One Mindanao - March 12, 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

EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, 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

Kidapawan City to install more CCTV cameras to deter crimes

2015 graduation rites should be simple but meaningful – Br. Luistro

1st Cavalry Squadron conducts ‘Brigada Eskwela’ in selected schools

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Oroquieta Women Production Center geared for poverty reductionBy: Vienz P. Laranjo & Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

DA mobilizes regional offices, other units vs El Niño

Cotabato lass is PMA Class 2015’s “Tarzan”

PopCom Caraga to hold Dissemination Forum on IRR of RA 10354

Convergence planning on disaster preparedness set

BIR in Northern Mindanao to launch 2015 tax campaign

By: Sally Tolentino Haimalin

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

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By: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

By: IJMLagare

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18 SOCOTECO II: Power supply in Gensan stable

By: Gideon C. Corgue

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

By: DILG 10

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

14 Ulip students embrace Climate ChangeBy: Michael Uy

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4 MARCH 12, 2015One Mindanao

Various reasons have been considered by the City Government of Oroquieta in putting up the Women Production Center (WPC) using funds from the Bottoms-Up-Budgeting (BUB) Program of the national government.

By: Vienz P. Laranjo & Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Oroquieta Women Production Center geared for poverty reduction

5MARCH 12, 2015 One Mindanao

First, it sees the project as an instrument of poverty reduction, wherein the women, specifically the wives in the households, are given opportunities to enhance their skills on various income-generating activities to augment the income of their respective husbands. Second, the spare time of these women may be utilized, in a much better way considering that they will have the great chance to be productive, once they are trained on their chosen vocational or modular courses inside the center, thereby raising the quality of life and/or standard of living of the families of these women. Third, the nutritional status of the pre-school and school children will improve as healthy and nutritious meals can be provided and food security is assured in every family of these women beneficiaries. Thus, mayor Jason P. Almonte, has ventured to put up the Oroquieta WPC at the 2nd floor of the City Hall Annex, using a total BUB fund of P1,000,000, in 2013, and equipped it with facilities for various skills training.


Trainers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other skilled individuals have been tapped to handle the training, city social welfare officer Lilian B. Gallardo said. These trainings consist of lectures and hands-on demonstrations, sessions on maternal child care and self-enhancement, and successful trainees are referred to appropriate agencies for funding of possible self-employment using their skills and/or accommodation for gainful employment. To date, more than 100 women have trained at the Center along the following skills: food processing, such as, making ham, longanisa, smoked fish, chicken lollipop, vegetable pickles and mango-jam and baking, as well as, dressmaking, cosmetology, manicure, pedicure, make-up application, haircut, hair-styling, foot spa and flower arrangement. About 13 of these women have already been granted the National Competency (NC) II Certificate by TESDA, which they

can use in seeking employment abroad, said Lydia L. Morales, Social Welfare Officer III, the BUB-DSWD focal person.


Manila - Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan P. Garcia urged his ASEAN colleagues on Tuesday to foster common perspectives on regional and international issues as a measure of ASEAN solidarity and Centrality, the Department of Foreign Affairs

said in a statement.

Philippines calls for an ASEAN common stand on regional and global issues

Undersecretary Garcia emphasized that where needed, ASEAN can be a more active player in the international arena when it faces common concerns. The Undersecretary participated in a series of ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from March 09 to 11 in preparation for the 26th ASEAN

Summit to be held next month also in Malaysia.

In these meetings, he noted that recent developments in the South China Sea highlight the need for urgent action to reduce the rising tensions in the area. He said that what is actually happening in the South China Sea does not match the diplomacy


that is being undertaken to manage regional tensions, which are increasing the level of mistrust and heightening the dangers of unintended conflict in the region.

Undersecretary Garcia stressed that ASEAN Centrality necessitates finding the political will to address issues of common concern and improving ASEAN’s institutional capacity to do so. Discussions on centrality should be coordinated across ASEAN’s three Communities with the end view of taking a stand as a regional organization when needed. The ASEAN Secretariat, he concluded, must

further develop its capacity to provide policy scanning and recommendations on regional and international issues.

At the Foreign Ministers’ Retreat early this year, Malaysia said that ASEAN would intensify efforts to conclude a code of conduct in the South China Sea under its chairmanship amid growing concerns from some members about land reclamation activities in the contested areas. The Philippines cautioned that ASEAN’s failure to address such critical issue in its backyard undermines ASEAN Centrality and unity. (DFA)

DA mobilizes regional offices, other units vs El Niño

QUEZON CITY - Following the weather bureau’s

announcement of a prevailing mild case of El Niño, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has directed all the Department of Agriculture’s regional offices, concerned bureaus and attached

agencies nationwide to be on their toes against the impact of

the phenomenon.


The order includes an intensified monitoring and reporting about the status of drought incidence – possibly the initial manifestation of the phenomenon – in their respective areas, including damage estimates and proposed interventions to help affected farms recover. He, however, said the Department is hoping for a minimal effect on major crops as initial reports from the field show that a significant number of palay and corn have started to harvest by as early as last month. Field validation is ongoing and DA will come up with figures at the soonest possible time, Alcala said. “Kasama po ng Kagawaran ang mga magsasaka sa paghahanda, [at ang paghahandang nagawa po natin ay marami po sa palay at mais natin] ay na-harvest na, at sumubok na po ang ibang magsasaka na nagpapalusot ng isang cropping pa ulit,” he said. For affected farmers, the DA chief urged them to report their crop losses to their municipal agriculturists, who will in turn coordinate the information to the

concerned DA regional office for the replacement of seeds and other forms of assistance. “We will try our best na sa susunod na pagtatanim, kapag lumipas na po itong mild El Niño ay bibigyan po namin sila ng pamalit-tanim para hindi po sila malugi,” he said. Sufficient irrigation water in farms is crucial. Alcala said DA is coordinating with the National Irrigation Administration for a better management of agricultural water, as the campaign among farmers to employ water saving techniques continues. The department also distributed drought-resistant palay seeds, and assisted farmers in the adjustment of their cropping season so as to avoid the so-called disaster-prone months. DA previously announced that it was taking a proactive stance against the weather event. In fact, as early as mid-last year, DA already reactivated its National El Niño Task Force composed of regional offices and various attached agencies and bureaus.


The task force was charged to coordinate DA’s various El Niño interventions – aptly called El Niño Mitigation and Adaptation Plan – with other relevant government agencies and organizations such as the National Risk Reduction and Management Council. Funding requirement to carry out measures under the plan totaled P1.8 billion as requested by DA before the Department of Budget of Management. Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Field Operations Emerson Palad reiterated the government doesn’t need to revise agricultural growth targets this year for now. For one, he said, there is no official announcement as to what areas will be affected. “Hindi pa po namin nakikitaan na dapat mag-revise ng target dahil sa ngayon, hindi pa naman talaga natin alam kung ano ang extent ng magiging damage sa ating mga agricultural crops, kung saang areas ba talaga ang tatamaan,” Palad said. “In fact, we are coordinating with PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical

and Astronomical Services Administration) kung aling areas ang posibleng hardest hit ng El Niño at masasabi nating malaki ang magiging kakulangan sa tubig,” he added. PAGASA on Tuesday confirmed that the Philippines is currently experiencing a mild case of El Niño. Experts said it means that a short dry spell may persist in some parts of the country and may prolong the dry season. DA is aiming for another record palay and corn output this year, in line with the overall agri-fishery target of 3%-5% under the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016. In 2014, Philippine agriculture expanded by 1.83%, boosted by nearly 3% growth in palay to 18.97 million metric tons, and 5.33% in corn to 7.8 million tons. Good weather permitting, Alcala said DA hopes to increase 2015 production to 20.08 million tons for palay and 8.4 million tons for corn. (DA-OSEC)


Cotabato lass is PMA Class 2015’s “Tarzan”

BAGUIO CITY - A lady cadet from Tulunan, Cotabato romps off with the elite Athletic Saber Award of the Philippine Military Academy Sinag-Lahi Class Of 2015.

Cadette 1st Class Jul Laiza Camposano is the fifth woman to receive such award since PMA started accepting female cadets in 1993. The award is given to the No. 1 in athletic related activities, intramurals and sports participation.

Camposano, who excels in marathon, said she did not expect to receive the athletic saber award. “Surprising nga din na ako yung athletic saber awardee kasi meron din naming taga Baguio which is inate na sa kanila yung pagiging malakas,” she said.

All the four female recipients of the Athletic Saber are from the Cordillera Administrative Region. The first lady “Tarzan” as they call the athletic saber awardees, is now Capt. Jessie Rose Bucalen of PMA Class 2002 who hails from Kalinga. The second was then Cadet First Class May Wangdali of Ambasing, Sagada, Mountain Province


of PMA Class 2006, followed by another Sagada lass, then Cadet 1st Class Janice Baniaga Matbagan of PMA Class 2011. Then Cadet 1st Class Zeporah Gabino Dalang from Tinoc, Ifugao bagged the same award in the PMA Bagwis Class of 2012.

The 24 year old looker used to play archery before venturing into running where she concentrated while in the academy. She has run in the Subic International Marathon,

Quezon City International Marathon and North Face 100, among others. She also plays chess and arnis.

Camposano is among the 171 members of Sinag-Lahi Class of 2015 who will be graduating this Sunday, March 15, with President Benigno Aquino III as guest of honor and speaker. She will be joining the Philippine Air Force. (JDP)

Less-developed towns soon to have free-wifi

DAVAO CITY- Internet connection will soon be available in public plac-es such town plazas and transport terminals in towns classified as 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class municipalities. Department of Sci-ence and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo revealed in a press conference dur-ing the first leg of the Science Nation Tour in Davao City that DOST targeted to roll out such internet connection in those towns by the sec-ond half of the year to promote connectivity and consequently boost eco-nomic activity . DOST Information Communication Technol-ogy Office (ICT) website revealed that the Free-Wifi Internet Access in Public Places project of DOST was originally de-signed “to cover only town plazas of 748 class

4, 5 and 6 municipalities, with a budget of 334 mil-lion pesos”. But with the P3 bil-lion boost in budget that DOST got after the re-cent Senate deliberation, the project has been modified to cover “trans-port terminals (train, sea and air), school yards, hospital lobbies, national government agencies, public parks and local government unit offices”. In a separate in-terview with the media, Montejo revealed the benefits of such project saying a research has found out that “increas-ing internet connectiv-ity results in 1.3 percent increase in economic growth.” During the press conference, Montejo ex-plained that DOST will make use of “TV White Space Technology” which he described as “unused broadcast frequency al-ready tested in Bohol”.


Ulip students embrace Climate Change

COMPOSTELA VALLEY - - Around 200 students of the Ulip National High School participated yesterday in the Climate Change Forum – Campus Tour at the school’s social hall, Brgy. Upper Ulip, Monkayo. The students from Grade 7 to 9 gained new inputs on Climate Change and Hydrometeorological Hazards from a group of environ-ment advocates.

The forum highlighted topics on understanding the causes and effects of climate change as shown in a video presentation hosted by Nikki Gil and Dingdong Dantes, and impacts on weather changes lec-tured by Engr. Gerry Pedrico, senior meteorologist of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and As-tronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).

Information posted on DOST ICTO website says that the TV White Space Technology was “used to pro-vide last mile connectivity in areas affected by the Bohol earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda” and such white space located between broad-cast TV channels can be used “to provide wireless data connectivity to remote communities in the country”. Montejo cited such project as one of the major initiatives that DOST undertook to make science and technology more relevant to the daily lives of the Filipinos especially that S&T department recently was given 400 percent increase in bud-get.With such increase in budget, DOST targets to accommodate 5,000 S&T scholars by the end of 2015. DOST sets to increase the number of Phil-ippine Science High School campuses from nine to 16 campuses by end of

2016. DOST used to monitor only five major river systems but it took stride to cover 18 major river sys-tems. Montejo even revealed plans of DOST to cover the country’s 285 river systems in its disaster mitiga-tion program. Other societal needs that DOST sets its direction to be of help are on increasing production yield, transport and even on e-healthcare services. “We would like to directly ben-efit the people,” Montejo said.DOST bids to boost agriculture pro-duction through coming up with technology on peanut de-shelling, mechanization of farm tractor, ef-ficiently raising bangus and tilapia, and that it is also into bio-technolo-gy, Mentejo said. (Jeanevive Duron-Abangan/PIA XI)


Engr. Pedrico said that students should be able to know what to do during natural disaster so that they may be able to prepare properly in order to prevent any casualties. “As young as you are, you should know what to do and where to go to help your parents or guard-ians during disasters,” he said. Meanwhile, Col. Gilbert Roy Ruiz of the 25th Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army (PA) said in his speech that the decision to adapt to climate change is in everyone’s hands. Col. Ruiz illustrated the story of a man, who is holding a bird on his hand and asked the students if the bird is alive or dead. “The answer to whether the bird is alive or dead depends on

your hands and it is the same in deciding whether you want to mitigate the effects of climate change or not,” he said. The forum is con-ducted as a project of the Department of En-vironment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Informa-tion Agency (PIA) un-der the Program Moni-toring and Coordination Center – National Task Force Diwalwal (PMCC-NTFD). (PIA11, Michael Uy)

NorthCot is best LGU in health program implementationBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Mar. 12-- The province was awarded the Best Lo-cal Government Unit that implements family planning/maternal and child health and nu-trition initiatives in the recent Regional FP/MCNHC Program Implementation Review held recently.

The initiatives which include the monitor-ing and evaluation system in health pro-grams of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) gave the province the oppor-tunity to help many communities, particular-ly pregnant women and children.


Ely Nebrija, provincial nutri-tion council action officer re-ceived the Plaque of Recognition from the Department of Health- Center for Health Development 12 Regional Director Teogenes Baluma and Dr. Dolly Castillon, the Mindanao Health country director.

Nebrija said both the IPHO and PNC have elevated their program implementations to multi-collaborative approach which means that all concerned offices or agencies as well as all sectors are involved in effecting the FP/MCNHN programs.

“The provincial government under the leadership of Gov-ernor Emmylou Mendoza has raised awareness and involve-ment which in effect strength-ens partnership among sectors,” he added.

He also cited the coordina-tion of programs between the provincial government and the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) which resulted to a 68.4 percent con-traceptive prevalence rate.

Contraceptive prevalence rate is the percentage of women who are practicing, or whose sexual partners are practicing any form of contraception. It is usually measured for married women

ages 15-49 only.The targeted National Contra-

ceptive Prevalence Rate or the National Health Objective is only 65 percent which only proves that North Cotabato is evidently carrying out its family planning and child nutrition programs ef-fectively.

Aside from being recognized as the Best LGU in FP/MCNHN Program Implementation, the province is also cited by DOH 12 for its market segmentation in service provision or its market-ing strategy that involves divid-ing target market into subsets of markets such as identifying the poor and the non –poor.

On the other hand, the Rural Health Unit of Pigcawayan was also awarded the Best in Rural Health Unit (RHU) Family Plan-ning and Improving Maternal Health program implementation for being the first to adopt the initiative on Contraceptive Self Reliance.

The RHU of Pigcawayan is continuously implementing the program since 2006 and for this year has attained a Contracep-tive Prevalence Rate of 88.85%, an accomplishment lauded by DOH 12 during the awarding. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Mar 12 – The Kidapawan City government will be installing additional high resolution closed cir-cuit television cameras (CCTV) as part of security preventive mea-sure and to record crime-related incidents in public places in the city.

Kidapawan City to install more CCTV cameras to deter crimesBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Kidapawan City Public Safety Division Chief and City Spokes-person Psalmer Bernalte said, the installation of more CCTV cameras is part of the city ad-ministration’s thrust to en-sure the safety of the people of Kidapawan.

The city LGU has identified strategic locations where the new CCTVs will be installed.

These include the surround-ings of the city hall, the city pla-za, mega market, overland ter-minal, BJMP jail facility, among others.

Last November 2014, the city LGU also installed CCTV cameras along major streets in the city as a means of promoting public safety for all motorists, commut-ers and pedestrians.

All the previously installed CCTVs are still in good condition and has been effective in crime prevention and solution, Bern-alte said.

The CCTV cameras are being monitored in an operation center 24/7 by personnel designated by the city LGU. (ORVRivera-PIA12)

SOCOTECO II: Power supply in Gensan stableGENERAL SANTOS CITY Mar 12 – General Santos City has enough power supply for 2015 that would put rotational brownouts com-mon during the summer period a thing of the past, an official of the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) assures.


SOCOTECO II acting head Cri-santo Sotelo noted the current maximum load needed by Gen-san is around 130MW.

He confidently conveyed that through the contracts they have with different power distributors, the city would not experience power shortages.

Even with the closure of the two power plants of the STEAG State Power Inc. last February, the power supply of the city re-mains stable largely because of South Cotabato II Electric Coop-erative’s (SOCOTECO II) venture with other energy companies.

STEAG used to supply 25MW to Gensan.

As of now, Gensan receives power supply from SoEnergy In-ternational, Peakpower Inc., Ma-palad Power Corporation, Therma Marine Inc. and the National Power Corporation.

SoEnergy and PeakPower are both Gensan-based power gen-erators producing 15MW and 20MW, respectively.

Sotelo also bared that SO-COTECO has already made a con-tract with the Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) currently be-ing constructed in Maasim, Sa-rangani Province.

Sotelo said SEC would be fully operational by late 2015 or early 2016. When that time comes, Gensan will secure 70MW power

from the said power distributor.“Right now, the biggest threat

in our power supply not only for Gensan but in the entire country as well, is the El Nino. We have to prepare for it and mitigate its effects,” Sotelo said.

He also commended City May-or Ronnel Rivera for the strong partnership he made between the city government and SOCOTECO II.

“We are really thankful that Mayor Rivera is really coordinat-ing with us when it comes to the power issues of the city,” Sotelo said.

As part of his thrust to make Gensan as a booming business beacon of SOCCSKSARGEN re-gion, Mayor Rivera is constantly emphasizing the crucial role of power in making this pursuit pos-sible.

“We cannot attract investors if we cannot guarantee sufficient power supply from them. Busi-nesses cannot smoothly oper-ate with the presence of energy shortages. This is the reason why we work hand-in-hand with SOCOTECO II to find solutions to the problems, to have a sus-tainable energy here in Gensan,” Mayor Rivera emphasized. (IJML-agare- Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


Local govt, private sector to bolster adoption of PIA Caraga’s AFEBS Network By: Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY - As the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga’s Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) Network creates a remarkable impact throughout the region for its contribution in influencing community resiliency, some


The municipal disaster risk reduction management office (MDRRMO) of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, a third time regional awardee and national winner of the search for Gawad Kalasag (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) for 1st and 3rd class municipality, appreciated the exceptional performance of PIA Caraga’s AFEBS Network as it rendered its capability in responding during the onslaught of typhoons that previously affected Caraga region.

In a recent live interview over PIA Caraga’s 107.8 MHz AFEBS Network here, MDRRM officer Josephine Lapeciros expressed gratitude for the efforts of PIA Caraga team

headed by regional director Abner Caga by putting more substance to its mandate in bringing information to the public through utilization of this functional disaster response platform. “In behalf of mayor Candelario Viola and the people of Hinatuan, I’d like to commend PIA Caraga for showcasing its innovation that capacitates people by providing disaster tips and information in advance to help us better prepare ourselves. We share our interest to gain access into this communication medium in order to enhance our disaster preparedness system,” she said. According to her, the strengthened disaster response advocacy and proactive steps of their local government unit have contributed much in formulating strategies to communicate well to the people the standard procedures to follow in times of impending weather disturbances and other natural or manmade disasters. Likewise, information officer designate Marilou Alcaraz

local government units (LGUs) and private individuals have already manifested their interest to establish partnership and adoption of this information and advocacy platform specially designed for disaster response.


of the local government unit of Monkayo, Compostela Valley, together with former municipal councilor Joel Caballes, personally conveyed their interest to implement the AFEBS Network in their locality having heard the positive impressions that this AFEBS has generated.

Meanwhile, vice mayor Ricky Caga and his fellow town officials of LGU-Malimono, Surigao del Norte province have initially sought the idea of PIA Caraga team on how they can extensively utilize the AFEBS in their municipality. “In relation

to our existing and proposed projects for progress, we planned to put-up the network in our area. This is crucial in advancing from being traditional to becoming more competitive by applying contemporary technologies in terms of disaster response operations through communications, and AFEBS will surely address this,” said mayor Caga.

Taking into account the relevance and effectiveness of the platform, AFEBS has not escaped the attention of persons from non-government sector. Entrepreneur Hans Christian Abundo tapped the agency and discussed the potential life-saving strategies when expansion of AFEBS network can be done. “As someone who is into marketing and previously employed in one of the leading broadcasting networks in the country, I consider environmental devastation and


2015 graduation rites should be simple but meaningful – Br. Luistro

insufficient supply of information a downfall in business arena. So, I strongly advocate in developing a resilient society, and I believe this is the most appropriate time to engage and promote the AFEBS,” bared Abundo. Speaking in behalf of the adamant and innovative team members of PIA Caraga, Dir. Caga emphasized his expression of gratitude to all who have seen the worth and efficiency of AFEBS. “It is very gratifying to know that we are getting the support from these people. We

are not investing our efforts for our own personal gains. What concerned us the most is how we can level-up public service by introducing platforms that can make a difference,” he said.

BUTUAN CITY - “The 2015 graduation rites must highlight the importance of quality education in forging a decent future for Filipino youth,” says Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro.

In an issued Department Order No. 3, s. 2015, secretary Luistro ordered the officials of the public schools to conduct their 2015 graduation rites focusing

on the theme “Saktong Buhay: Sa De-kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday.” “Graduation ceremonies in schools should be simple but

By: Sally Tolentino Haimalin


“The Republic Act 10354 otherwise known as the ‘Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Act of 2012’ aims to address the prevailing population and reproductive health issues and it has become the focal point for convergence of multi-sectoral efforts toward the improvement of health outcomes,” disclosed PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander Makinano. Makinano also bared that pursuant to Section 26 of RPRH

Act, the rules and regulations are hereby promulgated to prescribe the procedures and guidelines for the implementation of the Act in order to facilitate compliance therewith and to achieve the objectives thereof. “These rules shall be liberally construed to ensure the provision, delivery and access to reproductive health care services, and to promote, protect and fulfill women’s reproductive health and rights,” added Makinano.

PopCom Caraga to hold Dissemination Forum on IRR of RA 10354 By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - The Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga is set to hold the Regional Dissemination Forum on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10354 on March 18, 2015 in one of the local convention centers here.

meaningful and should promote civil rights, foster a sense of community, and encourage personal responsibilities,” said Br. Luistro. For expenses relative to the graduation rites should be charged to the school Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) under the 2015 budget. DepEd personnel are not allowed to collect any graduation fees or any kind of contribution. DepEd Caraga assistant

regional director and officer-in-charge Dr. Rebecca V. Delapuz also reiterates the order of the secretary to all schools division superintendents. “Contributions for the annual yearbook, if any, should be on voluntary basis only,” she added. She then congratulates the 2015 graduates and parents for hurdling the constraints and barriers during their struggle for their basic education.


ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) has taken the first step to utilize clean and renewable solar energy as an alternative source of electricity in the city, amidst intermittent power outages that have been persisting here for several years now.

UZ to tap clean solar power amidst persisting blackouts By: Dominic I. Sanchez

The university, in partnership with Buskowitz D e v e l o p m e n t I n c o r p o r a t e d

(BDI) and Energy Renewables Asia, Incorporated (ERA) forged a partnership Tuesday (March 10)


that will realize a P12-million 120-kilowatt solar power project which will provide electricity to UZ’s main campus in barangay Tetuan, seen to be operational within the coming months. UZ president Atty. Linda Eustaquio-Lim believes that it is high time to consider this alternative energy considering the current power situation in the city. She said that blackouts have been around for too long, even since her childhood. “I remember studying by candlelight when I was young. Seven decades later, we still continue to suffer.” “We have been far too timid and content to suffer blackouts that have plagued this city. The time has come to focus on renewable energy as the only sensible remedy,”

said Atty. Eustaquio-Lim. She emphasized that the city’s level of development or the political stability here should not be a hindrance to consider this more efficient power source.Less dependent on Zamcelco As a result of the solar power project, UZ is seen to be less dependent on the

limited power supply distributed by the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco). Consequentially, “the local power cooperative will then be able to use the energy it would have normally use to supply UZ to increase its own load and supply someone else the need of power,” a press statement read. “As a result, this will help the cooperative lessen its power outages within its franchising


areas.” The 120-kWp, when realized, will produce about 200,000 kWh in a year. “Instead of purchasing this power from the local distribution utility, the Solar PV system can provide for UZ’s energy consumption during daylight hours,” the statement furthered. Clean solar power highly feasible in PHL BDI’s Thomas Deeg explained that solar energy, as an alternative source of electricity, is very feasible here and in other areas in the Philippines. “Solar energy is now being utilized widely in other countries like Germany,” Deeg shares. He emphasized that Germany receives very little solar energy from the sun compared to the Philippines, yet the latter has been successfully harnessing

the sun’s energy very efficiently. The Philippines’ geographical location on the equator gives it more sunlight hence solar power is seen to be more efficient here. “It has worked well in other countries. We don’t have snow (in the Philippines), and we are closer to the equator,” Deeg emphasized.

“We will use the knowledge from Germany’s solar power engineers and transfer it here,” he added. Deeg believes that one of the reasons why solar energy remains untapped is that many people have been closed-minded about it. “Many of us are saying, ‘we cannot do that’, but this is just an excuse.” “The sun’s power is unlimited,” he exclaimed. “It is free, and 100% clean.”Currently, BDI and ERA already have solar power projects in the Monaco Suites in Boracay and in John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University. Talks with Zamcelco to go solar BDI Chief Executive Officer James Buskowitz shared a few years back Zamcelco has shown


interest in solar energy however the project did not push through due to some technicalities. Buskowitz is still optimistic that future talks will be more fruitful, and looks forward for more exploratory talks with the local electric cooperative. “We are looking to re-approaching them again,” he said. Going green Initially, this solar project will only energize the main UZ campus. However, Atty. Eustaquio-Lim looks forward to growing the project to other UZ

facilities. “We will not stop here,” she pointed out that. “Eventually, every building that bears the UZ logo will have solar power.” She emphasized that with UZ’s initiative, more will consider to use clean solar power. Last year, UZ was awarded by DENR and PIA as an “Eco-Friendly School” for its numerous environmental protection and promotion projects. This solar project is part of its efforts to help fight the effects of climate change.

1st Cavalry Squadron conducts ‘Brigada Eskwela’ in selected schools

By: Gideon C. Corgue

Capt. Ronnie Halangdon, civil-military operations officer said Brigada Eskwela was an initiative of the unit designed to help teachers, parents and students in doing minor repairs

and cleanup in the school in preparation for the start of the new school year. “This is also part of the enhanced Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan campaign of the

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur – In its desire to help schoolchildren to have a clean, well-maintained and comfortable classroom during the opening of classes in June, the 1st Cavalry Squadron (Tagapanguna) Battalion, 1st Mechanized Infantry Division conducted “Brigada Eskwela” in Manlayag Elementary School last March 5 and 10 respectively.


Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” Halangdon added. Halangdon said a squad of 1st Cavalry Squadron with its masonry and carpentry skills volunteered to make the school ready for the coming school year. Asked why they implemented Brigada Eskwela early this March when it is usually held by the volunteers two weeks before the opening classes, Halangdon replied: “We did it in advance for we could no longer wait to see the schoolchildren attending classes

with some of their chairs and tables are dilapidated. “Naaawa kami sa mga bata na nag-aaral na galing pa sa kanilang malalayong bahay. Maraming bundok pa ang kanilang lalakarin bago nila maabot ang kanilang paaralan at sa pagpasok nila ang makikita nila ay ang mga depektibo nga lamesa, upuan at blackboard. Gusto namin na komportable ang kanilang pag-aaral habang nasa loob ng classroom,” Halangdon explained. (We pity the schoolchildren who came all the way from


faraway houses. They have to walk and climb several mountains before reaching their school and when they enter their classrooms, all they can see are defective tables, chairs and blackboards. We want them to feel comfortable inside their classrooms). “This is the second time that we conducted Brigada Eskwela in public elementary schools. The first, was held in Navalan Elementary School. They are our adopted schools,” Halangdon disclosed. Halangdon said the team repaired the chairs, tables and blackboards, cleaning the surroundings of the school and built a gate in the school. Meanwhile, school principal Jessica Casio lauded the

officers and men of 1st Cavalry Squadron (Tagapanguna) Battalion for doing the activity in her school saying that their efforts is a manifestation of their genuine concern not only for the schoolchildren but for the entire community as well. “I am very thankful for the leadership of 1st Cavalry Squadron for giving their time and effort in realizing this activity,” Casio said.

“I thank them for choosing our school as their pilot area of their Bayanihan activities,” Casio said. She also revealed that these schoolchildren were the beneficiaries of the unit’s gift-giving activity dubbed “Love Drive Program” last Feb. 14.

DA, TESDA conducts rubber prod’n competency training

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Committed to harness the potentials of rubber for the local and international market, the Department of Agriculture-High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) has jointly initiated a rubber production competency training with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-10 (TESDA-10) to train rubber producers and rubber plantation workers to develop their expertise on rubber production and post harvest technologies and come up with competent trainers on rubber tapping.

By: Vanessa Mae S. Siano


The activity was made possible in coordination with the United Rubber Producers and Processors Association (URPPA), the International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Central Mindanao University (CMU), and Farm Child, a non-government organization. Around 30 participants from the different parts of Mindanao, consisting of rubber producers and rubber plantation workers who are members of URPPA and the academe joined the Trainers’ Training on Rubber Production NCII, held at the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT) and at the Conservation Agriculture with Trees Learning Center in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. The training provided an

opportunity for the participants to develop their mastery in rubber budwood and seedling nursery establishment, budding operation, planting rubber trees/rubber seedlings, tapping operations and latex harvesting which will help them earn a certificate of competency. In line with this, the participants will go through an assessment process to be conducted by TESDA to determine their competency level for a particular skill set. The certification will also serve as proof of qualification for the participants for a 45-day Training for Work Scholarship Program of TESDA in order to gain a National Certification (NC II). The said undertaking is also in line with the DA’s thrust to improve the quality of rubber products in the country.

Convergence planning on disaster preparedness setCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Following the Regional Launching on Disaster Preparedness Manuals (Operation Listo) for Region 10 last December 15-16, 2014, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) will conduct a series of Provincial Convergence Action Planning on “Operation Listo” and disaster preparedness dialogue.


Oplan Listo is one the of the interventions developed by DILG to create an enabling environment for LGUs toward mitigating the adverse impacts of disaster and climate change. The roll-out activity will commence on Tuesday, March 10 in Misamis Oriental, followed by Camiguin on March 12, Bukidnon on March 19 and Lanao del Norte on March 20.

Expected participants per province are the Local Chief Executives (LCEs), Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers(LDRRMOs), Chiefs of Police (COPs), Fire Marshals (FM) and City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (C/MLGOOs) from the cities and municipalities. (DILG 10)

The launching will be highlighted by the unveiling of this year’s tax campaign logo and theme “Angat Pa, Pinas!” The theme calls for greater cooperation among Filipinos to pay their taxes as their contribution to nation-building. According to BIR-RR16, the 2015 tax campaign logo takes cues from the colors of the Philippine flag using arrows

that show an upward movement to denote greater progress and positive change for the country. Representatives from professional and civic organizations, public and private entities, and taxpayers are expected to grace the event to pledge their support and commitment to the campaign.

BIR in Northern Mindanao to launch 2015 tax campaign By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region (RR) 16 is set to launch the 2015 tax campaign here tomorrow, March 13.

One Mindanao - March 12, 2015

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Transcript of One Mindanao - March 12, 2015