one mindanao - april 22, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Cellphone 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]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound 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)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

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 & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

16 inmates receive diplomas from DepEd’s alternative learning systemDEDoguilesCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, April 22, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 169

page 4

President Aquino declares the month ofAugust 2013 as ‘Philippine Wushu Month’9

DTI 12 to help 4Ps families build businesses 17

General Santos City government shores up market for agri produce

DOLE-Misamis Occidental prepares for “Lakaw Ta” on May 1

Butuan Youth Dev’t Council hosts training on public speaking 15

21Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region

Zanorte to receive more infra funds under Aquino AdministrationAlfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat, Northern Mindanao

NUJP hold seminar on elections 20

Catherine T. Apelacio, Central Mindanao

Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Infra projects to boost tourism, commerce, says PNoyMary May A. Abellon, Western Mindanao

2724

7 11 14 19 22 26

29

Monday, April 22, 20134

On Friday, eight detainees of the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCRDC) here received their diplomas for completing elementary while eight other inmates received diploma dor high school under the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS). “I never thought that I would finish elementary, more so getting my diploma inside this provincial jail,” said Marlo Domato who was top achiever among the elementary graduates. “ I thank our OIC jail warden (Felicito Gumapac) for treating us as human beings, for giving importance to our feelings and for leading us to the right path,” Domato said in Tagalog in his message as a graduate. “I also thank the teachers who never gave up on us to provide us

with the basic education that we have not completed when we were still outside of jail.” Meanwhile, for 46-year old Joven Violata, the class valedictorian and high school graduate, said the ALS was a like “a manna from heaven.” “It is a very rare opportunity for someone like me to improve my knowledge and achieve needed education inside a jail.” Violata said.

16 inmates receive diplomas from DepEd’s alternative learning system

Prison cells were no match to the determination of 16 inmates in

South Cotabato’s detention facility to earn their education.

CoVer StoRy

By DEDoguiles

Monday, April 22, 2013 5

Violata, who has been a detainee of the SCRDC for two-years and five months, only completed third year high school in the formal school system. “I would say, nobody could look down on me now,” he said. “ With pride I could say, I am now a high school graduate.” If SCRDC management’s and South Cotabato provincial government’s plan for a TESDA-led technical vocational courses for the inmates, Violata hopes to enrol in either cooking or welding. Graduates in the elementary level were : Domato, Francisco Buan, Martin Cansing, Garry Guinogom, Jimmy Lawa, Rolly Mek, Reymon Parcon, and Sasael Sanchez. With Violata in the secondary level were Haril Adtud, Stephen Andaw, Mark Anthony Conception, Neri Gan, Anecito Llano Jr., Ryan Policarpio, and Rolando Labanero. Labanero is already 58 years old. He was not able to join the commencement exercises because he was brought to the hospital for medication. Meanwhile, Melinda Rivera, DepEd 12’s Resource Mobilization and Special Events Division chief, told the graduates: “When you receive the original copy of your certificate of completion, note that it is signed by the Secretary of the Department of

Education.” “Another benefit in passing the accreditation and equivalency test for high school is this: you can apply for first level position in all government offices because your diploma also gives you first level career service eligibility,” she said. As first level CS eligible, she explained further, they could get permanent employment as drivers, janitors, gardeners, mimeographing operators, and other similar jobs. Meanwhile, Anecia Zapata, facilitator for high school class, said, they hold classes for ALS inside the provincial detention facility once a week for ten months to teach the students using modules. They began the ALS sessions for this batch of students in January last year. In December, 24 students took the accreditation and equivalency test but only 16 achieved passing rates. The other eight will undergo more sessions and will be allowed to take the test in October this year. “Some studens, especially those in

16 inmates receive diplomas from DepEd’s alternative learning system


the basic course start with learning how to read and write,” she said. “Very difficult at times,” she added, “but very fulfilling once students are able to learn.” This year’s graduates comprised the fourth batch of ALS inside the SCRDC. Since 2010 the provincial jail has already produced 55 ALS graduates in elementary and high school. In his speech acting warden Gumapac said, he pushes for ALS classes for detainees as part of their rehabilitation program while their cases are being heard in court. Gumapac added that the provincial government led by Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., is coordinating with TESDA 12 for the implementation of NC 2 technical vocational courses particularly for those who complete secondary education. “In this way, a detainee who comes in as ‘Pedro addict’ would get out of the jail as ‘Pedro karpintero

(carperter)’, ‘Pedro electrician’ or ‘ Pedro welder’,” he said. Alternative learning system is a free education program implemented by DepEd under the Bureau of Alternative Learning System which benefits those who cannot afford formal schooling and follows schedule available to the students. The program cuts the time needed to finish high school, hence, significantly cuts the expenses as well. Aside from giving hope to the less fortunate, it also provides opportunities to Out-of-School Youths (OSY) and adults elementary and secondary school drop-outs; industry-based workers; housewives; maids; factory workers; drivers; members of cultural minorities; indigenous people and the disabled/physically challenged. After about 10 months of module-based lessons learners should pass the accreditation and equivalency test before they could be awarded certificate of completion for either elementary or secondary education. Boxer champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao got his high


ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino declares the month of August 2013 as ‘Philippine Wushu Month’

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared the month of August 2013 as “Philippine Wushu Month” in a bid to promote Wushu not only in the country but also in the entire world.

The Chief Executive issued the directive by virtue of Proclamation No. 554 signed

by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on February 28, 2013.

8Monday, April 22, 2013

The President said the Philippines, through the Wushu Federation

Philippines, will host the Asian Junior Wushu Championship from August 8 to 12, 2013.

“The Junior Wushu Championships will be participated in by 38 member-countries with an expected attendance of a sizable number of athletes and officials that will likewise serve as an opportunity to showcase the country as a major tourist destination,” he said.

“Wushu is among the ten (10) priority sports of the government; and it is appropriate to promote Wushu in the country and strengthen the Philippines’ support to the bid of the International Wushu Federation for the inclusion of the said sport in the Olympic Games,” the President said.

President Aquino has enjoined all departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including state universities and colleges, government-owned and -controlled corporations and local government units, to support and extend the necessary assistance in the observance of the “Philippine Wushu Month.” PND (js)


Government assisting undocumented workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Aquino administration continues to assist undocumented workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

(KSA) who camped outside the Philippine consulate in Jeddah, a Palace official said on Sunday

10Monday, April 22, 2013

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over government –run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) started taking steps to help undocumented OFWs who need assistance.

“Katulad ng sinabi ng DFA, kailangan po kasi nating tingnan isa-isa ang kanila pong mga kaso dahil alam naman po natin na pagdating doon sa KSA, meron pong requirement na exit visa at kailangan po na klaro lahat ang kanilang mga paperwork bago sila mabigyan nito,” Valte said.

Valte said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is also attending to the needs of the undocumented OFWs who are affected by the KSA’s crackdown on illegal and overstaying migrants.

According to reports, King Abdullah of the KSA has ordered the kingdom’s

Ministries of Interior and Labor to give undocumented workers in the KSA three months to correct their work and residency status.

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) is coordinating with the proper Saudi authorities to assist qualified OFWs who want to legalize their stay by acquiring Iqama and residency permits. The POLO is also assisting the OFWs who are seeking repatriation.

“Yung DFA po natin, ‘yung ating POLO, ‘yung DOLE natin—‘yung mga labor attaché po natin doon—ay gumagalaw na para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan doon,” Valte said.

Some 1,450 undocumented Filipinos, who are seeking immediate repatriation, reportedly camped out near the Philippine Consulate building in Jeddah for fear of being arrested by the Saudi police. PND (js)


Newly-appointed E. Mindanao Command chief orders beefing up of security

In wake of the New People’s Army (NPA) Saturday night ambush on Gingoog Mayor Ruthie Guingona which left her injured and another companion aside from two dead, the Armed Forces of the

Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command has instructed all its units to beef up security precaution for all local politicians to prevent a repeat of the incident.


Major Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, the newly-appointed Eastern Mindanao Command chief, also instructed military units to maintain and protect the gains of “Bayanihan” in the area aside from intensifying security for election-related activities.

“Let us (military units in Eastern Mindanao Command)

EXERT OUR UTMOST VIGILANCE SO THAT THE GAINS OF ‘BAYANIHAN’ WILL NOT BE WASTED,” HE ADDED.

THE OUTFIT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SECURITY OF THE CARAGA REGION AND SOME PARTS OF REGION 10.

GUINGONA’S GROUP WERE ON THEIR WAY BACK TO GINGOOG WHEN NPA REBELS AMBUSHED HER CONVOY.

UPON RESCUE OF TROOPS FROM THE 58TH INFANTRY BATTALION AND OTHER PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE PERSONNEL, GUINGONA AND ANOTHER WOUNDED VICTIM WERE BROUGHT TO THE SANITARIUM HOSPITAL IN GINGOOG CITY FOR INITIAL TREATMENT.

THE GINGOOG MAYOR WAS LATER FLOWN TO CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY AROUND 9 A.M. VIA UH-1H HUEY HELICOPTER.

GUINGONA’S CONVOY WAS AMBUSHED ON THEIR WAY BACK FROM A FIESTA IN UPPER KAPITULANGAN SATURDAY WHERE SHE ATTENDED AS GUEST.

THIS IS CONTRARY TO CLAIMS BY THE NPA THAT SHE WAS CAMPAIGNING IN THE AREA AS GUINGONA IS NOT


A CANDIDATE IN THE MAY 13 MID-TERM ELECTIONS.

COL. ARNULFO M. BURGOS JR., AFP SPOKESPERSON, SAID THIS ATTACK IS ANOTHER PROOF OF THE NPA’S CRIMINAL NATURE.

HE ADDED THAT THE NPAS ARE NO DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PARTISAN ARMED GROUPS AND CRIMINALS THAT CONSISTENTLY BREAK THE LAW AND HAMPER FAR-FLUNG COMMUNITIES’ GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

DESPITE THEIR PROJECTION OF BEING A PRO-PEOPLE ARMED GROUP, THEIR ACTIONS REFLECT THEIR CONTINUOUS VIOLENCE AND CONSISTENT DISRESPECT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW.

BURGOS SAID THEIR ACTIONS VEHEMENTLY DISRESPECT AND

VIOLATE THE COMPREHENSIVE AGREEMENT ON THE RESPECT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW IN WHICH THEY ARE SIGNATORIES AND THE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9851 OR THE “ACT DEFINING AND PENALIZING CRIMES AGAINST INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW, GENOCIDE AND OTHER CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY.”

EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE NPA REBELS ALSO CONDUCTED AN AMBUSH IN NEGROS THAT KILLED NINE PEOPLE, INCLUDING EIGHT CIVILIANS AND ONE POLICEMAN.

THEIR ATTACKS ON DOLE AND DEL MONTE PLANTATIONS IN BUKIDNON ALSO KILLED ONE SECURITY PERSONNEL. LAST YEAR, THE VIOLENT ARMED GROUP HAD KILLED A TOTAL OF 53 CIVILIANS.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY- Officials and representatives from Google Asia Pa-cific are here to meet up with Gensan women in a move to empower the lat-ter with the use of online tools.

Google Asia Pacific to empower Gensan women with online toolsBy Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan

The event dubbed “Women on the Web Gensan” is a localized


GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The city government is strengthening its food ter-minal to better serve the agricultural produce of farmers not only here but the entire region 12 as well.

program of Google ‘for female entrepreneurs to connect, grow their online presence, and utilize Google products to launch and scale their businesses.”

City Media Affairs Officer, Avelmar Manansala considered the event as one great opportunity for women in the Tuna Capital to be abreast with the current technology and latest trends offered by Google, the largest internet company in the world.

Manansala, who is also the Community Manager of Google Business Group (GBG)-Gensan said the event is attuned with the computer literacy program of Mayor Darlene Antonino

Custodio to “Act Local, Think Global.”

“The participants can take advantage of the Google products and services that are mostly free and be updated with the newest technology to upgrade their skills and be globally competitive,” he pointed out.

Resource persons for the Women on the Web Gensan include Ms. Aileen Apolo-de Jesus, Google Outreach Manager from Singapore; Mr. Herald Uy, a Google Evangelist from Makati; and, Ms. Chelle Grey, a Google Developer Group Manager from Manila.

M e a n w h i l e , Manansala clarified that the meet up is open to all women

professionals and for female entrepreneurs and would be entrepreneurs.

“Google has high regards with the Filipino women. This opportunity will help them to be at par with the rest of the women in more developed countries,” he said.

The activity, he explained, will also give the participants the chance to join the GBG-Gensan and avail of the privileges offered by Google.

GBG-Gensan was inaugurated last March 2, with 35 initial members composed of men and women e n t r e p r e n e u r s , I n f o r m a t i o n Technology (IT) enthusiast, and online media. (PGFruylan/

General Santos City government shores up market for agri produceBy Catherine T. Apelacio

Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio said

the agriculture sector here is the backbone

of the city’s economy alongside fishing


industry.Thus, to boost this

business sector, the city government has come up with the concept of the General Santos City Integrated Food

Terminal (GSCIFT) “to provide farmers, e n t r e p r e n e u r s , cooperatives, and investors with the essential facilities” for easy market.

“This is important to improve the quality of agricultural and livestock produce of the region for national and international markets,” Custodio said.

According to her, transport terminal,

slaughterhouse, cold storage, and solid and liquid waste management facilities will be included as support infrastructures of the integrated food terminal.

It will also provide more stalls for farmers and traders including areas for agri-products processing and wholesale and retail trading, she added.

“These also include the construction of a public market through public-private partnership (PPP) scheme,” Custodio told reporters.

The mayor said that aside from improving the agricultural market,

the concept of the food terminal also aims to give all market vendors both informal and formal occupants a space to call their own to help them with their livelihood and give them a better income.

She said this is government’s way of ensuring food security and making sure that her constituents will not run out of food supply even in the face of major disaster.

Custodio also lauded the National Irrigation Administration for continuously providing the necessary support to the farmers here and


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Beneficiaries of the national govern-ment’s Conditional Cash Transfer are assured of assistance from the Depart-ment of Trade and Industry (DTI).

DTI 12 to help 4Ps families build businessesBy Danilo E. Doguiles

DTI 12 regional director Ibrahim Guiamadel recently confirmed their agency’s commitment to teach

CCT recipients how to put but their own businesses.The commitment came after the call

of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 for synchronization of efforts for the Pantawid

“for completing several projects” last year 2012.

Complementing these efforts, she said, are the ongoing rehabilitation, expansion and extension of existing irrigation systems in the amount of P184.8 million which will service 1,084 hectares and will generate 338 new jobs for the Generals (a term used for the people of GenSan).

For 2012, the Dept. of Agriculture (DA) has plowed in to the city coffers the amount of P22.8 million through various implementations of project endeavors.

Under the DA-SOCSKSARGEN food security program, P53 million worth of farm-to-

market roads has been downloaded to the city government from 2011 to this year.

Custodio has broken down the amount into seven infrastructure projects with a total of 7.5 kilometers. Five of which were completed, one is still ongoing, and the other one will be out for bidding after the election.

She also cited the importance of upgrading the city’s soils laboratory saying the upgrading will soon be completed this year with a total cost of P8.7 million.

“Ang pagsusuri ng lupang tinataniman ay mainam na paraan upang malaman ang angkop ng pananim na bagay sa

lupa at ang tamang klase at dami ng fertilizers na kakailanganin (Examining the soils is very essential to determine the right amount to be planted that is appropriate to soil type as well as the right kind and amount of fertilizer that is needed.),” Custodio underscored.

Rationalizing the wisdom there is in scientific processes, the re-electionist mayor said: “Anything that helps our farmers increase their efficiency, productivity, and income is worth trying and taking the risk.” (CT Apelacio/PIA-12 General Santos City)


Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary. DTI’s assistance would focus on developing micro enterprises that 4Ps families would manage.“DTI will work on enhancing the knowledge of DSWD’s project development officers particularly on product and business development by organizing them as pool of trainers,” Guiamadel said.He added that their agency will share ideas on product packaging, labeling and processes involved in availing a Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) certification for food products while also using the available resources in the areas identified.Gemma Rivera, assistant regional director of DSWD 12, disclosed that the priority areas include the municipalities of Maasim and Malapatan in Sarangani Province which, as agreed by both agencies, will serve as a pilot area for future e n t r e p r e n e u r i a l endeavor.

“We have about 5, 000 beneficiaries of 4Ps in Maasim and Malapatan. We have a database of existing businesses managed by our Pantawid families which we can classify according to their business or according to their location to be given technical training and capability building in developing their own small businesses,” she added.Moreover, Guiamadel committed to be involved in the on-going community-driven enterprise development trainings of DSWD by providing input on the processes involved in business registration.“We will teach them to be legitimate business

entrepreneurs for their future successes. We may not know what will become of them 2 to 3 years from now when their business prospers. Some of them may become suppliers of raw materials or any profit-generating resources,” ARD Rivera commented.Guiamadel thanked DSWD 12 for involving DTI in helping indigent families of the region become self-reliant.“We are positive that out of this initial partnership, we can impart more ideas to poor families and subsequently helping them become productive through identifying potential business ideas using available resources in their area,” Guiamadel

said.A memorandum of understanding is currently crafted between DTI 12 and DSWD 12 which will be formally signed soon along with other agencies that focus on improving the economic condition of poor families in the region. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12, DGDomingoII-DSWD 12)


CAAP clarifies issues on the opening of Laguindingan airport by Jennica Rojas

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) here has clarified some issues regarding the opening of the Laguindingan airport especially on the use of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in its operation.

In a media forum initiated by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in the region on Thursday, CAAP-10 Director Moh’d Naga S. Rascal gave assurance on the safety of passengers on the new airport. Though not yet fully-equipped,

the new airport will ensure the safe take-off and landing of every flight through the use of a radio, he said. The government earlier announced that the Laguindingan airport will be temporarily operated by CAAP this month using VFR until its air navigation equipment is fully in place by May 2014. Rascal also pointed out that the new airport will still be operational during

rainy season as long as the visibility requirement is met. “Sa Lumbia airport pag-umuulan, the visibility is 5 miles at open naman po ang airport. Ganyan din ang mangyayari sa Laguindingan airport, maski umuulan pero ang


visibility is 5 miles or more, mag-oopen po ang airport natin. Hindi naman ibig sabihin na kapag umuulan, magsasarado na yung airport, basta na meet lang yung required visibility, open po ang airport.” (In Lumbia airport the visibility is 5 miles and the airport is still open. The same thing in Laguindingan airport, even if it rains as long as the visibility is 5 miles or more the airport will open. It doesn’t mean that if it is raining, the airport will be closed. As long as it meets the

required visibility the airport is open), he said. He further invited media to a dry run at the Laguindingan airport on April 23 to witness the testing of the airport using small private airplanes. Meantime, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) decided to defer opening of the new airport to June 15, this year, to ensure the convenience of passengers during the summer season.

NUJP hold seminar on elections

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) held a seminar on Covering the 2013 Elections and Media Safety on April 17 here.

by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

Rowena Paraan, NUJP chairperson, said that in order to effectively report news during elections, a journalist must go back and understand the principles behind it. She identified five principles of elections: the right to vote is a sovereign right; secret voting and public/transparent counting; right to know; clean and credible elections; and accountability. During elections, journalists are the messenger of all opinions; able to inform voters about what type of persons are asking for their votes and what they stand for; and further, provide analysis and context.

JB Deveza, deputy secretary-general of NUJP, said that the industry has already created set of standards or ethics that every journalist should follow. Reporters should report events exactly as they happen – and not as one would like them to happen. Give equal prominence to all the major candidates. No inflammatory language and no taking political sides. Say no to inducement and/or pledge promises and report without exaggeration. Finally, exercise fair play. Meanwhile, the state has three distinct duties to never take part in, or to sanction or condone attacks against the media or media facilities;


DOLE-Misamis Occidental prepares for “Lakaw Ta” on May 1by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - Preparations are underway for holding the “Lakaw Ta Para sa Bata sa Tibuok Amihanang Mindanao,” in Misamis Occidental to be held on May 1.

The activity is a regionwide simultaneous walk-for-a-cause for the working children of Northern Mindanao aimed at raising funds for the identified working children and provide them with their school needs, such as, school uniforms and school supplies. This is led by Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) who champions on the advocacy campaign against child labor, Jose Robles, Provincial Director of DOLE-Misamis Occidental, said. With a minimum donation of P20, each participant of the walk is entitled to a baler with “LAKAW TA” tagline and will have to finish the 3 kilometer walk with a prescribed route in each province. Meanwhile, Robles said the walk will start along the Seawall of the Oroquieta City Public Plaza at 6:00 a.m., followed by a Hataw Physical Exercises and a short program.

It will be participated in by the employees of the DOLE Provincial Field Offices (PFO), government agencies (GA’s), government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC’s), the organized and unorganized workers, the informal sector workers, Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC), Career Guidance Network (CGN) and Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Also participating are beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), Federation of Family Welfare Committees (FFWC), Occupational Safety and Health Network (OSHNET), Local Government Units (LGUs), business sector, private sector, schools and universities and the media. On the other hand, Robles said DOLE-10 targets a total of 10,000 participants, regionwide and expects to reach the amount of P 200,000 as pledged by the different DOLE PFO in the region.

take effective action to prevent violent attacks from taking place; where violations have taken place, to

investigate the attack, to bring the guilty parties to justice and to provide an effective remedy to the victim.


Red Cross-Butuan reports Feb, March accomplishments

BUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte – Butuan City Chapter unveiled recently its Basic Disaster Management accomplishment report for the months of February and March at Con Con Hall, Balanghai Hotel Convention Center, this city.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

\by Hannah Cheen P. Osin


Based on the report, series of training were conducted by the chapter such as eight classes on Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support Healthcare Providers Training Course, three classes on Tailored First Aid and Basic Life Support Adult Lay Rescuer Training Course, three classes on Basic Water Safety Training Course and has set up in 22 separate occasions First Aid Station and Ambulance Services.

The chapter continued the implementation of the Community Based Health and First Aid Project at the Municipality of Carmen in coordination with the town’s Rural Health Unit through its Municipal Health Officer, said a report. The Community Health Volunteers also conducted health education and campaign activity on First Aid on their respective barangays with 65 numbers of people reached.

On February 14, 2013, four Senior Health Volunteers assisted the Mobile Blood Donation organized by Radyo Trumpeta at their radio station. They were able to serve 54 clients through blood pressure taking, it said.

And on February 25 to March 10, 2013, the Chapter Service Representative conducted the post disaster and detailed health assessment at the Province of

Davao Oriental covering the three Municipalities (Baganga, Cateel, Boston) and Agusan del Sur covering four Municipalities (Trento, Veruela, Santa Josefa, and Loreto) which were hit by Typhoon Pablo.

The health assessment was conducted to define an action plan that will cover immediate action, short-term actions and long-term developmental plan for rehabilitation of health.


Said training is facilitated by the office of the city mayor’s in coordination with Toastmasters International which is composed of Butuan City, Cagayan de Or,o and Iligan City.

According to LYDC Coordinator and Community Affairs Officer Agnes Carlos, the invited speakers will share tips and techniques in the management of programs such as a master of ceremonies; when doing invocation; when introducing a speaker; when tasked as a presenter or moderator. “They will

also showcase a Regional Champion in Public Speaking. It is a Speech Craft, the Toastmasters’ way,” she said.

Carlos added that the Human Resource Development is one of the legacy a leader can share with the constituents and the frontliners in the delivery of services. Thus, this is the priority concern of the chief executive.

For more details, CMO-PAIAD can be reached at telephone number (085) 341-6346.

Butuan Youth Dev’t Council hosts training on public speaking

BUTUAN CITY -- The Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) here is leading today’s “Communication Skills Workshop: A Training on Public Speaking” with the members of the Regional Youth Advisory Council (RYAC) from government agencies and partner stakeholders at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

Butuan Youth Dev’t Council hosts training on public speaking


http:/ /www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-WesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310

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

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

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

Regional Executive Director Arleigh J. Adorable said the eleven towns have been alloted P32,700,000

million covering an estimated land area of 218,359 hectares in 239 barangays.

2013 cadastral survey project for 11 ZamPen towns to start soonBy Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-IX on Tuesday held the opening of bids for the 2013 Cadastral Survey Project for the 11 municipalities in Zamboanga Peninsula region.


Zanorte to receive more infra funds under Aquino Administration By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - President Benigno Aquino III has vowed to allocate more funds for infrastructures in Zamboanga del Norte to boost the province’s tourism industry.

“This project was supposed to be implemented last year, but incidentally there were some technicalities occurred during the bidding process,” Adorable added. He further said that as per instruction of DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, DENR-IX would only have until November this year to accomplish all its targets including the cadastral survey. The cadastral survey will be implemented in the municipalities of Godod, Gutalac, Salug and Baliguian

all of Zamboanga del Norte; Lapuyan, Lakewood, Dimataling and Labangan in Zamboanga del Sur and the towns of Naga, Olutanga and Mabuhay in Zamboanga Sibugay province. The opening of bids was presided by its chairman Regional Technical Director Moises Butic and the members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) with representatives from the DENR Central Office, the local media including PIA that acted as observers during the process.


The President together with Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Mayor Evelyn Uy arrived at Barangay Cogon at around 10:50 a.m. Thursday morning to lead the groundbreaking of the road improvement project from junction Barangay Cogon to OISCA Park and sungkilaw Falls in Barangay Diwan. President Aquino was met by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Romeo Momo, DPWH-9 Regional Director Jorge Sebastian, first engineering district head Alexander Duhig and barangay captains Gene Ramayla and Alicia Maglinao of barangays Cogon and Diwan,

respectively. In his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of the P335-million Cogon-Diwan road upgrading project at Barangay Cogon, President Aquino disclosed that he would allocate more funds for infrastructure projects in the province next year. “Mula 2011 hanggang 2013, 21 billion piso ang inilaan nating pondo para sa pagpapaayos ng ating tourism roads at balak pa nating maglaan ng karagdagang 13 bilyong piso sa 2014 upang mapabilis ang pagdaloy ng turismo’t pagkakaton sa bawat sulok ng bansa. Ginagawa natin ito upang payabungin ang industriyang bukal ng pagkakataon para sa marami nating kababayan,


(From 2011 to 2013, we have allotted P21 billion for tourism roads and we plan to add P13 billion more in 2014 to to take more tourists to all parts of the archipelago. We are doing this to boost tourism industry for our people),” President Aquino said. “Ang target po natin sa domestic tourist arrivals ‘yung una 35 million, ang problema ho palang naging 37 million na yung domestic tourist arrivals natin. Kaya bago na po ‘yung target nating 56 ngayon (Initially we only targeted 35 million domestic tourist arrivals, but it overshot to 37 million. So, we now have a new

target of 56 million),” he said. The President expressed confidence that once the road upgrading project is completed, Dipolog City can contribute a lot to attain the country’s target of 56 million tourist arrivals by 2016. He pointed out that the tourism industry serves as vehicles toward job creation and countryside development. Aside from tourism, the completion of the road would also benefit the agricultural sector and other industries in the province as it would facilitate the easy transport of agricultural products to the market.

Infra projects to boost tourism, commerce, says PNoy By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - “We are here to witness the concrete outcome of your choice to follow the right path. The groundbreaking of this project surely boosts tourism and commerce, not only in Dipolog but also in Zamboanga del Norte and the whole region.”


This was the statement of President Benigno Simeon Aquino in a community gathering following the groundbreaking of the 14-kilometer road improvement project on Thursday at Barangay Cogon this city. For the second time this year, President Aquino visited Dipolog to lead the groundbreaking of the road improvement and upgrading project from junction Barangay Cogon to OISCA Park (Japanese Park) and Sungkilaw Falls in Barangay Diwan, all of this city. The President was elated to learn from the Department of Works and Highways (DPWH) that winning bidder would only charge the government P69, 083, 864.50 of the P80 million allocation, resulting in savings of P11 million. “This project is part of our extensive strategy to develop the infrastructure of our country, which is the key to boost agriculture and tourism,” declared the President adding “this is a proof that in

‘tuwid na daan (straight path),’ the welfare of the people is the primary consideration.” The President also disclosed that he planned to pour P13 billion more into tourism roads next year, in addition to the P21 billion allocation for 2011-2013. “When the road upgrading will be completed, tourists will not be burdened to reach Sungkilaw Falls and Cogon Eco-Tourism Park,” the President pointed out. “Fresh orchids and fish from Dipolog will be delivered to the different markets and absolutely more tourists are desirous to visit here. This would mean that Dipolog can contribute more to our target of 56.1 million domestic tourists for 2016,” Aquino said. “Today, we are laying the foundation for a country with equal opportunities to every Filipino, whether in Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao,” the President concluded.


IGaCoS Salin Tubig Project to benefit IPs, poorest of the poorDAVAO CITY – Unsafe drinking water will soon be a thing of the past as the local government of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCos) in Davao del Norte has started installing clean and affordable potable water system for the poorest of the poor in the area.

By Rene V. Carbayas

Dubbed “Salin Tubig” or “Sapat at Ligtas na Tubig para sa lahat (Sufficient and Safe Water for All),” the project aims to bring fresh water

to at least 345 households in the village of Aumbay, located in central part of the island, according to the local officials.


Key officials of the Island Garden City of Samal in Northern Davao gave briefing and orientation on project Salin Tubig to media practitioners and civil society organizations of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) who visited the island city on April 18. Selected ARMM media and civil society representatives were in Davao City for the seminar-workshop on Rebuilding Alliances through Public Journalism conducted by the Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD). City administrator Cleto Bravo Gales Jr. said the target beneficiaries are among the current 64 percent households in the village that have no access to water supply from the IGaCos Water District. “Some of the beneficiaries are members of the indigenous people, particularly the Sama ethnic group,” he said in an interview. According to the city administrator, IGaCos has an estimated 38,115 poor individuals based on 2003 data from the National Statistics Office (NSO). He added that each barangay in the island city has its own barangay water system. In its effort to create the IGaCos Water District for better and safe drinking water delivery in 1998, the city has encouraged the 46 barangays to turn-over their local water system facilities to the water district. However, only 17 barangays have submitted themselves to the services of the water district. He

also said that not all barangays have good water source based on the water testing conducted earlier, as two barangay water systems were said to have been contaminated. Jemelita Q. Camaso, the city budget officer, said the P2-million water program is part of the P26. 7-million grant for local poverty reduction program for 2012-2013, which was drawn from the funds of the government’s major agencies. She said half of the funds for the safe water program have been downloaded to the city in the first quarter of this year. City planning officer Mario S. Pacaldo said implementation has already started such us land acquisition, survey and improvement of water sources, and preparing for the construction of reservoir. The entire water system program will be completed until the end of this year. For its part, Jay Arr Orlanes, the general manager of the IGaCos Water District, said they will give a special water rate for this particular project in the next five years considering the economic status of the community. However, the rate will gradually increase from P80.00 per cubic meter (current rate of the barangay water systems) to P115 per cubic meter, the city’s water district’s regular rate per household. Local officials are optimistic that the poor households will greatly benefit from the project especially the indigenous people of the island city.


Guerrero, who replaced Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban as WESCOM commander last April 1, said in a recent press release he would continue focusing on the three major aspects of developmental support for the province - that of ensuring territorial integrity of the areas under the command’s jurisdiction, enhancing disaster response management, and strengthening partnerships with the civil groups – “with a doubled military effort.” “We will address the internal security concerns, we will continue to support the environmental groups and local government units’ initiatives to sustain environmental protection efforts and, of course, we will find ways to further enhance disaster response in the province,” Guerrero assured. He said these tasks are not new to him, having served as PMC Commandant prior to his appointment as WESCOM chief because he has been undertaking the same in other parts of the country where he was assigned. “We will put the right people on the ground and we will assure you that [the military] will continue working with the people of Palawan to achieve the purpose of our presence here [in the province],” the newly-installed WESCOM commanding general said. Guerrero also said, he is not daunted by the challenges posed by

limited resources that WESCOM has at its disposal because he believes the men and women of the different units under the Unified Command can augment its lack of physical assets. The marine officer, however, stressed that “the cooperation of the local community is an essential factor in ensuring the success of the military’s mission.” He appeals to the public to observe the spirit of “Bayanihan” or communal volunteerism that is the core of the military’s Internal Peace and Security Plan. Guerrero previously served as Commanding Officer of the 1st Marine Brigade and as Superintendent of the Marine Corps Training Center. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1981. He finished his Masters of Military Study and Command and Staff College in Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, USA; took up Foreign Officers Tactical Intelligence Course in Queensland, Australia, and tactical, operational and strategic command courses in various military institutions in the country. Prior to his assumption as commandant on August 24, 2010, he was the commander of the Joint Task Force Comet for almost one year in Sulu.

New WESCOM chief vows support for Palawan developmentISABELA CITY, Basilan – The new chief of the Western Command, Maj. Gen. Rustico O. Guerrero has pledged to double security efforts in Palawan to help the province achieve its development goals.

By Rene V. Carbayas


DavOr eyes dev’t of palm oil industry in 3 towns

BOSTON, DAVAO ORIENTAL — At least 20,000 hectares in the three typhoon-devastated towns of Davao Oriental’s eastern coast were identified potential areas for cultivating oil palm. This were the findings coming from a team of expert agronomists and agri-business specialists on Wednesday during their site visit here in response to an invitation of Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon who is keen at tapping huge investment opportunities that will fuel economic activities in her towns.

The team who affirmed the province’s vast potential for the oil palm came from the Indo Food Company under Indonesia’s largest conglomerate—the Salim Group of Companies who also means to help the devastated province get back on its feet. As the provincial government eggs on establishing a market-driven and climate-smart industry which is part of its reconstruction and development framework, this novel investment opportunity is likely to open up a new chapter of economic spur in these devastated areas. Hisar Sihombing, an expert agronomist and soil scientist from the Indo Food revealed that the topography, climate, and the soil in the areas are favorable for the oil palm. The team identified three locations in Baganga with a combined total area of 14,500 hectares, Cateel with 4,000 hectares and Boston with 1,600 hectares suitable for the


crop. While the lands used to swarm with coconuts now lay flattened and empty, Hisar Sihombing, said that now would be a perfect moment to shift to a more productive crop such as the oil palm. The oil palm, he said, requires to be planted on a maximum elevation of 400 meters above sea level. He explains that the higher the elevation is, the thinner the soil becomes, thus, halting the growth of the crop. Climate is also a favorable feature in these areas as there are less dry spells and more wet months. With these favorable environmental conditions, Sihombing hopes that the industry development will push through in the province. Oil palm has the average gestation period of four years before farmers could start harvesting the FFB’s (Fresh Fruit Bunches). While waiting for the crops to mature, the Indo Food suggests a scheme involving the company providing farmers with other cash crops for the waiting period. Meanwhile, to fully and continuously benefit on the venture, Indo Food suggests implementing a staggered approach in planting which means continuously harvest throughout the year since planting is not done simultaneously. In terms of profit sharing, further negotiations are to be done should the investment pushes through.

While Davao Oriental is bent on exploring this big-ticket oil palm investment opportunity which will tap the province’s vast lands, it also intends to shift the economy away from a reliance on copra and establishing this alternative agri-based industry that is highly profitable for the local farmers and will give a boost to the province’s local economy. Vicki Vicencio, Head of the Enterprise Risk Management of Indo Food explains that there is indeed high profitability in planting oil palm crop. On the world market, there is a huge demand of the oil palm products due to its myriad of uses such as household cooking oil, a common ingredient in processed foods, soaps, and personal care products, among many others. Aside from palm oil and kernel oil, other by-products can even be converted as organic fertilizer or into biodiesel for energy resulting to zero waste, proving oil palm as an efficient venture. She added that the huge requirement for expanding the production of CPO or crude palm oil would easily be met as the Indo Food Company has already established plantation models, strategies and technologies that can be readily replicated here in the province. (Karen Lou Deloso DavOr Information Office)


Illegaly-placed campaign posters targeted in Oplan BaklasDAVAO CITY-The three district offices of the Commission on Elec-tion in cooperation with the Davao City Police Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection pursued today the Operation Baklas, a clean-up drive aimed at ridding political propaganda materials off the non-designated poster areas. Atty. Aimee Ampoloquio, election officer of the District 1 of Davao City said their operation yielded plenty of political propaganda both from the incumbent officials and aspiring candidates gunning for the local elections. She observed even political materials bearing the names of candidates of the ruling coalition headed by the Liberal Party and the opposing United Nationalist Alliance were forcibly taken away from the posts, trees, walls and even at the facade of commercial establishments, whose owners claimed they were not consulted when these materials were posted. “These propaganda materials will be used as pieces of evidence by the law department of the Commission on Elections in filing election law-violations against the candidates who violated the rule on posting campaign materials,” Ampoloquio said. Section 3 of the Comelec Resolution No. 7767 bars political candidates

and their supporters from nailing or stapling campaign materials on trees and bans posting on bridges, power and telephone lines, schools, islands and monuments. Comelec Resolution 9615 requires candidates to post propaganda materials only on authorized designated common poster areas or private property with the consent of the owner. The policy states that violators can be imprisoned from one to six years with the right to vote forfeited and would no longer be allowed to run for public office. Ampoloquio said that with the resolve of Comelec-Manila to sue violators, it is certain that formal charges will be filed against them with the many pieces of evidence gathered as proof of defying election laws. “There are violations even from candidates of contending parties. We have all the pieces of evidence like photos and materials taken from the non-designated poster areas,” she said. Senior Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa, director of the Davao City Police Office who assisted the poll body said his members are also deployed in the two other districts of the city to assist the clean-up drive.(PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

by Joey Dalumpines


regional gallery

Korean celebrity

Dept. of Tourism Reg. XI chief Art Boncato poses with South Ko-rean actress So Yi at SM City Davao. The Korean actress was with a group of fellow Korean students doing volunteer work in Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur.

one mindanao - april 22, 2013

Documents

pia surigao

pia agusan

pia caraga region richard

pia caraga updates

pia region ximanaging

pia caraga regioncopy

pia region x rudolph

pia wesmin info bliztwitter