One Mindanao - September 2, 2015

ARMM

AgSur PNP tops performance rating regionwide

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DepEd-ARMM, BRAC Philippines conducts research forum

ARMM registers P3.7 billion in new investment from banana firm

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Rotary humanitarian service continues to sustain better quality of life

Revision of Philippine Power Development Plan urged to dovetail with UN goal of lower greenhouse gas emissions

Roxas to discuss Disaster

Preparedness with LNB Mindanao

Monkayo town strengthens grassroots communication

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Cover Story

National

Caraga

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

InFocus

Southern

By: David M. Suyao

By: Reyna L. Tagailo

By: Jeanevive D. Abangan

By: Perlita B. Changco

OUR

CO

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Gingoog, DENR, DepEd push for eco-savers project

DAR-ARMM strengthens project partnerships to benefit ARBs

Surigao Norte town holds public hearing on local investments, incentives code

Bukidnon tripartite industrial peace council assemble for sustainability

contents

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Volume 5 * Issue No.9

By: Susil D. Ragas

By: Lorry V. Gabule

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ZAMSURECO-1 holds ‘Variety Show Competition 2015’38Western

By: Franklin P. Gumapon36By: Edmar Pabia

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PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

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

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTS GIDEON CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EDITORIAL BOARD

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

4 September 2, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Rotary humanitarian service continues to sustain better quality of life

Cover Story

5September 2, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

Rotary humanitarian service continues to sustain better quality of life By: Lorry V. Gabule


Rotary, an international humanitarian service organization with more than 34,000 clubs worldwide comprised of members who are business and professional leaders. Meanwhile, Rotary Club of Iligan Maria Cristina (RCIMC), one of the active existing nine clubs in Iligan City under Zone 2, District 3870, is on the forefront of tackling varied humanitarian issues which the Rotary around the world provides its services focused on maternal and child health, clean water and sanitation, literacy and education, disease prevention and treatment, and environment. One of Rotary’s major intentions is to eradicate Polio. In the latest report, ninety-nine percent of the global population is polio-free, thus, Rotary International aims to have it a zero polio-free in the year to come. “Rotary’s goal-oriented, business-model approach has attracted other organizations to partner with us to address these shared humanitarian priorities,” said RCIMC Club President Lai

Garciano. On literacy and education, our Club has been active during the Brigada Eskwela, a program of the Department of Education (DepEd) which calls for all stakeholders to join in the cleaning of the school, repairs of classrooms and other facilities needed in preparation for the opening of classes. Garciano said they provided cans of paints to Suarez National High School, turned-over to School Principal Rosemarie Ann Maquiling-Saavedra, for the repainting of the classrooms, and shared food for other stakeholders who joined the activity. Saavedra was past president of RCIMC. While during the Oplan Balik Eskwela, RCIMC donated school supplies to armed-conflict affected areas in Lanao del Norte through the 4th Mechanized Battalion, Philippine Army, based at Camp Pintoy, Barangay Suarez, Iligan City. This is RCIMC’s partnership with the armed forces of the government. In July, the country’s

millions of people have achieved and sustained a better quality of life thru Rotary aid.


observance of Nutrition Month, RCIMC had a Feeding Program—Day 1 to Day 4 Feeding to 100 wasted and totally wasted pupils of Bagong Silang Elementary School, Iligan City, said Garciano.

It’s a complete meal/lunch for the kids, with the children’s parents who assisted in the preparation and distribution of the food within the school. This is under the maternal and child health service.


Furthermore, the Club turned over kitchen appointments (distributed 100 plates, 100 glasses, 100 forks and spoons) for use during the feeding time. Each pupil owns this set, marked with their name, and remains at the classroom for them to use during the feeding. The Club also distributed 100 hygiene kits to the feeding program recipients. A demonstration on correct hand-washing was introduced to these school children. We emphasized clean water and sanitation, said Garciano. Members of the Club witnessed an actual fire and earthquake Drill at the Suarez National High School, a simultaneous nationwide activity. After the drill, the Club turned over to the school principal 230 first-aid kits and distributed to the students. Around 400 first-aid kits were distributed to the school recipients, to include Grade 6 students at the Bagong Silang Elementary School—the Club’s adopted barangay. Other activity that the

Club has joined with other stakeholders was mangrove planting at the Bayug island—a Typhoon Sendong devastated area in the year 2011. The Club has also supported the Health Department’s school-based immunization, in partnership with the Tambo Central School, this city. RCIMC has distributed 1,000 lollipops to Grade 1 and Grade 7 students during the conduct of administering the immunization. Rotary International has been concerned on updating members to its focused services by conducting District Assembly (DistAss), District Conference (DisCon) and other conferences/fora to keep each member/club updated and enhanced through capability building. RCIMC members were acknowledged as active participants during these events. Rotary’s theme for this year is “Be A Gift to the World.” Now on its 26th year, the Rotary Club of Iligan Maria Cristina has 32 active members, the only Rotary Club in Iligan City with all-female members.


Citizens’ movement grabs spotlight at Galing Pook Governance Fair

MANILA -- In an event which showcased the extraordinary heroism of ordinary Filipinos, the Aquino administration came together with civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector, and local government units (LGUs) to hold the Galing Pook Governance Fair dubbed “Mamamayan, Mamamayani” to promote citizenship and citizen participation in governance reform.

Held from August 30 to September 1 at the SMX Convention Center in SM MOA Pasay City, the Galing Pook

Governance Fair was organized to highlight the invaluable contribution of citizens and civil society groups in aiding good


governance under the Aquino administration. Of particular note were initiatives that helped strengthen the capacity of LGUs to boost public participation in local public projects. More importantly, the Fair was set to inspire the larger population to join the crusade for governance reform in the country.

“From the first day of the Aquino Administration’s term, good governance has been at the core of everything we do. What was most crucial in our pursuit of reform, however, was the engagement of the citizenry in every aspect of governance. The last five years are proof enough that the ordinary Filipino is behind all our collective successes,” said Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad.

Abad said the Galing Pook fair was set up not only to

emphasize the importance of citizen participation in good governance but also to call on other citizens to do their share.

“This is the only way we can ensure sustainable development in succeeding administrations,” he added.

The Galing Pook Governance Fair which was open to the public brought around 5,000 participants from LGUs and CSOs for a Unity Walk around SMX after which Congresswoman Leni Robredo and Attorney Alex Lacson gave talks.

Several performances also brightened up the event. Featured artists included Noel Cabangon, Gary Granada and KOREHIDOR, Bayang Barrios, Kontra Gapi, UP Music Circle Bands (Rayf Panotes, Giro and the Maps, Lamb St.), Moonstar 88, Imago, Gracenote, Sponge Cola, and Tres Marias. (DBM)


Revision of Philippine Power Development Plan urged to dovetail with UN goal of lower greenhouse gas emissions

MANILA -- The Philippine Power Development Plan 2009-2030 must be significantly revised in mid-stream to allow for the submission of a credible “intended nationally determined contributions” (INDCs) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference in Paris next December.


This was pointed out by Climate Change Commissioner Heherson T. Alvarez who said that under the existing plan, there is no way that the Philippines will be able to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to conform with the UN mandate since coal-fired power and diesel plants dominate the country’s energy sector. “Unless we act forcefully, the trajectory of the Philippine plan will lead us to embrace the highest share of coal dependency in Asia by as much as 75 percent of our generation mix by 2030, doubling greenhouse gas emissions between 2014 and 2025, ” he said.

Philippine coal-fired power capacity has increased by 25 percent in the last three years, and some 25 new coal plants with a gross capacity of 12,200 megawatts are in the pipeline, Alvarez said.

At the same time, Alvarez, a

former senator and environment secretary, called for a drastic re-orientation of Philippine power policymakers to bring them into the mainstream of the global trend toward cleaner alternative energy sources.

Philippine energy policymakers must start a shift now to a low-carbon future by introducing the right policies and long-term framework, including an effective price on carbon and a re-definition of “least-cost generating system.”

Traditionally, Alvarez said, coal-fired plants were seen as the least-cost generating system since policymakers failed to take into account its externalities -- the social and economic costs of its environmental destruction, of the pollution that undermines public health, and the incalculable damages to agriculture and ecosystems.

When these externalities are


factored in the price of carbon, coal would be far costlier than renewable energy sources, he said.

Citing a U.S. study, Alvarez said health costs from mortality and morbidity impacts due to coal emissions will rise to an estimated US$18 billion by 2030.

“The INDC process - in which countries determine their contributions in the context of their national priorities, circumstances and capabilities - is key to the global framework that drives collective action toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future,” he emphasized.

UN member nations have agreed to publicly outline what post-2020 climate actions they intend to take under a new international agreement that will determine whether the UN can curb global warming by stopping global temperature from rising

more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Alvarez noted that by 2030, the country’s energy sale is projected to increase from 55,417 GWh in 2008 to 149,067 GWh by 2030. For the period 2009-2030, around 17 GW of new capacities are needed to meet the demand and reserve requirements for electrical power. Of these, 1,338 MW will come from committed power projects.

To date, private sector initiated and committed power projects total some 1,338 MW which will be generated mostly by coal-fired plants in Luzon and the Visayas.

The good news lies in Mindanao, according to Alvarez. “Mindanao will be a brilliant exception since some 100.5 MW total committed projects are all renewables.” (Climate Change Commission)


Roxas to discuss Disaster Preparedness with LNB Mindanao

Secretary of Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas is scheduled to join the members of the Liga Ng Barangay (LNB), Mindanao Chapter during their assembly

The event, which has the theme “Learn, Improve, Govern, Act to ensure Disaster Resilient Barangays,” will be held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.

Roxas will be joined by LNB National President Attorney Ed Abesamis and LNB Vice President for Mindanao Gerard Ramiro, as well as the Department of Interior


and Local Government (DILG) Regional Directors for Mindanao.

Mindanao has experienced several natural and man-made disasters as of late. Several areas have been affected by perennial flooding and landslides, as well as skirmishes with rebel insurgents. Thus, it has never been more imperative to be proactive in mitigating disasters in the region.

As DILG chief and vice chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Roxas believes that preparedness and alertness, especially at the barangay level, are among the key factors needed to lessen the impact of disasters on both the citizens and the environment.

PHOTO CREDIT: RAPPLER.COM


Kalahi-CIDSS gab held for CSOs

This orientation aimed to: 1] Orient new and prospective CSO partners about Kalahi-CIDSS and other DSWD core programs; 2] Present the menu of engagement for CSO part-nership; and 3] Invite CSOs to signify their commitment to en-gage with DSWD through Kala-hi-CIDSS. Through public-private partnership, the DSWD has been mobilizing CSOs as part-ners in implementing its major programs and initiatives like Sustainable Livelihood Program, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Pro-gram, Convergence Strategy and now, Kalahi-CIDSS. “Non-government organi-zations (NGOs), people’s orga-nizations, cooperatives, trade unions, professional associa-

tions, faith-based organizations, indigenous peoples foundations, and other civic groups were formed primarily for social and economic development,” shares Ma. Annabelle S. Jabla, Deputy Regional Program Manager for Kalahi-CIDSS. “These prospective CSO partners have a vital role in tar-geted areas of Kalahi-CIDSS. Through new partnerships forged, Kalahi CIDSS will be able to empower more commu-nity volunteers. These new part-nerships will be sealed through manifestos of support,” Jabla added. Also discussed at the forum were the different programs of DSWD, its partnership frame-work, points of intervention for CSO partners, as well as brief

Davao City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently conducted an orientation with Civil Society Orga-nizations (CSOs) on Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehen-sive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS).


Davaoeño wins 1st Prize in Palanca Awards

DAVAO CITY- Dabawenyo Errol A. Merquita won a 1st Prize in the 2015 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the coun-try’s most prestigious literary awards, in announcements made

on September 1. Mr. Merquita won in the Tula Para sa mga Bata Category for “Ang Iisang Paa Ng Tsinelas”. This is Mr. Merquita’s second Palanca Award, having won 2nd Prize in 2011 in the Short Story in Cebua-no Category for “Isla Verde”, named after an area in Davao City popu-lated by marginalized indigenous peoples. In 2010, he won 2nd Prize in the Bisaya Fiction Writing Contest of the Davao Writers Guild for his story “Kinsa ang Nagpatay sa Pari sa Calinan?”. He is a resident of Tugbok, Davao City, and graduate of UP Min-danao BA Social Science 2002.

background on the various types of engagements. Following the presentations, a consultation on the details of the area of engagement was held. To facilitate matching of needs and preferences for engagement, a gallery of major activities in Kalahi-CIDSS was installed. The event was capped with the signing of Manifesto of Support by all participants. Kalahi-CIDSS is one of DSWD’s anti-poverty programs. It recently

scaled up into a national commu-nity-driven development program targeting to intensify meaningful participation of people in their own development by letting them decide for their community as well as link-ing them to basic services. A total of 21 municipalities are implementing Kalahi-CIDSS this year, covering 375 barangays with a total grant of Php 173,980,750. (DSWD/Julie Ace Brandon F. Ramos)


MONKAYO, Compostela Valley-- The Municipality of Monkayo has taken steps to strengthen grassroots com-munication with the reorganization of the Community Development In-formation Council (CDIC). Municipal Mayor Joselito B. Brillantes signed on June 01, 2015 Executive Order No. 026-2015, “Re-organizing Anew the Community Development Council” seeking to es-tablish and maintain communication channels to access information and to strengthen grassroots information and communication. The reorganized CDIC also seeks to raise information conscious-ness at the barangay level and to empower residents of Monkayo to become active partners in local government development initiatives. The CDIC is expected to serve as catalyst of community organiza-tion and social mobilization, to de-velop a common network for infor-mation dissemination, to serve as intra and inter community link, and to develop and harness the commu-nication skills as well as the creativ-ity of students. Among the major activities that the CDIC organized this year include the Inter-school Literary Musical Competition held today at Monkayo Municipal Gymnasium participated in by elementary, secondary and ter-tiary schools.

Contests lined up during the whole-day event were News Report-ing, Essay Writing, Quiz Bee, Vocal Solo/Vocal Duet and Dance Theater. The Film/Video Competition judged on August 27 formed part of the Inter-school Literary Musical Compe-tition. Addressing the opening cer-emony of the event, Mayor Brillantes viewed the Inter-school Literary Mu-sical Competition as the “season of discovering talents”. He, however, called on students to arm themselves with humility which, he said, should go along with whatever success they may achieve. Meanwhile, CDIC Chairper-son Elyn M. Atienza during the same event revealed that the municipality of Monkayo first held an inter-school literary competition on September 13, 1989, a day before that year’s founding anniversary of the town. On top of Quiz Bee, news re-porting, dance theatre and film vid-eo are the three new events added to the line-up of literary competi-tions, she said. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive D. Abangan)

Monkayo town strengthens grassroots communication

20 September 2, 2015ONE MINDANAO 20September 2, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

By:Danilo E. Doguiles

Koronadal primes for 2015 Mindanao Batang Pinoy Games

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 2 – After the successful hosting of the CIOFF International Folklore Festival, personnel of the City of Koronadal are getting hectic for another important event, this time the Philippine Youth Games - Batang Pinoy.

Tony Aguilar, city sports coor-dinator confirmed in an interview that the city government will be hosting the Mindanao Qualify-ing Leg of the Philippine Youth Games, popularly called “Batang Pinoy” on October 24 to 29.

“We are expecting at least

5,000 athletes from more than 100 barangay, municipal and city governments in Mindanao to participate in the Batang Pi-noy,” Aguilar said.

Currently, he added, city offi-cials are concentrating on the


inspection and preparation of playing venues as well as the billeting quarters of the athletes and their chaperons.

Earlier, Mayor Peter Miguel as-sured that the city government has sufficient funds to host the event.

“The city government has enough funds to host the Batang Pinoy. If you remember we have allotted funds for our bid to host the 2015 Palarong Pam-bansa. We did not get to host the Palaro so part of the funds intended for the Palaro can be spent for the Batang Pinoy,” May-or Miguel explained.

Koronadal City lost to Tagum City in Region XI in the bid to host the 2015 Palarong Pam-bansa.

Mayor Miguel emphasized fur-ther that spending for the said sports “would not be too heavy for the City of Koronadal since the local government units will be paying for most expenses of the athletes that they will bring to the Batang Pinoy.”

The local chief executive also stressed the city LGU’s initiative to push for the conduct of the national youth games here is part of the LGU’s efforts to show that Koronadal City and South Cotabato are peaceful and are

prime destinations in this part of the country.

Meanwhile, according to the Batang Pinoy 2015 website, to be played in the Mindanao Leg are qualifying games for ar-nis, athletics, badminton, bas-ketball 3-on-3, boxing, chess, dancesport, futsal, karatedo, lawn tennis, sepak takraw, soft-ball, swimming, taekwondo, ta-ble tennis, wrestling, and volley-ball.

Batang Pinoy Luzon Leg was held in Malolos, Bulacan on July 18 to 22 and the Visayas Quali-fying Leg in Romblon on August 23 to 28.

The national championships will be held in Cebu City on No-vember 27 to December 2.

Backed by Executive Order No. 44, the Batang Pinoy Games is “the national sports competi-tion program for children and envisioned to address the need for a grassroots sports program centered on values formation in-herent in the practice of sports and fair play.”

Participants are in-school and out-of-school children ages 15 years old and below and are supported by their respective LGUs.


DAR-ARMM strengthens project partnerships to benefit ARBs By Perlita B. Changco

It was conceptualized in part-nership with the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Govern-ment (DILG) and the Leagues of Provinces, Cities,/Municipalities and Barangays.

It is being supervised by the Philippine Olympic Committee and National Sports Associations.

Hosting of the Batang Pinoy, according to Mayor Miguel is still part of the yearlong celebration of City of Koronadal’s 75th Foun-dation Anniversary that started in December 2014.

Last August 9 to 18, Koronadal City hosted the Philippine’s first international folklore festival.

The CIOFF Koronadal Inter-national Folklore Festival, also dubbed “Pyesta Kolon Datal” drew in nearly 400 performers from 10 countries, including Russia, Slovenia, Poland, Tur-key, Sri Lanka, Japan, Chinese

Taipei, Indonesia, Mexico and the Philippines.

Because of the success of the Pyesta Kolon Datal, Leticia Bu-lotano-Wheeler North American representative to CIOFF, along with other CIOFF officials who have witnessed the event here, promised to push for permanent membership of Koronadal City and the Philippines to the CIOFF.

CIOFF stands for Internation-al Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts, a partner of the UNESCO in the preservation of cultural heri-tage.

Prior to the Batang Pinoy Games, Koronadal City will also be celebrating its Charter Anni-versary on the second week of October. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 2 –A number of municipal agrarian reform officers (MAROs) in the province of Maguindanao and partner line agencies attended the 3rd Regular Meeting of the Provincial CARP Implementation Team (PCIT), Thursday, August 27 in this city.


Out of the five component prov-inces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), only Maguindanao has its own PCIT.

The PCIT aims to sustain and strengthen the strong partner-ship between agrarian reform of-ficers and other agencies to help address the land problems and challenges facing agrarian re-form beneficiaries (ARBs) in the said province.

According to ARMM’s agrarian reform sec. Amihilda Sangcopan, the agency is undertaking social preparations in the areas covered by humanitarian development action plan (HDAP) for 2015.

“We requested Php 120 million for the implementation of the said project in Maguindanao. It would benefit the 11 municipali-ties and 10 ARCs and it is funded under PAMANA funds,” Sangco-pan said.

“I believed that HDAP project is the holistic package that we could deliver to them,” Sangco-pan added.

The HDAP project covers the provision of common service fa-cilities such as scholarship for children of ARBs that would take courses of BS Agriculture, BS Agro-Economics/Agro-Business, Agro-Forestry and Agricultural

Engineering; and provision of so-cial infrastructure, she said.

Sangcopan emphasized, ev-ery province in the autonomous region is promising in terms of agrarian reforms and Maguin-danao really has a promising land for all the residents urging each and every personnel to continue working hand in hand for the bet-terment of the province and the ARMM as a whole.

The official issued a directive to all other provincial agrarian reform officers (PAROs) to cre-ate their own PCIT to assist the beneficiaries in their respective provinces to help achieve govern-ment’s goal of improving quality of life among farmers through the agrarian reform program.

Meanwhile, Maguindanao’s PARO Hadja Bai Cabayan Bacar said they will turn-over on Sep-tember 11 the completed 6-km concrete road in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao for the easy trans-port of the agricultural products of agrarian reform beneficiaries to trading centers.

“The World Bank also signified their interest to be our partner for the balot and salted egg proj-ect in Kabuntalan – this will give extra income to our benefi


ciaries,” she added.The DAR-ARMM is set to con-

duct the 1st Regional ARB Con-

gress here on September 9, 2015.(IEroy/PBChangco-PIA Co-tabato City)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept 2 – A small fishermen association in Gensan has received aid from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the local government unit of General Santos City (LGU-GSC).

Fisher folks receive seaweed farming tools from BFAR, LGU Gensan

The Baluan Fisherfolk Associa-tion received 20 sets of seaweeds farming implements from BFAR and from the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO) on August 18 at Pu-rok Sarif Mucsin, Barangay Balu-an.The distribution of the seaweed farming tools were led by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and person-nel from the BFAR.“Actually, this is a very good op-portunity for the fisher folks of Baluan to have a new and alter-native way of generating income. We hope that these tools will be used for good and would be tak-en care properly,” Mayor Rivera said.Rivera also thanked BFAR and CAO for their constant partner-

ship.“Without it, these projects would not be handed to deserving ben-eficiaries like these fishermen from Baluan,” he added.Each set consists of fishing ropes, seaweed seedlings, floaters, and non-motorized banca (small fish-ing boat).Aside from the tools, the BFAR and the CAO conducted a one-day training on different seaweed farming techniques, with empha-sis on the the “lantay” method.“We are really thankful to BFAR and to the city government of Gensan for giving these to us. All of these are very useful for our livelihood, especially that fishing could some


times be slacking,” Muaymina Dominguez, 35, one of the ben-eficiaries.The farming implements alone are worth P240,000, while the seaweed seedlings cost P20,000.According to CAO, the budget from this assistance came from a special grant from BFAR, amount-ing to around P2 million.The grant was given to CAO for having the highest number of fishermen associations listed and registered last 2014.Aside from the seaweed farming implements, the P2 million was

also used for the purchase of 72,000 mangrove seedlings and eight double-door freezers.The mangroves will be planted in Purok Minanga, Barangay Buay-an. The freezers will be given to selected cooperatives here in Gensan who operate value-add-ed product post-processing busi-nesses. (IJLagare-Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


DILG Caraga confers SGLG 2015 awardsBy: Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Region held the regional conferment ceremony for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2015 dubbed as “Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal” last August 25 in one of the convention centers here. The activity was participated in by 252 persons composed of two governors, 30 mayors,

35 local officials, 20 local functionaries, 92 DILG officers and employees, eight regional


directors/representatives of SGLG regional partner agencies and 65 LGU personnel. It was held as the culminating activity for the SGLG assessment conducted in 2014 and to confer the SGLG awardees their SGLG markers, Governance Assessment Reports as well as the Performance Challenge Fund ceremonial checks amounting to P7 million for the provinces, P5 million for the cities and P3 million for the municipality as incentive to the awardees. The activity also aimed to encourage other local government units to emulate the recipient LGUs since passing the SGLG not only allows LGUs to access the PCF but also opens windows for development offered by the national government and financing institutions as well. Among those conferred the SGLG 2015 awards were: Municipality of Socorro, Surigao del Norte received by Mayor Denia Florano; Province of Agusan del Sur received by Vice Gov. Santiago Cane; Province of Dinagat Islands received by Vice Gov. Benglen Ecleo; Province of Agusan del Norte received by Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba; and the Province of Surigao del Norte received by Gov. Sol Matugas.

Also conferred were the 73 other municipalities, cities and province that were given their certificates of recognition with their Governance Assessment Reports; and the regional offices of the SGLG partner agencies (i.e. COA, OCD, DepEd, DSWD, DOH, NCIP, DENR, DTI and PNP). Other checks for other DILG-funded water and road projects were also awarded during the event. These were the projects availed through the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB), SALINTUBIG and PAMANA projects. A total of P6 million worth of checks were released to three municipalities of Agusan del Sur, La Paz with P1 million; P4.25 million for Prosperidad; and P750 Thousand to Rosario, for their BUB Water Projects; while the municipality of Tubajon, Dinagat Islands received P1 million for their SALINTUBIG Project; and the province of Surigao del Norte with P800 thousand for their water project funded through PAMANA. P120 million was also released to the province of Agusan del Norte; P64 million to the province of Agusan del Sur; and P40 million to the province of Surigao del Norte for their road projects funded through


PAMANA. “We are very much honored for being conferred this prestigious award of the DILG. […] We commit to establish an ideal place to live in thru the promotion of peace, public order and safety, ensuring integrity of environment, building up of the rural areas, putting in place livelihood and other economic opportunities especially in tourism; advancement in support of sustainable agriculture; and provision of inclusive social and health services founded on a meaningful and strong partnership with civil society and the value of bayanihan which is very alive in Socorro,” says Mayor Denia Florano of Socorro, Surigao del Norte, the sole SGLG awardee

from the cities and municipalities of the Region. “We are elated to be able to pass the stringent procedures for the Seal of Good Local Governance. […] The challenge for us is how to maintain this [but] rest assured […] we will do our best to be able to make it again next year,” says Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba. “[We] thank [the] officials of DILG, especially to Sec. Roxas for conceiving a high level of award, the Seal of Good Local Governance. We commend you and we appreciate you for your efforts to recognize the little efforts that we contribute to nation building,” says Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol F. Matugas.

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AgSur PNP tops performance rating regionwideBy:David M. Suyao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - The Agusan del Sur Provincial Police office ranks first in the operational accomplishment against its war on illegal drugs regionwide for the period from January to July 31, 2015.

According to the report rendered by Agusan del Sur Police provincial director P/SSupt. Joseph Plaza, Agusan del Sur PNP has conducted 131 operations since January until July 31 this year with 223 persons arrested on shabu totaling to 1,139 grams and marijuana with 312 grams, with a total value of P13,464,010.58. Rank second is Surigao del Norte with 71 operations arresting 97 persons in position of 879.46 grams of shabu and 9.71 grams of marijuana with a

total value of P10,378,137,02, followed by Surigao del Sur PPO with 28 operations and arrested 58 persons with 434.5 grams of shabu and 34.1 grams of Marijuana with a total value of P5,129,036.74. Butuan City Police Office have also conducted 45 operations arresting 69 persons with 333.37 grams of shabu and 25 grams of marijuana with a total value of P3,935,134.22 while Agusan del Norte PPO who ranks fifth has conducted 70 operations with 94 persons arrested with 254 grams

The Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) originated from Seal of Good Housekeeping that promotes transparency and accountability in local government operations. The SGLG was introduced to challenge local governments to continue the good governance practices while providing better public services,

prepare for the challenges posed by disaster, sensitive to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of the society, encourage investment and employment, protect the constituents from threats to life and security, safeguard the integrity of the environment.


of shabu with zero marijuana with a value of P3,006,321.40. Dinagat Island PPO has conducted 10 operations with 12 persons arrested having 13.73 grams of shabu and 14.3 grams of marijuana with a total value of P162,835.62. “So far, if we look at the municipal police station category, ranking first is the municipality of San Francisco on illegal drugs, municipality of Loreto on illegal position of firearms and the municipality of Sibagat on illegal logging registered as top performers. On illegal gambling,

the municipality of Dapa got the the recognition while the municipality of Cortez grab the honor of having 100 percent index crime solution efficiency,” P/SSupt. Plaza said. Vice Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. who presided the PPOC meeting extends his commendation on the PNP report saying “This is the reason why Gov. Plaza has agreed to declare with then Col. Gregory Cayetano, 401st Brigade Commander, that Agusan del Sur is a conflict manageable and development ready province.”


Surigao Norte town holds public hearing on local investments, incentives codeBy:Susil D. Ragas

CLAVER, Surigao del Norte – In its effort to further accelerate the economic growth of this municipality, the Sangguniang Bayan conducted a public hearing on the proposed Local Investments and Incentives Code (LIIC) held recently at Claver Municipal Gym, this province.

The presentation of the proposed ordinance was done by councilor Tresa P. Placencia, the primary sponsor of the said legislation and councilor Nilson B. Ocon.

The public hearing was attended by government officials of the municipality and different barangays, representatives of the existing mining companies, business sectors and different


community organizations. The local legislation is in support to the economic development agenda of mayor Eddie P. Gokiangkee aim to attract more private investments in different sectors. The local officials realized that it needs to pursue a more balanced development of the municipality to be sustainable in the long term and not just totally rely on its booming mining industry. Although its huge nickel deposits can still sustain operation of the existing companies for the succeeding years, the local government pushed for the development of different sectors which they think will sustain the growth of the economy and provide employment of the local manpower. Among others, some of the priority projects proposed to be given local tax incentives includes eco-tourism, agri-business, light manufacturing industries, aqua-culture, housing development, environment and waste management. Interested investors need to have at least a capital investment amounting to not less than P1 million and employment of not less than ten workers.

The proposed local investments and incentives code of the municipality fully supports and align with its Municipal Comprehensive Development Plan and Land Use Plan. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte Supervising Trade and Industry Development Specialist Rodrigo R. Matabaran explained during the public hearing that the initiative of the LGU in coming up its LIIC is timely considering the present thrusts of the national government to improve the country’s economic competitiveness. He also explained that based on the results of the 2015 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) assessment conducted by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), the municipality of Claver was ranked 50th most competitive municipality out of 462 municipalities in the 1st and 2nd Class Municipalities Category throughout the country. The enactment of the LIIC is expected to improve the competitiveness score of Claver in the next year’s CMCI survey, Matabaran added.


Paga BFP-IX turns-over fire trucks to Sibugay province dian holds tsunami commemoration day By: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) –Two new fire trucks have been turned-over recently by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-IX to Governor Wulter Y. Palma of Zamboanga Sibugay.


BFP-IX regional director SSupt. Ireneo P. Palicpic personally handed the new fire trucks to the governor in simple turnover ceremonies. Earlier at the BFP camp in Laguna, Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II disclosed that the local government units (LGUs) would receive new fire trucks. “Soon, these fire trucks will be sent to different towns across the country. For most of the towns, it’s going to be their first fire truck,” Roxas said. He stressed that it is his earnest desire to push for “Daang Matuwid” which President Benigno Aquino III espoused in his administration. The two fire trucks were then

given to the municipalities of Diplahan and Ipil with Mayor Cris B. Jore of Diplahan and Councilor Jong A. Alcoriza, representing Mayor Eldwin A. Alibutdan of Ipil, as recipients. During the turnover rites, Governor Palma expressed his profound gratitude to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the BFP for including Diplahan and Ipil as among the recipient-towns. A total of 80 units with one-thousand-gallon capacity from China are set for distribution to various towns in 55 provinces. The brand new fire trucks that were turned-over were just the first batch of the 469 units that will be distributed to cities and municipalities which do not have


fire trucks or have dilapidated ones. The total number of procured fire trucks is 244 units of (1,000-gallon capacity) and 225 units of (500-gallon capacity), all scheduled to be delivered by the DILG to upgrade the firefighting capability of the BFP. The fire trucks are equipped with a pump-and-roll mechanism.

This mechanism enables the trucks to shoot water even while the truck is moving. Sibugay received two 7-seater trucks which has the capacity of up to 1000 gallons. Palma emphasized that the two fire trucks are indeed a great contribution for better and efficient services of the BFP in the province.

ZAMSURECO-1 holds ‘Variety Show Competition 2015’ By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – Guided by the wisdom in the saying which goes “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” the Zamboanga del Sur I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZAMSURECO-1) has spearheaded a variety show competition on Tuesday for its employees.


ZAMSURECO-1 employees from Area I, II, III and Central Office have converged here to show off their talents in dancing and singing. In his opening statement before the dance and song extravaganza, Engr. Jose Raul A. Saniel, ZAMSURECO-1 general manager and chief executive officer, emphasized the benefits from holding the said competition saying that this would redound to enhancing and developing employees’ dance and singing prowess and creativity. As the teams would pit their talents against each other, Saniel

hoped that camaraderie, unity and teamwork would result from this friendly competition. He also briefly gave a distinction between a healthy competition and the so-called “cutthroats” competition, saying the former results in excellence and the latter heads for destruction. The results of the variety dance contest and variety show competition revealed that the Central Office team emerged as the overall champion followed by Area I, II and III. The variety show was one of the highlights of the


43rd founding anniversary of ZAMSURECO-1 which carried the theme: ZAMSURECO-1@43: Good Governance + Commitment

+ Teamwork + Innovation = Excellence.”


“Saktong Iodine sa Asin” campaign in Misamis Occidental continues

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – The campaign for “Saktong Iodine sa Asin (Adequate Iodine in Salt)” in Misamis Occidental continues.

By: Rutchie C. Aguhob


“This, as the United Nations’ Childrens’ Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and National Nutrition Council (NNC), region 10, will conduct a Multi-Sectoral Forum on the ASIN Law at the Royal Garden Hotel, this city, this coming Sept. 18. A Media Forum launched the campaign in the province, last May 20, after it was found to have very low household salt iodine levels in the households, among the region’s five (5) provinces, based on the results of an updated survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The FNRI survey show that 81 percent of the households are using iodized salt, while the other 19 percent do not use it, and of those using iodized salt, only 25

percent are using “adequate” iodine while 75 percent are using inadequate iodine in salt, the FNRI show,” Marissa Navales, NNC Program Officer, said. The campaign is to use not just iodized salt but adequate iodine in salt, as the FNRI study also show a decrease in the median iodine level of household salt, from 11 parts per million (ppm) in 2005 to 4.9 ppm in 2008, out of the international recommendation of 15 ppm, in Region 10. The lack of iodine or iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) results in a variety of abnormalities, such as goiter, reproductive failures, like miscarriage and stillbirth, as well as, congenital anomalies, like deaf-mutism, squinted eyes, poor growth, and mental retardation,” Navales said.

Gingoog, DENR, DepEd push for eco-savers projectGINGOOG CITY – Gingoog city, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Education (DepEd) pushes for the piloting of “Eco-savers Project,” a well-designed strategy in augmenting the citywide advocacy in mitigating against the effects of climate change.

By: Edmar Pabia


The Eco-savers Program is the city’s innovative recycling scheme which promotes a culture of discipline among the youth through ecological solid waste management. This promotes to teach children segregation right at home, reinforce the habit in school and environmental concern becomes second nature. Republic Act 9003 requires the Department of Education to strengthen the integration of environmental concerns in school curricula, with particular emphasis on the theory and practice of resource conservation, recovery, segregation at source, and recycling. The parties agree to collaborate in the replication of best practices in ecological solid waste management in public elementary and secondary schools in Gingoog city. DepEd is tapped to educate the students on the importance of environmental conservation and protection as it relates to sustainable development. DENR has recognized Gingoog as the model city in the implementation of ecological waste management in the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN).

Per Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the project is not new to Gingoognons since they have already inculcated in their minds and practiced in themselves the value of cleanliness and the essence of the 3R’s—reduce, reuse, recycle. Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) officer in-charge Marlene Fuentes said this school-based project had already started in the city’s Manuel Lugod Central Elementary School (North Central) in which their teachers had tapped the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) led by Mark Kho for cohesive implementation. “Isip pag-implementar sa maong proyekto, nagmug na sila og programa nga ‘Basura Mo, I-Shoot Mo’ diin ipadala kada-Biyernes og recyclable materials ang mga estudyante. Ila kining i-shoot sa usa ka dapit nga gi-isip nilang dulaanan diin ilang i-shoot ang ilang mga basura. Dayon ilang ibaligya ang mga lata, plastik, botelya ug uban pang ma-kwarta nga basura. Ang halin ilang ipundo sa PTA para sa laing mabulukong proyekto,” said ENRD head. Mayor Marie Guingona appreciates the act of instilling a culture of environmental


BTIPC is an advisory and consultative body composed of representatives from the workers, management, and government legally constituted for a common purpose in the Province of Bukidnon. DOLE-10 Bukidnon Provincial Field Office head, Raul Valmores, said, “Annually, a Mid-Year

General Assembly is conducted by the council to promote and maintain a state of understanding, cooperation and concerned involvement in various issues to sustain industrial peace.” Learning sessions transpired during the assembly to equip the members issues and concerns eminent in the current times.

Bukidnon tripartite industrial peace council assemble for sustainabilityBy: Reyna L. TagailoVALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 10, through its Bukidnon Provincial Field Office conducted another successful mid-year General Assembly in coordination with the Bukidnon Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (BTIPC) members on 6 August 2015 at Taipan Hotel and Restaurant, Valencia city.

awareness among school children, and admires teachers’ commitment for saving our Mother Earth. In her message, Dr. Myrna Castanosa has acknowledged the unwavering support of the chief executive in highly regarding for the welfare among teachers and students by working together with their agency not only in

ecological and environmental concerns but also in other socio-cultural developments. “Let us continually love and take good care of our nature as we live each day. We dedicate such commitment for our sake and for our next generations. This is our planet. This is our single home”, said Mayor Marie.


One of the speakers, Dr. Nancy C. Vilbar, Education Program Supervisor (Values Education) of the Department of Education elaborated the K-12. She discussed the benefits, the coverage, and its preparation for the students for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship. Likewise, Bernie Boy A. Salinas, DOLE Regional Statistician, as the second speaker elaborated and discussed the Labor Market Information (LMI) of the province and its present

Employment Situation. Moreover, Evelyn I. Rivera, Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board Representative oriented the members on 5S and Green Productivity Training. This learning session focused on how one’s attitude as a boss or an employee can affect the work place. It briefly shows the domino effect on motivating the employees and how one can affect the individual performances. Some 107 participants attended thus, marking this Mid-year General Assembly successful.


Provl govt, MLGUs ink pact for new infra projects in Lanao Sur

The provincial government of Lanao del Sur and the 39 municipal local government units (MLGUs) in the province inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the

implementation of P2-million worth of infrastructure projects in each of the municipality.

The MoA was signed on August 23 by Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong, Jr. and 11 municipal mayors at the Provincial Capitol

Conference Room, this city. According to Adiong, the project was given based on the needs of the receiving municipality. The project cost

by: Apipa P. Bagumbaran


DepEd-ARMM, BRAC Philippines conducts research forumMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) and BRAC Philippines conducted a national research forum on Alternative Delivery Model (ADM) on September 1 in Makati City.

The research forum discussed conducted by the University of the Philippines Los Banos Foundation, Inc., ACTRC-Melbourne University, and University of Southeastern Philippines on the ADM-BRAC learning

centers in ARMM. Moreover, the event also showcased the key features of the ADM and BRAC learning centers and identify pathways for integrating the lessons and best practices of the ADM

will come from the internal revenue allotment of the province, specifically in the 20 percent development fund. “We received these in infra project requests from June to this month and they range from a municipal complex road network, expansion of a rural health unit, municipal parameter fencing, road repairs and rehabilitation, farm to market roads, barangay roads, multi-purpose and open gymnasiums, box culvert with access road, municipal guest houses, municipal hall buildings, multi-purpose covered courts, and a public badminton building,” Adiong said. Mayors who were not able to attend the ceremony can still go to the Trust Fund Unit inside the Executive Building of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol Complex to comply with all the necessary requirements so that the checks can be released to their municipal treasurers. Engr. Dimasira Macabando, Jr., head of the Trust Fund Unit, said the

provincial government will monitor the implementation of the projects. “Each project has a 40-day maximum completion date upon the submission of all the requirements by each MLGU and the release of the funds to them,” Macabando clarified. He also said the provincial government will still continue the project once the receiving municipality fails to finish it and submits all the required liquidation documents bearing the expenses incurred. Adiong said he has complete faith that the municipal mayors will abide with what they have agreed into. I am looking forward to see all these projects fully implemented within the year so that municipal constituents can immediately benefit from the project as the requests really came from them via their leaders, he added. (PIA Lanao del Sur / APB/PIA-10)


in the national education policies and programs. DepEd-ARMM officials, Australian embassy representatives, members of the academe and various international nongovernmental o r g a n i z a t i o n s working for education in ARMM attended the event. The ADM project is a component of the Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao program being supported by the Philippine and Australian g o v e r n m e n t s .

It is now on its fourth year of implementation. The project established learning centers in poor, conflict-affected, and disadvantaged communities in ARMM


ARMM registers P3.7 billion in new investment from banana firmMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Regional Board of Investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM) has recently approved the registration of a Cavendish banana plantation project of Al-Sahar Agri Ventures Inc., in Maguindanao.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chairman and managing head of RBOI-ARMM, said Al Sahar’s banana plantation, amounting to P3.7 billion, is so far the biggest private investment in the region’s history. The project has a total land area of 2,600 hectares in the municipalities of Talayan, Buldon,

Barira, and Mangudadatu. Al Sahar is an affiliate of the Unifrutti Group that manages other companies in ARMM such as La Frutera Inc., Wao Development Corp. and Mount Kalatungan Agri Ventures Inc.

to provide opportunities to out-of-school children to have access to basic education. It aims at supporting the ongoing efforts of the Philippine

government to address education issues in the region in the long-term. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)


The new plantation in Maguindanao is expected to create up to 3,900 jobs for local residents. “Our company is here in ARMM to help uplift the lives of the people and help propel economic development in the region,” said Ed Bullecer, director of Al-Sahar. ARMM has been the location for several successful ventures of Unifrutti. “We consider the ARMM as the best agri-related investment destination in the country due to its fertile and vast lands, low cost of doing business and strong support from local leaders despite security issues,” he said. Before Al Sahar’s registration, investments in the region have been tracked at P1.8 billion. This year’s investment figure is expected to increase further in the coming months since more private ventures are in the pipeline, officials said. Current projects in the ARMM are an oil palm plantation worth P1.3 billion, a napier grass biomass

fuel production project, which is estimated to cost P400 million, and the modernization and expansion of a cassava starch factory worth about P200 million. “RBOI has been assisting investors in their plans of investing in the region. We give advice on business opportunities and provide information on the business (environment) in ARMM,” said Atty. Mastura. Project approval entails fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, he added, noting further that investors are being guided and assisted during the pre-application stage and even after they register. As a result of the agency’s pro-active stance in dealing with investors, timely information dissemination, and effective business advocacy, RBOI was recently awarded this year by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as among its Outstanding Partners for Regional Economic Development. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

One Mindanao - September 2, 2015

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Transcript of One Mindanao - September 2, 2015