One Mindanao - March 30, 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. 0919-9994516E-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

VICTORIANO B. VILLACRUZ, 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

Gensan builds memorial shrine for lost fishermen

Dinagat Islands Chamber of Commerce hosts 1st provincial bizconRCPF workshop held in Dipolog

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2021

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Tech-voc trainees feature skills in Kalandrakas XI

President Aquino issues guidelines to ensure public safety, order during Holy Week

Online jobs to fuel employment growth in Mindanao Online jobs to fuel employment growth in Mindanao

SurSur army battalion cites gains in CLIP

Bus company launches “Oplan Aksidente sa Semana Santa 2015”

Mambajao LGU, DTI hold OBOP, Livelihood Showcase for Tourism Stakeholders

By: Ma. Jane A. Mayola

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

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By: IJLagare

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By: Alfonso T. Ruda

By: dost.gov.ph

By: Robert E. Roperos

By: Zita M. Abellare

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Rutchie C. Aguhob

Cover Story

CARAGAWESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERNNATIONAL24 Panabo establishes first fire substation

By: Michael Uy

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4 MARCH 30, 2015One Mindanao

Tech-voc trainees feature skills in Kalandrakas XIBy: Robert E. Roperos

Technical Vocational (Tech-Voc) trainees from Butuan City and the province of Agusan del Sur have featured their skills during the staging of “Kalandrakas XI,” one of the highlights of the 2015 Women’s Month Celebration in Caraga Region.

5MARCH 30, 2015 One Mindanao

Tech-voc trainees feature skills in Kalandrakas XI

Technical Vocational (Tech-Voc) trainees from Butuan City and the province of Agusan del Sur have featured their skills during the staging of “Kalandrakas XI,” one of the highlights of the 2015 Women’s Month Celebration in Caraga Region.


According to Fe Gomez, Senior TESD Specialist and Gender and Development (GAD) focal person of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga, some five male and five female trainees of Massage Therapy NC II from the Butuan Manpower Training Center were requested by the Regional Development Council (RDC)-GAD to perform their services to those in attendance.

Aside from this, Gomez said some eight trainees in the beauty care have offered

services in manicure, pedicure, foot spa and facial.

At the end of the day, 22 male and 54 female participants were able to avail services in massage therapy while 63 individuals have availed services in beauty care.

Atty. Marylin Pintor, RDC-GADCC Chairman acknowledged the support extended by the member-agencies. She said the heads of the different government agencies and their respective focal persons are among those who have


contributed to the success of the activity.

She added that from the opening activity until the conduct of the Kalandrakas XI, employees of the different government agencies were very active participating in the foot parade, throwing holi powders in different colors which added color to the festive mood of celebration.

Atty. Pintor also acknowledged TESDA for regularly showcasing the skills of their trainees serving the

participants in massage and beauty care.

This year’s celebration of Women’s Month pays importance of equitable participation and representation of women in policymaking or decision making in all levels of organizations or bodies in our society. “Juanas” who brought inspiring changes here in the country and across the globe with its theme “Juana, Desisyon Mo Ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”


The 2015 Women’s Month Celebration is the best time to highlight the “drivers of change” wherein women can express their strength, power and abilities being a credible leader in the society.

This celebration recognizes the role of women in the political arena or in any levels of organizations making use of her decision making that could influence their over-all contributions to progress.


MANILA - Malacañang on Sunday reminded Filipinos to exercise caution as more citizens travel to the provinces to spend the Lenten Season.

Malacanang reminds Filipinos to exercise caution during Lenten Season

“May we encourage and may we remind our motorists to exhibit safety as they drive. We also would like to remind common carriers of their responsibility to exercise extraordinary diligence in conveying our Filipino passengers to and from their points of destination,” said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Lacierda noted that the Lent is a season of reflection and contemplation. It is also a time for Filipinos to be away from

work and with their families back home in the provinces.

He added that concerned government agencies are on alert to ensure the safety of travelers.

“So, in all this, may we ask everyone—the Filipino motorists, the Filipino commuters, our respective and appropriate agencies, and all common carriers whether by sea, air, or land—to exhibit and to keep in mind the primacy of safety as we spend this Holy Week with our families,” said Lacierda. PND (ag)


President Aquino issues guidelines to ensure public safety, order during Holy Week

President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed concerned government agencies to ensure public safety and comfort in view of the annual exodus of people who will spend Holy Week in the provinces. “Tiyakin ang kaligtasan at ginhawa ng mga mamamayan sa kanilang paglalakbay sa darating na Semana Santa -- iyan ang mahalagang tagubilin ni Pangulong Aquino sa lahat ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Friday.

The President’s directive told agencies to ensure order in major bus terminals, seaports and airports, Secretary Coloma

said.

“Iniutos din niyang bigyan ng mabilis na pagtugon ang mga pangangailanan ng mga mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng pagtatatag ng mga public assistance desks sa mga terminal na inaasahang dadagsain ng libu-libong pasaherong maglalakbay,” he added.

The President specifically instructed the Toll Regulatory Board to ensure that motorists


pass the major expressways with ease and to prevent long queues of vehicles at the toll gates.

He also wants the Department of Transportation of Communications (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to make sure that there are enough buses to avoid overloading, and that only legitimate buses ply their intended routes, Coloma said.

The DOTC, Coast Guard and airport authorities must ensure that piers and airports are orderly, that safety devices are in place, and that public assistance centers or desks are available to help passengers, Coloma said.

The President further directed the DOTC and the Coast Guard to see to it that only passengers listed in the manifest of ships could board, and that all ships servicing different destinations must be seaworthy.

Coloma further said that the Department of Public Works and Highways must make certain that roads are passable and in good condition, and that repairs must be completed to avoid traffic congestion.

Public assistance centers should be set up in strategic locations to help motorists encountering problems, and the police must carry out measures to maintain peace and order, he said.

He noted that the President instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be on alert to immediately respond to any emergency, such as accidents, fires, and crimes; and the Metro Manila police to intensify Oplan Lambat Sibat to prevent crimes.

Moreover, the President ordered health authorities and personnel to be ready to respond to road accidents, illnesses that arise during summer, and other emergencies.

The President also wants the Department of Energy to ensure a steady supply of electricity during the Holy Week.

President Aquino is advising the public to exercise extra caution while on the road, follow traffic rules and guidelines, control their temper, bring first-aid kits and medicines, and secure their homes before leaving, Coloma said. PND


Online jobs to fuel employment growth in Mindanao

Amidst the negative perception surrounding Mindanao due to peace concerns, online jobs are seen by the government as a way to boost employment in its provinces. To promote online jobs in Mindanao, the Department of Science and Technology- Information and Communications

Technology Office (DOST-ICT Office), in partnership with online job platforms Freelancer.com and Online Jobs University,


has initiated a workshop on Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.

“Most of our well-known companies in the Information Technology Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry are hesitant to locate in Mindanao,” said ICT Office Deputy Executive Director Mon Ibrahim. “The government, however, realizes the potential of impact sourcing or online jobs to provide alternative means of employment in these areas,” he added.

Conducted last February, the workshop, which featured ways on how Filipinos can earn competitive income even in the comfort of their homes through online jobs, was attended by at least 200 students and young professionals.

With the support of the local

government of Kapatagan, the workshop has been re-echoed to more than six schools in Lanao del Norte.

“Mindanao is so blessed with resources. And most importantly, we also have a great pool of talent,” Kapatagan Councilor Paul Lagura said. “We will be helping the ICT office conduct re-echo workshops to other local governments about digital employment as an innovative opportunity of for socio-economic growth.”

The number of online job workers in various cities in Mindanao has been increasing over the years. In fact, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Iligan City are included in Freelancer.com’s Top 20 Philippine cities with the most number of freelancers. Freelancer.com Regional Director for South East Asia Evan Tan says that as the world’s largest freelancing and outsourcing marketplace, “Freelancer believes that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to work, wherever and whoever they may be.” Serving as an economic platform for people in rural communities


like Kapatagan in Lanao del Norte, he said Freelancer through their partnership with DOST-ICT Office is committed to uplifting the lives of Filipinos.

Scholarship and training programs were also awarded by Online Jobs University during the impact sourcing workshop. A Filipino founded web-based online training site, Online Jobs University serves as a capability development platform for those who want to build a career as an online professional.

“By

encouraging our kababayans to consider doing online work for clients locally and abroad, we hope they will not leave their hometowns and families just to look for jobs that will fit their skills and competencies. Having an online career opens big doors of opportunities and possibilities for them and their hometowns,” said Online Jobs University founder Genesis Reonico.

According to the National Statistics Coordination Board, as of 2014 10 of the 16 poorest provinces of the country are in Mindanao. It has an estimate of 10 million labor force with an unemployment rate of 4.5 percent. In spite of this, Mindanao produces at least 700,000 college graduates a year, which specializes in various fields such as computer science, information technology and engineering.

The recently concluded Rural Impact Sourcing workshop is part of the digitalPH initiative of the ICT Office, which aims to generate at least 1.6 million direct IT-BPM jobs for Filipinos by 2016 with at least 40 percent of this coming from the countryside. (dost.gov.ph)


DIPOLOG CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Zamboanga del Norte has joined the nation in celebrating the women’s month, highlighted by a trade fair and a women’s forum held here last March 23-25.

DAR-Zambo Norte celebrates women’s month By Mary May A. Abellon

During the said event, DAR emphasized the rights of women against abuse and to have equal opportunities in work.

Atty. Annaly T. Adju discussed with the participants the Magna Carta of women known as Republic Act 9710 and RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004

“Under the Magna Carta of Women, discrimination is denounced. There is discrimination when there is restriction basing on your gender,” Atty. Adju explained.

Accordingly, it is a comprehensive human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those in the marginalized sectors.

Among the rights of women are the protection from all forms of violence, participation and representation in development councils, political parties and private sector, equal treatment before the law, equal access and elimination of


discrimination against women in education, scholarships and training, non-discrimination of employment in the field of military, police and other similar services, non-discriminatory and non-derogatory portrayal of women in media and film.

“It is very important for women in DAR to know the law so that we can impart it to our women agrarian reform beneficiaries,” Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Rizzel B. Villanueva stressed.

He added that violence against women in the countrysides is not good for improvement in the whole rural development.

“DAR is mandated to have women’s desk in every municipality especially in areas where we have agrarian reform beneficiaries and communities,” he concluded.

The three-day event featured the ARB’s products made by women associations in a trade fair organized by DAR.


DIPOLOG CITY — The Office of Civil Defense-Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Region IX, in coordination with the United Nations-Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) held a Regional Contingency Planning Formulation (RCPF) workshop here recently.

RCPF workshop held in DipologBy Alfonso T. Ruda

OCD-IX Officer-in-Charge Emilia Vasquez-Julhajan, who is the concurrent chairperson of RDRRMC-IX,said the three-day RCPF workshop enabled the participants to come up with consolidated and appropriate responses to specific natural or man-made disaster.

Mr. Muktar Ali Farah, head of UN-OCHA, facilitator of the three-day activity,commended the participants for actively participating in the workshop discussion and providing inputs related to planning, coordination and immediate disaster response operation, with emphasis on the availability of resources.

Resource persons from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology(PhilVocs), Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration (PAGASA), and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) presented the different situations prevalent in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.

The armed conflict, earthquake and flood are among the top three disasters affecting region and these are given appropriate plan of action, considering their probability of occurrence and their impact to the human populace in the region.

After the said workshop, Julhajan is hopeful that the concerned agencies and all stakeholders will be able to strengthentheir coordination and execute their planned responses to specific disaster with precision so as to minimize the impact of every disaster to human life.

NEDA-X presents Northern Mindanao economic performance in 2014 to media

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -The economic performance of Northern Mindanao for 2014 was presented to local media practitioners and members of the Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM) during the Media Forum conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region Thursday, March 26.

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran


Engr. Cecilio Clarete, chief economic development specialist of the Development Research Division of NEDA-X, said the regional economy showed positive signs for most of the economic indicators in 2014. Production increases were noted for agriculture. Clarete said the Northern Mindanao is gradually improving in terms of palay production posting an upward trend in annual production. For 2014, palay production in the region by 5.8 percent reaching 713,764 metric tons. Production levels in most provinces of the region grew during the year led by Misamis Occidental and Bukidnon. Corn production also went up during the year although modestly by one percent. Increases were further noted in the coconut industry. Nut production grew by 1.18% while copra and green nut production registered 0.03 percent and 15 percent growths, respectively. Other major crops which include vegetables, rootcrops, fruits, and industrial crops also registered four percent growth in 2014. All types of crops posted increases during the year. The Department of Trade and Industry also monitored a

29 percent growth in the inflow of new investments in the region from P13.34 billion in 2013 to P17.19 billion in 2014. Meanwhile, the vibrancy of the economic activities in the region was manifested in the positive performance of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs. Tax collection grew by 18 percent while customs collections posted a growth of 21 percent. Aside from the performance of the regional economy, updates on the demonetization of the new design series banknotes and the Panguil Bay Bridge project were also presented to the media practitioners and government communicators.


Bus company launches “Oplan Aksidente sa Semana Santa 2015”

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - To ensure road safety and road travellers’ security, during the Lenten Season, the Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. (RTMI), Dipolog City Branch, has launched “Oplan Iwas Aksidente sa Semana Santa (Avoid Accidents During the Holy Week) 2015.”

By: Rutchie C. Aguhob

Items in the Oplan are now displayed in the tarpaulins hang in the different RTMI terminal of the province, including those of Oroquieta and Ozamiz City. “Foremost in the Oplan is our reminder for our bus drivers and conductors to make sure that the door is firmly closed, when the bus is in motion, German Avenido, branch manager of RTMI Dipolog, said. “We want our passengers to travel in comfort, so we have instructed our drivers to maintain passenger capacity and avoid standing room for passengers,” said Avenido. Meanwhile, the RTMI drivers were also told to to make sure that no “body” parts of passengers be extended outside the vehicle, during travel and to be alert for suspicious-looking personalities, who they must report to the

authorities, immediately. “As for courtesy to passengers, we have reminded our drivers and conductors to give the priority seats to persons with disabilities (PWD), senior citizens and children, collect proper fare and give back proper change at once,” Avenido said. Meanwhile, the RTMI Divers have been told to wear proper attire and keep proper hygiene, and that following the traffic rules is a must when passengers are getting on board and alighting from the buses. Likewise, a special reminder of “Be a responsible driver!” goes to the drivers. “Ang pagmaneho ay marangal na propesyon. Sa Drayber nakasalalay ang buhay nga mga pasahero!”


Mambajao LGU, DTI hold OBOP, Livelihood Showcase for Tourism Stakeholders

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin - Mambajao town exec led the One Barangay, One Product and Livelihood Showcase with the theme “Atong Produkto Ato Ni” (This is our Product We Own These) on March 18, 2014 at the 2nd floor of the Mambajao Municipal Building Lobby.

By: Zita M. Abellare

With a total of 20 OBOP participants, the showcase featured innovative OBOPs in the categories of processed food and delicacies, processed fish and marine products, spices and condiments, agri-based and organic products, handicrafts, cut flowers and other interesting product offerings from the municipality of Mambajao, also featuring the dried squid and coconut sugar from the municipalities of Sagay and Guinsiliban, respectively. The event is also in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Camiguin Provincial Office. Product demonstrations, presentations, sampling, free tasting activities and order taking purposes highlighted the event to provide the OBOP producers and livelihood projects, mostly micro in sizes, a platform to

showcase their products, open opportunities to increase their revenues, introduce their products and services to the guests, participants and spectators from the tourism sector particularly the resorts and restaurant owners of the municipality of Mambajao. DTI is committed to promoting MSMEs across the country and has backed the Mambajao OBOP in terms of marketing and promotion to offer something new to the customers especially to the tourism establishments and the tourists, both domestic and international. Apart from the marketing and promotion initiatives to sustains the OBOPs, DTI has also conducted skills, entrepreneurial, productivity, management and leadership training to every barangay and partnered with the Local Government of Mambajao through an Executive Order (EO)


signed by the Mayor Ma. Luisa D. Romualdo, organizing the Mambajao OBOP Task Force as one of the member agencies in product identification, research and development, marketing and promotion. The concept of OBOP is an innovation of One Town One Product (OTOP) which originated in Japan and adopted by the national government designed to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. Through OBOP, the Barangay Council takes the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or

service which has a competitive advantage and marketable in both the local and international markets. Specifically, it supports micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to manufacture, offer and market distinctive products and services, through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents. Over-all, OBOP/OTOP offers a comprehensive package through a convergence of services from local government units, national government agencies, and the private sector.

Women’s Peace Table to help to push BBL in Congress

DAVAO CITY- Repre-sentative Sitti Djailia Turabin-Hataman of the Anak-Mindanao Party-list cited that the gaps in understanding the Bangsamoro Basic Law prevails even in the House of Congress. She believes that many congressmen will consult their constituents on the implication of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law in-stead of simply coming up with a stand by themselves. Speaking at the Mind-anao All-Women Conference convened by the Women’s Peace Table at the Seda Abreeza Hotel, she said leg-islators will go back to their respective districts to consult the people on the issue. Hataman said congress districts which might not be affected by the BBL will be swayed by the house lead-ers who will convince them to support the passage of the measure. “It will be of great help if the constituents them-selves will call on their re-spective representatives to position for the BBL. The dynamics in the lower cham-ber is different. Legislators

will always go back to their constituents for consultation,” she said. Hataman observed that much on the concern is on the Senate where its mem-bers decide based on the public opinion. She said the Senators often decide based on what the public says. “It is indeed sad that lack of knowledge and appre-ciation on the BBL prevails on the level of the policy mak-ers,” Hataman said. Irene Santiago, found-ing chair of the Mindanao Commission on Women said there is a need to create a political will on the part of the Congress, both the sen-ate and the lower house to take a step towards the best opportunity for peace through the passage of the BBL. She said they are going to form more women peace tables in the country so that there will be a national con-sensus in favor of peace. “We as citizens as women are determined to create that political will in favor of peace,” Santiago said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


Panabo establishes first fire substation

DAVAO DEL NORTE, - Panabo City government will establish the city’s first substation of the Bu-reau of Fire Protection (BFP) at Brgy. Nanyo. Fire Marshall Vilner Avillon of this city revealed during an interview that the local government is con-structing a P5-million fire substation along TADECO road, which was iden-tified as one of the accident prone areas in the city. He described that two-storey building as an above par its classi-fication as a substation. “The struc-ture itself is not an average substa-tion and is more likely a municipal station or even better,” he said. Avillion said that the fire sub-station is located adjacent to the Ba-rangay Hall of Nanyo, which is 15-20 minutes from the City Fire Station or about 7.8 kms (according to Google Map) because of its accessibility of to the far flung barangays of the city and its proximity to the facility of the Panabo Water District. “The building is about to finish and according to contract, it will be done by May of this year; hopefully, it can be utilized immediately on the succeeding month,” Avillon said. He added that the reason for putting up the substation in the area is to reduce the response time dur-

ing accidents, disasters and other emergencies in the nearby areas. “I don’t want to have that ex-perience again that everytime, there is an accident in those area, they will just wait for us and other rescue team to arrive,” he said. Avillon said that a firetruck and an ambulance will be assigned in the substation. “For the personnel, I am still requesting our regional office to aug-ment our force to man the two sta-tions in the city,” he said. Avillon also proposed to the city government to create a substa-tion also in the road going to Panabo Wharf. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


regional gallery

JCI Duwaling, Kiwanis partnership for Talomo Police Station scholars

Atty. Suzette Balucanag (center left), chapter president of JCI Du-waling and Michelle Grace Askins (center right), representative of Kiwanis Builders Club Manchester in Michigan signed a Memoran-dum of Understanding last March 24, 2015 to implement the Philip-pine Sister School Project. The project aims to distribute basic hy-giene needs, school supplies and RTWs to less fortunate children. The first community outreach scheduled on March 30, 2015 will benefit 74 scholars of the Talomo Police Station.

DA 12 conducts info caravan on PRDP in NorthCotBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Mar. 20(PIA)-- To further advance the develop-ment objectives of the Philippine Rural De-velopment Program (PRDP) in the province, the Department of Agriculture 12 carried out an information caravan.

Zaldy M. Boloron, Deputy Project Officer of the Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) 12 said that it is imperative to en-hance people’s awareness on PRDP and its programs and projects.

Boloron stated that the said program, as a six-year national government platform for an inclusive, value-chain oriented, and climate resilient agriculture and fisheries sector must be reflective of the change and improvement of the lives and conditions of farmers and fisher folks as beneficiaries.

“As an outcome, the PRDP wanted to see an increase in annual farm incomes of the beneficiaries, increase in targeted benefi-ciaries of enterprise development, increase in value of annual marketed output and in-crease in numbers of farmers and fishers with improved access to DA services,” he added.

The official also stated that together with the provinces of Sarangani and South Co-tabato, North Cotabato benefit from the PRDP-Intensified Building Up of Infrastruc


ture and Logistics for Devel-opment (I-BUILD) subprojects totaling to almost P700 million.

Farmers and other groups or individuals growing crops in the province have gained from dif-ferent projects such as Bio N Mixing Plant, Nursery, Organic/Biological production, tissue cul-ture, solar dryer, farm to market road and others which are either completed and operational or approved and on-going.

Engr. Carolina T. Gayapa, PRDP-I-BUILD Head, said the DA-PRDP aims to execute its programs and projects in a wid-

er, more responsive perspective to beneficiaries.

“The PRDP sees the need for its programs and projects to be receptive to farmers and those engaged in farming and into ag-riculture that’s why we want to develop the value chain among the stakeholders,” she noted.

Value chain refers to the full range of activities that are re-quired to bring a product or service through the different phases of production, including physical transformation, the in-puts of various producer servic-es, and response to consumer


Gensan builds memorial shrine for lost fishermenGENERAL SANTOS CITY, Mar. 30 – Gensan, a city built by the fish-ing industry, is honoring the over 300 fishermen who went missing at the height of typhoon Pablo in December 2012 with a monu-ment dedicated to them at Plaza Heneral Santos.

demand.The information caravan also

highlighted the plans, steps and commitments of the participants which include personnel of the Provincial Planning and Develop-ment Office (PPDO), local chief executives, municipal agricultur-ists and farmer’s organizations among others.

Meanwhile, Governor Emmy-lou Mendoza lauded the PRDP for instigating the information

caravan as it would give more farmers the opportunity to get involved with projects and ben-efit from them.

“Through this activity, we will know more about the programs of DA and PRDP and together we can partake in the proper downloading and appropriate use of funds for the benefit of our farmers,” the governor said.(SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cot. Provincial Government)

The construction of the me-morial shrine was initiated by Mayor Ronnel Rivera to pay trib-ute to the fishermen who re-main missing at the moment.With approval from Sangguni-ang Panlungsod, the city gov-ernment allotted more than P130,000 for the construction of the monument facing Pendatun Avenue.

“We are trying to finish this shrine as soon as this March so that we can hold a ceremonial unveiling of this one together with the families of those miss-ing fishermen,” Mayor Ronnel Rivera said. He added the City Engineers Office is prioritizing the construction of the monu-ment right now.“We will make sure that we will


improve our plaza since this is one of the recreational sites of Gensan. We want to make them comfortable and safe while they are here,” Mayor Rivera empha-sized.The monument is a part of the beautification efforts at Plaza Heneral Santos. Mayor Rivera

said an additional P4 million would be allotted to improve the facilities of the park and repair existing structures.\Additional lighting facilities are along being prioritized. (IJLagare-Gensan CPIO/DE-Doguiles-PIA 12)


DILG 13 engages CSOs for disaster risk reductionBy: Marilou Autor-Salado

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Caraga Region (DILG 13) initiated a collaborative meeting of its Multi-Stakeholders Advisory Council (MSAC) members and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) concerned on Disaster Risk Reduction/Climate Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA) activities on March 20, 2015 at Almont City Hotel, this city. The MSAC is the advisory body of DILG’s Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC)—its knowledge hub on local governance and special thematic areas.


It is composed of National Government Agencies, Non-Government Organizations and academic institutions and is dynamically extending its network for collaborators and partners in development work in the field of local governance. With the support of DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion, the meeting was initiated through the DILG 13 - LGRRC as a pro-active strategy to continually improve its services through expansion of its network and linkages, particularly with members of MSAC and stakeholders from CSOs that are concerned on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. This is to resolve the current need for a unified action to mitigate, prepare and respond to natural calamities, which is apparent in the increase of DRR-related priority projects identified by the grassroots community from all 73 cities and municipalities of the region under the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program. Moreover, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division chief Rey Gregorio Jaranilla and Local Government Capability Development Division chief Charissa Guerta have both emphasized that the LGRRC

continues to receive and respond to requests for Capacity Building initiatives such as those pertaining to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA). Considering the Department’s drive to enable LGUs to become environmentally protective, climate change adaptive and disaster resilient, the LGRRC has already initiated an interface meeting with the MSAC members and various CSOs last September 2014. The DRR interventions provided by the CSOs to the Local Government Units in Caraga were mapped out during that meeting. The information gathered were helpful in determining the kind of DRR interventions provided as well as knowing what LGU or community receives the most or less assistance. As a result, collaborative efforts for DRR-CCA are hoped to thrive through the agreements during the meeting, such as: (1) The creation of a TWG to come up a Regional Climate Condition based on Scientific-Based information that will serve as DRR database for all planning activities in the region; (2) the harmonization of training modules on community-


Dinagat Islands Chamber of Commerce hosts 1st provincial bizcon

SAN JOSE, DINAGAT ISLANDS - Businessmen, proprietors, and industry establishments gathered for the opening ceremony of the 1st Provincial Business Conference (Pro BizCon) at the Provincial Guest Center, Brgy. Cuarinta, this municipality.

By: Ma. Jane A. Mayola

The three-day conference with the theme, “Enriching Business, Stimulating Economic

Growth” will be held from March 25 to 27, 2015. It aims to help the province’s

based DRRM; (3) partnerships for the DILG’s Seal of Good Local Government (SGLG) Assessment, particularly on the Seal of Disaster Preparedness component; and (4) Partnerships with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Red Cross for technical

advice on the standards of DRR-related equipment, including its maintenance and utilization. CSOs expressed their appreciation to the endeavour are looking forward to the collaboration which they find mutually beneficial to all stakeholders involved.


economic growth by creating an environment for business through knowledge and technology sharing. Former Press Secretary and Mindanao Development Authority chair Atty. Jesus G.Dureza, in his keynote speech, complimented the province for its vast natural resources saying “Dinagat Islands is nature’s gift to mankind.“ He also congratulated the province for the awards it received in terms of security and disaster-resiliency. Atty. Dureza challenged everyone to preserved the

nature and maintain less criminality rate for investment promotion and economic progress of the province. Activities of the three-day conference include seminar-orientation to the participants about various topics pertaining to business development and strategic ways. The said activity is spearheaded by the Dinagat Islands Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIPCCI) in partnership with the provincial government of Dinagat Islands.


SurSur army battalion cites gains in CLIPBy: Greg Tataro Jr.

BUTUAN CITY - As the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) continues its campaign to win peace primarily through Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) by offering the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), its effort, like any other army front liners, has started to gain ground, according to Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, its civil military operations (CMO) officer.

On March 20, Friday, during the DILG-OPAPP meeting held at the conference room of the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) here, eight former rebels (FRs) were given checks of P15,000 immediate cash assistance and P50,000 livelihood assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP). The meeting called by DILG Caraga regional director (RD) Lilibeth Famacion was attended by Governor Johnny Pimentel as well as high ranking police and military officials and other

representatives of government member-agencies. The awarding of checks spearheaded by RD Famacion and assisted by 36IB commander Lt. Col. Anastacio Suaybaguio, Jr. and 75th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Haron Akaz highlighted the whole affair, said Pueblas. Also, during the occasion, three high powered firearms were surrendered. Ariel Balili turned over one AK 47 and one M16 rifle; Jemuel Cañete also handed in one M16 rifle, he said.


Of the eight FRs, four have been surrenderees to the 36IB under Lt. Col. Anastacio Suaybaguio Jr.; the rest to the 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB) under Lt. Col. Haron Akaz, it was learned. Pueblas identified the FRs who surrendered to their battalion as Rotchap Bangoy aka “Jay,” a squad leader of platoon 1 of the New People’s Army’s (NPA’s) Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC); Gilbert Gardigo, now deceased after a short stint as Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) being a casualty in an encounter last year with former comrades; Jayson Tumanan aka Mac-Mac of Guerilla Front-4B (GF-4B) of the Northcentral Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC); and Marilyn Umba aka “Shani,” a former member of Guerilla Front 30 (GF-30), which operates in the first district of Surigao del Sur. Surrenderees to the 75IB were also named: Jomarie Secuya, Gedailyn Megallen, and Rosemarie Pandita. However, the DILG bared the 8th FR in the list as certain Rene Betos, which Pueblas failed to mention. Likewise, the CMO officer

clarified that since FR Gardigo has already died, it was her elder sister Fe, who received the cash assistance due him. Pueblas claimed that “CLIP is a joint program of the DILG and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) that seeks to contribute toward achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups,” adding that “it specifically aims to facilitate the mainstreaming of FRs as productive citizens and enhance capacities of local government units (LGUs) and National Government Agencies (NGAs) in the implementation of the same.” Meanwhile, he pointed out that Lt. Col. Suaybaguio has continued to call on the rebels to return to the mainstream of society. “To the rebels, lay down your arms and live peacefully with your families. Take advantage of the government’s integration program because it will provide you with an opportunity to return back to your families and communities and together we shall solve our problems the peaceful way,” said Pueblas quoting their battalion chief.

One Mindanao - March 30, 2015

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