One Mindanao - March 11, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

GIDEON C. CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

CONTENTS

NorthCot BFP intensifies campaign for fire-safe community

TESDA-13 offers scholarship slot to brother of fallen SAF member in Butuan

DOLE turns-over 25 BMX bikes to OSYs in Dipolog

Thousands turn up for Int’l Women’s Day celebration in Isabela City, Basilan

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Iligan breaks city all-time record International Women’s Day celebBy: Lorry V. Gabule

There’s no onion crisis – Alcala

DPWH completes 3 major projects in CDO

Butuan City to extend aid to ‘Fallen 44’ families

NPA rebels burn 7 heavy trucks in BukidnonIligan Bay Aliance of MisOcc expands coverage, harmonizes Coastal Resources Management plans

By: Robert E. Roperos

By: Noel B. Najarro

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By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

By: Catherine T. Apelacio

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2122 Gensan Central Fire Station to shore

up IEC on fire safety and prevention

By: Mary May A. Abellon

By: Rene V. Carbayas

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Christian C. Uy

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

18 LGUs asked to align plans, programs with Regional Dev’t Plan By: Kleah Dublin

By: DPWH

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4 MARCH 11, 2015One Mindanao

Thousands of women, including men in Iligan made it to break the record in the city’s history of celebrating the International Women’s Day.

By: Lorry V. Gabule

Iligan breaks city all-time record International Women’s Day celeb

5MARCH 11, 2015 One Mindanao

According to Anita T. Sescon, Iligan City Gender and Development Office (ICGDO) head, who is also the past president of the Mindanao Commission on Women, it was an overwhelming participation from the city’s 44 barangay, city hall employees, national government offices, women in uniform from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), various women’s organizations, civic clubs, and other groups involve to promote women’s welfare.

The day started with a parade around the city thoroughfare, at 6:00 a.m. and later on converged at the city public plaza for a program. Lined-up activities for the

day include a ‘3 in 1 sa Adlaw sa Kababayen-an’ which started with a fun walk from the Iligan City National High School and ended up at the city public plaza; Group dance, and individual dance with movements in a spontaneous interpretation of the songs being played such as “Happy” by Pharell Williams and “Break the Chain;” and Fun Games, with Group and Individual Games. Participants were all from the organized women’s groups from the 44 barangays.

This is a joint undertaking of ICGDO, Local Council of Women in Iligan City (LCWIC), City Sports Office and the Youth Affairs of the Office of the City Mayor. “Every 8th of March, the world celebrates the International Women’s Day, a landmark

celebration that shows respect and recognition of various women contribution in global change in the line of socio-economic, political and environmental crusade and transformation,“ said Iligan city mayor Celso G. Regencia. The women of today are


already empowered and can now equal to whatever men can do and in some cases women do surpass the expectation we have for men, the mayor added. Regencia further said women of today play various roles from households to the corporate and political world. The mayor challenges each woman to stand for her rights, defend and fight for a fairer and equal society that knows no gender, race and religion. Let the women sector be the precursor of change and proves to become one of the best hopes in the city, and in our country. This year’s celebration of Women’s Month bears the

international theme, “Make it happen.” Locally, the adopted theme in the country, “Juana, Desisyun Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!” Both themes (international and local), reiterated the crucial role of every woman today in defining the future of our city, our country, the world and our planet. The judgment every woman of today will make the kind of future we all and the rest of our race, Regencia said. Further, this year’s theme aim to pay tribute to all women leaders who passionately led and continue to advance women’s advocacies.


Other activities for the Women’s Month include “Mugna Sa Kababayen- an,” a three-day exhibit and selling of products by the Women’s Organizations, spearheaded by the City Social Welfare Office and the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI), from March 6-7. Program and Women’s Fellowship activities at the city public plaza, participated by Women’s Organizations and other community associations, March 6. March 7 is set for a bloodletting activity at the city public plaza. In the evening was the “Harana Alang sa

Kababayen-an” with selected performers. In the evening of March 8 was an event dubbed ‘A Night of Poetry and Music’ and film showing at the city public plaza. On March 9, a flag raising ceremony program hosting at the Anahaw Amphitheatre, city hall, spearheaded by the ICGDO, in partnership with Youth Affairs Office and LCWIC, and city departments gender focal persons. Orientation and Demonstration on Livelihood Skills and Women Entrepreneurship at the City Development Livelihood Office


(CDLO) Training Center, Tambo, Iligan City, March 13. March 27 will be the Women’s Congress for Climate Justice, with selected women leader participants. All activities for the Women’s Month celebration remind us that women are essential and significant development

partners. The celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 224, 227 and Republic Act No. 6469, declaring first week of March as “Women’s Week, March 8 as National Women’s Day, and providing for the observance of the month of March as “Women’s Role in History Month.”


Manila - President Benigno S. Aquino III led the 29th founding anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) on Tuesday, recognizing the organization’s contribution to nation building.

President Aquino leads PSG’s 29th anniversary celebration

Since the PSG’s creation in 1986, the group has evolved into a formidable and well-organized security organization for the President and his family,

President Aquino said. “Ang layo na nga po ng narating ng Presidential Security Group sa loob ng halos tatlong


dekada,” he said, noting that when his mother, the former president Corazon Aquino, assumed power, the PSG had to begin from scratch.

“Noong nag-umpisa ang PSG, noong panahon ng nanay ko po, pagdating dito, wala na pong itinira sa atin: ultimong mga jalousie, doorknob, pati nga po mismong punong nakatayo, binunot dahil sila daw ang nagtanim kaya dadalhin na nila pag-alis nila—lahat ng matatangay ay kinuha nila,” the President said, recalling the excesses of the Marcos

administration.

In the past several decades, the PSG has become a reliable and more organized professional organization, he said.

The President also praised PSG’s successes and sacrifices, from an ambush during one of the attempted coups d’etat in the 1980s at the Malacañang complex, where he nearly died, to the provision of security now that he is serving as President.

The PSG successfully secured him when he stayed


in Zamboanga City during the Zamboanga siege in 2013, he said. He also recognized the successful work of the PSG during the visit of Pope Francis in the country last January.

“Maski nga ho sa pagdating ng Santo Papa nitong Enero, sa kabila ng kagustuhan niyang makalapit sa napakaraming tao, nanatili siyang ligtas at naging matagumpay ang kanyang pagbisita,” he said.

“Malamang ang sinasabi ninyo ngayon: Di-hamak na mas madali akong bantayan kaysa sa Santo Papa.”

With the presence of groups sowing negativity and trying to destroy the unity between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), the PSG could serve as an example and model, according to the President.

The public, he said, must see the dedication of military and police personnel working together in a single command under the PSG to achieve national unity.

In the remaining days of his administration, the President

said he, together with the Filipino people, could accomplish a lot with the PSG’s contributions. “Nasa huling yugto na tayo ng ating administrasyon, kompiyansa ako na dahil kasama ko ang PSG, mas marami pa tayong magagawa tungo sa katuparan ng ating nagkakaisang adhikain: Isang Pilipinas na huwaran ng kaunlaran, isang bansang mapayapa, at nagsisilbing bukal ng pagkakataon para sa ating mamamayan,” he said.

Former president Corazon Aquino disbanded the Presidential Security Command under the Marcos administration in 1986 and replaced it with a leaner PSG with then Army Col. Voltaire T. Gazmin as its chief.

The PSG, which provides security to the President and his immediate family as well as visiting leaders, had to start from scratch because its headquarters was looted at the height of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

“Kalasag Ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago” was the theme of the PSG’s 29th anniversary celebration. (PCOO/PND (as)


Alcala nonetheless called on the industry to work with the DA in formulating strategies to address the situation and help farmers avoid further losses as oversupply naturally drives prices to lower levels.

“Ang crisis po ay kung wala kang mabibili kagaya

po ng nangyari sa bawang before,” Alcala told reporters in Santiago, Ilocos Sur on Monday where he distributed various fishing gears and equipment to local fisherfolk organizations. “Mababa daw ang presyo dahil marami (ang suplay). Hindi ko po nakikitang problema yun dahil nakita ng tao na maganda

There’s no onion crisis – Alcala

QUEZON CITY - Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala allayed fears of a possible onion crisis in Central Luzon, saying the prevailing low prices of the commodity could be the result of bumper harvests as more farmers were encouraged to plant, and not the alleged stockpiling of imported onions.


ang kita sa sibuyas kaya marami ang nagtanim.” Long term-solution: Onions in powder, oil forms

Meanwhile, onion farmer-leaders in Pinili, Ilocos Norte welcomed a suggestion from the DA chief to consider the processing of onions into powdered and oil forms as one strategy to maximizing use of the abundant harvest.

The farmer-leaders, who met with Alcala during his visit Monday to DA’s newly-completed Onion-Garlic Hanger Storage Project in Brgy. Darat, expressed their readiness to become the pilot project beneficiaries for onion processing.

Alcala said DA is ready to provide onion farmers willing to go into processing with appropriate support – from production to marketing – to help increase economic opportunities for them, and make farming more productive.

“DA will always protect the interest and welfare of Filipino farmers,” Alcala said. “In fact, we created enemies in smugglers as we perform that

duty. But there’s no bargain for that. The Filipino farmers are the reason for our being at DA.” Alcala noted that the onion industry was virtually a dying industry by 2010 but the Aquino Administration turned it around through swift and targeted interventions, including making available high quality planting materials. No import permit issued Meanwhile, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) OIC-Director Atty. Paz Benavidez II clarified that the BPI has not issued any Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPIC) to any importer for red onion since 2012, while less than 10,000 metric tons of (yellow granex) white onion has arrived from September 2014 to January this year. “We are not expecting any onion arrivals soon because all the SPICs that have been issued are already expired and there are no more pending applications in our list,” Benavidez said. (DA-OSEC)


DPWH completes 3 major projects in CDO

Three additional infrastructure projects have been completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Region 10 for Cagayan de Oro City costing P111 million. In a report to Secretary of Public Works and Highways Rogelio L. Singson, DPWH Region 10 Director Evelyn T. Barroso cited the inauguration of recently completed flood control project (flood wall) along CDO River, Cathedral

Section; access road leading to famous Dao Heritage Tree and Mapawa Nature Park; and road concreting and drainage project at Berjaya Resettlement Area.

The biggest among the three projects in terms of


project cost, is the 1.9-kilometer tourism road with drainage and slope protection, leading to Dao Heritage Tree and Mapawa Nature Park. Costing P49 million, the road is now providing more efficient accessibility in mentioned tourist destinations, contributing to the boost of tourism industry in the city.

Drainage project ion BerjayaAnother project is the five meters tall and 146 lineal meters long flood wall along CDO River, Cathedral section, in the amount of P48 million. The flood control project was

accomplished in eight months, and is now protecting structures and residents within the vicinity from flood and overflow of CDO river.

Also part of the three completed infrastructure is the concreting of 541-lineal meter circumferential road of Berjaya Resettlement Area in Barangay Camaman-an. This project is envisioned to provide all weather road and drainage system within the resettlement area for easy access of people, goods and services for the residents living in the vicinity. (DPWH)

Public safety assured during 78th Araw ng Dabaw

DAVAO CITY- Police and military authori-ties assured that there is no report about a direct threat to Davao City as it celebrates its 78th Founding Anniver-sary on March 16, de-spite the stepping up of atrocities perpetrated by the communist reb-els in Davao Region and the ongoing offensive against the Bangsam-oro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindan-

ao. Senior Inspector Mary Grace Driz, spokes-person of the Davao City Police Office explained that despite this develop-ment, the security sec-tor has strengthened its presence and procedures to ensure public safety all the time. She said all police units observe high state of alert to prevent crimi-nal elements in conduct-ing their nefarious activi-ties during the festivity.


LGUs asked to align plans, programs with Regional Dev’t Plan

COMPOSTELA VALLEY—Local gov-ernment units (LGUs) should align their plans and programs with the thrust and directions set in the Up-dated Regional Development Plan. Regional Development Coun-cil (RDC) XI Chairperson Rodolfo P. del Rosario (governor of Davao del Norte) made this call this morning during the Updated Regional Devel-opment Plan (RDP) Roadshow hosted

this morning by the provincial gov-ernment of Compostela Valley. While he pointed out that the RDP provides the policy framework for local development, Del Rosario also emphasized the crucial point of the Plan implementation at the lo-cal level, noting the involvement of the common populace as essential in achieving the Plan’s ultimate goal to ensure the improvement of the qual-ity of life of all Dabawenyos

“We have strengthened our alertness and intensified target hardening and being proactive,” Driz said. She said the public can report to the nearest police element, suspi-cious looking individuals so that they can be stopped, frisked and ques-tioned immediately. Colonel Romeo Brawner, spokesperson of the Eastern Mind-anao Command also said that based on their monitoring there is no direct to the city’s safety and security.He said the gentleman’s agreement between Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and the New People’s Army not to harm police and civilians holds.Brawner said the military headed by the Task Force Davao, the DCPO and the police regional and provincial of-fices are also ready to prevent and to respond to any eventuality.

“Everyone is doing the job to make Araw ng Dabaw very peaceful,” he said.Brawner confirmed that there is no let-up in the ongoing military opera-tion against the communist rebels outside Davao City aimed at reduc-ing their capability to launch atroci-ties. The Task Force Davao has is-sued an advisory to avoid the follow-ing in the event areas: unattended children, bottled water and tumblers, sharp objects, deadly weapons, backpacks and laser pointers. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


Putting emphasis on the impor-tance of LGUs and people’s participa-tion in implementing the Plan, Del Rosario pointed the need to widely disseminate it. While RDC XI through the Na-tional Economic Development Au-thority (NEDA) XI has set out to disseminate the Plan through con-ducting a series of Updated RDP Roadshow, Del Rosario echoed his call for wider Plan dissemination to the media sector and to the public and private partner “Let us advocate our Plan to the widest spectrum of the society,” he said in his message to the RDP Roadshow participants, among whom were local government officials of Compostela Valley, local develop-ment planners, regional and provin-cial directors of national line agen-cies and members of the media Meanwhile, he explained to Comvalenyos the benefits that the Updated RDP can bring to them say-ing that the strategies and targets set in the Plan can help Compostela Valley Province achieve its goals es-pecially those on improving access to human development services and sustainable economic stability. The Plan is also crucial in aim-ing for “efficient, effective and dy-namic local governance responsive to the needs of the people; and the transparent and participatory gover-nance,” Del Rosario said. He pointed out the similar-ity of the Plan’s focused objective

of “achieving sustained high and inclusive growth by 2016” with what Compostela Valley provincial govern-ment wants to attain for its people. “As partners in development, this Province’s initiative are also geared toward eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable development and providing the best quality of life to Comvalenyos,” he said. Del Rosario expressed his grati-tude for the provincial government for hosting the 3rd leg of RDC Up-datedd RDP Roadshow which was attended by Compostela Valley 1st District Representative Maricar Zamora-Mabanglo, Governor Arturo T. Uy, Vice Governor Manuel Zamora and Board Member Jayvee Tyron Uy, among other local government of-ficials. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

ARMM hosts 1st Planners’ Congress

By: Perlita Changco

COTABATO CITY, Mar. 11 – Planning officers from the provinces of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) that include Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Lanao del Sur attended the 1st ARMM Planners’ Congress held here last March 4-5, 2015.Spearheaded by the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) of the autonomous region the meeting is anchored on the theme, “Harnessing autonomous regional government and local government units a collaboration towards good governance and efficient public service”.The two-day activity aims to discuss the


planned development programs and projects of each municipality envisioned to spur economic and livelihood activities to improve the quality of life of people and communities.ARMM Exec. Sec. Atty. Laisa Alamia congratulated the participants for showing their all-out support to be part of the whole plan and future of the ARMM which eventually would later become the Bangsamoro Government.“We discussed their plans, priority programs and infrastructure projects that interconnectivity to its people and we promised them that we are going to build those roads, ports and schools,” Alamia said.She said, ARMM has already implemented the ARMM-HELPS (health, education, livelihood, peace/governance and synergy) program, and is now implementing the ARMM-BRIDGE (Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment) and the PAMANA program and with the implementation of the annual infrastructure program for 2015 onwards pursuant to the region’s massive infrastructure program.

Alamia urged the planners to plan and design the future of the Bangsamoro since the future of the Bangsamoro is dependent upon how good their plans will be with utmost consideration on the real based on the real situation and needs of the municipalities and barangays.The planners’ priorities will be consolidated and to be presented in the 3rd Local Government Unit (LGU) Summit to be conducted this month with the presence of the mayors, governors including congressmen and other national officials to tackle the programs and projects.Alamia added, not all proposals will be included in the 2016 priority programs but will be under consideration for implemented in the next years as long as the plan is community demand-driven.The conduct of the two-day activity was collaboration between with the Office of the Regional Governor (ORG), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of ARMM. (IEroy/pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Mar. 11—The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the province is strengthening its campaign for a fire-safety community in line with the observation of the Fire Prevention Month.

NorthCot BFP intensifies campaign for fire-safe communityBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Provincial Fire Marshall Supt. Sambas Muhamad said that as part of their advocacy, their of-fice continues with the cam-paign to lessen, if not totally eradicate severe damage to lives and properties caused by incidents of fire.

“Included in the campaign of firefighters is the fire safety information to many houses and establishments to make residents aware of the possible causes of fire such as LPG tanks with leaks, faulty electrical wir-ings, unplugged appliances, lighted candles, among others,” he noted.

The BFP also continues to conduct on-site fire drill and seminars to various local gov-ernment units, schools, board-ing houses and establishments.

Muhamad further stated that the month-long observance will highlight the safety awareness

drive of BFP by way of visibil-ity campaign such as lectures on fire prevention, inspection of establishments, identification of fire-prone areas, conduct of pre-fire planning to identified areas and other important activities.

Meanwhile, the provincial gov-ernment has pronounced its support to the initiatives of the BFP.

In connection, Governor Em-mylou Mendoza enjoined all departments and offices in the Provincial Capitol to exercise vigilance and awareness in pre-venting fire and in the process save lives and properties.

Mendoza emphasized that fire safety and fire prevention start at home and preventive mea-sures must be applied by every-one be it in the house or offices.

The fire prevention month this year is bannered under the theme, “Kaligtasan sa Sunog:


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 11— The Central Fire Station here is bent on bringing the campaign on fire safety and prevention measure at the barangay levels.

Gensan Central Fire Station to shore up IEC on fire safety and preventionBy: Catherine T. Apelacio

On Sunday (March 1), the General Santos City Central Fire Station (GSCCFS) headed by fire marshal, Chief Inspector Nailyn Belonio has drumbeat this year’s simultaneous opening with a “walk for fire-free and fire-safe nation 2015.”

Fire Prevention Month is a nationwide event led by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Belonio said this year’s fire prevention month which carries the theme, “Kaligtasan sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin at ISABUHAY NATIN” will be more focused on the awareness level of local residents.

Citing the theme, she underscored the importance of enhancing the knowledge

of the communities on fire prevention and safety measure to enable them to practically apply it leading to empowered households and safety environment.

She said the GSCCFS is scheduled to undertake trainings, seminars, symposium, and other related information, communication, and education (IEC) activities on fire prevention and safety to the different communities of the 26 barangays in the city.

Belonio sees it fit to conduct a personalized house to house IEC campaign in order to ensure that local residents will have that desired level of awareness and understanding on various fire

Alamin, Gawin at Isabuhay Natin”. Through this theme, the BFP wants the people to be constantly reminded of the

importance of vigilance and awareness of fire prevention. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cot. Provincial Government)


safety practices and prevention measures.

She said the key to safety is “self-discipline” laced with appropriate knowledge and safe practices. Fire accidents, she stressed is preventable.

On Wednesday, March 4, the city fire station has brought its “Berong Bombero sa Paaralan” to Lagao Alliance School. The Berong Bombero, BFP’s official mascot has not only entertained young pupils but also provided them with some easy tips on fire safety.

Deputy city fire marshal, Inspector Jennylyn Te-elan also on Thursday (March 5) spoke to the residents of Barangay Conel here regarding fire safety as part of the “Community Immersion Program (CIP) organized by the Alpha and Bravo company of “Talahib Class” of the Regional Training Center (RTC) XII.

There was also fire dill performed by community residents during the immersion. The drill was organized by RTC XII’s Echo and Foxtrot company, also of Talahib Class.

Meanwhile, BFP, which is under the Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG), has called on individuals, national and local officials, schools, firms, and the communities, in general to be vigilant, alert and join the

nationwide campaign to prevent accidents involving fire.

Malacanang has also urged Filipinos to observe “caution and safety consciousness” not just during summer months but all the time.

The Fire Prevention Month, which was first enforced in 1966 through Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A intends to promote a “safety consciousness” among Filipino people by equipping them with necessary education and awareness on fire prevention and safety measure to reduce fire incidents in the country.

GSCCFS which has already recorded “85 structural and grass fires” in the last two months is also determined to visit congested communities and commercial hubs deploying fire trucks in the campaign not only for improved visibility but also to raise awareness and understanding among people in fire-prone areas.

It said fires that occur at home and in the workplace are usually caused by “faulty electrical wiring and inappropriate connection” which are preventable if safety and prevention measure has been taken into consideration. (CT Apelacio/PIA-12 General Santos City)


Surigao maritime school launches high-tech ship bridge simulator training facilityBy: Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY - Surigao Education Center (SEC), one of the pioneer maritime schools in the region, has formally launched its high-tech, high value and state-of-the-art full mission ship bridge simulator training facility on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, here.


In her message, Office of the School President officer-in-charge and School Registrar Rosanna S. Bautista said the new ship bridge simulator is a newest effort to keep the institution at the very forefront of local and international maritime education and training. Bautista revealed that it is a P6 million facility that uses a P4.9 million Polaris Ship’s Bridge Simulator software of Kongsberg Maritime - a Norwegian Technology Enterprise, and a hardware worth P1.5 million. “This new facility represents the SEC’s longstanding commitment and investment in providing quality maritime education and training in the region especially the Surigaonons,” Bautista added. On his part, College of Maritime Education dean Captain Leo B. Durano confirmed that out of nine schools in Mindanao offering Bachelor of Science in

Maritime Transportation (BSMT) program, six schools are already out while only three schools are left for evaluation by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED). “SEC is one of the three schools under evaluation,” he said. Capt. Durano said that with the new facility, it will no doubt level-up the standard of the institution in providing a world class maritime education and training and produce globally competitive seafarers. For more information and details on programs offered, you may visit the SEC-Registrar’s Office located at Km. 2, National Highway, this city or call at telephone (086)826-3767/(086)231-7048, or visit their website at www.sec.edu.ph. SEC is an non stock, non profit private, non sectarian educational institution incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Philipines on November 25, 1987. The school had also adapted the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for quality management system and is currently accredited with Anglo Japanese American Registrars, Inc. (AJA).


TESDA-13 offers scholarship slot to brother of fallen SAF member in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY - The elder brother of one of the fallen 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troops in the Mamasapano encounter was offered a scholarship slot by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga.

By: Robert E. Roperos

This development came following the directive of TESDA Sec. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva to all operating units of the agency to extend assistance to families of the fallen SAF troops. Joel, elder brother of the late SPO1 Lover Inocencio said he immediately contacted TESDA-Caraga through Regional Dir. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. after having been informed of such development. “I was informed by a TESDA employee when we were still in Manila attending the wake of

my brother regarding this so I grabbed the opportunity… and I am so thankful to Dir. Sunico for finding time to discuss this with me,” he said in Cebuano dialect. During his visit today, Sunico assured him of a scholarship slot under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) saying that this has been the directive of Sec. Villanueva. “By all means, we will extend assistance to you and your siblings by providing you scholarship slots in TESDA,” Dir. Sunico added. Immediately after the short


conversation, Joel was given the Learners Profile Form for him to fill-up and as soon as the training for the Heavy Equipment Operation NC II will start, TESDA will just contact him. When asked what motivates him to seek training in TESDA, Inocencio said he wanted to help the family of his younger brother. Joel said he has been dreaming of his brother who keeps on asking him to help his family in Panabo, Davao del Norte. However, Joel is thankful to the government for the financial assistance given to the family of his brother. “At least, this can help his wife and his 5 year-old son in their financial needs,” he said. Meanwhile, Joel recalled the heroic act of his brother and the other 43 SAF members who were killed during the January 25 Mamasapano encounter. The teary-eyed Inocencio said his brother was a working student and graduated Cum Laude from Agusan del Sur College of Agriculture and Technology (ASCAT) taking up BS in Agriculture. “Since he was not a Criminology graduate, Lover had took at least nine trainings in the PNP before he was promoted to his position. This March, he

is supposed to be promoted as Senior Police Officer 2,” he said. With the training he will receive from TESDA, Joel is optimistic that as soon as he can finish be certified, he can look for a better job that will pave the way for him to help the family of his younger brother. “Right now I am doing carpentry works here in our city that is why I want to be trained in TESDA and hopefully can look for better work to help not only my family but as well as the family of my younger brother in Panabo,” Joel said. He is also extending his gratitude to TESDA for the opportunity given to him to be trained in Heavy Equipment Operation. “I would like to thank TESDA through Sec. Villanueva for this assistance. This will surely help me, my family, and the family of my brother in supporting their financial needs especially that three of our younger siblings are still studying in college for which my younger brother was the one who provided their financial assistance… Thank you to TESDA,” he said. Lover and his siblings are natives of Barangay Bonbon here until he got married and transferred his residence to Panabo, Davao del Norte.


City vice-mayor and Sangguniang Panlungsod presiding officer Angelo “Angie” Calo said Monday that the city council had passed S.P. Resolution No. 156-2015 extending assistance to the bereaved families of the Mamasapano “Fallen 44.” Vice-Mayor Calo was the guest of honor and speaker during the Monday flag-raising rites at the regional police headquarters at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, here. “The deeds of the ‘Fallen 44’ who had sacrificed their lives in the performance of their duties is worth to be treasured and be remembered with due honors,” Calo said during his message. According to him, the deep sorrow felt by their families who were left behind cannot be measured, but the Butuan City local government under Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. and the members of the city council

under his leadership, hoped that their modest gesture, along with the respect and honors expressed by their comrade in arms and the whole citizenry of this country, could in a way appease the great sorrow they have right now. Calo also said that the sacrifice of the “Fallen 44” epitomizes the PNP mission pursued by every PNP officer and member, the service and protection of the citizenry. The vice-mayor also mentioned during his message in his entire 21 years in public service, 12 years as city councilor and 9 years as Vice-Mayor to assist the PNP has been among

Butuan City to extend aid to ‘Fallen 44’ families By: Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY - The families of the Fallen 44 will receive P250,000 financial assistance from the city government here.


his top priorities. He said that in the 1990’s as a city councilor, he was among the principal author of a measure providing assistance to the city PNP in the form of providing rice allowance to every city police personnel which they are enjoying until now. And in his stint as Vice-mayor, he pioneered a program dubbed as “Kilaon Ta Ang Kapulisan” to have the police be fully known and their best efforts be recognized by the LGU and the community. Also, as the chairman of appropriations for nine years, he made it sure that the provision for the city PNP should not be limited to the administrative but also to its operational support.

In 2013, Calo said, the LGU appropriated P5 million for operational support. This was increased to P7.1 million on 2014 on top of the other support worth P3 million and the mayor’s intelligence fund. The police plays a vital role in the progress and development of the country, and particularly in this city, according to vice-mayor Calo. The Police Regional Office 13 under Caraga PNP Director PCSupt. David Y. Ombao recognized the city council and LGU’s assistance by presenting a plaque of appreciation to Vice-Mayor Calo as among the highlights of the flag-raising rites.


NGCP’s role in power industry clarifiedBy Alfonso T. RudaDIPOLOG CITY (PIA) - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) facilitates the transmission of power from the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) to the distribution facilities based on the power allocation indicated in the contract between the National Power Corporation (NPC) and the distribution facilities or electric cooperatives, said NGCP’s Corporate Public Affairs Officer in last Sunday’s “Kapihan sa Dipolog” radio program.


Corporate Public Affairs Officer Elizabeth Ladaga explained “the NGCP is a private corporation in-charge of the operation and maintenance and expansion of transmission network in the country. It serves as the link between NPC and the electric cooperatives and distribution utilities.” “It has nothing to do nor control over the power generation. However, it manages the system and makes sure that any available power supply is efficiently to the consumers,” Ladaga added. Engr. Armand Desico, of NGCP’s Operation and Maintenance Division said that the three major players are involved in power industry from generation, transmission, and to distribution. He also urged the public-consumers not to immediately blame either NPC or NGCP or electric cooperatives for any power interruption, as “there are instances that a power interruption may have happened at the source, in the transmission process or at the level of distribution utilities.” Desico said NGCP has been intensifying its information dissemination campaign to remind the public of the safety measures to avoid the occurrence of unplanned power interruption in their area. Engr. Hermie Hamoy of the NPC agreed with Desico saying unplanned power interruption may happen due to grass fires,

structures built under power lines, trees planted, vehicles parked and antennas that are near or under the transmission lines. Aside from these, he also cited the terroristic activities of the lawless elements, causing damage to its transmission facilities. Moreover, Engr. Desico announced the energization last Jan. 11 of the newly completed 230-kiloVolt Abaga-Kirohon line which is the last component of its Mindanao transmission backbone project. The project, which has a span of 122 kilometers, crosses the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, including the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro. Prior to the completion of Abaga-Kirohon line, two sections of the transmission line project were completed, the last of which was the Kirohon-Maramag 230-KV line, which was energized in August 2014.


DOLE turns-over 25 BMX bikes to OSYs in DipologBy Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of Zamboanga del Norte has recently turned-over 25 BMX bikes to 25 out-of-school youths (OSYs) of Barangay Barra this city.

DOLE-Zamboanga del Norte provincial chief, Lourdes Amores, said this project is under the agency’s “Livelihood

Formation Bicycle Rental Services to Generate Income Among Out-of-School Youths for Balik-Eskwela Program.”


The said bicycles will be rented for P40 per hour at Dipolog City Boulevard and the proceeds thereof will be used to finance the education of the recipients and for other expenses to be incurred by the group. Mayor Evelyn T. Uy appealed to the recipients to take good care of their “bicycle for rent” business by using their income properly. The lady mayor stressed that this program corresponds to the city’s vision of becoming the Sports

Event Center of the South by 2020. She also encouraged the youth sector to actively participate in all outdoor activities the city government and private groups have organized. The beneficiaries, who are members of the PAG-ASA Youth Bikers and Kayakers Association (PYBKA), have expressed their gratitude to the DOLE and the city government of Dipolog for the support extended to their group.


Thousands turn up for Int’l Women’s Day celebration in Isabela City, Basilanby Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – Thousands gathered at the Isabela City gymnasium to celebrate the International Women’s Day on March 8, as women groups from the city’s 45 barangays came with their respective delegations for this annual event. Nurjanna Omar of Barangay Tabuk said their women would never get tired of attending the event every year, as participating in this annual event is important to

them. Kadija Palaw, Tabuk Barangay Information Officer, also believe “the celebration gives importance to women.”


“Women make crucial decisions at home, especially on the welfare of the children. Thus, whatever decisions are made at home will definitely have an impact on the future,” Palaw said. Tabuk sent some 120 women participants to the event. A parade around the city proper formally opened the celebration followed by a programa at the city gym. Food packs prepared by the City Government were each distributed to participants as they entered the jam-packed gym. In her message, Mayor Cherrylyn Santos Akbar emphasized that the decisions made by the women in their lives could have great implications to their relationships, family, and the community. “It is difficult to be a woman. Obligations are too many, as daughter, mother, wife, and citizen,” she said.

She urged the women to know their rights and fight for them, as she cited the situation of Muslim women with husbands marrying others. She said that while Islam allowed up to four wives for abled Muslim man, provided that he ask permission from the first wives and equally provide for all the needs of his wives and children. “Our decisions are important, especially in raising our children and taking care of our husband. Some of us play important role also in governance. We have power. Women are strong. We have the right to speak even for the poorest of the poor,” she said. The mayor also hinted her desire to continue serving the public even after her term as mayor finishes. “Ayokong matapos ang term ko (I don’t want my term to end). I can serve both the Muslims and Christians,” she said. With the ongoing discussions on the establishment of a Bangsamoro government where the city was included as one of its core territory, the mayor urged the women to scrutinize and study well the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law even as she expressed opposition for the city’s inclusion.


“Hindi ko lubusang naiintindihan and BBL. Hindi pa tayo handa para umusad. Intindihin ninyo ang BBL dahil crucial ang magiging decision natin. Pag-isipan natin ng husto ang mga desisyon dahil hindi na pwedeng bawiin (I don’t fully comprehend the BBL. We are not yet prepared to go for it. Understand the BBL because our decisions are crucial. Let us think hard over our decisions because we cannot take them back),” she said. Every year, the mayor leads in the gathering of thousands of women in the city to pay tribute to the role that women play in society. After the program, each participant receives goods from the city government. This year’s theme is “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”

IP Pantawid scholar encourages lumad children to finish studies

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A Higaonon Pantawid Pamilya college scholar here is urging his fellow lumad children to finish their studies.

By: Oliver Badel Inodeo

Marlon Mandago, 24 of Tagmaray, San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon, is a third year student of Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), taking up Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, major in Physical Sciences. At a very young age, Marlon has witnessed the economic struggle of his parents who are laborers of a vegetable farm in the hinterland municipality of Malitbog, some 42.6 kilometers


off southeast of here. During his elementary days, Marlon recalled that his parents would take home P50 each a day after rendering services to the vegetable farm. Now, it has increased to P100 a day, but, still below the daily minimum wage standard which is P284. “I don’t want to go through what my parents had gone through,” Marlon said, adding that he is determined to finish his college education. “That is why I am encouraging IP communities to prioritize education because it will lift us out from poverty to prosperity,” Marlon said. Marlon is the eldest of the Mandago siblings. His family is living with his grandparents until now.End Violence against women Living in a patristic-influenced community, where men dominate, Marlon is calling lumad women in his community to assert their rights. “They should not just mum if they are right, they should assert their rights,” stressed Marlon when ask on his insights to the celebration of Women’s Month. Also, he calls an end to violence against women, although he disclosed that he seldom

heard of complaints on violence against women and children in his community. He also encouraged members of his tribe to continue upholding a high respect to women.Preserving Higaonon’s Heritage Marlon fluently speaks Higaonon language despite being influenced by Dumagats, a term used for urban setllers. Even inside MUST campus, located at the heart of this highly urbanized city, Marlon opts to use his dialect in communicating with fellow lumad. Marlon disclosed he has a friend from Talakag, Bukidnon, some 87 kilometers off south of this city, who speaks Higaonon dialect. Despite his exposure to big cities like Cebu, where he spent his secondary formation, Marlon said he wants to keep and preserve the traditions of Higaonons. One of those is on marriage and on their beliefs. Marlon said he will certainly pass those traditions to his children in the future.Thankful to DSWD Marlon is thankful to the Department of social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for helping him reach for his dream-that is, to finish a college degree.


If not for the college scholarship under the Expanded Student Grants-In-Aid Program-for Poverty Alleviation of the Pantawid Pamilya of DSWD, Marlon said his dream would be a bleak one. In 2012, the Pantawid Pamilya in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) launched and eventually rolled-out the ESGPPA for Pantawid Pamilya households, whose members are about to enroll or are currently enrolled in college. The scholarship program aims to contribute to the thrusts of the National Government in addressing poverty alleviation by providing higher education to poor households, giving them better opportunities of being

employed, and thereby lifting their families out of poverty. Under the program, children of the household beneficiary will have an opportunity to pursue tertiary education provided that they qualify for the said scholarship. Currently, Northern Mindanao has more than 2,037 college scholars who are enrolled in the different State Universities and

Colleges (SUCs) duly recognized by CHED. Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of the poor households by providing monthly cash grants to beneficiaries, provided that they comply with the set of conditions required by the program. As for his community, Marlon disclosed that DSWD is one of the government agencies “that help people build a peaceful life.” With DSWD’s intervention, Marlon believes that “Kaya ko ang Pagbabago dahil sa tulong nga Pantawid Pamilya at DSWD (I can make a difference because of the help of Pantawid Pamilya and DSWD).


The NPA, believed to be members of Guerrilla Front 53 and 6, flagged down several vehicles and burned seven of them. Lt. Col. Lennon Babilonia, Commanding Officer of the army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, immediately sent troops to respond to the incident and go after the perpetrators. Suddenly, a clash transpired but no casualties reported. Moments later, the Philippine National Police’s Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) also responded. Both of the government forces clashed with the said rebel groups. Seven elements of the PNP’s 103rd maneuvering company (RPSB) were wounded. Initial investigation revealed that extortion is the motive of truck-burning. Col. Jesse Alvarez, 403rd Infantry Brigade Commander said, “We commend the elements

of PNP Regional Public Safety Battalion, who also responded to the incident together with our troops. We have conducted pursuit operations in close coordination with our PNP counterparts. The area is now safe for our travellers and everything is under control.” Maj. Gen Oscar T. Lactao, Commander of the army’s 4th Infantry Division said, “This burning incident is a pure act of terrorism. The CPP/NPA attacked civilian targets. Wala silang pagkakaiba sa napatay na international terrorist na si Marwan.” (They have no difference between the slain international terrorist Marwan) “We will conduct pursuit operations until they face the full force of the law so that justice will be served,” Major Gen. Lactao said.

NPA rebels burn 7 heavy trucks in BukidnonBy: Christian C. Uy

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - New People’s Army (NPA) rebels burned anew seven heavy trucks at 5:45 a.m. Sunday, March 8, along national highway in Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon.


Iligan Bay Aliance of MisOcc expands coverage, harmonizes Coastal Resources Management plansBy: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

LALA, LANAO DEL NORTE - The Iligan Bay Aliance of Misamis Occidental (IBAMO) have been expanded to cover four more local government units (LGU’s), in Misamis Occidental, during the period 2012-2014.

This brings to eight the total number of LGU’s that compose the IBAMO, which was created as one of the strategies to sustain the implementation of the Iligan Bay Coastal Resource Management Program (IBDRMP), and is now registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This was bared, during the recent meeting of the Panguil Bay Development Council held at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Fish Farm and Training Center in barangay

Pacita, Lala, Lanao del Norte attended by Atty. Asis Perez, BFAR Director. Meanwhile, Visa T a n - D i m e r i n , Regional Director of BFAR-10, said these new LGU’s from Misamis Occidental that has been added to the coverage of IBAMO includes

Plaridel, Lopez Jaena, Aloran and Oroquieta City, which came in with a seed money of P100,000, each, to the alliance, adding to the P50,000 per original LGU members of Tudela, Sinacaban, Jimenez and Panaon. In addressing the need for a CRMP in the area, the IBAMO came up with resolutions to harmonize the CRM policies through various consultative meetings, Dimerin, said.

One Mindanao - March 11, 2015

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