one mindanao - april 20, 2012

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

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

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

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

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

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

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

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

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

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

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

Cover Story

Birds of Paradise Resort, a refreshing dip by the roadside

Gideon C. CorgueWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Friday, April 20, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 240

page 4

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Armm

Aquino lauds Abu Dhabi Dialogue II as opportunity to improve plight of overseas workers 8

Junior netters join in the Cebuana Lhuillier–Tubod leg tennis tourney25Three outstanding ARMM mayors

commended for good governance13

301 ALS teachers, students in Gensan complete computer literacy trainings31

Tandag City Gov’t support Nat’l Greening Program this Summer18

It’s 2nd Mahin Festival in Glan33

Agusan Governor’s Cup formally opens1955 HS students in Region IX hurdle DOST-SEI Scholarship Exam22

Nida Grace B. Tranquilan, Caraga Region

David M. Suyao, Caraga Region

Western Mindanao

Vincent N. Labial, Northern Mindanao

Pops Gumana-Fruylan, Central Mindanao

Central Mindanao

Bukidnon LGU intensifies G4 program26 Fredelyn L. Ragandang, Northern Mindanao

MGB-IX issues cease and desist order on illegal mining activities23Claro A. Lanipa, Western Mindanao

7 10 12 15

21 27 2924

4 Friday, April 20, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Providing comfort and leisure to valued guests and

customers, the Birds of Paradise Resort is a perfect place to relax and enjoy this summer.

Cover StoryBirds of Paradise Resort, a refreshing dip by the roadside

The local government through the initiative of Mayor Allan P. Damas has built, developed and maintained the resort as an economic enterprise which contributes much to the local coffers. The resort is situated right beside the national highway in Barangay Sicade and just a 5-minute ride from

the town proper. The location offers spectacular scenery,

a refreshing sight to

behold through the blazing heat of the sun with endless mountain range and rice paddies.

Birds of Paradise The resort was named “Birds of Paradise” because the area is beautifully landscaped and surrounded by birds of paradise flowers, a popular large tropical herb which produces beautiful flowers which reminds you of flying birds.

by Gideon C. Corgue

Friday, April 20, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

Economic Enterprise

Acting manager Nellie Toledo said the resort was established in September 2007 with an area of 1.3 hectares. It is operated and managed under the economic enterprise division of the LGU. Toledo said Mayor Allan Damas decided to put up a resort when the LGU was confronted with the problem of finding a venue for skills training, seminars, and other related activities for lack of available halls in the town. “The municipal and barangay officials, and employees as well have been confronted with the problem of finding an appropriate venue for

training and seminars,” Toledo said. “Every time we have trainings

and seminars, we have to proceed

to Pagadian City and other neighboring cities which would entail big budget cost. Mayor Damas conceptualized the resort as his pet project and so the resort was built. From then on, we used to hold trainings and other events in our resort, so we were able to save money” Toledo said quoting Mayor Damas. The acting manager said the resort’s service and facilities were opened and extended to the public to generate more income for the economic enterprise and to sustain its operations efficiently and effectively.

6 Friday, April 20, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Amenities and facilities

To ensure memorable stay of the guests, Toledo said the resort offers a fresh plunge into the 9 ft. deep swimming pool (with a dimension of 12x25 meters). It has a rate of P20 for adults and 15 for children; cottage rate of P100; a function hall which can accommodate more than 200 guests.; and its restaurant, a fabulous dining venue which offers delicious crab dishes and seafoods at affordable prices. It also offers catering services for all occasions as well. Kumalarang is known as the “Crab Capital of the Province”. The good mayor has proposed the construction of another pool for the kids, a Zipline for the adventure seekers of all ages, and lodging house at the back of the restaurant to provide comfortable stay of the guests. Noel Gedorio, Jr. , a frequent guest of the resort in an interview said before, he used to go to the beach every weekend to relax and unwind, but when the resort was built he opted to go to the resort and bring his family.

“Dihang natukod na ang “Birds of Paradise” wala nako

moadto sa b e a c h

uban akong pamilya. Dinhi na mi tigligoan sa maanindot, dako ug limpyo nga swimming pool ning mao nga resort tungod kay duol ra kaayo siya sa highway, maka-order ta ug mga pagkaon, maabi-abihon ang ilang staff, ug bugnaw ang palibot,” (When the “Birds of Paradise” resort opened, I did not anymore go to the beach. We used to relax and swim in the large and clean swimming pool because it is near the highway, we can order foods with courteous and hospitable staff, aside from the fresh air and wholesome environment) Gedorio narrated. The resort maintains its standards of service and facilities by continuously serving as one of the tourist destinations in the province.


ACROSS THE NATION

In his speech at the 2nd Ministerial Meeting of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue held at the Sofitel Philippine

Plaza in Pasay City on Thursday, the President hailed the caregivers for showing to the world that

“wherever Filipinos have work, they have been a force for good.”

“They (Filipinos) have

Aquino cites Filipino caregivers in Japan

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited four Filipinos for their compassion and dedication to their work as caregivers for choosing to remain and take care of their patients at the height of the nuclear disaster

scare following the 9.1 magnitude earthquake that devastated Japan in March 2011.

8 Friday, April 20, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Aquino lauds Abu Dhabi Dialogue II as opportunity to improve plight of overseas workers

President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the holding of the 2nd Ministerial Meeting of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD II) in Manila which, he said, provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss ways of improving the plight of overseas workers.

had a positive effect on their host

countries, contributing their caring and nurturing characteristics to their new environments,” the President said.

“One of the examples I can think of is during the height of the tragedy in Fukushima, several brave, compassionate Filipino caregivers and nurses refused to abandon their patients at the height of

the crisis,” he added.The four Filipino

caregivers, who have been called the “Fukushima Heroes,” are Gemma Juanay, Juliet Tobay, Sandra Otacan and Mercedes Joie Aquino.

They were working in the institution for the elderly located in Fukushima Prefecture, some distance away from a no-go zone declared by the Japanese government

as an aftermath of the East Japan earthquake and the devastation wrought by the tsunami of March 11, 2011.

Despite imminent danger and risk of nuclear radiation, the four caregivers Juanay, Tobay, Otacan and Aquino chose to remain in their jobs and continue to provide care and companionship to their elderly Japanese patients. (RCK)


The ADD II aims to provide a forum

for the discussion of new ideas and concrete activities towards the enhancement of bilateral and regional cooperation and partnerships to bring about maximum benefits of labor migration for the peoples of Asia, including Filipinos.

“This (ADD II) is an excellent opportunity for us, not just to share our visions, or our ideas---but also to listen to what our counterparts have to say. After all, none of our economies grow in a vacuum; and thus, progress comes not from focusing only on our own people, or only on our own growth; it comes from strengthening partnerships, focusing on each others’ growth,” the President said in his speech keynoting the ADD II on Thursday in Pasay City.

“Because if everyone grows, then all our capabilities are enhanced, and all

our opportunities are greatly improved; and, in the end, it is all our people who will reap the rewards,” he added.

The President said that it is important for the dialogue centers to ensure that the workers’ safety, needs and wants are properly met.

“What all of us want is clear --- we want the recruitment for our people to be both fair

and efficient; we want workers to be treated with dignity; and we want to be able to go back home in a convenient manner, and to be successfully reintegrated in our respective societies,” he stressed.

“In other words, the idea behind our meeting today is to make sure of one thing --- that the people do indeed come first,” he said. (RCK)


NYC Revamps Program for Youth in Mindanao

The National Youth Commission (NYC), the government institution that serves as the voice and advocate of the youth, announces the revitalization of its program for the

young people of Mindanao. The Mindanao Youth Agenda (formerly known as the Kabataan sa Mindanao Natin Program) was crafted during the Mindanao 2020 planning activity held last November 2011 in Cagayan de Oro City.This program, which is anchored on the Philippine

Youth Development Plan is also incorporated as part of the Mindanao Development Authority’s Mindanao 2020 Development Framework as its Youth Component.NYC Commissioner representing Mindanao Earl Saavedra says this program will be

greatly beneficial to the Mindanaoans, “The government recognizes the potential of the youth to bring about change. Itong programang ito ang inilalatag ng pamahalaan para madiskubre at matupad ng mga kabataan sa Mindanao ang pagbabagong


hinahangad nila. This program was crafted to help the youth appreciate their contributions in the stability of the peace and order situation through strengthening of efforts on areas and issues that have something to do with the general peace condition in the island such as education, health, participation, among others, which are also the foundations of the UN Program of Work for Youth”. C o m m i s i o n e r Saavedra also says that what the program seeks is to create a compendium of youth programs and services initiated by government agencies which are based in Mindanao and offer first hand information to the young people of the island on the opportunities they may avail to better their lives, “Hindi lang iyon, gusto rin ng NYC na himukin ang mga LGUs sa Mindanao na isama sa kanilang Local Government Plans ang

objectives ng Mindanao Youth Agenda para mabigyan ng kaukulang atensiyon at matugunan ang iba’t ibang isyu at pangangailan ng mga kabataan sa kanilang komunidad.” The Mindanao Youth Agenda is divided into 9 points, which are: 1. Quality Health Services for All; 2. Affordable, Accessible and Quality Education For All; 3. Improving Food Security through Sustainable Agriculture; 4. Maximize Environmental Resources Against Climate Change; 5. Safe and Secure Environment; 6. Cultural Preservation and Appreciation; 7. Maximizing Youth Potential; 8. Balanced and Sustainable Empowerment; and 9. Valuing Positive Lifestyle for Young Mindanaoans.NYC finds the need to focus on the Mindanao Youth Agenda as the agency’s investment on Youth Development, says Commissioner Saavedra.

“This is the time that the youth of Mindanao get their fair share on government’s efforts in planning effective youth programs and services including the setting of direction that would empower and capacitate them to be part of social development. In such manner, we also respond to President Benigno S. Aquino’s call on Public and Private Partnerships by collaborating government institutions and private stakeholders in addressing the unique issues of young Mindanaoans which if properly given attention, complements to peace and development. This is our way of reaching out to Mindanao and letting the constituents feel that we are aware of their aspirations and needs. As such, we are ready to help them being the youth authority in government,” Commissioner Saavedra emphasized in closing.


Civil society serves a vital role in reforming ARMM - Hatamanby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Civil society organizations (CSOs) are indispensable partners in overhauling fraudulent and wasteful practices in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

This was underscored by ARMM Officer-in-Charge Governor Mujiv Hataman as he presented last April

16 the initial gains in his first 100 days in office citing the crucial role being played by CSOs in instituting


needed reforms in the region. The present ARMM caretaker administration has a binding agreement with its constituents to uphold participatory and transparent governance when it signed a social contract with various CSOs last February. Hataman said the social contract is in keeping with his administration’s policy on open

governance. “At the onset, we made clear, as matter of policy, our commitment to the Open Government Partnership, initially, with the civil society - the Philippines being one of the first countries to have affixed its approval to this binding of nations for greater objectives in a common fight against corruption,” he said.

Hataman also highlighted ARMM’s collaborations with CSOs and donor institutions in putting in place reforms in the areas of electoral practices, education, environment, infrastructures, fiscal policies, health, agriculture, agrarian, and the volatile peace and security issues in the region.

Three outstanding ARMM mayors commended for good governanceby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Three outstanding mayors in the Auton-omous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) took the center stage on Monday as they were commended at the ARMM Compound in Cotabato City.


ARMM OIC-Governor Mujiv Hataman hailed Mayors Ramon Piang of North Upi and Lester Sinsuat of Datu Odin Sinsuat, both of Maguindanao province, and Roderick Furigay of Lamitan City for showing good governance, excellent leadership, and efficient management of their respective government units, during his first 100 days address in Cotabato. The three mayors were recipients of the Seal of Excellence Award by the Civil Service Commission. In his “Ulat sa Bayan,” Hataman announced that the regional government will be giving Piang, Sinsuat, and Furigay P5-million

vworth of projects each. Thus, he challenges other local chief executives in the region to emulate the dedication and outstanding performances of the said mayors. He also urged them to report regularly in their respective offices noting that many local officials in the island provinces could be found enjoying in Zamboanga City while those in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur could be found in the cities of Davao and Cagayan de Oro, respectively, instead of performing their functions at their respective provinces and towns.


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National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Angelito T. Banayo on Thursday said the warehouse in Barangay Libertad in Butuan City will continue to operate after the

Philippine National Police-Police Regional Office-13 (PNP-PRO-13) reportedly wants to use the site as training and billeting facility.

NFA chief: Warehouse in Butuan City will continue to operateby Robert E. Roperos


In an interview with the local tri-media, the NFA chief said that President Benigno S. Aquino III has already said that the warehouse which stored the rice supply not only of the city but also those of the province of Agusan del Norte, will not be vacated and that “NFA will continue to use it.” The official further said that there is already a Presidential Proclamation regarding this matter and he already has a copy of the said order from the

President. It can be recalled that two groups have asked President Aquino to prevent the eviction of NFA warehouses in the area after PNP-Caraga Regional Director, PCSupt Reynaldo Rafal had formally demanded the turn-over of the property to PNP-PRO-13 last year. According to NFA-Caraga, in a joint resolution of the Provincial Agricultural and Fisheries Council (PAFC) and the Confederation of Grains

Retailers Association (GRECON), they petitioned the President to amend Proclamation No. 725 so that NFA may continue to use the 1.6448 hectares of a former military reservation where its present grains facilities are located. Also, in a petition letter to the President on July 27, 2011 signed jointly by Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr, Agusan del Norte Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante, Rep. Jose S. Aquino II (1st Dist.)


and Rep. Angelica Rosedelle A. Matba (2nd Dist.), the local officials said the eviction of NFA warehouse in Libertad will unduly disrupt the food security program in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte and adversely affect peace and order. The said officials also urged the President to amend Proclamation No. 725 as requested by PAFC and GRECON in order to confirm NFA’s continued use of the site where two grains facilities, each

with a capacity of 100,000 bags of rice, are situated. U n d e r Proclamation No. 725 issued in 1960, it was the defunct Philippine Constabulary, then

an organic part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, that was given the portion of the military reservation that was previously created under Proclamation No. 526.


According to Community Development Information Officer Vicente Cosare, the activity was conducted at Ihawan Spring Watershed, Cagboo, Awasian, this city and was participated by some 297 Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) beneficiaries and Saint Theresa College students. Cosare stressed that

the SPES beneficiaries will stay at the tree planting site for 20 days starting April 2-May 2 for replanting, cleaning and ring weeding. Meanwhile, the local government here already conducted several tree planting activities from the past months tied with some private and public agencies, civil society organizations and students of Surigao

del Sur State University (SDSSU) and other public secondary schools here in the Watershed area and the newly identified development eco-park which is formerly a dump-site of Tandag City. The series of activities conducted support the priority program of the national government which aimed to plant 1.5 billion trees by 2016.

Tandag City Gov’t support Nat’l Greening Program this Summer

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -– In line with the National Greening Program of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the city government spearheaded a tree planting activity on Tuesday, involving the youth this summer planting Narra and Lawaan species.

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan


Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza, together with c o n g r e s s w o m a n Maria Valentina Plaza of District 1 and Congresswoman

Evelyn Mellana of District 2 received 14 delegations from the 13 municipalities and the lone city of Bayugan. After a ceremonial

parade around the track and field ground, the winner of for the search of Miss Governor’s Cup 2012 was announced including the winner

Agusan Governor’s Cup formally opensby David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- The eighth Governor’s Cup formally opened on Monday at the D. O. Plaza Sports Complex in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur in spite of bad weather, after a motorcade of the two teams division was held.


for best in uniform. For Miss Governor’s Cup 2012, first prize was bagged by the muse of Veruela with P30,000 prize, followed by Miss Sibagat bagging P20,000, and the third was the City of Bayugan

pocketing P10,000 cash. Grabbing the best uniformed team was Sibagat, with P20,000 prize “I believe this is the best past time for our youth spending their vacation rather than spend them in

vices. This way, we can develop their talents, skill, sportsmanship and camaraderie. I want everybody to know that because of this sports event that we organized some 11 years ago, many of our youth are now playing as varsity and professional basketball players all over the country, and many became scholars of the provincial government. I am therefore challenging every participant to do and show their best for your municipality, your family and for your personal honor. I therefore declare this 8th Governor’s Cup open,” Plaza said. The Governor’s Cup started 11 years ago during the first three terms of Plaza and were continued during the administration of then governor now c o n g r e s s w o m a n Maria Valentina Plaza. There were only eight tournaments because no governor’s cup was held during election years.


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The 2012 Hudyaka Festival which coincides with the grand Founding Anniversary of the province officially opens on May 30 with a

colorful costume parade around Dipolog City to be participated in by 27 local government units, national agencies, and private institutions.

With barely over a month before the holding of the Hudyaka Festival 2012, the Hudyaka Committee of Zamboanga del Norte now follows a hectic schedule in preparation for the said event.

Zamboanga del Norte in full preparation for Hudyaka 2012


55 HS students in Region IX hurdle DOST-SEI Scholarship Exam

After the parade, there will be a concert featuring the national renowned singer Sitti and the band Pupil, with former Eraserheads vocalist and song-writer Ely Buendia performing during the front act which will be held at the Hudyaka Agro-Industrial Complex. Provincial Tourism Officer Atty. Ivan Patrick Ang said the Provincial Tourism Office is going all-out in their preparation for the 2012 Hudyaka Festival to make it the best ever Festival during the three-terms of Governor Rolando Yebes. The opening parade on May 30 will kick-off from the Capitol Plaza at about 4 p.m.

Ang added that this year’s Hudyaka Festival eyes for the Best Festival award all over the country. It can be recalled that Hudyaka Festival has been awarded for three consecutive years as third placer in The Best Provincial Festival in the Philippines by the Department of Tourism and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines. On June 6, there will be an electric float parade, where all the floats are to be decorated with indigenous materials. The champion will take home P50.000, P30,000 for the second prize, and P20,000 for the third prize (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Fifty-five high school graduates from all over Region IX passed the highly competitive Science & Technology (S&T) Scholarship Examination of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) given October of last year.

DOST IX Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said, as scholars, these students will get a monthly stipend in addition to free

tuition and miscellaneous expenses. The program will also provide uniform and transportation allowances to the grantees.


The order covers small-scale mining operations without requisite of People’s Small-Scale Mining Contract in violation of Section 8, of Republic Act (RA) 7076 otherwise known as the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991; and Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) gold processing operations without the required Mineral Processing Permit which is punishable under Chapter XI of Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2010-21 implementing RA 7942 known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. Dir. Jacildo also seeks the assistance of all concerned law enforcement government agencies

and respective mining contractor’s in the affected areas for the swift implementation of said order. While copies of the said Order will be posted in strategic public places and be served upon mining contractor’s and concerned military and police authorities for their information, guidance and enforcement. Earlier, the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Board passed Resolution No. 2K12-646 urging MGB-IX Regional Director Jacildo who is also the concurrent chairman of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) to stop all illegal mining activities in the province. (JPA/PIA9/CAL)

MGB-IX issues cease and desist order on illegal mining activitiesPAGADIAN CITY - Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) IX OIC, Regional Director Albert Johann Jacildo issued a cease and desist order dated April 13, 2012 for the stoppage of all forms of illegal mining activities in the region.

In return, the scholars have to enroll in science and technology courses such as engineering and natural and physical sciences or other disciplines identified as priority courses under the program. Scholars are also expected to maintain the highest standards of scholastic achievement and behavior while in school. Dir. Nazareth-Manzano said the scholars will be properly notified for the signing of the Scholarship

Agreement. For more information about S&T scholarship, interested parties may visit or call the DOST IX Regional Office at Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 991-1024 or any of the Provincial S&T Centers: Dipolog City -(065) 212-2244; Pagadian City - (062) 925-1152; and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - (062)333-2793. (JPA/TSD/DOST/PIA9-ZBST)

By Claro A. Lanipa


Green Caravan sets off for Davaoby Karen Dequina Cagayan de

Oro City delegates

joined the “Green Caravan” from Region 9 yesterday, heading towards Davao City for its culminating event, the Mindanaonon Environment Summit.

The twin event is initiated by EarthSoul Solutions, Inc., a non-government organization committed in advocating for the Reforestation of watersheds in Mindanao, particularly Mt. Kitanglad. Ibno Turabin, EarthSoul Solutions Inc. Chairman of the Board said the activity aims on raising awareness in critical environment

s i t u a t i o n s , especially here in Mindanao.

“This critical situation also takes human concern and action as a solution for the environmental problems,” he noted. On top of its advocacies are the reforestation of watershed areas, protection of water resources, and promotion with active involvement of people.


Junior netters join in the Cebuana Lhuillier–Tubod leg tennis tourney

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – More than 100 young players from Northern Mindanao participated in the Tubod leg of the Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Championships 2012 series.

The tennis tournament which runs from April 17 to 19, 2012 is being held at the sprawling Mindanao Civic Center sports complex, in the capital town of Tubod. This is the second time that Cebuana Lhuillier is holding an elimination round in this fast-rising province. In terms of number of participants, Tubod has one of the highest number of entries. “This could probably be due to the solid support given by the provincial local government unite (LGU) to its tennis program which explains why we have a lot of tennis players here,” Tournament Director Mario Crais

noted. The Visayas-Mindanao tournament is currently on its eighth year and boasts of top-seeded players who started excelling in this regional tilt and later on went on to become international star players, like Niño Alcantara of Cagayan de Oro City and Jeson Patrombon from Iligan. Patrombon is currently the highest ranked junior player in Asia. To encourage young netters to actively compete in the sport, the provincial government has allowed free registration for all players from Lanao del Norte. The provincial LGU has also provided free meals and accommodation for tournament

by Vincent N. Labial


officials. Participants from out-of-town are also given free accommodation within the tournament venue. “I am encouraging everybody to keep on playing tennis. This is one of the best sports. I am also very thankful to the provincial government especially Governor Dimaporo for his continued support to the sport,” expressed Crais. A total of 78 netters came from the host province while 25 players came from the cities of Iligan, Cagayan

de Oro, Ozamis, Gingoog, Malaybalay, Marawi, Tangub, Aurora, and nearby provinces. The provincial government through its Sports Coordinator Nelson Lasola lauded Cebuana Lhuillier for taking an active role in promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports. Other legs of the Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Series include Kidapawan, Midsayap, Iligan, Marawi, Ozamis, Mambajao, Butuan, Surigao, Ubay, Ormoc, Bais, Cagayan de Oro, Gingoog, and Consolacion.

Bukidnon LGU intensifies G4 programby Fredelyn L. Ragandang

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - In order to maintain a healthy citizenry for the province’s total development, the local government has ordered to intensify the Garden, Go, Grow and Glow (G4) program in this landlocked province.

The provincial government has allotted the amount of P800,000 to bankroll the G4 program implementation, which Governor Alex Calingasan said would also help reduce problems on malnutrition. “The governor has ordered the agriculture office here to ensure procurement of certified vegetable seeds, which will be distributed for free to the identified barangays with high incidence of malnourished children,” said Estelita Madjos, Assistant Provincial Agricultural Officer and concurrent Provincial Nutrition Action Officer. Based on the latest results of “Operation Timbang” (weighing up) of children, 10 towns, namely

Kalilangan, Cabanglasan, San Fernando, Damulog, Quezon, Don Carlos, Kibawe, Maramag, Kitaotao, and Dangcagan, were identified as having high incidence of malnourished children. Hence, parents in said areas will be lectured and trained on how to successfully run their own backyard gardens. “This program also intends to ensure food security and self-sufficiency in line with the national government’s Agri-Pinoy Gulayan program to achieve the government’s Millennium Development Goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger,” Calingasan said.


A bigger Visit Samal Island 2012by Carina Cayon

A bigger Visit Samal Island (VSI) program will be held

this year with multi-sectoral part-ners linking up for the event. This according to Cleto Gales IGaCoS City administrator, who bared that the city is only allocating a minimal budget of P250,000 despite it being much larger than last year. Gales cited the partnership of the different

sectors particularly the private businesses in pushing for the VSI 2012 which links up the LGU, the Department of Tourism Region XI and the private sector tourism stakeholders- the Samal City Resort Owners Association. The VSI campaign which used to be a month-long event is now extended up to three months, lasting till July. The event is marked by cultural presentations,

sporting events, beach parties, concerts and other forms of merriment. The Visit Samal 2012, banners the tagline “where life is fun.” is the second staging of the unique marketing strategy started last year which aimed at increasing tourism arrivals and putting Samal on the map as the destination of choice for domestic and local tourists.


According to Gregorio Boy Sarmiento the private sector representative in the VSI executive committee, they have created many first-time events which would draw in more tourists. Among these included Davao Gulf Line Fishing contest, Miss Body Beautiful pageant and a Level III shooting competition. Also from May 4-6, the island will play host to an environment, arts and music festival dubbed as the Pigkayasan Festival under the initiative of the 2nd district congressional office under Representative Anton Ladgameo. The VSI 2012 will formally open

this April 21, with grand motorcade around Samal Island and a silent drill conducted by the visiting cadets of the Philippine Military Academy. Jennifer Cariaga, tourism officer of the city said that they are hoping to build on the success of last year’s VSI. “According to DOT data there was 64% increase in tourism traffic compared to the same period last year.” Cariaga said citing the positive effect of last year’s campaign. We are targeting a 100% increase in tourism arrivals.” Cariaga added hoping that a much bigger VSI would bring in more tourists to Samal.

did you know...

That Lake Leonard is part of Leonard Kniazeff, a strato volcano located in Maco, Compostela valley Province and is one of the country’s active volcanoes. The caldera lake has been a tourist attraction of the province. in 1995 Philvolcs conducted an investigation pending request from the local government to verify signs of volcanic activity. No unusual development was reported and none has been recorded ever since.


Soccsksargen LGUs urged to establish DRRM offices, plans after RA 10121 consultation

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Local government units in Soccsksar-gen Region or Region 12 were urged to establish their respective Local Di-saster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMO) and DRRM plans after the regional consultation of local executive chiefs and LGU officials on the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 here, Wednesday.

By Dani Doguiles


“With the regional consultation, LGU officials should be well-informed of their duties and responsibilities pertaining to their roles in the disaster management of their respective areas,” Director Ronald I. Flores, civil defense executive officer of the Office of the Civil Defense central office said.

Officials invited to the regional consultation were the four governors or their representatives, mayors of the five cities and mayors of the 44 municipalities across the region. Also among participants were LGU budget officers and chairpersons for disaster management.

“They were taught how to set up their LDRRMOs, what programs they should pursue, how to identify hazards and risks affecting their areas, how to respond to these risks, inform their constituents of these and them in time of disasters,” Flores explained.

“Hopefully, all local government units should be able to set up a comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management plans.”

How to use their calamity funds, he added, should now be clear among local chief executives and their budget officers, especially after regional officials of the Department of Budget and Management and Commission on Audit explained and clarified budgetary and audit guidelines in the utilization of local DRRM funds.

Officials of the Civil Service Commission were also present to discuss government guidelines regarding creation of offices and positions in the LGUs especially concerning the local DRRM office.

Flores also announced that the guidelines on the utilization of the

local DRRM Fund should be ready soon.

The guideline, he explained, should solve the LGUs concerns regarding the vague provisions of RA 10121 on the utilization of the calamity fund. He said the guideline is now on the final stage.

Flores is confident all LGUs in Soccsksargen Region which covers the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato and cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato as well as the 44 municipalities would soon be able to establish the DRMM offices and plans.

He even lauded the LGUs for the


301 ALS teachers, students in Gensan complete computer literacy trainingsBy Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Around 300 teachers and students from Depart-ment of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS) formally completed Wednesday the series of trainings conducted by the office of the SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP) of the city government.

Mayor Darlene Anton ino-Custod io distributed the certificate of completion to the graduates who actively participated in the six-month computer literacy trainings designed to give equal opportunity

to the out-of-school youths (OSY) who are eager to learn and be competitive.

ALS Education Program Supervisor, Gregorio Ruales said that there are more or less 5,000 ALS learners in the city, but

only those living in the “downtown area” have availed of the additional free trainings.

“Most learners in the far-flung barangays had hard time attending the trainings since most of them don’t have the money to defray the

o v e r w h e l m i n g response to the invitation of the RDRRMC-12 for the regional consultation, which he said “rarely happens in the consultations organized by DRRM councils.”

“The presence of so many local chief executives is a very positive indication the LGUs here are either very much prepared or setting up preparations against hazards and disasters ,” he said.

“This also shows that they are not concerned with the traditional

disaster response but are more bent on disaster mitigation and preparedness, recovery planning, and business continuity planning.”

Flores advised local government units: “Do not rely on historical data that showed your places have been free of hazards, that your are your places are not situated within typhoon belts, that you have not experience major earthquakes.”

He cited cases of Jolo, Sulu and Cagayan de Oro which recently

experienced flooding despite records that these have not been flooded for so many years.

He also pointed out cases of heat waves in Siberia and flash floods in the Arabia desert where such situations were never expected to occur.

“What is important , he emphasized, “is for the local government units to prepare for every hazard that we have here in the Philippines,” he told the participants. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


costs of daily food and fare. Nevertheless, this will not stop us from imparting the knowledge to others who were not able to make it,” he explained.

Ruales disclosed that Mayor Custodio also promised to support the ALS e-learning by providing them with computer units which they could use to educate other ALS learners in the remote areas of the city like Barangays Upper Labay, San Jose, Mabuhay, and Siguel.

“The effort of the city government to train the out-of-school

youths in information and technology (IT) is very timely so they will not be left out with the fast changing economy,” he added.

Meanwhile, SHEEP-CLP head, Percival Pasuelo said they have conducted a total of four trainings to ALS implementers since November last year

which include: Audio-Visual Presentation using ProShow, Newsletter Designing and MagPress Training, Digital Image Manipulation and Tarpaulin Designing using PhotoShop, and Web and Video Blogging.

He disclosed that ALS learners were also taught Basic Computer O p e r a t i o n s , a n d Invitation and Calling Card making using Microsoft Word which they can use for livelihood.

“We learned that after the trainings ALS learners are now working part time in internet cafe’s and printing press,” Ruales said. (PGFruylan/PIA-Gensan)


It’s 2nd Mahin Festival in GlanGLAN, Sarangani — This prime resort town in Central Mindanao is getting ready for the 2nd Mahin Festival.

The three-day festival, which features indigenous games to highlight the town’s rich cultural heritage, opened yesterday, April 19.

Organizers expect a bigger attendance after the festival’s highly successful maiden presentation last year.

“Based on the very positive response to our first Mahin Festival and the great interest and enthusiasm it has generated, we expect a banner crowd this year,” said Municipal Councilor Jose Tranquilino Ruiz 11, chair of the Sanggunian Committee on Tourism.

He said organizers are focusing on staging lesser but more exciting and competitive games the locals had grown used to like bugno sa kabayo (horse fighting), lumba sa kabayo (horse race), lumba bugsay (boat race) lumba karang (stilts race), and


palupad sa tabanog (kite flying).

“Since Mahin, which is Blaan for ‘beach’ was originally conceived as a community-based tourism program, we want our fellow Glanians to be the festival’s prime movers,” he said.

“Of course, there will be the usual jet-ski competitions, beach volleyball, body painting and sand castle building contest, but we will be focusing

more on our indigenous games,” he added.

For the thousands of visitors expected to turn up for this year’s festivities, beach resort owners are laying out the necessary facilities for food and accommodation as well as a 2.7-hectare parking lot at the festival venue in the famed white sand beaches of Gumasa.

The 2nd Mahin Festival is being supported by the

provincial government, which is holding its 7th Sarangani Bay Festival here in May.

“We want to see a highly successful Mahin because it will be a fitting prelude to Sarbay,” said provincial tourism officer Larry Asparin, who is helping coordinate preparations for this year’s Mahin Festival. (GLAN Info and News Service/PIA 12, General Santos City/ Photos by Cocoy Sexcion)

one mindanao - april 20, 2012

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