not less than 2,500 fishing boats will be distributed to other coastal areas in the province for the next two years. Today (July 7), the governor together with Vice Governor Aileen Almendras, provincial board members and city and municipal mayors, has led the launching of the Provincial Tricycle Drivers Services Center at the provincial capitol where tricycle units were released to driver-recipients. Earlier, Bautista said 15 tricycles have been released to drivers in Digos City and Sta. Cruz town. Another livelihood project that will soon kick off in the barangays is the livestock and

poultry production such as the goat raising project called “Kambingan sa Barangay”, and the dairy or milk production, Hubac bared. She said the poultry production will be in partnership with San Miguel Corporation which will provide the stocks and a counterpart for the tunnel ventilation, a system to cool the animals in order to maintain their productivity. She added that the project will be owned by the farmer-beneficiaries, and that the areas considered as a provincial nursery site are Sta. Cruz, Bansalan or up to Hagonoy town. Hubac said they are also looking for feasible area where a fresh chicken dressing plant will be put up. Meanwhile, Hubac said the local government has also heightened its education program in the barangays by expanding its scholarship program prioritizing the children of barangay officials and barangay workers. She added that the qualified beneficiaries should be honor students or who could pass the scholarship exams. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)


Davnor gov’t center, hospital get Red OrchidDAVAO DEL NORTE - - - The pro-vincial government center here and the Provincial Hospital – Car-men Zone garnered Red Orchid Awards in implementing 100% Tobacco-Free Environment within its premises. Received during the Red orchid awarding ceremony on June 26 at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City, the awards were presented earlier during the Monday Convocation program of the provincial government here. Records show that based on the criteria set by the Department of Health, the provincial government garnered a 100% equivalent score; while the hospital acquired 99.02%. Dr. Agapito Hornido, provincial health officer, said that the strict implementation of the Provincial Ordinance No. 2000-041 or the Anti-Smoking Code of Davao del Norte supplemented by the Memoradum Circular No. 17-2009 of the Civil Service Commission contributed to the attaining of the award. Dr. Hornido said that before the implementation of the policies, department heads of the provincial government were oriented. Hornido added that if an

employee committed the offenses for three times, the penalty that will be charged to the personnel is termination. He also said that the provincial health office conducted a survey on all the employees and encouraged those smokers to undergo smoking cessation sessions in the clinic. He added that only those willing employees were accommodated in the smoking cessation clinic. Dr. Erma Adora Balani, provincial tobacco prevention and control program coordinator of the province, said that according to their initial survey, the provincial government has 87 smoker-employees. Dr. Balani added that among those, 47 have already undergone counseling on smoking cessation. She also said that on the following months, they will be trying to reach out to the other 40 employees for them to undergo smoking cessation counseling. Aside from them, the other winners were Panabo City and the municipality of Dujali with Pink Orchid Awards; and New Corella with White Orchid Award. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)


The CDevComNet elected officers at Esperanza National High Schools (ENHS) are: President: Amira Alisha GavasanVice-President: Shyna Jean PetismeSecretary: Christine Yvonne BalinasTreasurer: Joshua LapadaAuditor: Thehani Aldiena AngasBusiness Mngr.: Genrick Carl San MiguelPRO: Kenneth Jones Lorenton

After the organization of CDevComNet, the activity was followed by an orientation on the Youth Environment in Schools-Organization (YES-O) and Climate Change Adaptation.

Dr. Norman Valeroso of DepEd-12 said YES-O is already organized in

ENHS but they only have a few members.

“We are hoping that this school year every student of Esperanza Natl High School will be a member of the YES-O because environment education is everybody’s concern,” Valeroso said.

Meanwhile, Manuela Locsin of the DENR-12 talked about climate change responses of the Philippine government.

Locsin presented the potential climate change impacts and adaptation measures.

Further, she urged the students to be active advocates of climate change in their respective communities. (ORVRivera-PIA12)


Preparation for looming disasters needs urgent functionality of local disaster committees – OCD chief By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Natural calamities have swept many parts of the country recently and, as a result, thousands of lives have already been lost. Billions worth of properties were destroyed. But then the painful truth surfaces -- many authorities agree that those lives could have been saved, if only they have been more prepared.


Climate change is happening, many experts agree. And because of it, we are to expect more natural disasters in the coming years. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) emphasized that the organization and functionality of local disaster risk reduction management committees are a serious and urgent matter to be realized by local government units in the region down to the barangay level if communities are to be resilient to these looming calamities. “The Local Government Units’ (LGUs) role is very important in disaster risk reduction. In drafting their plans, they should prioritize mitigating the effects of disasters through proper planning and allocating of their local funds,” said Eric Castillo, officer-in-charge of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-9. “The LGUs, down to the barangays are mandated by law to organize disaster risk reduction management committees,” Castillo pointed out. “But these committees should not simply be organized only for compliance, they must be functional.” “Let us think about the safety and security of our people, of our loved ones,” he stressed. Castillo said that LGUs have a local disaster risk reduction management fund, amounting to not less than five percent of their annual budget. Seventy percent of this amount should be used for pre-disaster activities that would strengthen the communities’ resilience to disasters and calamities, which

include the purchase of equipment, trainings, community organizing, and information dissemination campaigns. The other 30 percent can only be used when an LGU declares a state of calamity. “More premium is put on disaster preparedness because we want everyone to be ready. If people are ready for any calamity, chances are there would be lesser effects and the resources needed to respond to disasters would be far lesser,” Castillo explained. He added that it is high time for everyone in the communities to be prepared since climate change’s effects have already been felt in many parts of the country. “Being ready for disaster, however, is not just government’s duty; every one of us, every family should be involved and prepared,” he said. “We do not want another Yolanda episode where thousands died because of the lack of preparedness for such a disaster.”


Labason mayor bares accomplishments on 50th birthdayBy Alfonso T. RudaLABASON, Zamboangadel Norte -Mayor EddieQuimbo reported his accomplishments as municipal mayor during his 50th birthday celebration last July 1 at his residence in Barangay Gil Sanchez here. He mentioned infrastructure projects that were either started by his predecessor or funded by concerned national government agencies (NGAs), which got completed inhis administration. These projects include the DAR/ARCP-II projects in Barangays Balas, Gabu and Lawigan amounting to more or less P37 million, and the construction of Water Supply(level II),Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement, health centers, school buildings and ECCD Centers. An evacuation center worth P2.5 million and the Integrated Bus Terminal costing P4 million,were both funded by the municipality’s 20% Economic Development Fund. The public market building worth P700 thousandwas funded by Senator Francis Escudero’s Priority Development Assistance Fund and the P935 thousand Public Market alley was constructed through a funding from the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Seal of Good Housekeeping/PSF. Meanwhile, the concreting of some streets in barangays Antonino, Imelda, and the municipal street (fronting the Municipal Hall)was

funded under the municipality’s 20% economic development fund and are still ongoing. Other than the infrastructure projects, the present municipal leadership has alsoconducted medical outreach mission in some far-flung barangays, and assisted dental and medical outreach mission of the provincial government conducted in barangays Immaculada, Kipit, and New Salvacion all of this town. Mayor Quimbo also established Police Assistance Centers in barangays Dansalan and Osukan to ensure the maintenance of peace and order in the area. Mayor Quimbo also urged his constituents to set aside politics and rally behind him for the improvement of municipality, making it one of the most progressive towns in the province. He also expressed gratitude to the support extended to him by President Benigno Aquino III, Governor Roberto Y. Uy and 3rd District Representative Isagani S. Amatong, whom he considered were instrumental in the successful implementation of all the projects in his municipality.

One Mindanao - July 8, 2014

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Transcript of One Mindanao - July 8, 2014