One Mindanao - May 23, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESExecutive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

EDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

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Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.KoronadalCity,SouthCotabato9506Telephoneno.(083)520-0249Telefaxno.(083)228-9736/228-9739/520-0100Cellphoneno.0921-6873373/0928-5204307E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)ViceMayors’LeagueofthePhilippinesBldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephoneno.(085)341-5285/360-1239Telefaxno.(085)341-2370Cellphoneno.0917-7188834Email:[email protected],[email protected],phBlogspot:www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook:PIACaragaUpdates,PIAAgusandelNorte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Cover Story

Zambo’s Pride “musically gyrating fountain”

Jocelyn P. AlvarezWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, May 23, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 263

page 4

Carina L. Cayon, Southern Mindanao

DBM releases P1.8-B IRA for LGUs 9Surigao del Sur Red tide toxin-free - BFAR

NGO to present study findings on Davao OFWs’ contribution to economy

18 So. Cotabato gov renews sponsorship of 15,000 Philhealth beneficiaries

New political autonomous entity is constitutional, says Leonen

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Rene V. Carbayas, Armm

Danilo S. Makiling, Caraga Region

Instilling Culture of Peace on kids thru arts Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western Mindanao

Stakeholders ink MOA on Occupa-tional Safety and Health 29 Francis Dominique Y. Nazario, Caraga Region

GSIS scholarship program to benefit students in Region 10 39 Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

30

LBP to install 8 ATMs in Sarangani towns 20Cathy Apelacio, Central Mindanao

25

DTI closely monitors local price of school supplies36Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

3415

OroChamber conducts maximizing productivity and job hazard analysis40 Lourdes Enjambre, Northern Mindanao

7 11 13 17

22 27 31 36

Photo Credits:

Raymond Pontillas PhotographyCity Information Office

4 Wednesday, May 23, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Children watch in awe while parents watch with excitement; the public in general watch with amazement and pride this breath

stopping, jaw dropping gracefully choreographed movement of Zamboanga City’s newest attraction- the musically gyrating fountain or “dancing fountain,” carefully built at the center ground of the public’s favorite tambayan-the Paseo Del Mar.

Cover StoryZambo’s Pride “musically gyrating fountain”

This P27 million worth dancing fountain has unique features making it one- of-a-kind in the country, claimed the designer and builder- Industrion, Inc., a respectable and internationally-known fountain contractor. The P27 million construction cost included the creation of amenities such as concrete seats/benches, enclosure fences and similar amenities. This stunning fountain was

official made open to the public less than two

months ago, but people seemed to crave

to see it more

each day, bringing along their entire family, to let go of their pulse to dance with the beat of the musically gyrating fountain. The dancing fountain boasts of its spectacular show that consists of 6 carefully selected and diverse songs with different beats that synchronized with the rhythmic dancing of the water with lights, fire, sound and special effects. Each show lasts for 26 to 30 minutes. “The sight of the colorful water filling the 25 meter-diameter pool entwining with the sound and special effects, promises to be a worthwhile feature at the scenic Paseo del Mar

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Wednesday, May 23, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

which is

teeming with people since sundown every day,” said Sheila Covarrubias, City Information Officer “Throngs of people have expressed awe and wonderment as

water with lights, fire and special effects, danced to the rhythm of

specially-chosen music,” she emphasized.

Designed and built by Industrion,

Inc., a

respectable and internationally-known fountain contractor, the Paseo del Mar musically gyrating fountain has a precision coherent pulsating center jet; 4 explosion jets, which is an add-on; 4 gazer fountains that spray water with a minimum height of 6 meters; 8 pieces gyrating fountain with 2 degrees of movement; 24 vertical jets; 6 fire balls of flames; 114 mist nozzles and 116 led lights. The explosion jets pump water as high as 75-89 feet while the center jet pulsates water 12.5 meters high. The Paseo fountain “dance shows” is scheduled to entertain spectators at 7pm and 8:30 pm during weekdays; Fridays and Saturdays- 7pm. 8:15pm and 9:30 pm while on Sundays there are two or three shows. “It is amazingly beautiful, most spectators describe the fountain. They said the dancing fountain provides a respite from a day’s hard work and stresses in life,” Covarrubias shared. Mayor Lobregat said the Paseo

6 Wednesday, May 23, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

d e l Mar musically gyrating fountain

is one of the “best” infrastructure projects that his administration has implemented. Watchers who would like to view the fountain at close range or inside the fountain fence where they will be seated comfortably, will have to pay P10.00 (only) viewing/entrance fee to cover fountain operational expenses like electricity and water. The city government spends an estimated P1, 000 per night for the electricity and water for the operation of the fountain. Those who opt to view the dancing fountain from afar or outside

the enclosure fence may do so as the fountain is within eye view

since the fence is only 1.2 meters high.

This dancing fountain is the third fountain

project of the city. The

first fountain which costs the city some P1million was constructed at the Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca; the second fountain worth P3million was constructed in the heart if the city, Plaza Pershing. All two fountains were inaugurated September and December 2011 respectively.


ACROSS THE NATION

In a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the government has been seriously institutionalizing

human rights protection to ensure the adherence to this goal.

“From 2008 to 2011, there were 28---27 cases involving extrajudicial killings that were received

by the PNP Task Force USIG. Experts from the European Union have also noted the decrease in the cases specifically at the start of the administration of President Aquino,” Valte

Malacanang cites significant decrease of extra judicial killings in the country

Malacanang cited the significant decrease in the cases of extrajudicial killings in the country as it attributed this development to the continuous and coordinated efforts of various

government agencies under the Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC), tasked to work on cases of abuse.

8 Wednesday, May 23, 2012ONE MINDANAO

said.“It can be attributed to

the fact that the agencies have continued to work together. Mas pinaigting po ‘yung kooperasyon nila to address ‘yang mga ganitong issues. For example, ‘yung AFP po natin, to institutionalize human rights protection, came up with the first ever AFP human rights handbook. That it has already been disseminated and is being taught even at training level. The AFP also continues to work with other stakeholders in human rights advocacy groups. Nagpatuloy pa ‘yung kanilang consultation,

kung ano yang mga nagiging problema at ano ho ‘yang mga possible solutions para naman po mabigyan ng resolusyon ‘yang mga ganitong kaso,” she added.

Valte said that while there is a considerable decrease in numbers, the Aquino administration will incessantly work harder to totally eliminate cases of extrajudicial killings in the country.

Valte further noted that the PHRC remains focused on its responsibilities and will be presenting its assessment on the developments during the

United Nation’s Universal Periodic Review.

The Presidential Human Rights Committee is continuing its work in tandem with the Commission on Human Rights. And we intend to present these developments when the Philippine delegation goes for the Universal Periodic Review on May 29, 2012. That would be next week,” Valte said.

The UPR is a periodic review conducted every four years by the UN Human Rights Council which is composed of the UN member countries. (JCL)


DBM releases P1.8-B IRA for LGUs

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has announced the release of P1.8 billion in Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) funds to local government units (LGUs),

marking the fourth installment of the IRA differentials due to LGUs under the Monetization in IRA Collectibles for Local Empowerment 2 (MIRACLE2), according to a press release by DBM.

“The P1.8-billion release for LGUs is representative of the Administration’s commitment to ensure sufficient and timely budgetary support to local governments and the communities they serve,” Budget and Management Secretary

Florencio B. Abad said. Under MIRACLE2,

LGUs are set to receive IRA differentials from the reenactment of the FYs 2000 and 2003 General Appropriations Act (GAA) in FYs 2001 and 2004, respectively. The reenactments resulted in unreleased

IRAs for LGUs amounting to P12.57 billion, which has been released to LGUs in equal installments since FY 2009.

Of the P1.8-billion representing the fourth installment, P1.23 billion will be released to the


Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), which acts as a Trustee Bank covering all LGUs enrolled in the DBP MIRACLE 2 Program. At least P939.3 million of this amount will be distributed to enrolled provinces, cities, and municipalities, while P296.02 million will go to barangays.

Meanwhile, the remaining P561.3 million will be directed to DBM Regional Offices to cover the shares of LGUs that did not avail of the monetization program.

The fourth installment will be charged against the Allocation to Local Government Units – Special Shares of LGUs in the Proceeds of National Taxes under the 2012 GAA.

Abad confirmed that the three remaining

MIRACLE 2 installments will be distributed to beneficiary LGUs every May until 2015. He also said that fund utilization will be governed by the same rules set for LGUs in the Local Government Code.

“We trust that our peers and colleagues in the local

government will use these funds to serve their communities’ best interests. As our LGUs receive the funds due them, so should Filipinos receive the benefits brought about by efficient and effective local governance,” Abad said.


Proposed Mindanao power corp to give focus on watershed management

Proposed Mindanao power corp to give focus on watershed management.

E n s u r i n g sustainability of hydro power generation for Mindanao through watershed restoration and management would be accorded high priority when the proposed Mindanao Power Corporation shall have been realized, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said Tuesday. Secretary Luwalhati Antonino said that the reliability of hydro power plants in Mindanao which supply more than half of the island’s power requirements had been affected by the

critical condition of the watersheds, aside from the reduced physical performance of the hydro power plants. “The watershed condition in Mindanao is very alarming,” said Antonino, adding that the island-region’s forest cover now only stands at 21 percent. She said that if realized, the Mindanao Power Corporation could allot an annual budget of P200 million for the restoration and management of Mindanao’s watersheds especially in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and

Bukidnon where the Agus and Pulangi hydro power plants are located. Antonino added that such major environmental effort could not be fully expected if hydro power plants are privatized, stressing that “we can’t compel a private entity to care for our watersheds.” She said that Mindanao is host to eight major river basins in the


country, the largest of which are the Agusan and Pulangi riverbasins. Within these riverbasins are 262 watersheds -- with Agusan and Pulangi also the largest-- that are drained by nine major and 20 secondary rivers. To date, Antonino said that deforestation and unsustainable agriculture practices has resulted in massive soil erosion. “The end result is a heavily silted Pulangi River and Lanao Lake”, she said, pointing out that siltation of dams leads to significant reduction in power generation capacity of hydro power plants. This problem has long been neglected according to Antonino. The proposed power corporation, which shall be governed by the new Government-owned or controlled Corporations (GOCC) law, is hoped to take care of not just the regular maintenance of the hydro power plants, but also the restoration

of its surrounding watersheds. “That’s why we are gearing for the implementation of a Mindanao-wide program on watershed management called Mindanao Nurturing Our Waters or MindaNOW which shall be formally launched during the Mindanao Economic and Environment Summit on June 4-5, in time for the international environment day”, said Antonino MindaNOW is a flagship program of MinDA in partnership with key government agencies, private sector and non-government organizations (NGOs). “It is anchored on a sustainable development framework that aims to enhance an enabling environment towards achieving sustainable economic development while maintaining ecological integrity”, said Antonino. Antonino said Mindanao’s economic performance in recent

years has been encouraging, but there is much more that can be achieved for the island-region. She said that the pursuit of economic development in Mindanao must not come at the expense of the environment. The island-region still has to catch up with the national greening program, which targets to plant 1.5-billion trees covering about 1.5-million hectares nationwide until 2016. “The Agus and Pulangi hydroplants are our [Mindanao] crown jewels”, said Antonino, adding that Mindanao’s relatively cheaper power makes it more advantageous for investors to locate in the region. She said “Mindanawons know what’s best for Mindanao” and that the Mindanao people has already spoken: they know best how to run the Agus and Pulangi hydro power plants.


by Jeanevive Abangan

Nine schools divisions of the Department of Education

(DepEd) XI gathered yesterday in Tagum City National High School to launch the Brigada Eskwela 2012, and conveyed thanks and appreciation to Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy for donating school fur-nitures. As an expression of thanksgiving, DepEd Regional Director Susana Estigoy awarded

Uy a Plaque of Appreciation signed by DepEd Sec. Bro. Armin Luistro during the launching ceremony attended by DepEd schools division officials. In her speech, Estigoy viewed the Brigada launching as a fitting moment to thank Uy at a time when DepEd started calling on the public to take part in the crusade for volunteerism to help public

schools prepare for the coming school year opening on June 4. Estigoy cited Uy for coming up with a “unique” initiative he called as “Care for School Chairs” program through which school chair needs of far-flung public schools in the region were answered. “This is something very unique in the entire country. Mayor Uy has featured Tagum City to have been keeping alive the Filipino spirit of

DepEd XI launches Brigada Eskwela in Tagum


bayanihan,” she said. The Care for School Chairs program sprung from Executive Order 23 signed by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on Feb. 01, 2011, declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests. Upon knowing about the volumes of confiscated logs impounded in Laak, Compostela Valley, Uy asked Compostela Valley Gov. Arturo T. Uy , in July last year, for supply of such logs to be fabricated into school chairs and desks. Having owned furniture fabrication equipment housed at its Motorpool, the Tagum City Government started producing and distributing in August school arm chairs, desks, teacher’s tables and kiddie chairs, giving priority to public schools in Davao del Norte. As of May 21, a total of 42,244 Tagum City fabricated school desks and chairs were distributed to various public elementary and secondary schools in the Davao Region. The majority number of 28,952 of which were distributed in Davao del Norte; 12,368 in Compostela Valley province; 216, Davao City; 513, Davao del Sur. Tagum City also fabricated and distributed 166 double deck beds to the regional office Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army,

the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and to Compostela Valley. These were produced from the 2,155 cubic meters (35,311.53 board feet) confiscated logs donated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI in support of the Care for the School Chairs program. Mayor Uy also extended 195 pieces of school furniture to Payatas Elementary School in Quezon Province. Uy harnesses the Filipino spirit of volunteerism as he encourages free-of-charge labor of city government workers, members of parents-teachers association, private company workers and national government employees. He also solicits and welcomes donated paint supply and plywood. In his speech du ring the awarding ceremony, Uy revealed that the city government of Tagum saves as much as P58 for every school chair and desk painted through volunteer work. DepEd officials at the regional and division levels Monday put in their share of volunteer work dubbed “Brigadahan”, painting school chairs using paint from Boysen which donated 25 gallons for the Brigada Eskwela launching activity. (PIA-XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


NGO to present study findings on Davao OFWs’ contribution to economy

DAVAO CITY– The Unlad Kabayan Migrant Services Foundation, Inc. will formally release tomorrow (May 23) its study findings on the contribution of Davao City’s mi-grant workers to the local econo-my. Unlad Kabayan Executive Director Maria Angela Villalba said the research entitled “Migrants of Davao City: A Baseline Study” will be presented to the city local government officials and heads of key government agencies, the academe and other non-government organizations. Villalba told the media during Monday’s Kapihan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao that Unlad Kabayan’s first research in Davao City was conducted starting 2009 to benchmark the

condition of the city’s Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).She said the study which gathered 462 respondents from the three Congressional districts in a random survey, gave focus on the OFW’s contribution to the local economy, and their savings, spending and investment behavior. One of the

findings revealed that about 70 percent of the migrant worker respondents had savings and 29% of them invest part of their savings in the city, Villalba reported.“We are happy to note that migrant workers in Davao City had savings and were investing in the city,” she stated. She said the savings would range from at least P10,000 to P40,000 based on the last salary.The study said about 69% of the migrant families had also their savings mostly kept in the banks, however noting that among the respondents, it is more likely that the bulk of the savings is kept by the migrants, not by the families. Of those who had investments,


the most common ventures engaged in were farm purchase which scored at 44.1%, and other business such as retail, mainly sari-sari stores, micro and small enterprises, rating at 36.5%. The respondents claimed to have invested a total of P7.7 million in farms, agri-business and micro enterprises, and P1.5 million in lending activities, the study showed.However, the research noted that majority or 53.1% of the migrant respondents had no experience in business, though it further cited that 32.25% claimed that their businesses were successful while 45.8% reported that returns were just enough. About 20.4% of the respondents admitted failure or poor returns due to inability to collect debts, lack of trustworthy managers/staff, lack of capital and lack of experience, the study found out.Further, the study disclosed that 82% of the migrants are willing to invest with a maximum of P5 million and a minimum of P10,000 investments. Among the recommendations that came out concerning savings and investments were to improve migration policies and programs, and to provide business opportunities

for OFWs to encourage migrants to invest in the city. “This is why we will be presenting the study to the LGU and other government agencies to hopefully get their response and action based on the findings and recommendations,” Villalba said. Meanwhile, Villalba disclosed that the 32,196 Davao City migrant workers registered by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) are sending P3.86 billion in remittances to their families annually. From a conservative estimate of P10,000 monthly remittance from each of the OFW, P321.9 million flew into Davao City every month, she said. Unlad Kabayan is an NGO catering to migrant workers and their families, in an aim to enable the OFWs to “actively contribute to the local economy through the mobilization of their resources for enterprise development.” The group has also “pioneered the approach of harnessing migrants’ savings to support social enterprises in some of the poorest regions in the country.” (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

facts and figures

100 hectares, total land area of Camp Manuel T. Yan in Mawab, Compostela Valley Province, headquarters of the 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army


City council endorses construction of third geothermal plant in Kidapawan CityBy Shahana Joy Duerme

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato,-- The city council of Kidapawan recently passed a resolution endorsing the construction of another geothermal pow-er plant in Barangay Ilomavis.


The same resolution also authorized the local chief executive to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) that operates the first two geothermal plants in the area.

Signing of the MoA is required before the EDC could start construction of the third geothermal plant in Mindanao geothermal production field which is situated in Mount Apo.

The MoA provides, among others, P42-million fund from EDC to be spent in the city LGU’s infrastructure projects, P1.7 million financial assistance for street lighting from Barangay

Sudapin to Barangay Ilomavis, another P1.7 million for electrification other barangays, P1 million for the electric bill of the street lights in the city, and P5.75 million as donation for the purchase of medical equipment of Kidapawan City Hospital.

MoA also provides that EDC should allocate a cent for every kilowatt hour of electricity sold from the power plant to the indigenous peoples living in Mt. Apo.

It can be recalled that few months ago, Mindanao suffered rotating brown-outs due to power shortage.

Before the rehabilitation of Pulangi IV hydropower plant

and entry of power supply from the Therma Marine Incorporated barge in Compostela Valley;Kidapawan City and North Cotabato experienced up to nine hours of rotational brownout.

The council, however, has yet to thresh out the issue on the provision of a direct and imbedded power line from the geothermal plant to the Cotabato Electric Cooperative.

City Vice Mayor and City Council Presiding Officer Joseph Evangelista said the council would like to make sure that North Cotabato will have electricity in times where there is power shortage. (SJDuerme-PIA12)

So. Cotabato gov renews sponsorship of 15,000 Philhealth beneficiaries

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Over 15,000 poor families in South Cotabato are assured of health insurance coverage until 2013 after the provincial local government signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philhealth 12 for the renewal of its sponsorship program.

By Dani Doguiles

Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy is one of 36 local chief executives in Soccsksargen Region

who have signed for a 2-year lock-in period until 2013.

Soccsksargen Region

or Region 12 includes the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and


North Cotabato, the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato as well as 45 municipalities.

South Cotabato has a total of more than 92,000 Philhealth cardholders.

Besides the 15,000 provincial L G U - s p o n s o r e d beneficiaries, the province also has 53,000 Philhealth card beneficiaries identified under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) whose premiums are being paid by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Over 24,000 others was being sponsored by other local government

units in the province and some civic and private organizations.

As renewed members, these families may now avail of the Primary Care Benefit package through their respective accredited Rural Health Units launched last April 1, 2012 that includes primary preventive services, diagnostic examinations and free drugs and medicines.

Primary preventives services include free consultation, visual inspection with acetic acid, regular BP measurements, b r e a s t f e e d i n g program education, periodic clinical breast examination, counseling for lifestyle modification,

counseling for smoking cessation, body measurements, and digital recital examination.

Free diagnostic examinations include complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, fecalysis, sputum micersocopy, fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile and chest-xray while drugs free for dispensing are medicines for asthma, acute gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract infection and urinary tract infection.

Dr. Miriam Cynthia Pamonag, Philhealth 12’s field operations chief, said benefit availment of the members is assured even without presenting their IDs, provided their names are included in the list given by Philhealth to LGUs.

Philhealth Cares nurses assigned in public hospitals may also assist the members who do not understand about the procedure and requirements for availment.

Maternity care package and newborn


care package among other special benefit packages may likewise be availed of by the same beneficiaries from accredited birthing homes, lying-in facilities and accredited hospitals with accredited doctors.

Pingoy added that the provincial government benefited from the signing of the MoA because there would be no increase the premium being paid by the LGU in until 2013.

“Instead of P1,400,

the provincial LGU only pays P1,200 annual insurance premium,” he said.

He also pointed out that those who would like to avail of what is being locally called as “emergency Philhealth card” from the provincial government are now required to pay P600.

Regarding maternal health packages, Gov. Pingoy, the government hospital that would soon be constructed in nearby Surallah town will be maternity and birthing facility.

“We hope to start

putting up a 25-bed hospital in Surallah intended as maternity and birthing home before the end of first semester for our members in South Cotabato and neighboring provinces,” he said.

The hospital, will eventually turn into a 125-bed secondary or tertiary facility expected to provide both inpatient and outpatient health care services especially for indigents. (DEDogui les-PIA 12/ Hanah Naanep-Philhealth 12)

LBP to install 8 ATMs in Sarangani townsBy Cathy Apelacio

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- At least eight additional automated teller ma-chines (ATMs) will be installed in Sarangani by the Land Bank of the Philip-pines (LBP) as part of its expansion to give better service to its clients at the countryside.

According to LBP Alabel Branch, one ATM will be established in each of the towns of Glan, Malapatan, and Alabel aside from the two ATMs already operational inside the Provincial Capi-tol Compound where the branch office is

housed.LBP GenSan, on the other hand, will install the ATMs in Maasim, Kiamba, Maitum, and Malungon. Edna Viray of LBP Alabel Branch told PIA General Santos City that the ATMs for Glan, Malapatan, and Alabel

are now available and ready for installation.But she said, “We are still waiting for the go signal of the mayors,” before the ATMs can be installed. Viray confirmed that a letter informing the mayors about the availability of the ATMs


and Land Bank’s readi-ness to install the units at specified location had already been sent two weeks ago yet. Meanwhile, ATMs for the other towns have also arrived and ready for installation, according to LBP-Gen-San.In March this year, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was forged between and among the provincial government of Saran-gani, the seven town mayors, the rural bank of Kiamba and the LBP represented by its president and chief executive officer Gilda Pico. The MOA signing was synchronized with the blessing and in-auguration of the new building of LBP Alabel branch as it transferred to a spacious building within the capitol com-pound.“These ATMs will also service the condition-al cash transfer (CCT) beneficiaries because as you all know Land Bank is the servicing bank of all conditional cash transfers of gov-

ernment,” Pico said.“In Sarangani, we have a total 25,000 CCT ben-eficiaries and in 2011 we paid P80 million for these system benefi-ciaries,” she added. According to Vi-ray, the rural bank of Kiamba will serve as “conduit” of LBP once the ATM will be in-stalled in the town of Kiamba. Ma. Eleanor Cor-puz, LBP Alabel branch head, said the ATMs will be a great help to the constituents of Sarangani especially those who are benefi-ciaries of CCT living in far-flung areas. C o m m e n d i n g LBP’s operation in Sa-rangani over the last 15 years, Gov. Migs

Dominguez said the expansion of lank bank, “reflects not only the growth of our mu-nicipalities and prov-ince but most of all the growth of the private sector.” The governor acknowledged land bank’s key role espe-cially in financing and lending to help develop and improve the stat-ure of agricultural sec-tor in the province. Land bank, the fourth largest bank in the country and the largest government bank has a progressive total resource of P638 billion with P507 billion deposits; P150 billion loans provided and a capital of P72 billion. (CTA-PIA 12, Gen-eral Santos City)


Sulu governor Abdusakur M. Tan awarded a total of 65 core shelter units to residents of Sulu, where 25

units were given to families situated at Barangay Timbangan in Indanan town and 40 units to families of

Sulu gov’t inaugurates housing, water system projects By Rene V. Carbayas

The provincial government of Sulu recently led the inauguration of a water system and the awarding of housing units to identified beneficiaries in the province.


Barangay Laum in Maimbung town. Acting Information Officer, Sonny Abing III said the project is jointly undertaken by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Sulu provincial government. In a simple ceremony in Barangay Laum, Tan distributed Certificates of Acceptance and Completion of the housing units to the beneficiaries. He was assisted by Maimbung mayor Samier A. Tan, the governor’s chief of staff Abdusakur A. Tan II and DSWD provincial director Madeleine Bahjin. Also present during the event were provincial board member Darren Limpasan, Pandami mayor Hatta Berto, Kalinggalang Caluang mayor Alrazmie Halun, Brgy. Timbangan chairperson Akmad Hussin, who represented Mayor Saripuddin Jikiri of Indanan and Brgy. Laum chairperson Edzfar Tan. Meanwhile, the Maimbung water system was also formally opened for operation with Governor Tan and Mayor Samier A. Tan. Governor Tan said that, “the water system will curtail water shortage in the municipality and make it more accessible to the people.” Mayor Samier Tan, on the other hand expressed his gratitude to the DSWD and the provincial government for the support that his municipality is receiving and


thanked the people of Maimbung for the trust and confidence given to his administration. He also vowed to continue the development work his administration is doing for the last two years. In his message to the people of Maimbung town, Governor Tan highlighted the change that is now being seen in the area, which has made significant progress in the span of two years. “Maimbung is so much better, aside from these housing projects and water system, the port is now in its final phase of construction, new school buildings were constructed to give a comfortable place of learning for the children. An integrated public market is also expected to be in operation soon to spur economic activity in this area of Sulu. These are just but some of the initiatives that this administration has accomplished

to provide opportunities and make better lives for the constituents,” Tan said. Governor Tan also challenged other leaders and the people of Maimbung to contribute to the development of the province. “If you cannot initiate development in your own hometown, you cannot expect others to come here and do it for you, and we must have progress first as a people, so that we can bring progress to others as well,” he said. The governor also announced that plans for a hospital building in Maimbung is already in the works. He said that the Department of Health will donate P10 million while a counterpart of P2 million and P3 million will come from the municipality and the provincial government, respectively. (ALT/SA/RVC-PIA9)


By Rene V. Carbayas

Speaking before representatives of the civil society, business groups, security sector and the media during a consultation held at the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City recently, Leonen cited Article 10, Section 15 to 22. He said that Section 15 stated that “there shall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao…(in) areas sharing

common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of this Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines.” “In the national politics, there will always be a minority whose views and concerns cannot be always

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Emphasizing that the peace negotiations is conducted within the framework of the Constitution, Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Marvic Leonen pointed out that agreeing to create a new political autonomous entity is allowed as stated in the Constitution.

New political autonomous entity is constitutional, says Leonen


accommodated because they could never become a majority. Thus, the only way to guarantee a level of democracy is allow them to govern in one region, but still remain in the entire Republic of the Philippines,” he explained. Leonen, however, stressed that they are exercising “due diligence” in negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as issues are expected to become more difficult on the peace table. The panel chair said that the government is carefully examining substantive issues particularly those of legal concern, such as the creation of a new political autonomous entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, as well as power-sharing and wealth-sharing that are contained in the Decision Points on Principles signed by both parties during the 27th formal exploratory talks held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles joined Leonen in the Zamboanga consultation to explain the GPH-MILF Decision Points on Principles which contains 10 common standpoints mutually identified by both parties to serve as a framework for the final peace agreement. In her message, Deles underscored that the government fully recognizes the concerns of the people. “That’s why we are here. The panel conducts consultations in

order to directly listen to the views of the public,” she added. On the same note, Leonen said that the GPH panel “takes to heart the concerns” of the people and consider them on the negotiating table. He related that the panel has already conducted more than 70 consultations and a survey on the pulse of different sectors in the south. Leonen said that “consultation means listening earnestly, trying to understand the points raised by various sectors, and reflecting it as best as we can in order for persons making the political decision (from the different branches of government) to be properly informed.” The GPH panel is set to conduct more consultations with key stakeholders before their next round of formal meeting with the MILF panel by the end of this month. (ALT/OPAPP/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)


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Butuan police readies for opening of classesby Robert E. Roperos

The city’s police force is now ready for the opening of classes for school year 2012-2013.


Police City Director PSupt. Pedro Obaldo said police officers here are ready for deployment to different barangays and areas as classes commence on June 4 as per Department of Education’s (DepEd) directive. “Our policemen are already deployed to the different areas especially in schools to ensure peace and order,” he said. Supt. Obaldo said this is to ensure that pupils, teachers, and parents will be given protection especially

during the first week of classes, as it is expected that more people will be going to different schools here. “Meron po tayong ‘Oplan Balik Eskwela’ na kino-conduct taun-taon na layuning matulungan lalung-lalo na ang mga kabataan at mga magulang na mabigyan ng karampatang proteksyon laban sa mga masasamang elemento (We have the Oplan Balik Eskwela that is being conducted every year aimed to assist the students and their parents by

protecting them against bad elements),” Obaldo said Oplan Balik Eskwela aims to implement police visibility in strategic areas of the city, especially near the schools so that whatever assistance the public need, the police officers can immediately address it, the official said. In support of police visibility, the establishment of police boxes in the city is also observed to be effective. This is one of the measures undertaken by the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) to provide police assistance to public. Also, with the latest donation of three patrol multi-cabs of Agusan del Norte First District Congressman Jose “Joboy” Aquino III, police officers here can now run after the riding in tandem suspects who are victimizing civilians in robbery holdup.


Stakeholders ink MOA on Occupational Safety and Healthby Francis Dominique Y. Nazario

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga Asst. Regional Dir. Joel M. Gonzales explained that the agreement is the result of a Focus Group Discussion on Safety and Health Issues and Concerns, and subsequent meetings last week where stakeholders agreed to establish measures and take appropriate actions to prevent or correct the occurrence and recurrence of accidents,

diseases, and illnesses in the workplace. Also, Deputy Exec. Dir. Jomar Batino of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) stressed this is the first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on safety in the region, or probably in the entire country, in terms of the number of stakeholders who have committed to support the program. Meanwhile, Butuan

City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. lauded the immediate action of DOLE Caraga by coming up with the MOA, and urged the body to form a technical working group (TWG) that will monitor the implementation of the MOA. For her part, DOLE-Caraga Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo pointed out that they must ensure that the MOA is implemented to

BUTUAN CITY-- Stakeholders of occupational safety and health from various government, non-government, and private sectors convened recently to forge a memorandum of agreement in what could be considered a milestone in the region’s history of occupational safety and health practice.


the fullest, to prevent the unnecessary loss of lives of workers in the region. “The Novo fire in Butuan and mining accident in Surigao that took the lives of 17 workers and seven miners caught the attention of the whole nation. We must do everything in our power to prevent accidents of that magnitude to ever happen again,” Domingo added. The stakeholders who have showed their commitment to support the undertaking are: DOLE-Caraga, OSHC), Organization of Safety and Health Network (OSHNET) – Caraga, and the regional offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Environmental Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Local Government Unit (LGU) of Butuan City, Chamber of Mines (CM) – Caraga, and the Butuan City Commerce and Industry Foundation (BCCIFI).


Based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued by the bureau the coastal waters of Bislig City is negative from this toxin. However, BFAR said all types of shellfish especially “alamang” that comes from the coastal waters of Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur, Murchelagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental and

Bataan coastal waters specifically Mariveles, limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay, and Samal is not yet safe to consume. Also, BFAR announced that Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar is now positive from the said toxin. With these developments, BFAR reminded the people to beware from consuming shellfish from the

infected areas. They also emphasized that fish, squid, shrimps and crabs are safe to eat but must be properly prepared and provided that the fish is fresh and washed thoroughly. Internal organs, gills and its intestines must also be removed before cooking. The country’s fish bureau also said that people must be vigilant in buying seafoods in the market to avoid any complications.

Surigao del Sur Red tide toxin-free - BFAR

BUTUAN CITY-– Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur is negative from Red Tide Toxin, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.

by Danilo S. Makiling


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TISP to give way to catch-up development in ARMM By Claro A. Lanipa

The Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP), if fully and successfully implemented will go a long way in terms of catch-up development in the Autonomous Region

in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Presidential Assistant for Muslim Concerns and National Program Manager, TISP for ARMM Program Management Office Undersecretary Yasmin Busran-Lao said.


In a press conference at the sideline of the Regional Stakeholders Consultation on Tuesday, held at the Ocean View Hotel, this city, Usec Lao disclosed that the TISP is the savings of eleven (11) national government agencies who committed to invest their money in the ARMM region to support the Roadmap on Governance Reforms crafted under the Aquino administration. As one of the major component of the roadmap, TISP is comprised of various programs and projects amounting to P8.59 Billion. These programs and projects have been strategically chosen to fast track key development initiatives and reforms. The budget is over and above the Region’s regular budget, Lao said. The TISP aims to increase the reach, access and quality of essential public services which means putting in place all basic social services; create the enabling mechanism to promote and sustain public-private

partnership in economic development and good governance, a mechanism of implementation and monitoring to be participated by all stakeholders, and the institutionalization of vital governance reforms in the ARMM Regional and Local Government Bureaucracies, to ensure that it is not only just bringing down the economic package infrastructure but it has to be done under the content of good governance with transparency and accountability, Usec Lao underscored. The national agencies involved are as follows; Department of Agriculture (P510-Million), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (P49,586-M), Department of the Interior and Local Government (P1,275,790,202), Department of Energy-National Electrification Administration (P200-M), Department of Health (P956-M), Department of Science and Technology (P24,650-M),


Department of Transportation and Communication (P80-M), Department of Public Works and Highways (P2,851,115-B), Department of Social Welfare and Development (P1,971,145-B), Department of Trade and Industry

(P60-M), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (P61,638-M) with a total amount of Php 8,039,964,202. An additional P550 Million is also available but still to be programmed. (ALT/CAL/PIA9)

Instilling Culture of Peace on kids thru artsBy Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – “The Culture of peace should start with the kids”, Mr. Rameer Tawasil, the world renown Tausug artist, explained on the rationale of the 5-day ARMM Summer Art Workshop for Peace currently being held in a local hotel here. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government, thru its ARMM HELPS (Health, Education, Livelihood, Political Reform, and Synergy) Program, came up with the

project armoring more than thirty kids from ARMM aged 7 to 15 years old on culture of peace thru drawing and painting. “It is important to instill in the


minds of the young ones the essence of peace. Although they may not immediately grasp the idea, the lessons will surely be kept in their subconscious area. Sooner or later it will just come out”, Tawasil said. Tawasil furthered he immediately jumped at the opportunity to teach kids on peace culture by using art as a medium to make them aware of what is happening at an early age. “This is one of my advocacies, to promote peace through my works. When ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman contacted me and asked me if I can help him, I immediately said yes. I said this is a great opportunity not just to promote peace but also preserve our cultural heritage. Not just the Tausug culture but of Mindanao as a whole”, the soft-spoken artist said. Tawasil was born and raised in Jolo, Sulu during the martial law years, and the harrowing experiences he had during the war in Sulu has contributed vastly to his mission

and advocacy to help kids develop culture of peace in them. “When I was five years old, I witnessed the burning of Jolo town, and it really haunted me for so long that it became my driving force to promote peace thru the best way that I could - art”, he recalled. He also added that one of his aims for this activity is to help kids to develop their potentials. “One of the reasons why I agreed to teach these kids is to help especially those with potential to hone their skills. Truth is, not all of these kids will become artists someday. But some can become cultural workers that will help preserve the Mindanao Culture. Some may become art collectors”, Tawasil pointed. Rameer Tawasil, has long resided here in Zamboanga City and has represented not just the city, but the country in international art exhibits. He had his solo exhibits in Belgium, Sweden, and just recently, Malaysia. (ALT/MVC/PIA9-ZBST)


DIPOLOG CITY - With barely two weeks before the regular opening of classes in June, the provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry in Zamboanga del Norte, in coordination with the consumer watch group has strengthened its monitoring on the price and quality of school supplies in the local market.

DTI closely monitors local price of school supplies By Alfonso T. Ruda

Engr. Noel E. Bazan, DTI-Zamboanga Norte Provincial Director said the move is to ensure the availability of high-quality school supplies at the various stores in the province. Basan said that based on their monitoring, the price of school supplies remain normal and his office also has not received any report nor complaint concerning over-priced school supplies.

However, he urges the public to be vigilant and careful in buying school supplies for their children as cheap but low-quality school supplies are noticed to have been displayed in some stores in Dipolog City lately. The government wants to ensure that quality standards are followed and that consumers are protected from over-priced school products.(JPA/ATR-PIA9)


PCCI welcomes creation of Mindanao Power Corporation by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce

and Industry (PCCI) has expressed its support to the move of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) for the creation of Mindanao Power Corporation (MinPoCor).

“We are one with the MinDA in this proposal,” said Ricardo C. Juliano, PCCI Vice President for Mindanao. He said the Agus-Pulangi hydro plants are Mindanao’s patrimony and it should be in government hands. MinDA Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino told members of the press on Tuesday that President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed her to

study the viability of the recommendations

during the recent Mindanao Power Summit, which included the setting-up of a government-owned and controlled entity that will operate the hydroplants in Mindanao in lieu of the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR). She said she submitted her report to the President last May 14, showing the viability of the proposal


and detailing the profitability of the hydro plants based on the NAPOCOR’s financial statements. “Our numbers would show that if it is run by Mindanawons as a GOCC, then we will be able to pay the debts that are attributable to Mindanao grid, maintain low prices, and even provide about P200 million annual budget for the protection of watersheds around the hydro plants,” she emphasized. She also reiterated her previous statement that the hydropower complex earned P68 billion or an annual average of P6 billion since 2001. MinDA has issued a press release last May 9 reacting to the statement Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) President Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. regarding the reported losses of up to P15 billion between 2001 and 2011 from its operation of the government’s power assets in Mindanao. In the press release, Antonino said PSALM’s financial statement validated Mindanao stakeholders’ stand that indeed the operations of Agus and Pulangui facilities had resulted in operating profits as was presented during the Mindanao Power Summit. Citing the financial report of PSALM, the MinDA reported that Agus and Pulangui earned P68 billion net income but it was used to cover operating losses of other government facilities such as coal, geothermal and diesel-fired plants which accumulated a net loss of P83 billion over an eleven-year period, resulting in an overall

loss of P15.03 billion for government power assets in Mindanao. “PSALM, however, failed to state that P15.03 billion was not an actual loss because of what is called depreciation expenses or non-cash item amounting to P16.35 billion. Under strict cash basis accounting policy, factoring this yields P1.32 billion real net profit,” Antonino explained. She also cited an item on amortization totalling of P5.679 billion for the 210 MW STEAG coal-fired power plant in Misamis Oriental which should not be computed as part of losses since this represents capital lease amounting to P1.089 billion annually since 2007 onwards until 2032, when the coal plant built under BOT scheme shall have been turned over to the government. Meanwhile, the PCCI expressed concern on the need for affordability of power rates in Mindanao. “The ASEAN integration of economy will start by 2015 and by that time we will become a big local market,” he said. Once we are integrated, we will not just compete for investments with Luzon and Visayas but also with everybody else in the ASEAN region, thus, we need to have competitive power rates vis-à-vis the ASEAN countries, Juliano said. The PCCI is, however, optimistic that the integration will provide more opportunities for Mindanao in terms of cultural aspect especially that majority of the ASEAN market are Muslims.


GSIS scholarship program to benefit students in Region 10by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Deserving students in Region 10 will soon benefit from the enhanced College Scholarship Program of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Ma. Luz Ilano-Briones, GSIS Cagayan de Oro branch manager, said the GSIS has opened 200 college scholarship grants for the school year 2012-2013 and 11 slots are allocated for the region. She said the scholar will be entitled to the actual cost of tuition and miscellaneous fees not exceeding P20,000 and a monthly stipend of P2,000. He/she may also opt to take a four- or five-year course but must meet the scholastic requirements set by the school for student retention under the program. This week, the GSIS announced that it has revised the scholarship program to ensure that low-income members will be given the opportunity to send their children to colleges and universities that provide quality education. Under the revised program, the selection of scholars will no longer be done through an electronic raffle but

instead through the nomination of low-income members or those with a salary grade of 24 or below, or its equivalent. The nominee of parents with the lowest salary grades will be given priority in the scholarship grant. However, the nominee must be a child of the member and an incoming freshman accepted in the schools identified by the pension fund. Briones said the list of GSIS-accredited educational institutions is available at their office or at their website www.gsis.gov.ph


OroChamber conducts maximizing productivity and job hazard analysisby Lourdes Enjambre

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (OROCHAMBER), in partnership with AGF Consulting Group Cebu, shall conduct a two-day training on Maximum Productivity in the Workplace and Effective Job Hazard Analysis on May 24 and 25 at the OroChamber-PUM Training Room.

Modules on Maximum Productivity in the Workplace shall be discussed on the first day of the training while topics on Job Hazard Analysis shall be tackled on the second day. Maximum productivity introduces participants to the main elements of productivity and provides them with guidelines on how to evaluate and improve productivity in the workplace. Participants will also learn how to consistently and systematically apply processes to resolving productivity problems in the work environment. On the other hand, job hazard analysis is a technique that focuses on tasks as a way to identify hazards before they even occur. The training shall focus on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools and the work environment. The one day course is intended to provide information that will greatly help improve the quality of work environment, manage and reduce, if not eliminate, work-related hazards, improve absenteeism, help maintain a healthier workforce, reduce injury

and illness rates, and make workers feel good about their work. Expected participants for this training are supervisors, managers, executive secretaries, and assistants who directly report to supervisors and managers. This training event is supported by BusinessWeek, Cagayan de Oro Electric Power and Light Company, Coke, Magnum Radio, PARASAT Cable, Pryce Plaza, Sunstar, and Zest-o. (OroChamber)

One Mindanao - May 23, 2012

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