One Mindanao - May 29, 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

Northern MindanaoGraces’Building,AntonioLunaStreetCagayandeOroCity9000TelefaxNo.(08822)72-66-83Telephoneno.(088)856-8178/729-594Cellphoneno.0928-52043050917-3084969E-mail:[email protected][email protected]:www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/FKantoMotorsBldg.,QuimpoBlvd.,NewMatinaDavaoCity8000Telephoneno.(082)297-0991/301-8580Telefaxno.(082)297-0992/304-2044Cellphoneno.0917-7053606/0918-9202950E-mail:[email protected]

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

Full Moon ZippingExperience the fun of Philippines only full moon zipping

Jorie C. ValcorzaNothern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Tuesday, May 29, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 267

page 4

Mera Grace E. Apuya, Southern Mindanao

Malacañang bares contingency measures of various agencies to ensure peace and order, safety of students nationwide during opening of classes

7

NGCP urges public to protect transmission lines

Carmen’s glorious war history remembered

15 Reading volunteers get bikes for schooling from BfP

P99.4-M dev’t fund to support Agusan del Norte projects

Beverly Paoyon, Central M indanao

Danilo S. Makiling, Caraga Region

Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western M indanao

DAR-IX leads ceremonial signing of ARCP2 projects in Zambo NorteFranklin P. Gumapon, Western M indanao

Agusan del Sur updates CBMS 23 David M. Suyao, Caraga Region

Army troopers join Brigada Eskwela 201233 Major Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, Northern M indanao

26

North Cotabato schools receive covered courts18Dani Doguiles, Central M indanao

21

‘Sendong’ affected Police officers in Region 10 receive financial assistance32Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga, Northern M indanao

2814

6 10 11 14

20 24 27 32

4 Tuesday, May 29, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Wanna feel the thrill of zipping at night? Join the country’s

first ever full moon zipping and be part of the picture perfect moment!

Cover StoryFull Moon ZippingExperience the fun of Philippines only full moon zipping

Imagine how splendid the lagoon will look as it lay meekly with the moon’s reflection, while you fly your way across its vast. Breathtaking is but the only fitting word, I could think, to describe it. The Island will launch this Friday, June 1, 10:30 p.m., this first ever full moon zipping experience in a three-lane zip line, located at the Benoni Lagoon in Mahinog, Camiguin. The zip line has a distance of more than 700 meters from Station 1 to Station 2, which crosses over the Taguines Lagoon while overlooking the coast of Benoni and Mantigue Island.

An additional 360-meter zipline is also being eyed in same

site. Right after

descend, visitors’ may try an

array of fresh and delicious seafood

dishes served from the floating restaurant located right inside the lagoon area and nearby Bistro. It offers not only the Thai, Indonesian and local cuisine but also a

by Jorie C. Valcorza

Tuesday, May 29, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

magnificent view of the lagoon. A brackish water engulfed by a century old crater, ideal for boat and fishing. The Lagoon likewise offers a great early morning view and cool afternoon shade while guests wait for their favorite seafood, caught and cooked to order. At around sunset, vast view of the beach expands along its horizon, where one can see many of the locals here, collecting food from the sea.

This island continues to offer non-stop beautiful tourist destination,

as well as, adventures. Diving enthusiast

might want to check its Tridacna Superstar,

a giant clam growing in the water of Kabila White Beach at Cantaan Clams Sanctuary in Guinsiliban town. Visitors can also try trekking the old volcanoes peak and sleep overnight near its old crater, as well as, enjoy the majestic view of the sunrise, when you are hundreds of feet above, touching the clouds and awaiting as unfolds the beautiful scenery below. Camiguin a tropical paradise, is

one of the country’s most beautiful islands. It is the home of the sweetest lanzones and the list just goes on and on. Adventures, food, historical relics and sceneries await to give local and foreign tourist an unforgettable island experience.

6 Tuesday, May 29, 2012ONE MINDANAO

ACROSS THE NATION

The President made the announcement in his speech keynoting the 75th Founding Anniversary of the GSIS held at the institution’s headquarters in Pasay City.

Dubbed the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure (PInAI),

the President said this investment fund, the largest single investment on infrastructure, would be formally launched in July of this year and is expected to improve the economy and provide more jobs.

“Sa Hulyo nga po ay

ilulunsad na ang Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure o PInAI. Dalawampu’t limang bilyong pisong pondo po ang nakataya rito; ito ang pinakamalaking pondong ilalaan para sa imprastraktura ng bansa,” the President

Aquino announces P25-billion GSIS investment fund for infrastructure projects

President Benigno S. Aquino III announced on Monday the creation of a P25-billion investment fund which the Government Service Insurance System would allocate

funds to strengthen infrastructure projects in the Philippines.


said.He added that the GSIS

would work closely with the Macquarie Group, a global provider of banking, financial advisory, investment and funds management services

with more than 70 offices in 28 countries in ensuring the project’s success.

“Ang GSIS ang nanguna sa pagtataguyod ng pondong ito na pangangasiwaan naman ng Macquarie Group. Bukod

sa ihahatid nitong serbisyo, magbubunsod pa ito ng lalo pang pagginhawa ng ekonomiya, at manganganak ng maraming trabaho,” the President said. (RCK)

Malacañang bares contingency measures of various agencies to ensure peace and order, safety of students nationwide during opening of classes

Malacanang bared the government’s contingency measures being implemented by various concerned agencies that were tasked to ensure not only the maintenance of peace

and order but also the safety of the millions of students nationwide who will be going back to school next week.


n a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the Dpeartment of Education (DepEd) has launched “Oplan Balik Eskwela-Information Action Center” to attend to the needs and queries of the parents and students during the back-to-school season in June.

“Nag-launch na po ang DepEd ‘nung Oplan Balik Eskwela. Kung matatandaan niyo po noong nakaraang linggo ‘yung Brigada Eskwela po ang inayos ng DepEd at maganda po ‘yung naging resulta ‘nung ating Brigada Eskwela. Ngayon naman po ‘yung Oplan Balik Eskwela, nag-launch na po ‘yung information and action center ng DepEd, mula po ‘yan ngayong araw

hanggang June 8 para po doon sa pasukan,” Valte said.

“Bukas po ‘yung Information Action Center (IAC) mula 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. araw-araw po ‘yan even on weekends. ‘Yung isa pong hotline, primary hotline po nila is (02) 636-8641 . ‘Yung email po nila is [email protected]. Ini-expect po natin na makakakuha po sila ng maraming query tungkol po doon sa pagbalik eskwela. We are expecting 21 million schoolchildren to troop back to school for this coming school year,” she added.

Apart from the DepEd, several agencies of the government were also tapped to perform their respective responsibilities to the people through coordinated initiatives that include the

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Health (DoH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services A d m i n i s t r a t i o n (PAGASA).

“At kaakibat po niyan, nagkaroon na po ng conference ang DepEd at ‘yung mga relevant agencies po natin katulad ng DPWH, DTI, DOTC, DOH, DILG, PNP, MMDA, at PAGASA para po in preparation for our back to school for 2012. So kanya-kanya


po sila ng assignments,” Valte said.

“Ang DPWH po ‘yung nagsu-supervise ng completion ng classrooms, ‘yung mga undergoing construction po natin, ‘yung clearing of road obstructions. Ang DTI naman po nag-launch na rin sila ‘nung kanilang Diskwento Caravan. We encourage our parents to take advantage of the discounted school supplies that are being offered in the Diskwento Caravan.”

Ang DOTC din po nag-launch na ‘nung Oplan Ligtas Biyahe para po doon sa mga uuwi galing probinsya, pabalik po ng Maynila para naman po sa simula ng school year. So ‘yung PNP din po meron na po silang mga security measures that are being undertaken to make sure that

‘yung Balik Eskwela po natin will be orderly and will be peaceful as well as the MMDA who have already started making preparations to ensure that traffic will be manageable on the first day of school—for the public schools natin that will be on June 4,” she further noted.

Education Secretary Brother Armin Luistro through DepEd Memo No. 83, s. of 2012 has also directed the Regional Directors and schools division / city superintendents to form the Local Information and Action

Center (LIAC) to serve as information and complaints processing and routing mechanism during the back-to-school program for the school year 2012-2013.

The LIAC is also tasked to designate some of its personnel to oversee the regional / division and local concerns, set up hotlines to receive calls, text messages, fax messages and emails on complaints, requests and suggestions from parents, students and other concerned citizens and set-up help desks to accommodate walk-in concerns. (JCL)


GPH – MILF resume peace talks today

GPH chief negotiator Marvic Leonen maintains a “cautious optimism” for this month’s round of talks as the government peace panel arrived in the Ma-laysian capital fresh from “several consultations, forums and dialogues on the content, concept and rationale of the Decision Points on Principles.”

As of 9:32 a.m. today, the government and the MILF panels engaged in an executive session for a preliminary discussion on the substantive agenda. Executive sessions are at-tended by the two pan-els and the Malaysian fa-

cilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed only. Members of the In-ternational Contact Group (ICG) who sit as observers in the GPH-MILF peace ne-gotiations are not present during these sessions.

The ICG will be joining again in tomorrow’s formal proceedings between the two parties where details on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, governance, geo-graphical areas and nor-malization are expected to be tackled, to serve as inputs for the peace pact.

The 28th GPH-MILF for-mal exploratory talks is expected to last for three

days, until May 30.In preparation for the

talks this month, the GPH panel conducted consulta-tions with various stake-holders, which included senators, congressmen, local chief executives in Mindanao, business lead-ers, Ulama, and members of the Organization on Is-lamic Cooperation – Peace Committee on Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP) to know their sentiments and gather their inputs on the GPH-MILF peace process.

To date, the GPH panel has already conducted 96 consultations.

The Government of the

Philippines (GPH) and the

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)

today resumed negotiations a month

after the signing of the Decision Points

on Principles, a landmark document

which contains 10 points that will

serve as a guide on the substantive

issues of the negotiations. Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea ...bulatlat.com


by Jeanevive Abangan

Home-grown Tagum Cooperative recently got its newest award as the nation’s leading cooperative in implementing a financial literacy program in schools. Tagum Cooperative Youth Program Officer Clyjenee Dairo this morning revealed that Tagum Cooperative was cited as the “2011 Top Aflatoun Cooperative” during the 35th general assembly of the

National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) and 11th Coop Congress on May 25 in Cebu City. Among the 100 Aflatoun cooperative implementers, Tagum Cooperative was cited for its active and well-supported implementation of the financial literacy program which had solicited a strong backing from the Department of Education Tagum City Schools Division.

Aflatoun is a concept of “teaching children about social values, and rights and responsibilities coupled with basic financial education.” Tested in India 18 years ago, the Aflatoun concept is also aimed at facilitating the “inclusion of Child Social and Financial Education into formal and informal education systems as a recognition of child’s rights.”

Tagum Coop tops in financial literacy


Tagum Cooperative Board of Directors chairperson, Norma Pereyras cited the Aflatoun as one of the major youth programs of Tagum Cooperative which aims to instill savings consciousness among children and youth whom it wants to mold as “financially secured leaders who can make a difference.”DepEd Tagum City Schools Division Superintendent Nenita Lumaad calls the Aflatoun implementation in Tagum City as Financial Literacy for the Youth (FLY) which the division started rolling out in seven Tagum City public schools in July last year. Tagum Cooperative with DepEd Tagum City Schools Division pilot-tested it in Tagum City public elementary schools particularly in Rizal, Mankilam, Pilot, La Filipina, Laureta, Apokon and Catalan. From 2,167 in November last year, Aflatoun membership reached 4,567 members as of March this year, generating P1.1 million savings. The figure, however, is just a fraction of the P30,664,122 total savings (as of March 2012) from the 24,199 young savers of Tagum Cooperative. Dairo, however, projected Aflatoun membership and savings to pick up this school year 2012-2013 as Tagum Cooperative sets to roll out to six more public schools in Davao City, particularly in central schools of Mintal, Tugbok, Talomo and elementary schools of San Roque, Porras, and in Don Juan Elementary

School. “We are targeting 90 percent membership of the total population of pupils in (Aflatoun) project sites,” she said in an interview. Tagum City DepEd Schools Division plans of bringing the Aflatoun Program to public seven secondary schools in the city now that a module of teaching it among high school students has already been produced. Meanwhile, Lumaad recalled how Aflatoun started in Tagum City as she noted the financial difficulties among public school teachers. “They didn’t know how to budget their money,” she recalled her observation among teachers in her division. “As it would be too late to teach the teachers, we thought of instilling financial literacy among the children,” she said. After 11 years in implementation, Aflatoun is seen to have etched savings consciousness among its elementary-pupil members . In regularly collecting savings deposits in schools, Tagum Cooperative roving teller Syvel Condor also noted that Aflatoun members have come to learn to fill in deposits at an early age, and that they are regularly putting in savings to their accounts. “They fill in deposit slips, we enter their savings and print them on their own passbooks, be they P5.00 or few pesos from their daily allowances,” she said. (PIA-XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


Carmen’s glorious war history remembered

When the Philippines was shaken by World War II, Filipinos buck-led down and joined military units that resisted the Japanese. Battles were fought all over the country all over again. Unknown to many, a victorious one occurred in a town in Davao del Norte which was significant in leading the Japanese army to draw back and leave Davao. Local officials of that town, Carmen, have been seeing to it that what happened in May 1945 – the bravery of those who fought the war and drove away the Japanese army then stationed in Barangay Ising – will not be forgotten. A 30 feet high monument was built on the same spot the bloodiest battle took place, which is just a few meters away from the Japanese garrison. Today, the epic battle is being

remembered as the “Battle of Ising” where a Veterans Memorial Shrine stands. This has become a tourist attraction in Carmen. The shrine is just along the national highway, 38 kilometers away from Davao City. Written there is a brief history and some of the names of those who risked their lives to win the battle. Apart from its historical significance, Carmen is fast progressing as a second class municipality. It takes advantage of its fertile land and rich marine resources. Vast rice fields may be viewed along the national highway. Its coastal areas are relied upon by the fisherfolk as a major source of livelihood such as mud crab fattening and fishing. Moreover, according to Municipal Tourism Officer Romulo Sambajon, the mangrove forests also show a potential for tourism. He says companies have been investing on them and the municipal government plans to promote the mangrove trails. The town’s seat of government symbolizes how innovative its people are headed by Mayor Marcelino Perandos. The municipal government was able to transform its backyard into an islet where activities have been held. It’s breezy and cool. Around it is a pond which is also generating income.(Mera Grace E. Apuya PIO)


Koronadal City earmarks over P2 M for 2nd Tree-Growing Festivalby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Koronadal City has allotted at least P2.097 million for its second tree-growing festival on June 29, an official of the city government said.


Augustus Bretaña, city environment and natural resources officer, said the amount was apportioned for “gasoline, rental, labor, and other related expenditure items.”

But city Mayor Peter B. Miguel pointed out that the amount may be insufficient to achieve this year’s target of 250,000 trees planted in 1,000 hectares in Quezon Mountain Range.

“The amount is still lacking to cover all necessary expenses. This is why we have been soliciting assistance and donations from our partners,” Mayor Miguel said.

He said they still need funds to defray expenses in logistics, preparation of the planting sites, purchase of needed fruit and forest tree seedlings, and transport of the planting materials to the tree-growing locations.

“We are also soliciting donations of planting materials especially from national line agencies

like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” he said.

He also said that this early he is already thankful to the help that businesses, private institutions, n o n - g o v e r n m e n t organizations, people’s organizations, DENR, and others will extend to the festival, which could be considered one of the largest one-day tree-planting activity in the country by a local government unit.

Based on the post-activity report of the City ENRO, the first tree-growing festival last year was participated by more than 20,000 volunteers who planted 131,028 fruit and forest tress in 522.78 hectares in Roxas Mountain Range, specifically in barangays Saravia, San Isidro, Carpenter Hill, Assumption, Mambucal, and Paraiso. Original target was only 120,000.

“The Tree Growing Festival is just one among the major efforts of this City

in its environmental advocacies. We know how important trees are if we are to preserve and protect our environment.,” Mayor Miguel said in his appeal for cooperation and volunteerism from Koronadaleños.

He added that the 2nd Tree-Growing Festival will be bigger and will cover more areas which will send a concrete message that the local government is very serious in addressing basic environmental concerns.

Since targets this year, have been doubled, the city government has recently embarked in a massive information drive to recruit volunteers and agency support.

A 15-feet billboard has been installed at the Gen. Paulino Santos monument at the city center. Besides counting down the days to the big day, the same billboard also urges individuals and groups to register.

Interested parties may register at City ENRO at the second


floor of the city hall in Barangay Carpenter Hill.

The LGU has also opened registration booths inside Ace Centerpoint, KCC Mall of Marbel and Gaisano Grand Mall.

T r e e - G r o w i n g Festival is an annual activity of the city government and is one of the major priorities

of Mayor Miguel in line with his Masaganang Kalikasan Program.

It is being held in support of the Environment Month celebration and the National Greening Program of the Aquino Administration.

It is also aimed at increasing the city’s forest cover, which according to a report

of the CENRO before the 2011 Tree-Growing Festival was only around 150 hectares of second growth trees.

For more information regarding the 2nd Tree-Growing Festival, visit the city LGUs website, www.koronadal.gov.ph or call telephone no. (083) 228-1732. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

Reading volunteers get bikes for schooling from BfPby Beverly PaoyonALABEL, Sarangani---Seventeen “Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” volunteers each received a bike, shoes, bag with tumbler and school sup-plies and a helmet from Bikes for the Philippines (BfP) at the kick-off pro-gram of LBC Ronda Pilipinas Wednesday (May 23) at the Capitol grounds.


The recipient volunteers were the top 17 out of 72 applicants who were in dire need of bicycle in going to school.

Applicants were asked to write an essay on why they deserved to be given a bicycle prior to the gift giving.

The 17 youth volunteers were part of a localized intervention to revolutionize basic primary education in Sarangani.

BfP, in partnership with Synergia Foundation, a non-government organization, donated the bikes to those who volunteered as big brothers and sisters of the Sarangani Big Brother (SBB) reading class held every summer.

BfP is a non-profit charitable and educational program established to help trim down drop-out rates of school children by giving a bicycle to ease the difficulty in going to school.

Annalie Edday, Quality Education for Sarangani Today program manager, said the confirmation of the winners was arrived at after tedious screening that validated the dire

need among these youths for a bicycle.

She said the youths belong to families usually comprised of five members and earning below the minimum income.

These kids have been “walking three or more kilometers” in going to school, Edday said. She said further “reading their essays breaks our hearts… if we can just give bikes to all of them. I understand how they desire for bicycles because of the distance of their homes from school.”

Meanwhile, SBB reported a fourfold increase of kids attending remedial reading classes this summer since it was launched in 2008.

Edday revealed statistics indicating the significant hike of graduates among incoming Grades 2 and 3 pupils who can hardly read from 2,028; to 3,728; 4,599; 7,63, and 8,935 since year 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Alongside the reported increase, Edday confirmed the mentors’ evaluation that

Sarangani Big Brother (SBB) had actually improved “reading and comprehension” of these kids although consolidation of results of the post-test given to students before SBB ended simultaneously in all of its seven component municipalities is still underway.

SBB is a 15-day remedial reading program held every summer to prepare kids identified as slow readers and with less comprehension skills to the next school year.

Jessa–ann Diel, a Grade 2 teacher at Malungon Central School, noted the improvement in the reading skills of her pupils despite the limited 15-day period provided in SBB.

She said it was difficult at first to handle reading sessions as there were those that could hardly read “but time by time and because also of the help of the volunteers their reading skills eventually have improved.”

“Youth volunteers have also significantly increased in number this


North Cotabato schools receive covered courtsBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Ten schools in North Cotabato have been given their own covered courts courtesy of a party list Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

The Information and Development Commu-nication Division said that the covered courts, each costing P3.5 mil-lion was given as an incentive to schools for their successful spon-sorship of the first run of North Cotabato gov-ernor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza’s Summer Kids Camp in 2011.

Governor Mendo-za and husband TUCP representative Ray-mond Democrito Men-doza have turned over six of the courts to the

recipient teachers and pupils last week.

The covered courts in President Roxas Central Elementary School was completed and awarded on March 17, while the court in Apostol Memorial El-ementary School in Magpet was awarded on March 19, Makila-la Central Elementary School, Kidapawan Pi-lot Central Elementary School and Tulunan Central Elementary School on March 26 and Matalam Central

Elementary School on March 27.

Same facility will soon be turned over in the municipalities of Alamada, Aleosan, Pigcawayan and Ban-isilan.

“The construction of these covered courts has been made pos-sible through the co-operation and support of the former grade five pupils during first peace camp,” Mendoza told pupils and teach-ers who attended the second summer kids’

year”, Edday said.From the 771 last

year, the number has increased to 1,533 in 2012. SBB started with only 680 youth volunteers in 2008.

The number of teachers had also improved to 21 percent from last year’s record.

Edday said “it has been proven that community participation is a crucial component for the success of a public school in the Philippines.”

“When the school’s community comprised of parents, barangay leaders, NGOs, the private sector, residents,

and other actors present in a local area is actively involved and committed to transforming the state of education, the results are often t r a n s f o r m a t i v e , ” Edday said. (Beverly C. Paoyon/PIO S a r a n g a n i / P I A General Santos City/


peace camp during the turnover ceremo-ny.

“You should follow in their footsteps. Practice discipline. The success of this event may bring about a new incentive for your school,” she would challenge them.

Rep. Mendoza em-phasized that TUCP Partylist is an advocate of education, which is why their party didn’t think twice when the governor requested to allocate budget for the construction of the covered courts.

He also reminded the pupils to “study hard because your parents are all working hard for your education.”

Aside from covered

courts, the partnership between TUCP and the provincial government has also resulted in the distribution of trans-port vehicles.

“Out of the 125 multi-cabs that will soon be distributed by the pro-vincial government to far-flung barangays to aid the travel of pa-tients and delivery of relief goods and medi-cal aid during calami-ties, 75 units were fi-nanced by the TUCP,” the congressman said.

Summer Kids Peace Camp is a peace ini-tiative program of the provincial government of Cotabato.

The camp, which started in 2011, gath-ers Grade 5 pupils

from the 17 munici-palities and lone city in the province to equip them with ba-sic survival skills and enlighten them about the diverse culture in their community and develop their moral in-tegrity and leadership skills that would pre-pare them for bigger responsibilities in the future.

Gov. Mendoza also hopes that these pu-pils would become the provincial govern-ment’s ambassadors of peace in their respec-tive communities.

This summer, the provincial government aims to reach at least 25,000 Grade 5 pupils. (DED-PIA12)


Public, private sectors urged to continue support Brigada Eskwela By Rene V. Carbayas

The Isabela City School Division has urged the public and private sectors to continue to provide assistance to the different public schools in the city as more schools are still in dire need of help.

City Division Coordinator of Brigada Eskwela Eugenio Andrion, Jr. said that while the national schools maintenance week also known as

the Brigada Eskwela had just been conducted last week, the public and the private sectors can still provide assistance within the year.


“The Brigada Eskwela did not end last week,” he said in local dialect saying that some schools needed major repairs in roofing, ceilings, and other fixtures as most of these school buildings are old. Andrion was guest at the Philippine Information Agency’s radio program Noticias-Informaccion con Musica over DXNO-FM Radyo Komunidad de Isabela City in Basilan. He said that the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of DepEd could not fully support the needed maintenance that our public schools require. Moreover, DepEd is correcting the notion that it is the sole job of the department to provide quality education to Filipino children, saying that it is everybody’s concern. “The Department of Education believes that the education of

the Filipino youth is everybody’s concern,” he said. Over the years, the Brigada Eskwela effort has evolved from a week-long cleaning-up and beautification exercise to a festive coming together of students, teachers, school officials, parents, community members, local government officials, non-government organizations, church groups and the private sector. It, too, has become one of DepEd’s major initiatives in enjoining local communities to respond to the needs of public schools and be part of a nationwide effort towards improving Philippine basic education. Andrion said that this was made possible by the hard work and determination of school heads in finding innovative ways to bring children to school, keep them there, and ensure that they will learn.


“Brigada Eskwela will not be what it is today, if it were not for the strong leadership in our public schools,” he said. While government is tasked to provide free and quality education to every Filipino child and youth, the community where they grow is an important stakeholder in their education. The private sector, which will sooner or later employ these young Filipinos, is also an important stakeholder in their education. The successful collaboration of all these stakeholders is therefore pivotal in ensuring that Filipino children and youth go to school, remain in school and learn in school. It poses a great challenge to educational stakeholders. It was with this spirit of

volunteerism and public-private partnership for education that Republic Act 8525, or the “Adopt-A-School Act” was made in 1998. Through the Adopt-A-School Program (ASP), private sector companies and professionals are given the opportunity to contribute in improving the public education system of the country. To recognize their goodwill, they can avail of tax incentives of up to 150%. Over the years, the Adopt-A-School Program has attracted more than 200 partners, generating some P6 billion worth of projects and interventions. In its effort to bring the spirit of the Adopt-A-School Program to the community level and maximize civil participation and utilize local resources to improve the public

schools, the Department of Education launched the National Schools Maintenance Week in May 2003. Dubbed, Brigada Eskwela, the program brought together teachers, parents and community members every third week of May to work together in repairing and preparing public schools for school opening. In the spirit of bayanihan, private institutions/individuals and even the local government units contributed in generating resources for the effort. During the week-long event, volunteers take time out in doing minor repairs, painting, and cleaning of school campuses. (RVC/PIA9-ZBST)


www.piacaraga.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

[email protected][email protected]

Archeologists to resume excavation of remaining Balangay boats in Butuanby Robert E. Roperos

Six field archeologists from the National Museum of the Philippines in Metro Manila arrived here recently to resume

the excavation of the remaining six out of nine balangay boats in Ambangan, Barangay Libertad, this city; three had already been excavated in the late 70s.


Erlisa Magdale, museum guide and curator of the Caraga region’s national museum said the field archeologists were given one month to finish the excavation of the remaining balangay boats in Barangay Libertad believed to be the site of the old Butuan River where these Balangay boats traversed, and used by the neighboring empires and islands to trade with the natives. The new excavation activity was made early this year following the excavation mapping conducted in December 2011 with personnel from the National Museum, Magdale said. The realization of the project was made possible because in the entire Asian region, it is only in the Philippines, particularly in Barangay Libertad, where Balangay boats were discovered and excavated. There were actually nine balangays recovered here but only three were already excavated. The first balangay, now preserved and displayed in the National Museum-Caraga established right at the excavation site in Purok Ambangan, Brgy.

Libertad, was radiocarbon tested and was dated to year 320 AD. The second boat was dated 1250 AD, and is now located at the Maritime Hall of the National Museum in Manila. The third balangay was transferred to the Butuan Regional Museum and is still preserved. The six other boats, which are yet to be excavated, remain in their original waterlogged condition which is proven to be the best way to preserve the said artifacts. These are the boats which the archaeologists will excavate. The first wooden watercraft excavated in Southeast Asia, the balangay is only found in the Philippines where a flotilla of such prehistoric wooden boats exists. Examination and extensive investigation reveals that the extant boats found in the excavation site date back to 320 AD, 90 AD, and 1250 AD. The discovery of the balangay boats made Butuanons claimed that “In the beginning, there was no Philippines but there was already Butuan,” thus tagging the city as “The Ancient

Kingdom of Butuan.” Because of these historic events, the Balangay Festival was adopted by the city government to promote this historic city in Northeastern Mindanao region, and is held every month of May, in time with the city’s annual fiesta celebration in honor of patron saint – St. Joseph the Worker. This year, the city government declared “Balangay Festival Silver Year” after former President Corazon C. Aquino declared the balangays of Butuan as National Cultural Treasures through Presidential Proclamation No. 86, dated March 9, 1987. As per Proclamation No. 1, series of 2012 signed by Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., March 9, 2012 to March 8, 2013 was declared Balangay (wooden boats) Festival Silver Year.


P99.4-M dev’t fund to support Agusan del Norte projects

BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte -- Agusan del Norte recently reported that the 20 percent Development Fund (DF) of the province has reached to P99.4 million this year to finance its social development, economic development, and environmental management projects.

by Danilo S. Makiling

A c c o r d i n g l y , projects of the provincial government were already lined up for fund support which is allocated by the executive and legislative departments. Under the Social Development Projects, P1.1 million is allocated to finance portable water supply projects; P8.5 million is for the conversion of health centers, hospitals, and new equipment; P25.6 million, to establish the

Manpower and Human Resources Development and Productivity Enhancement Centers; and P1.2 million, to buy lands for the informal settlers who were victims of calamities in the province. For economic development, P3.2 million has been set aside for livelihood and entrepreneurship projects; P46 million, to support infrastructure;

and under environmental management, P2.4 million has been allocated for the construction of drainage, canals, flood controls, and shore protection; while reforestation and urban greening projects get P1.1 million. With this development, the provincial government said that they have used the fund in accordance with the law of 20 percent Development Fund.


Agusan del Sur updates CBMSby David M. Suyao

According to Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and chairman of business committee Allan Santiago, the provincial planning and development office headed by Deanna Fudalan had already started the information and advocacy activities in the municipal level in order to gain people’s cooperation during the actual survey. “Our provincial planning and development coordinator had already formed information and advocacy teams, tapping some of the student employees and the provincial government’s scholars in order to acquaint people

of the questions that the enumerators will ask and the attitude and honesty in answering the questions during the actual survey,” SP Santiago said. SP Santiago said the questionnaire had been improved making sure that it will fit the present situation. He added that trainings for the enumerators will be conducted early next month to also ensure that they are very familiar with the questions in the questionnaires and that only precise and correct data will be gathered. “It is very important that precise and correct data will be the input of

CBMS because this will be our basis for planning, prioritizing and budgeting our programs and projects so that we can deliver the real needs of our people. The provincial government will be the training and monitoring office before and during the survey while the municipal and the barangay governments will be in-charge of the survey. CBMS became the reference material used by the barangay, municipal and provincial governments of Agusan del Sur in planning, organizing and implementing projects and programs since 2005.

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- The provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) had started the information and advocacy campaign for the conduct of actual survey this month in order to update the data of the community based monitoring system (CBMS) province-wide.


piazampen.blogspot.comhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-WesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310 [email protected]

Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email

Geohazard maps accessible, downloadable at four websites

Geohazard maps are now accessible and downloadable from four government websites, including that of a non-government organization.

By Claro A. Lanipa


hosting the interactive geohazard maps include that of the DENR (www.denr.gov.ph), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (www.mgb.gov.ph), Philippine Information Agency (www.pia.gov.ph), and that of Environmental Science for Social Change (www.essc.org.ph). DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said the move is to broaden public access to the geohazard maps, which has become an important tool in disaster risk reduction and management. Paje said that with the identification of the Philippines as among those highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, Filipinos should brace for typhoons with greater intensity in terms of wind speed and rainfall that could trigger flooding and landslides. “We don’t want to be alarmistS, but as the saying goes, ‘mas maigi na ang maagap.’” With climate change, we have to accept the fact that some of the typhoons that would be visiting us would have greater intensity that could trigger flooding and landslides,” Paje explained. He urged the public to be proactive in taking precautionary measures to minimize, if not prevent, any adverse impact of calamities not only in one’s family and community but on the country as a whole. As part of government’s risk reduction and management program, the DENR has been negotiating with various entities and organizations

fo r the hosting of

the geohazard maps his agency has generated to broaden public access. The latest of such successful negotiations, said Paje, was with the Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC), a non-profit research organization located at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, which has already put up an online facility for the geohazard maps in its website pursuant to a memorandum


of agreement recently entered into between ESSC Executive Director Sylvia SM Miclat and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Director Leo Jasareno. Under the agreement, the DENR, through the MGB, would provide ESSC with digital copies in their best resolution of the 700 geohazard maps at a scale 1:50,000, and of the updated ones at scale of 1:10,000 once these become available by 2014. “Make time to visit their website, www.essc.org.ph. The geohazard maps are not only interactive but are also downloadable,” Paje said. Meanwhile, MGB Director Jasareno said that the densification of the geohazard maps at a scale of 1:10,000 is now in full swing, and is expected to completed in 2014.

Alongside, the MGB is also conducting coastal and marine geohazard survey to determine the approximate rates of shoreline changes through time due to coastal erosion or accretion, and to identify potential marine and coastal geohazards and the appropriate measures to prevent massive impact. Jasareno said the agency has already completed the nationwide geohazard assessment and mapping program at a scale of 1:50,000 two years ago, covering a total of 1,634 cities and municipalities. He also said that all LGUs have already furnished copies of their respective geohazard maps and have been properly oriented on the use of the maps. (JPA/DENR/CAL-PIA9)

DAR-IX leads ceremonial signing of ARCP2 projects in Zambo NorteDIPOLOG CITY - A ceremonial signing of memoranda of agreement (MOA) between the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the local government units (LGUs) for the implementation of Agrarian Reform Communities Project 2 (ARCP2) was held here recently with ARCP2 National Project Manager Homer Tobias and DAR-IX Regional Director Julita Ragandang gracing the occasion.

By Franklin P. Gumapon

Six municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte had been identified as the first batch of recipients after the National Sub-Project Approval Committee (NSAC) had approved

their proposed projects. The initial subprojects (SPs) approved for implementation in the agrarian reform communities (ARCs) located in the municipalities


NGCP urges public to protect transmission linesZAMBOANGA CITY – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is appealing to the public to help protect transmission lines for an efficient power transmission to the consumers.

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

of Sindangan, Labason, Siocon, Sirawai, Baliguian, and Leon Postigo are school buildings worth P21.902 million; daycare centers, P6.576 million; health center, P4.868 million; multi-purpose center, P1.263 million; solar dryers, P2.981 million; farm-to-market road (FMR), P1.777 million; warehouse, P1.694 million; and potable water system, P.666 million. Subprojects awaiting approval by NSAC are four FMRs in Siayan town amounting to P48.2 million, one FMR in Tampilisan municipality costing 35.867 million, and another

FMR in Manukan town worth P16.04 million. DAR-IX Regional Director Julita Ragandang said, “the signing of MOA on sub-projects under ARCP2 reveals a very strong collaboration between and among the stakeholders especially the LGUs.” Ragandang cited the enthusiasm manifested by the LGUs in supporting ARCP2 by coming up with equities, program of work, and other requirements to ensure that their projects get approved. (JPA/FPG-PIA9)


In a media briefing held recently here, NGCP Consultant Mr. Guillermo Redoblado said transmission lines should be free from obstructions and most important, protected from thieves. “As much as possible, our lines should be free from contacts with other objects. These really affect the smooth transmission of our power to the cooperatives and all the more to our consumers. But most important is we have to protect our lines and towers from thieves. If our towers are destroyed due to pilfering, it will greatly affect the stability of our towers and will be susceptible to damage especially during calamities”, Redoblado said. NGCP Spokesperson Atty. Cynthia Alabanza added that anything that touches the transmission lines creates tripping, thus interrupting the flow of power. “Even a branch of tree touching our lines can really affect the quality of power transmitted to the public. This results in power loss which unfortunately we consumers pay”, she said. Atty. Alabanza has also warned that pilfering is punishable by law as mandated by Republic Act 7832. “We have RA 7832 which imposes punishment to pilferers. This does not only apply to thieves but also to those who buy parts of our towers like junk shop owners among others”, Alabanza explained. Under the law, violators will face up to 20 years in prison and a fine ranging from P50,000.00 to P100,000.00.

N G C P - M i n d a n a o Communications Officer Milfrance Capulong said pilferage is their biggest problem in the region, especially here in Zamboanga City. “Zamboanga City actually has the highest cases of pilferage in Mindanao, particularly the Sangali-Recodo line. Unfortunately, we really can’t file cases against most of the culprits as they are minors. That is why we have augmented security in that area”, Capulong said. She asked the media to help educate the public to curb pilferage in the city. As reminders, NGCP officials urged the public to avoid kite-flying near transmission lines, and also climbing transmission towers as this may cause electrocution. The public should not also build fire and plant trees near or under transmission structures, avoid anything to come in contact with the lines, and report any incident of leaning posts or towers, or sagging lines. As much as possible, people should stay away from power lines and towers to avoid accidents and also ensure uninterrupted power transmission, NGCP officials said. (MVC/PIA9-ZBST)


MinDA, NYC forges agreement to tap youth for peace, dev’t efforts

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed here recently is expected to empower

the Mindanao youth in realizing the changes they aspire, as the government recognizes their

To encourage wider youth participation in Mindanao’s peace-building and socio-economic development, the National Youth Commission (NYC) signed an agreement

with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to put the Mindanao Youth Agenda into action.


potential to bring about change. “The Mindanao Youth Agenda shall serve as NYC’s banner program for the island-region,” said Assistant Secretary Earl Saavedra, NYC commissioner for Mindanao. The NYC spearheaded the formulation of a youth agenda last year, which is hoped to promote peace, racial and cultural tolerance, respect for the environment, and rights of children, youth, women, and the indigenous peoples. Among the key features of the youth agenda is the setting up of a youth desk in all government offices in Mindanao to cater to their immediate needs in accordance with the mandate of each agency. Saavedra said that with the MOA, the youth agenda shall form part of the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan (Mindanao 2020), which is the island-region’s peace and development roadmap for the period 2011-2030. The Mindanao 2020 stipulates the participation of the youth as an essential element for the success of various peace and development interventions in Mindanao. “Mindanao 2020 provides meaningful roles for the children and youth in Mindanao,” said Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, MinDA chairperson. Antonino added that the youth sector must be actively involved

in development initiatives in ways that fully recognize and harness their potential intellectual and creative contributions. “We cannot deny the fact that the youth accounts for a sizable segment of our population,” said Antonino. She said that young Mindanawons represent a great deal of the island’s labor force, making them the principal stakeholders of any long term planning exercise. “They are indispensable in realizing the visions and goals of Mindanao 2020,” said Antonino. The MOA signing was one of the highlights of the recently held Mindanao Economic Policy Forum that gathered at least 100 multi-sectoral participants to flesh out a development research agenda in support to the Mindanao 2020. This blueprint to Mindanao’s peace and development envisions Mindanawons of all cultural or socio-economic backgrounds to have attained a sustainably uplifted quality of life through their collective achievement of a peaceful, developed, autonomous and integrated Mindanao. The formulation of the plan took two years in the making with the participation of government bodies, private sector, non-government organizations, civil society, academe, interfaith groups, women, and youth. (MinDA)


‘Sendong’ affected Police officers in Region 10 receive financial assistanceby PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - After the regular Monday flag-raising ceremony of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-10 held last May 21 at the grandstand of Camp Alagar, this city, 372 police officers received cash donations from Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund, Inc. (PSMBFI).

The tropical storm Sendong that devastated cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and some areas of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental has left three police officers and other residents dead and a number of displaced families. PCSupt. Jufel C. Adriatico, PRO-10 Regional Director, immediately implemented the order of the President not to allow residents to return to Isla de Oro, Isla Delta, and other places near Cagayan de Oro River where many have died as a result of Sendong. Since February, tree-planting activities are conducted region-wide in response to the Pulis Makakalikasan project of the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Greening Program of President Benigno Aquino III. The National Headquarters in Camp Crame recorded PRO-10 as the top planters of trees and in maintaining

nurseries in all police stations. PCSupt. Adriatico has earlier pledged to the PNP Chief that 1 million trees will be planted until January 31, 2013. PSMBFI is a duly registered non-stock, non-profit mutual benefit fund association, organized to provide insurance protection, and financial and material aid to its members, mostly police officers. It is committed to provide life insurance protection for law enforcers, as they go out in the streets to fight crime, insurgency, and terrorism. PCSupt. Adriatico personally handed the checks to police beneficiaries. He was assisted by PCSupt. Rizaldo A. Tungala, Jr. (retired), PSMBFI Vice-President, and Josephine Y. Adriatico, President of PRO-10 Officers Ladies Club. (PRO)


Army troopers join Brigada Eskwela 2012by Major Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - The Diamond Troopers join the nationwide “Brigada Eskwela 2012” program in Fourth Infantry Division (4ID) area of responsibility, which will run from May 21 to 28.

This activity is a week-long program starting May 21 and ending May 28. It is a series of cleaning, repairing, and repainting activities in different public schools to prepare the school facilities for the opening of classes on June 4. The emphasis of this year’s Brigada Eskwela is on sanitation and hygiene, concentrating in the cleanliness of comfort rooms and wash facilities in order to help the students learn proper hygiene and sanitation thereby preventing spread of diseases. The different units under 4ID joined the same activity in their

respective areas of operation, from the infantry brigades, down to infantry battalions, companies, and even Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary detachments. This activity is in line with the Department of Education and the Armed Forces of the Philippines directive nationwide, calling on all military units and other entities to join and support the “Brigada Eskwela 2012” and help our public schools to prepare early for the opening of classes. Through the spirit of “Bayanihan,” Brigada Eskwela mobilizes parents, teachers, students, civic groups,

and non-government organizations, soldiers, and community residents to take part on this project. Major General Victor A. Felix, Commanding General, 4ID said he was pleased with the opportunity for the soldiers of the division to be able to take part on the nationwide activity, which is directed on helping the education

One Mindanao - May 29, 2012

Documents

Transcript of One Mindanao - May 29, 2012