one mindanao - april 24, 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

GIDEON C. CORGUE, 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

TESDA 12 gains ISO certification

NorthCot villages get P16M worth of infra projects

BSP Caraga steps up campaign on demonetization program

Aguinaldo assumes as 25th commander of 102nd IB

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24DA-XI assures farmers of sufficient interventions amidst drought

President Aquino welcomes the EU’s lifting of yellow-card warning to the Philippines on illegal fishing

Former Senator Angara remains confident in achieving peace in Mindanao

DTI releases latest suggested retail prices

Hydro power project in Bukidnon breaks ground

Solon hails efforts to clean up Iponan River

By: Ma. Jane A. Mayola

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

By: Carina L. Cayon

By: Jelly F. Angara

12

By: RPalencia

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

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1920

By: Dave G. Malcampo

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Jose Angelo Lorenzo S. Gomos

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERNINFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

38 DavNor billeting schools build ‘Palaro pathways’By: Noel Baguio

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4 APRIL 24, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

AMIDST the continuing disturbance of the long dry spell, the Department of Agriculture is reassuring farmers of sufficient interventions to

ease impact of the drought affecting Davao Region.

DA-XI assures farmers of sufficient interventions amidst droughtBy: Carina L. Cayon

5APRIL 24, 2015 One Mindanao

DA-XI OIC-Assistant Regional Director Maria Febe T. Orbe is confident that the region will be able to cope with the damage caused by the drought that severely hit the agriculture sector especially in Davao del Norte province.

Since the onset of the mild El Niño Phenomenon last quarter of 2014 as declared by PAGASA, DA in the region has been prepared of the needed interventions and has been monitoring effects and extent of damage that the calamity brings.

Orbe said the agency is focusing its monitoring and provision of assistance on staple products such as rice and corn, and high value crops such as banana which is also severely affected in Davao del Norte area.

From the provincial data reported as of April this year, more than 2,000 hectares planted to rice and corn have been affected with a thousand hectares totally damaged and more than 900 hectares partially damaged.

The possible loss in terms of volume totaled to 3,674 metric tons estimated to cost almost P56 million.

For rice area, the biggest damage recorded as of this month came from Davao del Norte that reached to more than P41 million in cost involving almost 700 hectares, followed by Davao City with estimated value of almost P6 million with 320-hectare area.

Rice damage in Compostela Valley particularly in the municipality of Montevista amounted to about P4.3 million with an aggregate area of 325 hectares, while damage in Matanao, Davao del Sur cost P130,000 in 93-hectare land.

Davao del Norte’s corn produce has also been greatly hit by drought with more than P3 million in damage cost involving around 500 hectares. In Davao del Sur, 188 metric tons of corn has been damaged amounting to P1.5 million.


Orbe said some of the less affected areas will possibly recover.

She said among the mitigating measures to ensure efficient flow of water in rice fields include the use of open surface pump irrigation and the intensified advocacy on canals cleaning.

Another intervention is the rice seed buffer stocking of drought-resistant varieties which are being planted in selected techno-demo farms in Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur.

“These varieties are already sold in the market by private companies. But we are providing free seeds to selected areas for the buffer stocking,” Orbe stated as she disclosed that drought-tolerant rice varieties are more expensive but generate higher yields than the less costly varieties.

She said techno-demo farms for the drought-tolerant rice varieties will also be established in Davao Oriental, although she added that the province is experiencing rainy weather unlike in other parts of the region.

DA’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) has recently conducted assessment in Davao Region, and recommended that the local government unit of Davao del Norte proceed to its request for Cloud Seeding Operations (CSO) having experienced the adverse impact of the El Niño Phenomenon.

Aside from the damage in rice and corn products, about 8,000 hectares out of the 23,772-hectare banana plantation in Davao del Norte, were also reported to have been damaged by drought, according to the data from DA’s High Value Crop Development Program (HVCDP).

Orbe said DA-XI is still waiting for the response of the LGU of Davao del Norte on the recommendation to conduct CSO which will cost about P3.5 million to P4 million with 60 flying hours to carry out the dispersal of salt crystals in heavy clouds to cause rainfall.

The funding will be provided by BSWM to be downloaded to the LGU, while the LGU will have to shell out ten percent of the total cost as counterpart.


In the letter recommendation from DA-XI Regional Director Remelyn Recoter, the LGU is also recommended to seek assistance from private banana companies to cost share “since most affected are the banana areas.”

Communication equipment like handheld radio transceiver has been purchased for close monitoring and reporting of disasters, Orbe disclosed.

She added that 30 transportation units (4x4 vehicles) are always on standby for emergency and disaster response use.

DA has also established an Advisory Quick Look Weather Forecast for all regions to keep watch and monitor weather system and rainfall patterns.

In March this year, DA-XI has reactivated its El Niño Team for a 24/7 operations and monitoring of the severe drought.

Orbe has urged all farmers to heed the call and advocacies of DA to help in mitigating the impact of El Niño.


“We also encourage the farmers, especially those affected of the drought to get in touch with us through their farmer’s group or association for appropriate action and intervention of their concerns,” the DA-XI official further urged.

Orbe stated that they need the cooperation and support of all stakeholders to further cushion the adverse effect of El Niño, especially if rain continues to be scarce.

Photo Credit: Adel Warren D. Sabelino/DA-XI


PNoy urges 4Ps HS grads to enhance their skills; help others

MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday urged the country’s first batch of high school graduate beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya program to strive hard and take advantage of government assistance to improve their lives. “Ang hiling ko lang po sa ating mga graduate: Linangin pa ninyo ang inyong sarili sa abot ng inyong makakaya; pangalagaan ninyo ang kaalamang inyong natatamasa dahil sa pagkakataon

at suportang ibinigay sa inyo ng Estado; payabungin pa ninyo ang inyong kasanayan para matulungan din ninyo ang inyong kapwa,” the President said in his speech delivered before more


than 10,000 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from the National Capital Region. during the second post-graduation event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

President Aquino said the government has already channeled P232.2 billion into the program, which has given impoverished youths a chance to develop themselves.

“Sa araw na ito, pinipitas natin ang paunang bunga ng ating pagbabayanihan sa pamamagitan ng Pantawid Pamilya. Ipinagdiriwang natin ang pagtatapos ng 333,673 kabataang bumubuo sa kauna-unahang batch ng high school beneficiaries. Bahagi po sila ng halos 754,400 kabataan sa buong bansa na kasalukuyang nasasaklawan ng tulong ng programa para sa secondary education,” the President said

The Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor families, primarily those with children aged 0-18.

“Nakatutok nga po ang

inyong gobyerno sa pagpapalakas ng ating Pantawid Pamilya, upang mas marami pang Pilipino ang magkaroon ng kakayahang panghawakan ang kanilang kapalaran,” the President said.

David Louie Manansala, who graduated valedictorian at Maligaya High School in Novaliches, also delivered a speech to inspire his fellow graduates.

Organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the event, which carried the theme “Pagtatapos Ninyo, Tagumpay ng Pilipino”, was aimed at recognizing the efforts of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries to fulfill their dreams of finishing high school.

The DSWD held the first post-graduation event at the Philippine International Convention Center last April 9 with 4,000 students.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Joel Villanueva and Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Patricia Licuanan attended the event to share their respective


President Aquino welcomes the EU’s lifting of yellow-card warning to the Philippines on illegal fishing

MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III has welcomed the European Union’s (EU) decision to revoke its yellow-card warning issued to the Philippines regarding measures to fight illegal fishing. The warning was issued in June last year after the EU deemed that the Philippines had previously not done enough to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The President said that “had

the situation worsened, this would have alienated one of the biggest importers of fish for the Philippines, which would have been a blow against our fishing industry and Filipino fishermen”.

“This is why I tasked

programs and services.

Also present were Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Education

Secretary Armin Luistro, and National Youth Commission Chairman Gio Tingson. (PCOO/PND (jm)


concerned agencies to work tirelessly to comply with the EU’s requirements. During my trip to Europe, I likewise discussed the issue with prominent EU officials to ensure that we are on the right track. I am pleased to report that, as of today, the EU has lifted its yellow-card warning against the Philippines,” President Aquino said in a statement issued on Thursday.

“Rest assured: We will continue to implement reforms to avoid a similar situation in the future, and strengthen our fishing industry even further. We are determined to do so, knowing just how many of our countrymen depend on this for their livelihood,” the President further said.

In a press statement, the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines said the EU “acknowledges the Philippines’ efforts to partner up with us in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.”

“Since an official dialogue started, the Philippines embarked on a series of reforms to upgrade its fisheries governance and successfully aligned it to international law. Achievements

made by the Philippines include the adoption of a new Fisheries Code with a deterrent scheme of sanctions, the improvement of the traceability and catch certification schemes, reinforced cooperation with Papua New Guinea for inspection and control and coverage of the activities of the long distant fleet operating beyond Philippines waters,” it said

European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella noted that “the Philippines has taken responsible action, amended its legal systems and switched to a proactive approach against illegal fishing”.

EU ambassador to the Philippines Guy Ledoux meanwhile said, “This recognition means that the ‘identification’ procedure that had started with a yellow card in June 2014 is stopped, the yellow card revoked – thanks to the good work done by the Philippines government and Congress.”

The country’s fishery exports to the EU amounted to EUR170 million in 2013, out of a total of EUR5.1 billion. (PCOO/PND (jm)


Former Senator Angara remains confident in achieving peace in Mindanao By: Jelly F. Angara

MANILA - Former Senate President Edgardo Angara has expressed optimism that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be able to finish the peace process in Mindanao despite the fatal Mamasapano encounter that claims 67 lives, including 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers last Jan. 25.


”It is a terrible tragedy. But all hope is not lost. With patience and political will, we can still forge the fair, just, and enduring peace that everyone deserves,” Angara, father of incumbent Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara, said in a press statement.

The former senator, who served the Cabinet of former President Joseph Estrada, is hoping that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro with the MILF will bear fruit despite the negative impact brought about by the Mamasapano incident.

Angara, however, advised the lawmakers to carefully pass a well-studied Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to ensure the protection of the rights and interest of the Bangsamoro and the Philippine government.

“From what I’ve read, the Bangsamoro law allows for greater and more substantial autonomy, there will be more resources with which the Bangsamoro can realize their development,” the former University of the Philippines president said.

”More work needs to be done to assure the larger public and the local Christian community that their interests will also be respected,” he added.

He said there is also need to rush the passage of the BBL.

”There has to be more calm consultations, more sober discussions, more intensive studies. So much is at stake,” Angara said.

He warned that if the Senate and the House of Representatives will pass a BBL that is not well-scrutinized, “it will become even more divisive rather than a unifying charter.”

Despite being out of public office since 2013, Angara remains an active figure in public service and academe.

Angara is set to launch his biography book entitled “Edgardo J. Angara: In the Grand Manner” on April 29. (PNA)


First in PHL: PhilHealth 12, tertiary school roll out collaboration to teach social health insuranceBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Apr. 24 -- In June, the Sultan Kudarat Edu-cational Institution (SKEI) in nearby Tacurong City will be teaching social health insurance to its nursing and midwifery students using modules de-veloped by PhilHealth 12.

PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander Padilla was in Koronadal City Tuesday for the signing of a memorandum of agreement with officials of SKEI for the collaboration that both parties described as “first in the country.”

SKEI is a higher education institute locate along National Highway in Tacurong City. Its students come from Tacurong City and municipalities in Sultan Kudarat as well as the provinces of South Cotabato and Magu-indanao.

SKEI President Soledad Tamondong-Eugenio signed the MOA in behalf of the school.

In his message Padilla emphasized: “This the first time that we are formalizing our entry into the academe with our modules


on social health insurance.” “It is also our first step to-

ward inculcating awareness, ap-preciation, and understanding the role of social health insur-ance in the lives of our fellow Filipinos.”

This initiative, he elaborated, would “help students learn how social health insurance upholds the values of health care protection and social soli-darity as well as appreciate the National Health Insurance Program of the national govern-ment.”

Once midwifery and nurs-ing students graduate they

should be able to “cascade the importance of becoming a PhilHealth member in the communities where they will be immersed or employed,” he said.

“We hope that the benefits of being a PhilHealth member will be a byword among them. In this manner, they will en-able their patients to access the widest range of health care benefits available.”

Per agreement, SKEI will ensure that the social health insurance modules -- one each for midwifery and nursing courses-- are integrated into


their curriculum.PhilHealth 12 developed

the module. It will also train school officials and teachers on the use of the modules.

“It took PhilHealth two years to develop the two modules,” PhilHealth 12 Regional Vice President Dr. Miriam Grace Pamonag told Philippine Infor-mation Agency 12 in an inter-view.

“Generally, the modules ex-plain in detail the National Health Insurance Program,” Dr. Pamonag said. “These also give focus on the principles of social health insurance, explain why people should pay for health insurance, what benefits can be gained form health insurance as well as the health benefits packages that they can avail as members of PhilHealth.”

Next week, she added, Phil-Health 12 officials will meet with SKEI officials for a roundtable discussion on the implementation of their collabo-ration.

This would be followed by a trainers’ training on the use of the modules.

Teaching of social health in-surance in SKEI should begin in School Year 2015-2016, she said.

On his part, Dr. Dante Eu-genio, SKEI school director, thanked PhilHealth officials for selecting SKEI as partner in this pioneering initiative.

“When I first heard about this program and PhilHealth’s intent to work with us, I asked: Why here in Tacurong? Why here in Mindanao?” Dr. Eugenio told the event participants.

“At first I thought it was a ri-diculous idea. When I became more familiar with it, I was en-lightened on the brilliance of this project.”

Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla, who witnessed the MOA signing, lauded the forg-ing of the PhilHealth-SKEI col-laboration.

“This is a very big help to the local government unit. The students who will be trained will be our strong partners once they become frontline health care providers in our communities,” Mayor Montilla emphasized.

Meanwhile, Padilla reasoned that they selected SKEI be-cause of its location that fa-vors the promotion of the ser-vices of PhilHealth.

“Social health insurance re-ally matter in areas where the poorest of the poor live and


TESDA 12 gains ISO certification

where there are still con-flicts,” he said. “In such ar-eas we can show that there is still hope and people will see that the government cares for them. It is in these areas that PhilHealth and its services

matter most.”If the trial with SKEI will

succeed, he added, PhilHealth will push for the replication of this initiative in other parts of the country. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Apr. 24 -- The SOCC-SKSARGEN Office of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA 12) is now an ISO-certi-fied agency.

Regional Director Zeus Am-puyas announced Thursday that TESDA 12 is among the TES-DA regional offices that were recently granted ISO 9001:2008 certification by the TUV SUD PSB Philippines, Inc., a German-affiliated company, as the third party certifying body.

Ampuyas said several TES-DA regional offices and the TESDA Central Office have been ISO certified since 2012.

This makes TESDA the second government and first education agency to receive a nationwide ISO certification, he added.

Ampuyas further explained that the certification covers TESDA’s system on its major

programs such as competency assessment and certification, program registration, and the standards development process of its central office.

Initial audit in SOCCSKSAR-GEN Region was done in TESDA North Cotabato Provincial Office in Amas, Kidapawan City on Oc-tober 15, 2014.

For the agency to keep its ISO certification, similar as-sessment will be done in all the operating units of TESDA throughout the region.

In response to the ISO cer-tification, Director Ampuyas thanked personnel for their diligence and cooperation.

“This new development


By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

would assure our clientele that our services especially in com-petency assessment and certi-fication and program registra-tion are at par with international standards,” he said.

TESDA Secretary Joel Villan-ueva, along with Labor and Em-

ployment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz received the ISO Certifi-cation from President Benigno Aquino III in a ceremony in Malacañang Palace on April 13. (RPalencia-TESDA 12/DEDogu-iles-PIA 12)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Apr. 24— Some P16 million worth of infra projects were turned over recently to nine villages in North Cotabato.

NorthCot villages get P16M worth of infra projects

The recipient villages include: Sinapangan, Grebona, Kapay-awi, Sinawilan and Ulamian in Libungan which now benefit from covered courts worth P1.5 million each; Barangay Pobla-cion in Tulunan with a rural health building expansion proj-ect worth P3.5 million; Baran-gay Dagupan in Kabacan with a Barangay Health Station worth P1 million; Barangay Poblacion, Arakan with rural health build-ing expansion project worth P1 million and Barangay Naje still in Arakan with a water system installation of a 5.34- kilometer main pipeline project worth P6

million.The water system was funded

through a counterpart scheme between the provincial govern-ment and the local government unit of Arakan wherein each shared P3 million.

Governor Emmylou Men-doza said that the projects are all aimed at uplifting the living conditions of the people in the province. She also stated that the projects were implemented through effective coordination between the provincial govern-ment and the LGUs.

During the turnovers, the governor noted that the pro


vincial government through its respective departments and offices will implement more pro-grams and projects.

Meanwhile, Mendoza acknowl-edged the support of the local chief executives of Libungan, Arakan, Tulunan and Kabacan as well as the village officials of the recipient barangays for adhering to the advocacy of “Serbisyong Totoo”.

“My sincerest thanks and also commendation to our local lead-ers for believing that if we work together we will achieve fur-

ther,” she emphasized.With the projects, the prov-

ince’s chief executive is optimis-tic that these would bring posi-tive impact to the lives of the beneficiaries especially to those who are in far-flung areas.

She then appealed to all Cota-bateños to continue supporting the program and projects of her administration to ensure more progress and development in the province. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)


BUB reporting system goes on-lineBy: DENR-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Conservation and Development Division conducts a learning session on Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB) on-line reporting system on April 16-17, 2015 at the DENR Regional Training Center, Ambago, Butuan City. The learning session aims to capacitate the key players who will be responsible in providing systematic and efficient process of reporting and analysis on the implementation of BUB project in the region. The seminar was attended by 29 participants


BSP Caraga steps up campaign on demonetization programBy: Ma. Jane A. Mayola

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) - Butuan City Branch represented by Francis Alfred Bokingo and Glizrel Rose Zarate recently conducted an Information Campaign on Demonetization Program of the Philippine Banknotes held

at the Provincial Guest Center, this municipality.

composed of BUB focal person from field offices, National Greening Program (NGP) technical staffs and regional office representatives. “We are hoping that through the conduct of this activity, we would be able to fast track the leveling-off of information and be able to submit our reports on time,” NGP regional coordinator Sarah Parejo said.

BUB is an approach used in preparing the budget proposal of various agencies, taking into consideration the development needs of cities/municipalities as identified in their respective local poverty reduction action plans that shall be formulated with strong participation of basic sector organizations and other civil society organizations.

The activity aims to inform the public, through the local government, about the Demonetization Program of the BSP which is the process of removing the monetary value

of the New Design Series (NDS) and to be replaced by the New Generation Currency (NGC). BSP personnel explained during the orientation that the public may continue to use the


DTI releases latest suggested retail prices

SURIGAO CITY - The Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) under the Consumer Protection Group of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently released the suggested retail prices (SRP) of basic necessities and prime commodities, as of April 16, 2015.

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

The new released suggested retail prices succeed the March 15, 2015 SRP released. The April 16, 2015 SRP is almost the same with the March 15, 2015 SRP except for the reduction of the prices of the Nescafe (Classic) 25g (grams) and Nescafe (Classic) 50g from the price of P20.75 down to P19.70 and P41.00 down to P38.95, respectively. Major retail establishments

in the city will be provided of the latest SRP for their information and posting for information of the buying public. Consumers interested to know about SRP and other related concerns are encouraged to visit and contact the Department of Trade and Industry at the 2nd Floor, Simtoco Building, Burgos Street, this city or contact telephone number 826-6129.

NDS banknotes up to December 31, 2015 in paying and buying of goods and services and other business or financial transactions requiring the use of cash and thereafter, the NDS banknotes will no longer be accepted for payment transactions. They encouraged everyone who has the NDS banknotes to exchange the bills into the NGC

bills with authorized financial institutions such as; universal and commercial banks, thrift banks, and rural banks as well as cooperative banks. The said activity was attended by the provincial and municipal employees from the different municipalities of the province.


ZABIDA presents ‘Convenio’ program for peace and developmentBy Dave G. Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Zamboanga Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc. (ZABIDA) has presented the “Convenio II program” during its annual partnership forum held here recently.


According to ZABIDA president Fr. Angel Calvo, Convenio is “a project on peace, good governance and disaster risk reduction management supported by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECID) and Manos Unidas.” The project will be carried out here and three municipalities in Basilan namely Akbar, Maluso and Lantawan. Fr. Calvo furthered that Convenio aims for the “construction of a culture of peace, addressing

the settlement of conflicts and overcoming traumas, dealing with the causes for the lack of peace and encouraging values and attitudes, which will help to build multi-cultural communities in the Philippines.” During the program, the participants from the local government units of the said municipalities as well as Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar signed a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the program.Convenio will run from 2015-2018.


Aguinaldo assumes as 25th commander of 102nd IBBy Dave G. Malcampo

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, April 24 (PIA) - Col. Andres S. Aguinaldo Jr. has assumed as the new commanding officer of the 102nd Infantry “IGSOON” Brigade based in this town. Former brigade commander BGen Ignacio A. Obligacion takes on his new post as Assistant Division Commander of the 9th Infantry Division in Camarines Sur. The Change of Command

Ceremony was held on April 16, 2015

at the 102nd Brigade headquarters,

Sanito, Ipil, this province with BGen

Gerardo F. Barrientos Jr., 42nd

commander of the premier division,

the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division,

as guest of honor and presiding

officer.


“One of the finest traditions in

the profession of arms is the passing

of command from one officer to

the other. It entails a completion

of his tour of duty and a sense of

fulfilment,” General Barrientos said.

Barrientos said when he left

102nd Brigade in 2013, he had high

hopes that Obligacion would catapult

the unit not only maintaining its

stature as the number one brigade

of the 1st ID but also to maintain the

rapport that has been established

from among their constituents.

“The 102nd brigade was at

the forefront in addressing the

Zamboanga siege in 2013. Though

we lost some of our soldiers, their

loss was not in vain,” Barrientos

recalled. He cited Obligacion as a

worthy commander and deserving

of his new post as Assistant Division

Commander of the 9th Infantry

Division based in Camarines Sur.


He said another very

competent officer is leading 102nd

IB in the person of Col. Andres

S. Aguinaldo Jr., former deputy

brigade commander of the 103rd

IB in Marawi City.

In his message, Obligacion

said there were only two things in

his mind when he came one year

and eight months ago. First was

the accomplishment of the mission,

and second was the welfare of the

men.

“To everyone, salamat sa

cooperation and support, and for

the friendship which I will treasure

and bring with me in my new

assignment, and even when I retire

from service a few months from

now,” Obligacion fondly affirmed.

On the other hand, Aguinaldo

extolled the excellent command

and leadership of Obligacion, thus

achieving a significant mark in

upholding the primacy of the peace

process and spearheading local and

national development initiatives.

“All your deeds for the unit will

be my guiding post and benchmark

in this new designation as the

25th commander of this unit. Rest

assured that I will uphold the same

objectives of sustaining the peace

process, intensifying developmental

efforts in our AOR and enhancing

military capability and readiness,”

Aguinaldo assured.


Gingoog Information Officers get Basic Journalism training-workshopCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Close to 50 Information Officers of Gingoog City experienced on April 14-15, 2015 a two-day training workshop on Basic Journalism.

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

Conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) region 10, the training included basic news writing, press photography, broadcasting and even using the social media and blogging for information dissemination. Information is a basic tool in the development process, a government that encourages people participation and empowerment in such a process, especially at the grassroots level, this tool is vital. According to Edmar C. Pabia, media bureau chief


Hydro power project in Bukidnon breaks groundCAGAYAN DE ORO -The 68.8 megawatt (MW) Manolo Fortich Hydroelectric Power Plant Project in Bukidnon signals start of construction during a ground breaking ceremony on April 22, 2015 at Brgy. Maluko, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. This project is seen to generate about 68.8MW of clean and renewable energy for Mindanao. Developer and operator of this run-of-river hydropower systems, Hedcor, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Inc., is geared to help local community particularly the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), provide jobs and protect the environment. “This project will succeed because we will take care of the community and

the environment before we can make any money,” says Hedcor President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Rene B. Ronquillo. Further, this project will be the province’s first hydro-powered energy source, harnessing the Tanaon, Amusig, and Guihean rivers. It is designed for two cascading plants. The first plant, Manolo Fortich Hydro 1 will have an installed capacity of 43.4MW while, the second plant,

by Jose Angelo Lorenzo S. Gomos

of Gingoog, information is indeed vital to community development. Further, it is important that information officers of the city also know how to craft simple but substantial articles about the projects or activities in their offices that will benefit the community. Meanwhile, PIA Regional Director Thelma B. Oliver discussed the role of Information Officers that aside from being the source and giver of information, an information officer also act as communication consultant, advocate, media coordinator and social mobilizer among others. Following the training, it is envisioned that the participating

City Government will support the establishment of a City Information Office in their respective domain to serve as “clearing house” and “unified source” of development news stories and news images, and for the PIA-Gingoog city Information Network to be effective and fully operational. Feedback from the participants included appreciation to the training workshop. They also wish to get more training especially on photography. On the other hand, the LGU also plans to make another round of the same training for the barangay info officers.


Solon hails efforts to clean up Iponan RiverCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - People can now enjoy swimming at Iponan River. It is back to normal.

Manolo Fortich Hyrdo 2 will have an installed capacity of 25.4MW. One purpose of the project is to support local residents and the IP, especially the Higaonon Indigenous Community. The project will open road which can aid communities to transport local produce. Another benefit will include preference employment for qualified locals to operate and maintain the plants. The project’s weir site can also provide for communities’ irrigation and watering livestock. In addition to benefiting the lives of the IP and members of the local community, this run-of-river project will not result to fatal environmental impacts but will diversify the use of

available natural resources. According to Marissa Cerezo, Renewable Energy Management Bureau Assistant Director of the Department of Energy, “It’s important to gather first your resources and identify what you have.” During the groundbreaking, local communities and Hedcor signed their commitments as well as the symbolic first shoveling of the soil. One highlight was the burying of a time capsule comprised of the dreams of Higaonon children. With Hedcor’s vision to generate two billion KWh by 2020, construction of the plants will commence in the second quarter of 2015.

Councilor Zaldy Ocon, chair of the committee on environment and natural resources said after Edwin Dael, officer-in-charge of the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) confirmed that hundreds of Kagay-anons spent their Easter Sunday celebration and enjoyed the clean and clear flow of the Iponan river.During the meeting last week, Ocon lauded the CLENRO team headed by Dael and Roy Baltazar for continuing efforts to bring back life to Iponan River.

In response, Dael hailed Mayor Oscar Moreno, Councilor Ocon and all agencies that extended their full support to CLENRO. In a related development, the CLENRO will spearhead the release of 50,000 fingerlings of Tilapia on April 22 at Iponan river in celebration of the International Earth Day. According to Dael, residents along the river at barangays Pigsag-an, Tumpagon, Canitoan and Iponan will benefit from the project. He said the fingerlings will be provided by BFAR.(ELB/CdeOSP)


Power firm opens its Clean-ergy Park in Davao City

DAVAO CITY-The Aboitiz Group of Companies formally launched its Cleanergy Park, at Punta Dum-alag, Barangay Mati-na-Aplaya, the former sanctuary of Hawksbill Turtle in the Davao Gulf area. The Davao Light and Power Company, a subsidiary of the Aboitiz Power added structures to provide and enhance visitors’ experience like

a turtle sanctuary view-deck, a Mangrove board-walks, weather station and learning center and a seedling nursery and botanical garden. Jose Aboitiz, ex-ecutive vice president and chief operating of-ficer of the Aboitiz Power Distribution Group said the park represents the firm’s sustainability mindset- to do well by doing good, always mak-ing the right long-term decisions that balance


the interests of people, planet and profit. He recalled spending his child-hood days in the area, frowling around during picnics with his family. “The park nurtures environment conservation and biodiversity en-hancement, a flag-ship project in the company’s sustainability mindset,” Aboitiz said. He underscored that sustain-ability has been the direction of the company geared towards preserv-ing the environment as they provide energy to the citizenry. Aboitiz cited these sustainabil-ity efforts which include race to re-duce program that promotes efficient use of water, paper and electricity, wealth on waste that aims to cre-atively recycle waste materials after its useful life and the A-Park program that pledged an additional six million trees by 2020 over the 3.4 million already planted in 2010. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in a message read by Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre said that the Cleanergy Park comes as the country braces for the impact of climate change. He urged the people to preserve the environment even if the coun-try’s carbon foot print is insignificant to that of developed and developing countries which contribute much to the global warming leading to chang-ing weather patterns. Duterte stressed that the envi-

ronment is the most important and significant in all resources.

“Too much or too little care will not only impact on the economy, but also to the health and welfare of our people. It is the reason that the en-vironment needs thorough focus,” he stressed. Duterte pledged to support ini-tiatives like that of the Cleanergy Park in form of policies that will lead to real solutions. However, he pointed out that government alone cannot do it. Duterte said the engagement of stakeholders is needed and that the Cleanergy Park might be replicated by other entities. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


DavNor billeting schools build ‘Palaro pathways’

DAVAO DEL NORTE– Elementa-ry and high school sites tapped to billet delegates to the Pal-arong Pambansa 2015 literally typified the theme of the na-tional games: “Breaking Bor-ders, Building Peace”. ‘Palaro pathways’ now connect the adjoining elementary and high school campuses, which were previ-ously separated by sturdy concrete walls and fences. Governor Rodolfo del Rosario was elated to see the schools broke down a portion of their fences to connect their campuses. “Our billeting quarters exempli-fied our theme in the literal sense when bordering elementary and high schools opened their fences to con-nect their campuses,” he noted. The governor made rounds in schools used as billeting areas for the delegates, in order to ensure first-rate hosting of the country’s biggest sporting event on May 3-9. Most of the adjoining campus-es were separated by sturdy con-crete walls and fences that establish school territories and promote stu-dent safety. The fence make it easy for ad-ministrators to easily keep watch over the property and monitor the flow of individuals entering and com-ing out of the campus.

However, the barriers will give some inconvenience to the delegates trying to get to their fellows from the same region who were housed in the adjoining site. The governor said the opening in the fences now makes it easier for the officials and delegates to breeze through the borders of the billeting quarters of the Palaro. Davao del Norte is hosting the 2015 edition of the country’s largest school-based games supported by the Tagum Agricultural Development Company Inc. or TADECO, Damosa Land, Davao Packaging Corporation (DPC), Davao International Contain-er Terminal, Inc. (DICT) and Pearl Farm Beach Resort. “The passageway now results to a better collaboration of issues of mutual interest among the two schools,” says Virginia Maningo, Prin-cipal of La Filipina National High However, she is quick to add that they will impose some access control in the passageway when the school year opens in June to ensure safety of the students.(noel baguio/davnor pio)

one mindanao - april 24, 2015

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