one mindanao - april 22, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

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

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

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]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

CONTENTS

Over 100 families benefit from NorthCot LGU’s water system project

NorthCot hospital receive P10M worth of expansion, upgrading project from DOH

Agnor solon to students: scholarship application now open!

Sibugay teachers flock to GSIS second offsite UMID enrolment

TESDA-9 chief urges TVET graduates to be proactive14

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Tagum City LGU offices cited, offers employment program

Over 5,800 public schools set to offer Senior HS in 2016

Interreligious Solidarity for Peace supports BBL, Mindanao peace process

DTI warns consumers vs sales scam

Panguil Bay Development Council presents logo contest entries

Joint inspection, validation team dismantle MILF training facility in Iligan

By: LAWig Katawhan

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

By: CIO Tagum

By: PNA

12

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

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By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Lorry V. Gabule


Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

41 DILG awards Panabo as child-friendly LGU By: CIO Panabo

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4 APRIL 22, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

The City Investment and Promotions Office (CIPO) and the City Business Permit and Licensing Office (CBPLO) of the City Government of Tagum have been recognized as “Best Performers” in the Province of Davao del Norte due to their outstanding performance in

their respective fields.


By: CIO Tagum

5APRIL 22, 2015 One Mindanao

The City Investment and Promotions Office (CIPO) and the City Business Permit and Licensing Office (CBPLO) of the City Government of Tagum have been recognized as “Best Performers” in the Province of Davao del Norte due to their outstanding performance in

their respective fields.


The recognition was bestowed by the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines (NCCP) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) together with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) last April 6, 2015 at Apo View Hotel, Davao City.

CIPO and CBPLO were awarded as Best Investment Promotions Unit and Best Business Permit and Licensing Office in the Province being part of the campaign of the National Competitiveness through improved business climate at LGU level for 2014.

The award was based primarily on the high satisfactory rate garnered over a citizen’s satisfactory survey jointly conducted by DTI and DILG.

“We, in our office are more inspired to work, thinking that we are on the right tracked on doing our job for the people and because of this affirmation given we will work more to attain achievement in our City”, Jasmin Rio-Angco said City Investment Office head.

In a statement, Mayor


Allan L. Rellon expressed his congratulations to both offices, adding that this is another proof of good governance being championed by the local government.

Jobstart program

In its aim to reduce the rate of unemployment among the Tagumenyo youths, the City of Tagum has found the means to improve the employability of its 18-24 year-old residents by becoming one of the second wave of pilot implementation sites of JobStart Philippines, a flagship program implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the Canadian Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The implementation of JobStart Philippines in Tagum City is geared towards addressing the prevailing skills gap in the job market by assisting the youths of the city develop their career paths as well as by creating opportunities to improve their technical

skills and develop the life skills needed to successfully compete in today’s workplace. With the signing of the Memorandum of Undertaking

between the DOLE and the City of Tagum, the local government, through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and with the assistance of the JobStart Unit, guarantees that the resident youths of the city will have access to career guidance,


employment coaching, trainings on technical and life skills such as job-hunting skills, networking and personal and interpersonal skills. These youths will also gain work experience in companies

through on-the-job trainings (OJTs) or internships. To be eligible for the program, a would-be registered and selected beneficiary should be between 18-24 years old who is a high school graduate

with less than one year of work experience. The beneficiary should also be one who is currently unemployed, not enrolled and is not in education or in training program.

“We need this kind of program since of one of our priority concerns is employment,” stressed Mayor Allan Rellon during his pledge of support to the program prior to the signing of the Memorandum of Undertaking between the City Government of Tagum and the Department of Labor and Employment. The said signing of the MOU, held at Park Inn, Davao City on April 16, 2015, was attended by Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, ADB Director Kelly Bird, Davao City Representative Karlo Alexei Nograles, DOLE OIC Regional Director Atty.

Jason Balais and DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment Director Dominique Tutay, and Tagum PESO Manager Rogeneth P. Llanos. (CIO Tagum)


Paje: No let up in climate change mitigation and adaptation

QUEZON CITY - Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje assured the nation on Tuesday that the government has been working systematically to reduce the impact of climate change, which remains the single biggest environmental threat facing the country and the world. Paje said government agencies led by the Department

of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are committed


to countering the adverse effects of climate change and building sustainable solutions for the long-term benefit of people and nature.

“Climate change is now part of our lives and it is no longer an impending threat. It is real, it is happening, and now, this is the new normal,” Paje told a crowd, mostly students attending a three-day youth camping at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife in Quezon City, as part of the local celebration of the Earth Day. The environment chief gave an overview of the current state and development of the environment, particularly on the measures implemented by the DENR to improve environmental protection and make communities more resilient to a changing climate, which has led to extreme weather events and natural disasters in recent years. Foremost among these measures, he said, is the Aquino administration’s National Greening Program (NGP) that seeks to cover 1.5 million hectares with trees from 2011 to 2016. Paje said the NGP is expected to surpass the country’s

reforestation efforts in the past 50 years by 28 percent, making it the most massive reforestation program in Philippine history. “More and better forests comprise the linchpin of our strategies, and our main line of defense against climate change,” Paje said. After four years of implementing the NGP, Paje said the country’s forest cover rose to 7.8 million hectares from 6.8 million hectares in 2010, adding that more than two million jobs have been generated through the program. He also cited the imposition of the total log ban in natural and residual forests, which remarkably reduced illegal logging hotspots to 23 from what used to be 197 in 2010. Paje likewise reported the completion of higher-resolution geohazard maps, on a scale of 1:10,000, indicating areas highly susceptible to landslides and flash floods in 1,634 cities and municipalities nationwide. He said the maps are designed to help local government units in preparing


their respective disaster reduction and management plans, and make them more responsive during disasters. Paje also cited the achievements in other areas of environmental protection such as clean air, clean water, mines and geosciences, land management, and minerals development. In addressing air pollution, Paje noted the steady improvement in ambient air quality in Metro Manila with its reduced pollution level in terms of total suspended particulates (TSP) concentration at 128 micrograms per normal cubic meter for the period covering January – March 2015, compared with the 166 recorded in 2010. The normal level is 90. “The DENR vows to move doubly hard to ensure that international air quality standards are met throughout the metropolis before President Benigno Aquino III steps down in 2016,” he said. In line with this, all 16 cities and one municipality comprising Metro Manila now have at least one air quality monitoring station (AQMS), which is used to measure

systematically concentrations of pollutants in ambient air and provide a scientific basis for measures to reduce air pollution and protect the community’s health. The DENR has also recently issued a directive requiring the use of cleaner fuel and imposing stricter emission standards starting July 2015, as part of government efforts to improve air quality in Metro Manila and other urban areas in the country. In terms of managing biodiversity and coastal resources, Paje said the government has rolled out a landmark policy mandating the conservation of 240 protected areas both terrestrial and marine, 113 of which are now proclaimed while 13 have been legislated. He said many of the priority protected areas have been added to the list of ASEAN Heritage Parks or AHPs: Mt. Malindang National Park; Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve; Tubattaha Reefs Natural Park; and the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary as World Heritage Site, the sixth for the country and first in Mindanao.


The coral reefs and ecosystems of the nation’s 34 Marine Protected Areas are now strictly under protection jointly by the DENR and local governments, thereby enhancing the ecotourism potential of these sites. The department has assessed and mapped 60,593 hectares of coral reef system and consistently protected 53,589.5 hectares.

Moreover, strengthened species conservation efforts resulted in increased population of key species like the Philippine Eagle which was a mere 29 heads in 2010 but has now gone up to 52. The Philippine Tamaraw also increased from 274 in 2011 to 382 in 2014.

In the area of clean water, the DENR is currently reviving 19 priority rivers that pollution has rendered incapable of sustaining aquatic life. Five of those rivers are now compliant with the biochemical oxygen demand standard, while nine are compliant with the standard for dissolved oxygen. The department also signed a total of 549 agreements with various partners for the continuing cleanup of esteros

and rivers across the country. It has also operationalized 18 water quality management areas. According to Paje, these initiatives helped restore the faith of the public in the government’s capability to protect the environment and conserve the country’s natural resources, as shown in the Pulse Asia survey in March where 48 percent of the respondents approved of the Aquino administration’s environmental performance, ranking second in the overall comparative performance rankings of the national administration. The 48 percent approval rating is a significant improvement over the 45 percent posted in the November 2014 survey, he pointed out. However, Paje said these remarkable achievements under the present administration should not be reason for the DENR and the public to be complacent. “I would like to believe that although we have done so much, these will never be enough,” Paje said, as he urged the public to support all of the government’s environmental programs and to


Over 5,800 public schools set to offer Senior HS in 2016

PASIG CITY - After years of rigorous planning and consultations with education stakeholders, the Department of Education (DepEd) has identified and mapped more than 5,800 public schools set to offer Senior High School (SHS) in 2016 nationwide as part of its continued preparations for the full implementation of the K to 12 program.

do their own share in protecting the environment. “This Earth Day 2015, let us keep in mind that we all have the

right, and the responsibility, to do the best that we can for our environment. This is for everyone, everywhere, everyday,” he added. (DENR)


Over the last several years, division personnel field office personnel and school heads have been continuously collaborating with their respective communities, local chief executives, legislators, industry partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders for SHS preparations. Factors such as the availability of buildable space and school sites, community realities, local development plans, parents’ and students’ preferences, and the current and future needs of local industries were taken into consideration in the identification and preparations to establish SHSs. DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that one of the key objectives during the SHS planning at the local levels is each and every one who completes Junior High School (Grade 10) must have access to a Senior High School. “Wala pong munisipyo, kahit gaano kaliit, ang mawawalan ng Senior High School,” Luistro added. Luistro cited Tiwi, Albay as one of the examples. The said municipality has three DepEd schools that will offer SHS. The

second one was Daraga, Albay, where eight (8) DepEd SHS and five (5) possible private schools will offer SHS. The Cotabato division will also have as many as 59 DepEd SHS. There are also 22 private schools and two state universities and colleges (SUCs) that showed interest and capacity to offer SHS in the Cotabato division. The education chief said, “This has been mapped all the way to the program offerings until the maximum number of students that can be accommodated—not only in the DepEd schools but also in the private schools, HEIs, and SUCs.” Designed to ensure that basic education graduates are equipped and ready for employment, entrepreneurship, or higher learning further education and training in universities, colleges, and other institutions, the SHS program has attracted partnership interests from various industry and business groups nationwide. (DepEd)


Interreligious Solidarity for Peace supports BBL, Mindanao peace process

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Interreligious Solidarity for Peace (ISP) has reiterated its

support to the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the peace process.

The ISP said in a statement they support the passage of the BBL since it

will bring long and lasting peace here in Mindanao.

“Realizing that the BBL remains to be a powerful

indispensable legal option for the pursuit of just, long and lasting peace

in Mindanao, we support its passage,” the ISP said.

“Realizing that peace is a state of mind and heart that cannot just be legislated, we recognize that the BBL is not the only step to ensure human security in this complicated and massive effort,” the ISP said.

The ISP said they support the peace process since “the search for solutions knows no bounds except our capacities to imagine and courage to act.”


“Any and all efforts to bring peace to a divided Mindanao must be welcomed, to include advocating the BBL and other ways of meaningfully addressing our divides and transforming our conflicts,” the group said.

“While Mamasapano (incident) has been a wake-up call, the crying need to rise above the understandable but destructive emotionalism that it has ignited now becomes the renewed imperative. We resort to any creative legal process for restoration, realizing that the battlegrounds of Mindanao cannot be sustained by our hatred and prejudices. War in Mindanao cannot bring peace to the country and even to a highly conflicted world,” the group added.

The ISP has consistently and strongly supported the Mindanao peace process since its formal initiation in this city more than 10 years ago.

In solidarity with the Moro and indigenous peoples of Mindanao and with other civil society groups, it has believed in the justness and validity of the Bangsamoro cause.

The signatories of the ISP statement are Fr. Angel Calvo, Claretian Missionary Fathers, ISP lead convener; Prof. Ali Yacug, Al Haj, ISP Muslim convener; Atty. Paulino Ersando, Evangelical convener; and, Dr. Pendatun Talib, Al Haj, Indigenous Peoples convener. (PNA)


PESO managers vow support for DOLE 12’s Online SPESBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, April 22 -- The De-partment of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in SOCCSKSARGEN Region expects a wider implementation of its Online SPES system in the coming months.

This after Public Employment Service Office managers from several local gov-ernment units in the region have pledged commitment for the full implementation of the DOLE 12’s Online SPES.

DOLE 12 Regional Director Ofelia Do-mingo continues to rally support for the country’s first internet-based system for the DOLE flagship initiative Special Pro-gram for Employment of Student.

Said system provides online process-ing of SPES from registration of appli-cants and filing of documentary require-ments to payment of scholars’ salary.

At the recent quarterly meeting with the PESO managers, Director Domingo appealed to the PESO managers who are in the frontline of the SPES, to support the implementation of the Online SPES.

She emphasized, the success of the on-line system for short-term employment of poor but deserving students and out-of-school youth, relies on the commitment of the PESO managers.


Over 100 families benefit from NorthCot LGU’s water system project

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Apr. 22 --- Some 100 fami-lies in Barangay Tambak, Tulunan are now assured of access to clean and safe drinking water after the provincial government has turned over a water system project.

In response, PESO manag-ers in attendance promised they will implement the Online SPES system in their respec-tive local government units.

The DOLE director also asked the PESO managers to file their reports via the DOLE 12 PESO portal.

Prior to the Mid-Year Perfor-mance Assessment, DOLE 12 will conduct Basic Employment Service Training (BEST) for new PESO managers to improve knowledge and skills of newly appointed PESO managers in the region.

DOLE 12 launched the On-line SPES system on Febru-ary 13, 2014 as a solution to concern over delays in the release of checks to the ben-eficiaries as well as the Com-

mission on Audit’s report that numerous checks remain un-claimed.

At the launching, Director Domingo noted the system “will fast-track the registration of student-beneficiaries down to the payment of the DOLE 40 percent counterpart.”

It will also increase trans-parency in transactions, and enhance collaboration between SPES stakeholders, she said.

Along with the implementa-tion of the Online SPES system, DOLE 12 also signed a memo-randum of agreement with M. Lhuiller for the use of the latter’s Kwarta Padala services for the payment of the benefi-ciaries’ salary. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme


The project which covers Pu-rok 1 and 6 of the said village is worth P600,000.

Governor Emmylou Mendoza stated that the water system project is in partnership with the office of the 3rd District Repre-sentative Jose ‘Pingping’ Tejada.

The project is one of the de-velopmental projects lined up for the 3rd District this year. Other projects which are set to be implemented in different areas are road concreting and rehabilitation, construction of multi-purpose halls and covered

courts and many others.Joel Belonio, president of the

Pamilyang Malahutayong Mag-uuma sa Tambak (PAMA-MATA), a local farmers group, said that the water system gives them a lot of benefits especially to young children and the elderly who need water to drink.

“I thank the provincial gov-ernment for the project and for continuing the provision of basic services to the people of Tulu-nan. In return we promise to take care of the water system as our counterpart,” Belonio


noted.For her part, Tulunan Munici-

pal Mayor Lani Candolada said that the numerous tangible projects of the provincial gov-ernment are mainly the results of the affiliations of the provin-cial and municipal officials.

She emphasized that the part-nership has proved to be pro-ductive and effective way of up-lifting the living condition of her constituents.

“We must continue to take the road to progress and develop-ment here in Tulunan and we can do this by supporting our provincial government in all the

endeavors to improve the prov-ince in terms of economy, busi-ness and trade, peace and order and others,” Candolada stated. (SJDuerme-PIA12/NCot. Media Center)


NorthCot hospital receive P10M worth of expansion, upgrading project from DOHBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Apr. 22- A P10 million hospital expansion and building upgrading project has been extended by the Department of Health to the Fr. Tulio Favali Municipality Hospi-tal in the municipality of Tulunan.

The provincial government is the implementing agency of the project which is part of the DOH projects in Region 12 under its Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).

Governor Emmylou Mendoza said that the expansion and up-grading of the said hospital is expected to advance the services to its patients.

“I see things will be better in Fr. Tulio Favali Municipal Hospital with the expansion project. The institution can now provide better services and can now carry out their mission-vision in improving the health of the constituents by giving quality patient care,” Men-doza stated.

Likewise, the governor has high hopes that the improvement in the hospital will encourage the entire personnel to serve and be more receptive of their duties and responsibilities.

“Our hospital personnel is

privileged to work with their new building and in it is anticipated that they will be more responsive to the patients,” she added.

The new building will be used as pediatric ward, medical ward, surgical ward and isolation ward.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sabino Mara-sigan, chief of the Fr. Tulio Favali Municipal Hospital expressed his appreciation for the said project.

According to him, the coming of the new facility will benefit the patients in line with the hospital’s pledge to provide standard pa-tient care and safety as well as clinical excellence.

“The entire hospital personnel is pleased to have this improved facility from the DOH and the provincial government and we offer this back to the people es-pecially those who are sick and in need of medical attention,” Mara-sigan emphasized. (SJDuerme-PIA12/NCot. Media Center)


AFP officials celebrate 36th National Reservist Week, honor newly-commissioned reservists By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - In time with this year’s 36th National Reservist Week Regional Convention, the officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored the newly-commissioned reservists in Caraga region. Rear Admiral Aurelio A Rabusa Jr, Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, J9 underscored that the celebration primarily intends to give importance to the capabilities of the different reserve units, thereby, addressing


also their needs. It also calls all citizens to be part of the armed forces and render services to meet the 80 percent manpower needs of the AFP. “Our reservist will support in disaster response operations just as they are required to render personal, civil or military duty. It’s better that we have to prepare especially in response to national security,” emphasized Rabusa. Rabusa reiterated that the duty of the AFP is to develop our citizenry to take responsibility and join the unit as reservist. They will form part of the non-combatant force to defend families and the country especially during disasters/calamities/war. Brigadier General Charito B Plaza, Commander of 7th PAF Wing (Reserved) also bared that this is the second time that Butuan City and Caraga region conducted the Regional Convention in line with the National Reservist Week. “Right now, we have less than 150,000 full-time reservists serving the population in the region. That is why we are inviting the private industries to provide us naval and air assets to be used during calamities and emergencies. We are also inviting the citizens to be part

of the armed forces so we can beat the enemies in times of conflict. We also give focus on the welfare of our reservists,” Plaza expressed. Plaza further revealed that as a reservist particularly the enlisted men (non-college graduate), they were given the opportunity to avail of the free education and trainings to learn the skills of a military. “Reservists have no salary during peace time. It is during war-time mission when we are called to active duty that we are entitled for remuneration,” she said. Also, BGen Paolo Leo Ma G Miciano, Commander of Army Reserve Command disclosed that the AFP continues to advocate for more incoming reservists that could extend help to the citizenry in times of disasters/calamities and emergencies. “I’d like to point out that as far as the AFP is concerned, we are continuously looking for


Agnor solon to students: scholarship application now open!By: LAWig Katawhan

BUTUAN CITY - Rep. Lawrence “Law” Fortun is delighted to announce the opening and acceptance of scholarship application for the First District of Agusan del Norte (Butuan City and Las Nieves) for academic year 2015-2016. Interested applicants may now visit the District Constituency Office at 4th Street, Guingona Subd., this city for more information. The said scholarship program is under the Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFAP) Tulong Dunong program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in partnership with the office of Rep. Fortun. It can be recalled last year

that at least 1,810 students coming from the different Barangays in Butuan City and the Municipality of Las Nieves were awarded scholarship grants under the same scheme. An orientation and awarding ceremony was held

potential reservists from different sectors. Not only in the schools where we trained students in the ROTC program but we also want to train those retirees who want to join the forces, as well as other individuals who already have jobs but want to serve the citizens as reservists,” stressed Miciano.

The closing ceremony of said celebration commenced with the entrance of colors by the Caraga State University (CSU) Advance Cadets. BGen Balutan together with other officials from the Philippine Army then led the donning of ranks to newly commissioned Reserved Officers and awarding ceremony.


at the Caraga State University (CSU) Gymnasium on March 20, 2014 and was graced by Rep. Fortun. For this year, the bulk of the grant availed through the Tulong-Dunong scheme ranges from P12,000 to P6,000, depending

on the students’ tuition needs and rank. All applicants of the program were ranked based on the applicant’s latest grade and income bracket. The scheme also prioritizes courses identified by CHED. For his part, the young solon challenged the students to make good of the assistance they will get from the government since not all has been given the opportunity to avail it. “Let this grant be one of your tool in attaining success in life, you take advantage of this opportunity and make good in your studies as your way of giving back to your parents their hard work in order to send you to college,” Fortun said. Deadline for submission of application is on April 30, 2015.

DTI warns consumers vs sales scamSURIGAO CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte warns the public anew on sales scam that victimize consumers.

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

In an advisory, DTI said scams are done in various modes and approaches. Some will offer freebies or ask to pick a prize, but then the victim is required to buy an item to claim such freebies or prizes. Not knowing that the free

item’s cost is being lumped into the product or set of products. “When you encounter being offered by anyone in any place using one or more of these sales promotional techniques, simply say NO! If you are really interested


on the item being offered or sold, be sure to look first for other alternative suppliers that may offer better price before making a decision,” said DTI provincial director Celestino Negapatan. Usually hard selling

technique is being used as scammers do their trick not allowing the victims to think as they fall on their prey. If they succeed, the victim/s could be paying for a product or bundle of products more than its true worth. “And at times upon reaching home, you realize the product is not useful as you are made to believe it is,” Negapatan said. “Think twice before spending your hard-earn money. Always have discernment on the motives of strangers selling products or services, to be able to avoid some nefarious sales schemes,” he added. Negapatan said that it would be wise to buy quality products and deal only with known stores and business establishments instead of ambulant sellers and sales promoters. “To get the best value for your money, be a vigilant and wise consumer,” he said. For interested parties, community groups and associations who want to learn more on consumerism, please feel free to visit the office of Department of Trade and Industry located at the 2ND Floor, Simtoco Building, Burgos Street, Surigao City or contact at telephone number 826-6129.


Basilan, Sulu OSY Dev’t Alliances renew plans, commitments for youth developmentBy: Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – The Out-of-School Youth Development Alliances (OSYDAs) of the cities of Lamitan and Isabela in Basilan Province and the municipalities of Indanan and Jolo in Sulu have renewed their commitments for youth development through reviewing their respective action plans.

Miriam A. Pahm, USAID-EDC Mindanao Youth for Development (MYDev) Project Deputy Chief of Party said that the OSYDA mechanism is gaining

positive impressions from USAID donors and other stakeholders even as some of the OSYDAs were organized very recently with less than a year of operation.


“There is reason to celebrate

the successes of the OSYDAs

endeavors, the way it is working,

we should really be proud that

we have something like this,” she

said noting that the mechanism is

unique and working.

For two days, the OSYDAs

have reviewed their action plans

and created a report card system

that will guide the accomplishment

of activities and programs initiated

for 2015. The alliances reviewed

their respective plans, the

viability of program and activity

implementation were also evaluated

and reformatted.

EDC Communications specialist

Christine Lumaad provided some

inputs on monitoring and evaluation

concepts at the workshop on

OSYDA Report Card System held at

Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga

City last April 14 to 15, which had

provided better understanding and

correct use of the monitoring and

evaluation terms.


Lumaad also explained the report card system that MYDev has developed for easy analysis on how far the alliance has accomplished and what further effective and more efficient strategies to be undertaken ahead that will make significant impact on the lives of the OSYs in the community. Aside from clarifying the indicators of successes in accomplishing the plans, the alliances also looked into the counterpart resources that the stakeholders have so far contributed along the way, to include those of the local government units and its attached agencies, the government line agencies, the service providers (NGOs), and the OSY representatives. At the end of the workshops, the members of the alliances have developed appreciation on the value of reviewing the plans and accomplishments, particularly documenting the counterpart contributions of each stakeholder and resolved to push the OSY agenda in all structures of society

from the family, to the barangays, and to a greater society. At the closing ceremony, USAID-EDC MYDev has given recognition and awards in appreciation of the commitments and accomplishments of the four alliances. Isabela City was awarded as the most active out-of-school youth development alliance. Lamitan City got the most promising alliance, Jolo was named most supportive alliance and Indanan was awarded as most pro-active OSYDA. The USAID donors, the service providers, and the beneficiaries agree that the OSYDA mechanism must be institutionalized towards a more sustainable youth development initiatives even after the 5-year MYDev program.


Sibugay teachers flock to GSIS second offsite UMID enrolmentBy: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) – Around 200 teachers from various elementary and high schools in Zamboanga Sibugay province have availed themselves of the second offsite UMID card enrolment conducted by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)-Pagadian Branch at the Department of Education (DepEd) Division Office here on April 20-22.


UMID, which stands for the Unified Multi-Purpose ID, is designed to be the single ID card used by all SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG members in making transactions. “The UMID card enrolment is part of the service desk package that the GSIS has established every third week of the month in Zamboanga Sibugay province,” Mr. Ronyl L. Reyes, service desk staff of GSIS-Pagadian, said. The GSIS service desk caters to queries and receives loan applications, retirement applications, maturity benefits and other claims such as death or funeral benefits. Ms. Locel B. Pait, a teacher of Maligay Elementary School in Siay town, said the UMID enrolment is very timely, as they are really planning to visit Pagadian City to register. “We are glad that GSIS decided to have the UMID card enrolment here in Ipil town. This makes it more accessible and hassle-free since we don’t have to travel and spend for fare and other expenses,” Ms. Pait

stressed. In a previous interview, Engr. Leoncito S. Manuel, GSIS-Pagadian branch manager said the offsite UMID enrolment would also be replicated in other municipalities to bring government services closer to the people. The UMID system is in compliance with Executive Order No. 420 which requires all government agencies and government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) to streamline and harmonize their identification systems.


TESDA-9 chief urges TVET graduates to be proactivePAGADIAN CITY, (PIA) – The Technical Education Skills and

Development Authority (TESDA), a government agency that

promotes and implements technical vocational education and

training has produced 499 graduates this year, according to

Regional Director Lorenzo Macapili of TESDA-9.

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy


In his message during the recently concluded mass graduation of Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) beneficiaries at the city gym here, Macapili said “the new graduates are already equipped with the adequate knowledge and skills in different Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) qualifications to suit and meet their future responsibilities and to achieve success in their chosen field.” Macapili told the graduates to be proactive rather than reactive, as the 21st century workforce must be creative and critical thinker to compete with other skilled workers abroad. “In TESDA, we see to it that our graduates are equipped with cognitive and other inter-personal and intrapersonal skills so that they can work and communicate well with others,” Macapili declared adding “TESDA graduates are self-directed individuals. They need not to instructed from their superiors when they are already in their respective workplaces because they

already knew their official duties and responsibilities.” Macapili. The graduates were given starter kits and tools during the graduation for them to use for self-employment. Under the TESDA’s TVET program, the graduate will look for work either wage employment or self-employment. “If the graduate cannot work in the wage employment, he can use the tool kits for self-employment,” Macapili explained. The TVET graduates who came from the different municipalities of the first and second districts of Zamboanga del Sur have availed themselves of such training funded by the congressional allocations of Representatives Victor Yu and Aurora E. Cerilles. “I am optimistic that the graduates can easily look employment in any place in the country or even abroad because they are already equipped with the necessary practical knowledge and skills,” Macapili concluded.


CDO hosts Senior High School summit

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The city government of Cagayan de oro is now ready in hosting the Senior High School Summit slated on April 21, in partnership with the League of Cities of the Philippines and Department of Education (DepEd), Division of Cagayan de Oro.

By: City Information Office

The summit’s theme is “Uswag Kagay-anon! Yes to Senior High School.” Cagayan de Oro, along with 10 other cities in the entire country, was chosen as a pilot area for the implementation of senior high school program. Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, President of the League of Cities in the Philippines, and other local chief executives are expected to grace the event.


Panguil Bay Development Council presents logo contest entries

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - At least 11 entries of the Panguil Bay Development Council (PBDC) Logo Contest were presented to the members, during the recent full council meeting held this city.

The summit, which is part of the City LEADERS (Lead, Educate, Advocate, Design, Effective and Responsive Senior High School) Project, aims to show the achievements of the 10 pioneer cities in their preparation for the Senior High School implementation, and to formalize partnership among establishments supporting the program. The “CITY LEADERS Gearing for Senior High School” is initiated by the League of Cities of the Philippines and funded by The Asia Foundation with

support from the Australian Embassy. DepEd is very grateful to Mayor Moreno’s tremendous help, particularly the construction of 309 classrooms in just 20 months in office. According to Mayor Oscar Moreno, more schools will be built by his administration, with the help and support of the Local School Board, to answer the 500-classroom shortage which was not given priority over the past years.

These entries were pre-selected by the Technical Working Group (TWG), as agreed by the PBDC, in its first quarter meeting at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Fish Farm and Training Center in Lala, Lanao del Norte, last Feb. 11. Open to all member local government units (LGU’s) of the PBDC, which were allowed to submit

up to three entries, each, the contest was aimed at increasing the level of awareness on the council’s mandate, which was reflected in the logo. Included in the PBDC are the following LGU’s: Bonifacio, Clarin and the cities of Ozamiz and Tangub in Misamis Occidental, Maigo, Kolambugan, Tubod, Baroy, Lala and



Joint inspection, validation team dismantle MILF training facility in IliganILIGAN CITY - Based on the validation and recommendation of the inspection team headed by the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade (IB) of the Philippine Army, and approved by the Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) training facility based in Sitio Limunsudan in Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City, was dismantled on April 18, 2015.

By: Lorry V. Gabule

The team supervised the soldiers and members of the Higaonon tribe in the dismantling the MILF training facility which included tiger jump, monkey bar, obstacle course, cottage, wooden training firearms and front gate watchtower. The training area was named 103rd Border Command. Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, brigade commander, 2nd Mechanized Brigade, of the 4th Mechanized Infantry

Battalion, Philippine Army, said the dismantling of the MILF training facility was the result of the inspection and validation conducted by the team on March 29, 2015 to verify if there was indeed a training facility in the area. The decision to dismantle was done collectively, peacefully, just to allay fears of the locals, as we were guided by the provisions of the ceasefire agreement, through peace

Kapatagan, in Lanao del Norte, and Aurora and Tambulig, in Zamboanga del Sur. Following the mechanics of the contest, winning entries will be judged on the following criteria: concept/relevance to the PBDC mandate, 40%, originality, 30%, and creativity and impact, 30%. Winners will receive a cash prize of P15,000, P10,000 and P5,000, for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners,

respectively, while non-winners will receive a consolation prize of P2,000, each, Angelilah T. Cabig, officer-in-charge (OIC), Information Unit, BFAR, region 10, said. Cabig said the PBDC shall have the exclusive rights to the winning logo design, while it also reserves the right to further refine or make improvements and/or alterations on the final artwork of the winning entries, Cabig added.


mechanisms like the CCCH and other members of the validation team, said Gapay. ww“We always abide with the peace agreement in conducting

operations,” he said. Meanwhile, MILF had been recruiting and training some 80 trainees since May 2014 at Purok 4 Limunsudan and on January this year another 80 trainees were recruited, said Eugenio Dimdim also known as Datu Gonsi, a tribal leader of Higaonon. After the training, they were promised to join the force with an offer of P15,000 to P30,000 monthly salary, including a five-hectare land to own. However the tribe leader was alarmed of their offer and to participate in their struggle, because they own the area and why offer such a parcel of land, when using the area alone as their (MILF) training facility could

mean a boundary dispute. “Limunsudan is really part of Iligan,” said Datu Gonsi. Higaonon tribe has claimed Rogongon as their ancestral domain. Dialogue will be the better option

as boundary dispute emanates, and we have our personnel from the PNP and AFP safeguarding the remotest area in Iligan. Meanwhile Iligan City Acting Vice Mayor Providencio Abragan Jr. said he would look into this matter, and take this up to the Sanggunian for proper deliberation for the Higanon

tribe as residents of Rogongon in Iligan City, to settle this boundary disputes between Iligan City, Talakag of Bukidnon, and Tagoloan II of Lanao del Sur. The dismantling of the training facility was witnessed by the team- with Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Tawan-tawan Caontongan, head of the Local Monitoring Team of Lanao del Norte, Capt. Rusli Bin Ahmad, team leader International Monitoring team (IMT), Acting Iligan City Vice Mayor Abragan, P/Supt. Roland Batolan, deputy director for administration of Iligan City-Philippine National Police, Jun Enriquez of Civil Society Organization (CSO), and the tri-media.


Total gun ban to be imposed in Davao del Norte for Palaro

DAVAO CITY-Total gun ban will be imposed in Davao del Norte in the duration of the Palar-ong Pambansa 2015 from May 3 to May 9, 2015 as one of the measures to strengthen public security. Speaking at the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing at the Task Force Davao Headquarters, Senior Superintendent Aaron Aquino, deputy director for operations of the Police Regional Office 11 said the total gun ban has been recommended by the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office. He said given the measure, all licenses ei-ther to possess or carry weapons will be sus-pended in the duration of the Palarong Pambansa. “All permits to pos-sess and carry weapons will be suspended by then,” Aquino said. He said the internal security that will handle public safety from the

billeting to the venues of the games will comprise five hundred police per-sonnel with the coopera-tion of the military and the volunteers from the local government units as force multipliers. Aquino also said that the police have also stepped up its effort to clear Tagum City from drug syndicates. He stressed that the authorities will deny nefarious individuals in exploiting the presence of many delegations and visitors in Davao del Norte during the Palaro. Aquino said the Task Force Davao and the Davao City Police Office will also augment the number of security forces by providing pro-tection and assistance in the ports, terminals and tourist destinations in the Island Garden City of Samal and Davao City where visitors might visit after the games. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalump-ines)


DILG awards Panabo as child-friendly LGU

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte- The City Government of Panabo has recently been awarded for being a child friendly Local Gov-ernment Unit for 2015 from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) during the Monday convocation sponsored by the City Engineering’s Office at the lobby of the New City Hall on April 13, 2015, Panabo City Mayor James G. Gamao together with Vice-Mayor Janrey Gavina, Hon. Emmanuel “Mawee” Pamisaran, received the award which was handed over by the Provincial Social Welfare and Devel-opment Officer (PSWDO) Arlyn Sem-blante. On the other hand, City So-cial Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) OIC head Jeannette La-moste also awarded the twelve (12)

Pantawid, Pamilya, Pilipino Program (4P’s) scholar coming from their respective schools and barangays who were able to garnered the valedictorian and salutatorian position in their class. The valedictorians are: 1) Christine Mae N. Corcino of brgy. Cagangohan, 2) May Lapuz at brgy. Tagpore, 3) Fatima M. Tomarocon of brgy. Tagpore, 4) JC Lord Verallo of brgy. Manay, 5) Lovelyn Ge-

mentiza of brgy.Waterfall, and 7) Rowell H. Talotalo of brgy. Katualan; While the salutatorians are as follows: 1) Marvin Mamontawan of brgy. San Nicolas, 2) Mark James Organdofrom brgy. Tagpore, 3) Maria Jobelle Imperial, 4) Gerry Mae Mon-cano, and 5) Shivore Digay of brgy. New Visayas. (CIO Panabo)

one mindanao - april 22, 2015

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