one mindanao - april 13, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES

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

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

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

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

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

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

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

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

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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

Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. – A Journey to the Top

Clara Domingo-Almendralejo, Ph.D.Caraga Region

Today’s issue...Friday, April 13, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 235

page 4

Soccsksargen athletes begin training for Palarong Pambansa 18 Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanaoao

Master Drainage Plan binubuo ng Koronadal

23Central Mindanaoao

Regional Peace and Order Task Force intensifies efforts to assist evacuees24 Ian G. Miculob, Caraga Region

Australia backs President Aquino’s bureaucratic, economic reform measures12

Surigao Norte turns-over day care center to Gen. Luna barangayFryan E. Abkilan, Caraga Region

NYC coordinated formulation of PYDP through consultations28 Noemi B. Edaga, Western Mindanao

DSWD-9 SocMark unit bags award for entry on children in armed-conflict30Western Mindanao

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Electric cooperative hopes government intervention will stop power interruptionsRutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Camiguin set to launch GP program anew34 Jorie C. Valcorza., Northern Mindanao

32

Mindanao Governors express hope in power summitRG Alama, Southern Mindanao36

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4 Friday, April 13, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Brilliant and talented… these are among the words that best described the local chief executive of Butuan City –

the regional center of Caraga Region.

Cover StoryMayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. – A Journey to the Top

As a student, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. has shown early his potentials as a consistent honor pupil of Ampayon Elementary School as well as a student of Siliman

University where he finished his secondary education.

He pursued his college education at the

Siliman University in Dumaguete

City where he

by Clara Domingo-Almendralejo, Ph.D.

Friday, April 13, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

g r a d u a t e d Cum Laude in his

course: Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (MEDTech). He took his post graduate studies at the University of Visayas, Gullas College of Medicine where he again graduated as Cum Laude! Other awards he received during this stage in his life was the Siliman University Honor Award, and the 10 Outstanding Students in Anatomy in Gullas College of Medicine, Cebu City. He enjoyed a fellowship program

on Orthopedic Traumatology at the University of Cincinnati Medical

Center Department of Orthopedic, Ohio, USA.

In 1992 and 1994, he underwent

special training in Basic

C o u r s e i n

Internal Fixation at Davos Switzerland and in Advance Trauma Life Support at Dayton Ohio, USA. It was during this period that he was able to write research papers entitled “A Profile of Hand Blast Injury in PGH” which he presented during the ASEAN Orthopedic Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia and another paper entitled Intramedullary Nailing in Distal Third Tibia during the Orthopedic Trauma Association Meeting in Los Angeles, California USA. In the second phase of his journey as a professional, he received several awards among the most


significant was as the most Outstanding Physician of Agusan del Norte. This is

an acknowledgement of his skills, competence and commitment

to his medical profession. He is a highly respected

Orthopedic Physician of Butuan City

and Agusandel Norte to

say the

least. Up to the present, he is a consultant in the Department of Surgery at the MJ Santos and the Butuan Doctors Hospitals. As a professional, he enjoys his calling as a doctor and does not forget to balance his busy life. He enjoys Music.

This was one of his assets during his campaign sojourn, because he was able to hold the attention of his audience for his platform as well as his songs and playing as a one man combo. His musical talents such as singing and composing songs are among the legacy he got from her mother Ma’am Telle, a singer herself, choir conductor and accompanist. Music gives balance to our speakers lifewhich he enjoys to the utmost until now. One of his favorite songs is “What A Wonderful


World”. As a respected medical practitioner he was elected to several positions as President, Vice President, Board of Trusties of Socio-Civic, religious and professional organizations which include among others:Agusan del Norte Medical Association, Phil. Orthopedic Association of Northern Mindanao, UCCP, and the Rotary International. His acknowledged leadership in these Organizations were his stepping stones to the greater leadership role he will have to play in the Third phase of his life that of being a Public Service Manager. Those who are not familiar with our guest speaker must be wondering, what a shift he had to undergo from a being doctor to become a public servant. But for those who know him well, would not be surprised because he had been doing public service as a medical practitioner. The third phase of his life started in his first attempt at government

service as the Punong Barangay of Ampayon, Butuan City. Short as

it may be, it was here where he learned the ropes of

politics. His leadership

c o m pe t e n c e , sincerity and

commitment to service were factorsthat catapulted him to where he is today. His constituents consider him a man with a vision for nation building and the man with a big heart for Butuan City. He is moving heaven and earth to improve the image of Butuan but more so to improve the quality of life


of the Butuanons. This is manifested by the several livelihood, socio-economic and cultural preservation projects now being implemented in Butuan City. Proof of these are the awards received by Butuan City under his leadership,such as: AGRI PINOY 2011 Rice Achievers National Awards “Mga Bosingng Palayan”. Where he recived One Million Pesos which will be spent for the City’s Organic Farming program to further enhance

rice production. The City government

of Butuan has also been awarded the Seal of Good

Housekeeping by the DILG making it

a qualified recipient of

the LGU

support fund. Again another corresponding amount will be received for Butuan City as its award. Because of his efforts in adhering to the flagship program of President Aquino, highlighted by transparency and accountability, the national leadership has entrusted him

with a very big responsibility.He has just have been appointedas the Chairman of the Caraga Region Peace and OrderCouncil. He is also the Regional Representative for Caraga League of Cities of the Philippines. It is said that if much is given, much is expected. These are just a few of his many chairmanships


and membershipsin the different government organizations. All these successes and blessings which ayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. has received would not have been possible if not for his great trust on the Almighty God from the love, nurturing and mentoring of his parents, the late Engr. Ferdinand A. Amante Sr. Former City Public Work Supervisor and Former Manager of Water District and her mother Mrs. Ester MagdamoAmante, former instructor of NORMISIST. It is also said that for every man’s

success, there’s a woman behind. That one and only woman and his lifetime sweetheart is Ivy Oga-Amante, a nurse, with whom he has 3 children. A strong family bond and placing God at the center of his life, has prepared him to be a servant leader and as an honorable, value oriented public service manager.

10 Friday, April 13, 2012ONE MINDANAO

ACROSS THE NATION

The President held a state dinner in honor of Governor General Quentin Bryce and her husband Michael at Malacanang Rizal Hall Thursday evening. Bryce arrived in the Philippines Wednesday for a two-day

State Visit.In his speech, the Chief

Executive said Australia is one of the Philippines’s long standing partners in meeting its development challenges. In 2010, the Australian Agency for International

Development (AusAID) was the country’s biggest development donor for grants, and had supported the Philippine government programs to attain its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), he said.

Aquino: Visit of Governor-General Quentin Bryce strengthens Australia-Philippine relations

The visit of the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Quentin Bryce, adds another feather in the cap of the decades old relations between the Philippines and Australia, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on

Thursday.


T h e President

also hailed the success of

the 16th high-level consultation

on development and cooperation held in Canberra, Australia last month, providing both countries greater opportunity for wider cooperation so that development challenges are meet.

At the same time, President Aquino thanked Australia for providing assistance to the Philippines when Mindanao was hit

by Typhoon Sendong last December.

“Australia’s generous donation of Aus$ 6.3 million has gone a long way towards rebuilding the lives and communities of our countrymen who were affected by the disaster,” the President said.

“The relation between Australia and the Philippines has always been characterized by solidarity and mutual cooperation. A shared desire to work for the benefit of our people and the readiness to lend a helping hand,” he added. (AS)


“Mr. President, Australia supports your efforts to bring about positive changes to the Philippines, including your determination to improve governance across the archipelago. This has given renewed hope to your fellow Filipinos for a better life,” she said in her message during the State Dinner.

“Australia also welcomes your administration’s commitment to economic reform which can do much to encourage the further expansion of our bilateral commercial ties,” she added.

In their earlier meeting,

the President told the Australian governor general that the Philippines is on track in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with the continuing support of the Australian government.

Australia has been generously providing both technical and financial assistance to the country’s key MDG-related projects and programs through the Australian Agency for International Aid or AusAID, the President said. The AusAID is the Philippine’s biggest donor for grants in 2010.

The country is committed

to further strengthening the ties between Australia and the Philippines, the President said. The two countries are celebrating their 66 years of bilateral relations.

“We remain committed to this partnership and to further harnessing its strength towards the achievement of the goals that our peoples share with the rest of the community of nations,” he said.

Governor General Bryce, accompanied by her husband Michael, arrived in the country for a 2-day State Visit. (AS)

Australia backs President Aquino’s bureaucratic, economic reform measures

The government of Australia expressed its support to the

Aquino administration’s bureaucratic and economic reform initiatives for the benefit of the Filipino people, as visiting Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia Quentin Bryce told President Benigno S. Aquino III during a State Dinner held in her honor in Malacanang on Thursday.


PNoy to DOE: Solve Mindanao power crisis ASAP

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the energy department to solve the power crisis at the soonest time possible without sacrificing the

future. D e p a r t m e n t of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras today said in press conference today in Davao City

that the President has instructed him to focus on identifying and providing solutions to the Mindanao power crisis.

The DOE chief stressed, however, that the President wants a solution that will not “jeopardize the future.”


“This means that the President want a long-term solution to the power crisis in Mindanao,” Almendras said. Almendras added the solution to the prevailing power crisis must be felt not only at present but also in the future. “Thus, the president wants to have it solved without jeopardizing the future of Mindanao,” he added. The energy

secretary said also said that the President will grace the Mindanao Energy Summit tomorrow, Friday at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City. A l m e n d r a s said the President will preside over the summit where private and public stakeholders are expected to present the scenario of the power crisis, as well as to identify and solve the problem.

M e a n w h i l e , Almendras explained that the seven-day shutdown of Malampaya Plant which is scheduled in July will be implemented since the demand of electricity during rainy season (July-September) is low as compared to the summer season. This, according to Sec. Almendras, must be made for the maintenance of the plant.


MAITUM, Sarangani – Soldiers under the 73rd Infantry Battalion led by First Lt. Ferdinand Ragos intercepted these trucks at Mt. Krucat, barangay Upo at 10:20pm. on April 5 in the gov-ernment’s continuing drive against illegal logging. One of the trucks was allegedly owned by a certain “alias Black”, a resident of barangay Badiangon, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. The two trucks were loaded with an aggregate of 8,000 board feet sawn lumber without legal documents. (73rd IB/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Hot lumber seized by 73rd IB troops

Photo Release


Local officials expect positive results from power summitby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Officials in South Cotabato hope today’s Energy Summit in Davao City would end with solutions that would address the power crisis in Mindanao.

South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel, and South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO 1) General Manager Santiago Tudio said they will be attending the summit.

South Cotabato First District Representative, Daisy Avance-Fuentes has earlier announced in a radio interview

that she will join the event.

Gov. Pingoy said, the presence of President Benigno Aquino III during the summit is a positive indication since he could personally join the discussion of the Mindanao energy shortage as well as the proposals to address the power crisis.

“Several proposals and measures will be

presented. Hopefully, we will be able to take these up with the president,” he said.

In preparation for the summit, Mayor Miguel has asked city information officer Judith Amido, who also sits as a member of SOCOTECO 1’s board of directors for an in-depth discussion of the power situation particularly in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

He, however, pointed out that he has reservations regarding the suggestion of former Pangasinan Fifth District Representative Mark Conjuangco to put up a nuclear power plant in Lake Sebu.

“I did some research and talked with some Japanese regarding nuclear power plants,” he said.

“I am not in favor


of the proposal,” he said, “because even Japan, which is a First World Country, has experienced radiation leaks due to the recent earthquake and tsunami.”

He said lives of millions of Filipinos could be compromised if a disaster like that in Japan occurs in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, GM Tudio said, SOCOTECO 1 supports the move of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperative (AMRECO) to oppose the privatization of the Pulangi Hydropower plants.

AMRECO with its 33 member electric cooperative plans to submit a position paper demanding transparency so that the public may know of the real situation regarding the availability of energy supply, especially the contracted capacity from the power generators of the National Power Corporation.

MinDA chair Secretary Luwalhati

Antonino, announced everything is set for the Mindanao Energy Summit where 300 to 350 delegates are expected to attend.

MinDA and the Department of Energy spearhead the summit.

“The Power Summit accords us the opportunity to discuss the real Mindanao power situation and the specific short to long term measures that stakeholders wanted acted on jointly by the government and the industry players,”Antonino said.

Antonino said that no less than President Aquino has sought that proposed measures for resolving the Mindanao power problem and putting in place of long term action plan should form part of the shared consensus of the Mindanao stakeholders.

“This is being done for and by the Mindanawons who have a direct stake on the Mindanao power issue and what needs to be done, and the President will be there

to see to it that the proposed measures are thoroughly studied and doables carried through,” she added.

Among those expected to take part in the one-day summit are heads and representatives of all electric cooperatives in Mindanao, distribution utilities, generation companies, governors and city mayors, Mindanao lawmakers, business and industry sectors, n o n - g o v e r n m e n t organizations, civil society groups and consumer advocates.

Antonino said the Summit format was designed to provide opportunity for the key sectors and stakeholder r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s to present their respective issues and recommendations for way forward actions.

The President is expected to respond with specific policy directives.

Earlier today, PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma confirmed President Aquino will attend and preside the summit.


Soccsksargen athletes begin training for Palarong Pambansaby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Soccsksargen Regions athletes this week began their intense training in preparation for the Palarong Pambansa next month in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

South Cotabato schools division sports coordinator Pedro Dajay explained that the delegation’s training was postponed for a week as per direction by Department of Education

– 12 regional director Deborah Adrales to give the delegation time to celebrate Holy Week with their families.

Dajay said, athletes and their coaches are billeted at Koronadal

City Central Elementary School 1 and are using the sports facilities and equipment of the South C o t a b a t o S p o r t s Complex.

Before the C o t a b a t o R e g i o n a l A t h l e t i c Association (CRAA) Meet in March 18 to 21, the sports c o m p l e x underwent upgrading,

including improvement of its sports facilities and installation of Halide and mercury lampposts, for the games as well as for athletes to be able to continue with their training and practice even at night time.

Being the champion of the CRAA 2012 Meet, South Cotabato has the largest delegation comprised of 127 athletes.

Dajay noted that athletes in swimming, lawn tennis, and gymnastics have opted to train in General Santos City , “but this is still subject to the approval by DepEd regional chief.”

“So far, this is the shortest training that the region holds,” he said, “because our training will only take 20 days.”

Despite limited time for the training, Dajay


hopes the region’s ranking in the Palaro would improve this year; last year Soccsksargen placed sixth. He hopes the delegation would excel in athletics and ball games.

“We just hope for the best,” he said.

The regional delegation is expected to leave for Pangasinan on May 1 in time for the May 2 registration of officiating officials and solidarity meeting of officials and chaperons on May 5.

Palarong Pambansa

2012 will be on May 6 – 12.

Dajay confirmed that as announced during the closing ceremonies of CRAA 2012, Soccsksargen’s delegation will be taking the plane national sports venue.

Master Drainage Plan binubuo ng KoronadalKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Nilalatag na ngayon ng pamahalaang panglungsod ang komprehensibong drainage plan ng Koronadal City.

Inihayag ni city engineer Ruel Tianchon na naglaan ang Koronadal LGU ng pondong humigit –kumulang P15 milyon para sa isasagawang pag-aaral sa mga daluyan ng tubig sa lungsod, pati na ang mga drainage canal, Bulok Creek, Marbel River at Topland River.

Layon ng m a l a w a k a n g pananaliksik na tinatayang aabot ng hanggang siyam na buwan ang makabuo ng isang Master Drainage Plan na sesegurong maiiwasan ang

pagbaha sa alinmang parte ng lungsod na maaring maidudulot ng patuloy na pagbabago ng klima ng mundo.

Ani Engr. Tianchon, kabilang sa mga kinokonsidera ng pag-aaral ang k a s a l u k u y a n g ipinapatupad na mga drainage improvement project at mga karagdagang drainage projects na kailangang ipatupad sa hinaharap.

Sa ngayon, ayon sa city engineer, hindi pa tiyak kung gaano kalaking halaga ang kakailanganin ng lungsod para ipatupad

ng mabubuong master plan.

Maari umanong manggagaling sa lokal na pamahalaan ang pondong gagamitin sa pagpapatupad ng mga mga proyekto.

Maaari rin aniyang humihingi ng ayuda ang Koronadal City sa Regional D e v e l o p m e n t Council 12 para maisakatuparan ang naturang master plan dahil patuloy namang tumutulong ang RDC 12 sa mga proyektong p a n g k a u n l a r a n ng lungsod. (DEDoguiles)


DENR-ARMM pursues greening program

The

Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) is engaging in a massive region-wide reforestation under the National Greening Program (NGP).

“We are vigorously pursuing the implementation of the NGP which seeks to address poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation,” said DENR-ARMM Secretary Kahal Kedtag

during the 1st ARMM Summit on Environmental Protection held here recently. He said the DENR-ARMM is set to produce 5,296,500 seedlings for the 2011-2012 implementation of the program.

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


According to him, these seedlings will be planted in 2,500 hectares of denuded and open forestland within the region’s five provinces, namely Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. It can be recalled that DENR Secretary Ramon Paje and ARMM OIC-Governor Mujiv Hataman inked an agreement earlier this year to ensure the full implementation of the NGP in the region. A flagship program of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the greening program involves the growing of 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of lands nationwide from 2011 to 2016.


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The construction of a P15-million worth of irrigation system starts after a ground-breaking ceremony and memorandum of agreement (MOA) was executed between the National Irrigation

Administration (NIA), the provincial government, the local government unit (LGU) of Prosperidad, Barangay Patin-ay, and the Barangay Patin-ay Irrigators’ Association (BPIA).

According to Ruperto Eva, President of the BPIA, the project is for

the farmers in Patin-ay because they have been wishing that an irrigation

system be constructed in the area so that rain waters can be controlled

Construction of multimillion irrigation system in Patin-ay startsby William U. Andres


during rainy season while surely increasing their production because of constant water supply. Engr. Ferdinand Amon, head of the NIA based in Rosario town, said the cost of the project had already reached P15 million for the Phase 3 implementation whose funds were taken from the provincial development for agriculture fund of Cong. Maria Valantina Plaza, the provincial government, the municipal government of Prosperidad and NIA. “This amount will answer the completion of Barangay Patin-ay Communal Irrigation

System where some mechanisms will also be installed so that it will be easier for the farmers to irrigate their rice fields so that there will be no damages that will incur during floods,” Engr. Amon said. According to Engr. Amon, the irrigation system can be sufficient to irrigate some 100 hectares of rice fields of around 50 farmers in the area. Because of enough and controlled supply of water, farmers can possibly produce 1,000 cabans of rice per hectare if they will also use and adopt the modern way of

farming and technology. Cong. Tina Plaza also encouraged the farmers to work even harder and consider the project as another investment for better income and economic development of their families. Cong. Plaza also assured the residents of Patin-ay that she will continue to look for funds so that the same projects can be replicated in other areas. The phase 1 of the project was the dredging of Patin-ay canal that leads to La Caridad, and Phase 2 was the completion that connects Patin-ay river to Gibong River.

Surigao Norte turns-over day care center to Gen. Luna barangaySURIGAO DEL NORTE -- The provincial government of Surigao del Norte turned over recently the newly constructed Day Care Center to the barangay officials and residents of Brgy. Magsaysay, Gen. Luna town, this province.


The newly constructed Day Care Center was formally turned over by Gov. Sol Matugas and was received by the local officials of Gen. Luna led by Mayor Jaime Rusillon through a

simple ceremony which was witnessed by the local residents. “This is the provincial government’s support to public school reforms implemented by the Department of

Education (DepEd),” said Gov. Matugas. The event was also witnessed by 1st district representative Francisco Matugas and Surigao City mayor Ernesto Matugas.

Regional Peace and Order Task Force intensifies efforts to assist evacuees

BUTUAN CITY -- The Regional Peace and Order (RPOC) Task Force Kitcharao created during the meeting of the regional body on April 3 in Butuan City has intensified multi-sectoral efforts to address the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) originating from Cabadbaran City, Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte and Gigaquit in Surigao del Norte.


Chaired by Fr. Lito L. Clase of the Caraga Council for Peace and Development, the Task Force Kitcharao includes the Commission on Human Rights, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Commission for the Indigenous Peoples, National Economic and Development Authority, and the concerned local government units (LGUs). It is tasked to lead in planning the steps to be undertaken for the evacuees to return to

their places. About 257 families or 1,106 individuals started arriving on March 23 at the gymnasium in Imadejas Subdivision in Butuan City, turning it as their evacuation camp. Mostly from the Mamanwa tribe, they are the IDPs from the alleged armed conflict between the government’s armed forces and the New People’s Army specifically in Zapanta Valley in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. Aside from distributing food packs from the DSWD, LGUs of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte, and other sectors, several dialogues were already conducted by the Task Force Kitcharao whose members became busy attending to the needs of the said evacuees amid the height of the observance of the Holy Week. An ocular inspection was facilitated by Mayor Jenry Montante of Kitcharao to check the

situation in Zapanta Valley to see if it is safe for the IDPs to return to their communities. The ocular inspection team revealed that there were no houses destroyed or damaged and that the area was clear from skirmishes and presence of the two opposing armed forces. The team consequently declared the area safe for the return of these IDPs. The LGUs of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City provided transportation when some of the IDPs agreed to return to their places of residence in Kitcharao on April 5. A Task Force Kitcharao dialogue with the LGU of Cabadbaran City was conducted on April 11 at the Cabadbaran City Hall where the body reiterated the request of the remaining IDPs for the concerned local government to identify IDPs from their area, and to check if it is already safe for the IDPs to return to their habitual places of residence.


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The commander of 1st Infantry (TABAK) division and Zamboanga del Sur officials, during the 70th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) celebration on Monday at

Rizal monument, expressed gratitude to the war veterans for the courage, heroism, and honor they gave to our country.

Tabak chief, Zambo Sur officials salute bravery, heroism of veterans By Gideon C. Corgue


In his message read by 1st Infantry assistant division commander for operations BGen. Virgilio Felecito Trinidad Jr., BGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III said the celebration is indeed a fitting tribute to the gallantry, valor and heroism demonstrated by our war veterans during the 2nd World War, who are our source of pride and inspiration. Cruz said the celebration aims to promote, preserve and immortalize not only the deeds of our veterans but more importantly, their ideals and principles with which our veterans who fought for –the love of our country, patriotism, freedom and democracy. Our veterans, Cruz said, heeded their call of duty to defend our freedom and democracy amidst inadequacies of strong armed force. “Only the fire of fervor continuously burning in the hearts of their weapons by fighting gallantly against our foreign invaders,” Cruz added. “Our commemoration will help the younger generation to value the legacies that our veterans have selflessly given to us in which we continue to cherish for us to earn

freedom and democracy,” Cruz said. Governor Antonio Cerilles in his message delivered by provincial administrator Anthony Padayhag said the celebration recognized the important role of veterans who worked for the advancement of true and sustainable development, which is anchored in this years theme “ Beterano: Tagasulong ng tunay at Walang Humpay na Pagbabago”. Cerilles said by introducing change thru good citizenship, a strong community will be built. “The basic of building communities is thru change that will be instituted by our citizens,” Cerilles said saying that in building community, it requires the concerted efforts of everyone. Mayor Samuel Co said the courage and patriotism of all our war heroes continue to live in the memory of every Filipino. Co said their sacrifices and love of country taught us the lesson that we must be prepared to defend our freedom and democracy at all times. “The heroism of our forebears is a lesson that we should never forget- the lesson to fight for freedom


PAGADIAN CITY - The National Youth Commission (NYC) coordinated the formulation of the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) through consultations with the regional line agencies, selected youth serving non-government agencies and youth representatives from the four youth sub-sectors (In-School Youths, Out of School Youths, Working Youth and Specific Youth Groups) in 17 regions in the country.

NYC coordinated formulation of PYDP through consultations By Noemi B. Edaga

and continue fighting if we are to preserve it.”, Co added. Co cited also the unity of Filipino and American soldiers in their struggle to survive the Death March in Bataan on April 9, 1942 to preserve our freedom. The chief executive concluded his speech by quoting Filipino diplomat Carlos P. Romulo’s most famous literary work “ I am a Filipino”. “ I am a Filipino. In my blood runs the immortal seed of heroes – seed that flowered down the centuries of deeds of courage and defiance. “I am a Filipino born to freedom,

and I shall not rest until freedom shall have been added unto my inheritance – for myself and my children and my children’s children—forever,” Mayor Co said quoting Romulo. Also in attendance were the Sangguniang Panlungsod members, Zamboanga del Sur Veterans district commander Claudio Porio, Philippine National Police, 1st Infantry Tabak troopers, Knights of Columbus, American legion, school heads of DepEd-city division, department heads, and city government employees. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Zambosur)

The PYDP contains key issues and challenges facing the youths, opportunities, enabling conditions and proposed strategies and policies, which government, other duty


bearers and stakeholders should further create and provide and appropriate role and activities which the youth should perform in the economy, society, local community and their families. National Youth Commission Cluster Head for Southwestern Mindanao Director Raymond Domingo said that during the series of consultations, four major issues and concerns such as employment (MDG1), education focusing on access and quality were identified by stakeholders (MDG2), health-related concerns with increasing teen-age pregnancies, and harmonization of youth agenda in local development plans (good governance) and strengthening of youth participation were identified. The outputs of the consultation, according to Dir. Domingo, served as main parts of the PYDP 2011-2016, which are as follows: 1. Better enabling conditions

for increased and inclusive youth participation in society, governance and development at all administrative levels; 2. Youth participation in and benefit from efforts to attain MGDs and other development goals by 2016; 3. Initiation and submission of legislative and other policy proposals to address strategic youth issues to the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and Congress for action; 4. Inclusion of youth situation in the National Action Plan for Human Rights and GPH Periodic reports on international human rights instruments. Dir. Domingo concluded that the draft plan had been deliberated and favorably endorsed by the Social Development Committee IX to the Regional Development Council (RDC) IX during its March 7, 2012 meeting in Zamboanga City. (NBE/PIA9)


ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Social Marketing (SocMark) Unit of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX bagged one of the most coveted special awards during the Review and Assessment Workshop on Children’s Rights held recently in Tagaytay City.

DSWD-9 SocMark unit bags award for entry on children in armed-conflict

The Awards Conference, organized and facilitated by the Probe Media Foundation and UNICEF, was the final leg of engagement of the two NGOs with the information officers of the department in line with the aim of enhancing the skills of the Social Marketing arm of DSWD. DSWD IX presented a 90-seconder video public service announcement on the effects of armed conflict to a child on the basis of the child’s right to live and develop himself in a peaceful and orderly environment. The entry was cited for Best Creative technique. Same video was also one of the 3 nominated materials for ‘Peer award’. While majority of the entries focused on the health and education of the children in line with the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, DSWD IX chanced upon the opportunity to advocate for children’s right for a peaceful environment. DSWD Undersecretary Parisya Taradji who was the guest during

the awarding ceremony, lauded the works of the information officers who, accordingly, were able come up with good advocacy materials showcasing diverse and unique stories gathered from their respective regions. She also encouraged the IOs to continue to highlight the voices of the children but exercising at the same time, caution and vigilance for areas that need confidentiality as well as maintaining privacy of the child. Other regional works which also received recognition are those of Regions I, V, X CARAGA and ARMM. Tapped to provide technical assistance were communication specialists from the academe (University of the Philippines) Professors Melba Estonilo, from private communication groups (Jesuit Communications Foundation, Center for Community Journalism and Development ) Ms. Pauline Saltarin, Mr. Red Batario and Ms. Adelina Alvarez. (JPA/Narabelle Z. Bue, DSWD9/PIA-9 ZBST)


GSIS meets with public sector unionsby Karen Dequiňa & Metavelle Suyao

In its bid to be more consultative,

transparent, and service-focused, members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Board of Trustees conducted a dialogue with representatives of the public sector unions in Northern Mindanao last April 11.

Held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the GSIS Cagayan de Oro regional office, the meeting was aimed at informing its stakeholders on the various initiatives implemented by the current GSIS management and Board and soliciting suggestions on how to further improved such initiatives. Trustee Karina Constantino-David said the Board aims to make policies that are more member-

friendly, hence the need to listen to the feedbacks of members. “These are valuable inputs in formulating policies responsive to the various concerns of the members,” she added. On the other hand, Trustee Mario J. Aguja underscored the importance of discussing directly with the public sector. He said the Board intends to


Electric cooperative hopes government intervention will stop power interruptions

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Misamis Occidental Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MOELCI) II, here, is hopeful that the power interruptions will stop once the government will implement measures to solve the present power crisis in Mindanao.

This optimism is shared by Jemilo L. Pelimer, General Manager of MOELCI II, who said they have continued to implement the daily rotational brown-out in

empower the GSIS members, and one way of empowering them is through an open communication. Thus, he expressed hope that the dialogue will provide the necessary

link between the public sector unions and the branches of the GSIS in ensuring that members get better services from the GSIS, before and after retirement.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


their service or franchise areas, starting last March 1 up to April 15, this year, as reflected in the copies they have distributed to the consumers. “These power interruption was based on the Mindanao System Operation Load Curtailment implemented to all customers of the National Grid of the Philippines grid-wide at 240 MW, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 300 MW, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.,” Pelimer said. Thus, the rotational power interruptions have been observed, during the period from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the following

service/franchise areas of MOELCI II: Panaon, Jimenez, Sinacaban, Tudela, Clarin, Bonifacio, Ozamiz North, Ozamiz South, and Tangub City. “Although the power interruptions are scheduled for a minimum of four hours, MOELCI II has been scheduling a two-hour daily load curtailment of two hours in each of their power service feeder stations,” Pelimer said. He also said that no increase in power rates have been implemented by MOELCI II, as of the moment, but that this might change when the power barges from the Visayas will come or when the power is generated from the thermo-marine stations. Pelimer said all the 253 or 100 percent of the potential barangays in MOELCI II’s service or franchise areas have been energized, as of February 2012. Likewise, 72,801 households or 96 percent of the 76,017 potential households, in these areas, now have electric power connections, the most number of which are in Ozamiz City North with 15,549 followed by Ozamiz City South with 15,510 connections. Pelimer said MOELCI II has now a total of 65,269 members with the most number of 13,080 registered in Ozamiz City North, followed by Ozamiz City South, 12,481.


Camiguin set to launch GP program anew

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN - Health workers here is preparing for another round of “Garantisadong Pambata” supplement distribution for children 0 to 71 months old, with the massive distribution and provision of health services to all under five years old in the province slated to start on April 16 towards the end of this month.

“Garantisadong Pambata will reach out all the target children in the barangays, we have prepared schedules that are set to cover all towns,” Camiguin P r o v i n c i a l Nutrition Program C o o r d i n a t o r Telesfora G. Madelo said. N e e d e d supplements such as vitamin A, iron, and deworming tablets from the Department of Health already arrived and are ready for distribution. Madelo said this program aims on reducing the mortality and morbidity rate among children. “The distribution of vitamin A is quite important as it concerns the child’s vision and growth, as well as to boost their immune system to help

prevent infection,” she explained. Aside from supplement distribution, Garantisadong Pambata also focuses on public health interventions for pregnant mothers, newborn care, immunization of mothers, child injury prevention and control, birth spacing, and environmental sanitation. The GP Program is done twice per year, every April and every third week of October.

by Jorie C. Valcorza.


Pnoy explains need to pay more for sustainable power

President Benigno Aquino III stressed in today’s Mind-

anao Power Summit the need for Mindanao consumers to under-stand the importance of paying a higher cost of electricity following the need to sustain energy supply in Mindanao. “We need to pay a little bit more or live with the lack of energy.

Paying for cheap power is no longer sustainable.”, Pnoy said. In response to the issues, concerns and recommendations raised by the various stakeholders during the summit, Pnoy explained that too much reliance on hydropower source is no longer sustainable for Mindanao energy. The President directed electric cooperatives in Mindanao to have the 74 MW of potential energy apportioned equally amongst themselves and still have an excess generated power of 4 MW. “But this is a very thin surplus that may still bring us back to this problem sooner. This is why we need to entice more investors to construct power plants as a long term solution.” The official also announced the allocation of P2.6 billion fir large scale rehabilitation and improvement of existing power plants like Th Agus complex.

by Frances Gevera Macapagat


Mindanao Governors express hope in power summitDAVAO CITY- Provincial chief ex-ecutives in Mindanao expressed hopes that the power summit can bridge stakeholders in Mindanao with the national government in addressing its power woes. “The summit is important because there is a lack of communications between the national government and the Local Government Units and the stakeholders.” Says Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo of the Lanao del Norte Province. The Mindanao Power Summit held last April 13 gathered about 300 participants composed of; heads and representatives of all electric cooperatives in Mindanao, distribution utilities, generation companies, governors and city mayors, Mindanao lawmakers, business and industry sectors, non-government organizations, civil society groups and consumer advocates. Citing his experience Governor Dimaporo says his province needs 12 megawatts but is getting a lesser amount despite them the host province of the Agus power plants which has a capacity of about 800 megawatts. He adds that he wants to know why they are being short-changed from their power requirements and

hopes he can meet up with officials from the PSALM (Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management).Dimaporo says the summit is critical as the LGU can mediate with the National Government For Autonomous Region of Moslem Mindanao (ARMM) OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman, the summit comes in as an extensive consultation where problems are discussed and solutions are offered. He says the responsibility of spreading the discussions in the summit to the grassroots must be borne by the Governors. The summit held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel was graced by President Benigno Aquino III who in his speech laid down several short and long term solutions. Among the short term fixes include the rehabilitation of Pulangi 4 hydro-power plant which would give Mindanao an additional 100 megawatts. Another project according to the President is the large-scale rehabilitation of the 60-year old Agus hydropower plant. (PIA/RG Alama)


regional gallery

(from left) ARMM-OIC Gov. Mujiv Hataman, LPP prexy, Governor Alfonso Umali Jr., Lanao del Norte Governor Khalid Dimaporo and Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson during the Mindanao Power Summit at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao held last April 13.

one mindanao - april 13, 2012

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