one mindanao - december 10, 2015

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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 Bliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’ 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

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]

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]

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA 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 EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSMARY MAY A. ABELLON, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information AgencyEXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

17

NORTHERN

Integrity forum in CDO underscores importance of choosing right leaders

16

20 Feature: A promising future in dairy farming

14

23

Largest shopping, dining and entertainment hub in ZamPen opens Dec.10

GSIS to grant Christmas cash gift to pensioners starting today

EU vows continuing support to Mindanao and its peace process

12

Cover Story

SOUTHERN

INFOCUS NATIONAL

Davnor holds PWD rescue training

1410

Contents

22

By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

OUR

CO

VER

DTI Surigao Norte holds ‘Christmas Bazaar’29By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

CARAGA

40 27

30 PopCom holds pop quiz, on-the-spot contestsBy: Angie Balen- Antonio

SOCCSKSARGEN OFWs celebrate OFW Family Day in Sarangani

26

SOCCSKSARGEN

24

By: Oliver Ross Rivera

WESTERN

3735Mayor Uy finalist for Sonia R. Lorenzo awardBy: Mary May A. Abellon

38 DOH spearheads anti-firecracker campaign in SibugayBy: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

4 December 10, 2015One Mindanao

Largest shopping, dining and entertainment hub in ZamPen opens Dec.10By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

5December 10, 2015 One Mindanao

Largest shopping, dining and entertainment hub in ZamPen opens Dec.10


Zamboangueños are all up and excited for today’s grand opening of the

largest shopping, dining and entertainment hub in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula - The Koronadal Commercial Corporation popularly know as KCC Mall de Zamboanga.


The mall, which sits on a four-hectare area at Governor Camins Avenue, is the city’s newest pride as its opening will boost economic activities and opportunities, thus creating more jobs.

Arvin Chan, top management of KCC said, “This is a major milestone, after two malls in General Santos City and Koronadal City, after 25 long years, we have finally found a third home in this beautiful Zamboanga City.”

After more than three years in the making, KCC will finally have its grand opening today, Dec.

10 where thousands of excited shoppers are

expected to flock. City Mayor Isabelle Beng Climaco-Salazar said that her administration tries its hardest to make sure and assure that business opportunities in this part of the region will be realized.

“We would like to show to you that because you believe in the City of Zamboanga, we super believe in you. We will work together

towards r e s i l i e n c y, towards building back a better city and hope that with your support and our partnership , we will be able to realized more economic opportunities for the poor,” the active lady mayor said during the mall’s blessing held recently.

KCC’s groundbreaking

It was a blistering hot afternoon of October 10, 2012 when KCC had its simple groundbreaking, recalled the city’s 1st district representative ng Celso Lobregat. He said the mall was supposed to be constructed in 18 months, but because of the fateful Zamboanga siege in September 2013 - where the city was attacked by rouge MNLF elements - there were delays in the construction


and w h a t ’ s

supposed to be an 18-month construction target ended up to be 37 months

“Some of the prospective concessionaires even had their doubts and some are on a “wait and see,” but these are all part of birthing pains and we just need to do as what needs to be done,” Rep. Lobregat recalled.

The congressman personally extended his gratitude to Chan Sui Lao, CEO/owner, KCC for putting a huge amount of trust and confidence in the city and for having great vision for Zamboanga.

KCC Mall de Zamboanga

Take your shopping experience to the next level as you experience the latest trends in food, comfort and entertainment.

This mall, which stands on an almost 4-hectare land at Governor Camins Avenue and has 120,000 square meter floor area boasts of its three-level department stores, with each floor level spaciously designed for the

buying public.

Be prepared to stand in awe for the KCC Supermarket, the biggest supermarket in Mindanao with its wide range of fresh products


sourced out directly from the best producers.

KCC also boasts of its best 3D and 2D cinemas with extra w i d e screens.

S p a c i o u s parking areas are also

available in the KCC vicinity for the public’s comfort.

KCC Chronicle

KCC Mall de Zamboanga is the third of the KCC chain of shopping malls in Mindanao and is the largest. Other KCC malls in operation are in General Santos City and Koronadal City.

KCC is considered as one of the prime mall developers in

Mindanao.

KCC had its meek beginning as a textile store in Koronadal City way back in 1951. It then expanded into a supermarket and department store as KCC Shopping Center in 1989.

It opened its first store called KCC Warehouse Plaza in General Santos in 1992. The store was later renamed to KCC Mall of GenSan in 1996 and after four years, KCC Shopping Center expanded into KCC Mall of Marbel.

One Mindanao10 December 10, 2015

TAGUIG CITY -- Boosting its efforts to provide power to more households nationwide, the Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded financial assistance to various electric cooperatives during the opening ceremonies of the National Energy Consciousness Month on December 7.

More households nationwide to receive electricity

As part of the Nationwide Intensification of Household Electrification (NIHE), around

P114-million were allocated to 22 electric cooperatives in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao covering

11December10, 2015 One Mindanao

30,512 households. This program is in support of the efforts of the government’s Total Electrification Program which aims to promote the benefits of electricity to uplift the economic well-being of our people especially in rural and remote areas. Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said “this program cements the partnership of the DOE and electric cooperatives to support the government’s goal of total electrification of the country,” while also encouraging all electric cooperatives to undertake a more detailed household electrification program to establish a long-term holistic electrification plan.

Under the NIHE, the DOE targets to provide power to at least 45,000 households for 2015-

2017 to reach its 90% household electrification aims by 2017. (DOE)

One Mindanao12 December 10, 2015

PASAY CITY -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is set to release Christmas cash gifts to a total of 235,180 elderly and persons with disability pensioners starting December 10, 2015. GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara said that a total of P2.6 billion has

been allotted for this benefit, higher by eight percent than last year’s allocation of P2.4 billion.

GSIS to grant Christmas cash gift to pensioners starting today

13December10, 2015 One Mindanao

Even so, he mentioned that, pensioners who received cash gift above P10, 000 in 2014, are entitled to receive one-month pension not exceeding P12, 600 this year. On the other hand, those whose 2014 cash gift is P10,000 and below, will be granted their one-month pension not exceeding P10,000.

Retirees who availed of the five-year lump-sum retirement benefit and have become pensioners after December 31, 2014, will get their cash gift for the first time this year, in an amount equivalent to their one-month pension up to P10, 000. In addition, pensioners living abroad and those in Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), who are on suspended status as of December 31, 2015, are also eligible to receive this benefit, provided that they activate their status, not later than April 30, 2016. After it, they will be entitled to receive their cash gift not later than May

31 2016.

However, Vergara elaborated that survivorship and dependent pensioners and retirees who will be receiving their regular monthly pension after December 31, 2015, are not entitled to receive the cash gift.

Also, retirees from 2011 to 2015 are considered ineligible to receive cash gift this year, as they will be qualified only after their retirement date.

On another note, members who were separated from the service from 2006 to 2015, before reaching age sixty, are entitled to receive their benefits, five years after regularly receiving their pension. These are pensioners under Republic Act 7699 (Portability Law) and pensioners receiving the pro-rata pension.

Questions on the grant of cash gift may be directed to the GSIS Contact Center at 847-4747. (GSIS)

14 One Mindanao December 10, 2015

EU vows continuing support to Mindanao and its peace process

MANILA-- European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen vowed continuing support to the Mindanao peace process at a press conference Wednesday.

“The European Union is impressed by the fact that the government’s and the MILF’s commitment to the peace process despite the delay of the adoption of the Bangsamoro Basic Law

has not changed”, Ambassador Jessen said, “and inspired with this firm resolve to peace, the EU’s eagerness and readiness to support the calls for a negotiated political settlement in Mindanao


remains”.

Meeting the press, the EU ambassador announced that he will visit Cotabato for the first time from 11 to 12 December 2015 to meet with peace stakeholders and to express the EU’s continuous support.

Ambassador Jessen said that despite the challenges encountered, the EU has decided to increase its funding to support peace and development in Mindanao. The EU remains one of the biggest foreign donors providing aid to Mindanao through a comprehensive approach supporting the political settlement and supporting longer term development. Mindanao is expected to benefit from two focal sectors

identified in the EU development strategy for the Philippines (2014 to 2020) such as inclusive growth through access to sustainable energy and job creation, and strengthening the rule of law. In parallel, the European Union has launched a new programme in support of the peace process and is providing € 5.5 m (Php 275 million) to allow for a smooth transition and to create conditions for the establishment of the autonomous region of the Bangsamoro and the election of its government. The programme will contribute to peace building and conflict mitigation, support the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro and strengthen local institutions and political processes.

qThe grants are being channelled through the Non Violent Peace Forces, NGO Fondation Suisse de Deminage, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, United Nations Development Programme and Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. (European External Action Service Manila)


Dairy industry needs more players says NDA

C AGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November 24 (PIA) – While milk and cream products consistently get into the top 5 agricultural imports in the past five years, National Dairy Authority

(NDA) Deputy Administrator Naomi k. Torreta urged investors to consider dairy farming industry while it offers a wider market.

Local producers now capture a growing share of liquid milk market that grew at an annual average of seven percent in the last five years (2010-2014), compared to only

five percent annual average growth of imported liquid milk. Torreta said local milk sufficiency has been stable for the past five years, and share of


local liquid milk has significantly increased to one-third (1/3) of the total liquid milk demand from mere one-fourth (1/4) level in 2010. She highlighted this during the 1st Milk Marketing Summit for Northern Mindanao Dairy Zones held in Cagayan de Oro city on November 24-26, attended by dairy processors, product distributors, producers, and other industry stakeholders. Torreta, however, said that the country’s farm gate prices for fresh milk remains almost the same from P30.38 in 2010 to P31.69 in 2015. With this note, she urged industry players to look into

production sufficiency to be able to pull the margin for local milk, adding further that, “while there is room for milk to be marketed elsewhere and even within the country, there is always a room for improvement for dairy farmers.” And to accelerate the expansion of the local dairy industry, the NDA is also helping farm owners’ as well as local government units, by providing access to cheaper and sustainable sources of local born and imported dairy animals. (JCV/PIA)

Integrity forum in CDO underscores importance of choosing right leaders

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 3 (PIA) – In an Integrity forum hosted by the Emmanuel Pelaez Foundation and Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals in Xavier University Cagayan de Oro City on 30 November 2015, it was emphasized the need for civil society to look into the kind of leaders to choose in the coming elections.

Dr. Ronald Mendoza of Asian Institute Management (AIM) shared the need for integrity and unity not just for the political leaders in the country but also the civil society. He said that it is sad to hear and see on television people say it is okay for officials to

be corrupt as long as the people are still being taken care of. He said that integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles and moral uprightness. It is also the state of being whole and undivided. Results from AIM Policy


Center’s study on vote buying in 17 Metro Manila cities in 2013 indicate that vote buying incidence in the area is 18.9% direct and 38.9% indirect. Mendoza said the country in one point, has actually more whole and undivided because of leaders like Emmanuel Pelaez, however, integrity breaks apart without that calibre of such leaders. He also shared that recently there had been reforms particularly on the transparency of the government. He cited one area in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has been practicing transparency and

participatory governance where they put in their bulletin boards, data or information of projects that the LGU has implemented and the money spent. He also lauded the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) because through this program, the young ones can go to school. In 2015, there were 863, 046 4Ps children who graduated from elementary, 333, 673 4Ps graduated from high school and more than 13,000 graduated with honors.


He said that these kinds of programs are the ones that could touch our hearts and remind us that this is the fruit of paying our taxes. Meanwhile, Atty. Alex Lacson, lead convenor of the Pilipino Movement for Transformational Leadership (PTML) shares during the forum the importance of selecting the right leader for the country. He cited that one of the worsening problems of our political leaders today is the political dynasties. According to a research conducted by AIM Policy Center in

2011 and 2014 that 70% of the senators and congressmen and 80% of governors and mayors belong to political dynasties. Further, it has also captured even the congress with 70%, Local Government Units (LGUs) 80% and the barangays with 90% in the political dynasties. Politics has become big business for political dynasties. He said that what we can do is elect servant leaders who are honest, competent and with strong political will. (JMOR/PIA10)


Feature: A promising future in dairy farmingWho could have thought we have a future in dairy farming?Local producers now capture a growing share in the liquid milk market as the National Dairy Authority (NDA) is continuously propagating stocks of local and imported dairy animals.

Fresh milk harvests according to NDA deputy administrator Naome Torreta is just a bonus, as farm operators can sell livestock to not less than P80,000 per offspring. NDA said the growing demand for milk and milk products offers a good opportunity for producers (and other actors in the dairy chain) in high-potential, peri-urban areas to enhance livelihood opportunities through increased production.

Green Acres experience Green Acres Dairy Farm, a business owned and run by Annabelle Fortich Jugador in Batingtingan, Alae, Manolo Fortich Bukidnon blooms as green as it’s named. It is a 35-hectare dairy farm that was opened in 2011 and now houses some 84 cows, with an average daily production of 800 kilos per day, or at least 16.7 kilos of milk generated from each cow.“Our farm maintained 18 sanitary


milking pens, a chiller and freezer that can hold 300 kilos of milk before it is delivered to pastillas makers, yogurt and fresh milk producers here,” Jugador said. She underscored to the media, during their recent visit in the farm, the importance they place in proper handling of the animals during lactation, providing them enough nutrients to ensure good production.

A dream comes true The entrance of “Dreamland Dairy Farm” truly gave pleasure to the eyes – a dream come true for the owners. The story began four years ago, a 20-hectare farm developed for agribusiness, and in each passing year, success was imminent, covered with trees and mostly grass, an enormous

two-story house adorned the entire site as it gives a scenic view of the farm through its expansive glass window.Last year, the Amil Family seek assistance from NDA to start a dairy farm, encouraged by the children’s drive to success. They secured some 35 imported cows from New Zealand through NDAs assistance, which now multiplied to 70 cows, with an average of 40 to 50 liters of milk produced daily, or two to three liters of milk from each cow.Like Green Acres, Dreamland Dairy Farm supplies fresh daily milk to Highland Fresh. The owner plans to expand the investment and make it available for visiting tourists as well. (Mariel B. Urdaneta/Nelia C. Quijano/JCV-PIA)


IPs urged to be wary of their safety while in the city for the holidaysDAVAO CITY-Authorities warned the Indigenous Peoples frolicking the city to ask for Christmas gifts to be wary of their safety from the flow of traffic to human traffickers who might exploit them by offering jobs elsewhere. The warning was issued fol-lowing the road accident involv-ing Linggona Batawi-Aliboy who incurred serious injuries during a road accident Sunday. The victim sustained a frac-tured leg after she was bumped by a motorcycle while crossing the pedestrian lane at the na-tional highway in Tugbok District. Batawi-Aliboy is recuperat-ing at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. Chief Inspector Ireneo Ca-burnay, chief of the Tugbok Po-lice Station mulled of deploying more policemen to look up to the welfare of the IPs during their stay for the holidays. “We will assign more police-men to look up for their safety while staying here temporarily,” he said. A total of 1,220 IPs are cur-

rently housed at the Tugbok Gymnasium in Mintal. Social workers also joined the call, urging parents to take care of the young children espe-cially when crossing the streets to ensure their safety. IPs were also warned against taking job offers from strangers to avoid human trafficking. The City Social Welfare and Development provides the sub-sistence for the IPs like noodles, canned goods and rice. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


Davnor holds PWD rescue trainingDAVAO DEL NORTE – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Man-agement (PDRRM) have intensified their rescue training to persons with disability (PWDs) that would help reduce their vulnerability and build their resilience during calamities. The training was attended by rescuers from various local gov-ernment units including members of the PWD sector headed by Engr. Darlito Palermo, the Regional PWD Sectoral Council Member from the National Anti-Poverty Commission. “Our problem in terms of in-clusion and participation of PWD’s in Risk Reduction and Management is the preparation sa mga respond-ers to accommodate the PWD sec-tor” says Palermo, who shared his personal experience when his fam-ily once evacuated due to massive flood in Bangkal, Davao City. “Kami sa sector sa PWD gi-na-dusoang inclusion sa PWD’s in crafting the plan (of PDRRM dur-ing calamity response). Ikaduha, matudluan nato ang responders unsaon pag-assist kung adunay kapansanan ang ilang i-rescue” (secondly we can teach the re-sponders how to assist if they res-cuing the differently-abled) added Palermo. DavNor Executive Director CCA-DRRM Romulo Tagalo also ex-pressed that this endeavor is their first engagement with the persons with disability as they are truly vul-nerable during disasters.

“Ang DRRM dili lang pang-res-cue sa mga physically able kundi pagsabot sa lain-laing panginah-anglan sa katawhan” (The DRRM is not to rescue the physically able but to understand the different needs of the people.) said Tagalo. Part of the said training was to have an idea how to live like a PWD. Physically able responders tried to become blinds, deaf and relying on a wheelchair for accessibility. “Nakita nato nga dili lalim ang pagiging buta, bungol ug naka-wheelchair sa pagpangayo ug as-sistance sa mga government of-fices, dako kayo ni nga wakeup call sa ato (We saw that it is not easy to be blind, deaf or wheelchair-bound in asking for assistance in our gov-ernment office this is a big wake up call for us). We need to prioritize them. Our PWDs are among the missing statistics in DRRM” Tagalo concluded.(PIO DavNor)


Tacurong City cited as model LGU in PCF implementation

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Dec 10 — In front of over 100 mayors attending the Performance Challenge Fund Breakthrough Summit, Mayor Lina Montilla took center stage and shared Ta-curong City’s success stories in PCF implementation.


Mayor Montilla, together with three other local chief execu-tives, served as resource speak-er and panelist in the summit organized by the Bureau of Lo-cal Government Development (BLGD) of the Department of the Interior and Local Govern-ment held at the Icon Hotel in Quezon City on December 3.

Other presenters included Governor Edward Adolf Plaza Plaza of Agusan del Sur, Mayor Concepcion Zarate of Pura, Tar-lac and Mayor Juan Sanchez of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.

The summit was held in col-laboration with Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), AusAID, Asian Devel-opment Bank, and Institute for Climate & Sustainable Cities.

In his message, DILG Under-secretary Austere Panadero ex-plained that they chose the four LCEs as sharers mainly because their respective Local Govern-ment Units (LGU) were among the best implementers of the PCF projects.

PCF is a financial incentive given to LGUs stamped with the DILG’s Seal of Good House-keeping or SGH. The fund is to be used for implementing high-impact projects that address the Millenium Development Goals.

Tacurong City received P3 mil-lion PCF incentive in 2011 for its bronze SGH, another P3 million for silver SGH in 2012, and P2 million for the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award received by the LGU in the same year.

The PCF, plus an LGU coun-terpart fund, was used for the concreting of road in Barangays Upper Katungal, Tina and Griño that benefited a big percentage of the city’s population.

“This summit is a good time to reflect on the LGUs’ shared experiences on PCF impementa-tion; to learn from one another and inspire each other as we continue to move forward on our quest for good governance and meaningful change in our communities”, Panadero said.

Meanwhile, BLGD Director An-naliza Bonagua lauded the LCE sharers for bringing positive changes to their areas through the PCF.

“You rise above the rest of the LGUs in the country because of your honest and good gover-nance”, Director Bonagua said. (ASFreno-LGU Tacurong City Information/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


SOCCSKSARGEN OFWs celebrate OFW Family Day in SaranganiBy: Oliver Ross Rivera

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 10 – OFWs and their fami-lies from the SOCCSKSARGEN region gathered for the annual OFW Family Day Celebration spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

OWWA 12 Director Marilou Sumalinog said some 1,367 overseas workers and their families joined the whole day of merriment held at the Sarangani Capitol Gymnasium in Alabel town.

“This simple celebration is in-tended to pay tribute and recog-nize the valuable contributions of our modern day heroes, the OFWs to the country’s econo-my,” Sumalinog said.

“It is very heartwarming to see our OFWs and their families enjoy a day of entertainment, games and surprises and savor the chance to mingle with their fellow OFWs,” Sumalinog added.

Sumalinog said the partici-pants were from of various OFW family circles, OWWA scholars, Public OFW Desk Officers as well as representatives from OWWA partner non-government agen-cies, social partners and recruit-

ment agencies.Gracing the event were mem-

bers of the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Coor-dinating Council XII (DOLE RCC XII) and officials of the Local Government Unit of the Province of Sarangani headed by Gover-nor Steve C. Solon.

Also present during the cel-ebration were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Nancy Binay, Rep. Manny Pacquiao and OWWA Board of Trustee Atty. Al-lan Montaño.

One of the highlights of the activity was the Trade Fair Com-petition participated by the OFCs per province. South Co-tabato Province was declared as the winner with their dis-play of products both processed food, and handicrafts as well as singng contest and raffle draw. (ORVRivera-PIA12 with re-port from OWWA 12)


Farmers prepare for Climate Change through SOA

BUTUAN CITY-- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga through the Information Section successfully conducted the mass graduation of School on the Air (SOA): Rice & Climate Change yes-terday at Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. Around 250 graduates from the rice farmers of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, instructors and agri-cultural students from Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) attended the activity.

By: Rhea C. Abao


Out of 250 graduates, 22 outstanding students were given recognition for their dedication and exemplary performance for the four-month training course. A plaque of recognition was awarded to the following: Christ John P. Alumbres, Jobert V. Besares, Jenelyn P. Bulawan, Kezia Mae A. Leagogo, Joyce R. Osigan, Cristal L. Peñero, Kristy T. Remarca, Rockly A. Tustado, Maries C. Villamor, Romie Jun A. Ylanan, Vicente V. Toyong, Marc D. Ytoc, Marilou G. Carmen, Rene E. Carmen, Emely G. Equiz, Aida A. Moreno, Rubilyn C. Otaza, Joelyn O. Pamado, Maricel N. Saraosos, Janice M. Tudio, Jean M. Saraosos, and Jona Fe B. Teaño. The SOA is a partnership activity with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)-Agusan and Regional Agrculture and Fisheries Council (RAFC) in coordination with the Provincial Agriculture Office of Agusan del Sur and the Municipal Agriculture Office of Bunawan. “The four-month study on air is a privilege that needed to be grabbed because this opportunity comes not everyday, that’s why I dedicate every Friday to actively listen and participate in the SOA,” said Brgy. Kagawad Rene

E. Carmen, outstanding farmer-student. The mass graduation was witnessed and attended by Municipal Mayor Edwin Elorde and ASSCAT President Juarlito V. Garcines. “Farmers should also helped themselves, make the acquired knowledge as an asset to improve harvest every cropping season. We are very thankful for the full support of the Department of Agriculture- Regional Field Office for giving us this unique tool in enriching farmers capabilities to be resilient in times of climate change,” said Mayor Elorde. Garcines also appreciated the non-formal education through the use of radio. He admired the effort and initiative of the Department in intensifying the campaign for rice sufficiency and security thru extension works with the help of mass media. “We are looking forward for our next partnership with the Department, we will continue to be allies for the development of the agriculture sector in the region,” said Garcines. The SOA mass graduation is also a part of the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) celebration.


DTI Surigao Norte holds ‘Christmas Bazaar’By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

The seven-day activity displays and sells locally produced goods from DTI-assisted entrepreneurs provincewide. The bazaar highlights various local products including gifts and novelty items, processed food,

native delicacies and baskets among others. DTI invites all Surigaonon to come, visit and buy local products at the “Christmas Bazaar Nan Surigao.”

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office on its effort to provide market venue for the local producers of the province is or-ganizing the christmas bazaar dubbed “Christmas Bazaar Nan Su-rigao” from December 4 to December 11, 2015 at the Luneta Park, this city.

filephoto: mindanews.com


PopCom holds pop quiz, on-the-spot contests By: Angie Balen- Antonio

The contests are joint undertaking of the Commission on Population (Popom) and the Department of Education (DepEd) that serve as an avenue where the students can best showcase their knowledge and skills in the field of population and development.

The following were adjudged as regional winners:Population Quiz : JOHN ALFRED L. LUGO - Butuan City Division

Essay Writing Contest : HANNA JANE B. GEOTINA - Surigao City

BUTUAN CITY -- Top students of the schools divisions in the region showcased their talents in the recently-concluded Regional Popu-lation Quiz and On-the-Spot Contests (Essay Writing, Poster Mak-ing and Jingle Writing and Singing) dubbed as Festival of Talents held recently here in this city.


Division

Poster Making Contest : JHANIEL GALVE -Surigao del Norte Division

Jingle Writing & Singing : MICAH F. NAVALES – Agusan del Sur Division

Each Champion received cash prize, certificate of recognition, medal and trophy. PopCom Caraga regional

director Alexander A. Makinano said that the regional champions will represent Caraga to the national contests sometime on February 2016 in General Santos City. The event is a yearly activity open to all high school students both public and private to increase awareness and appreciation on population issues and concerns and upgrade the student’s level of confidence in facing life’s challenges.


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay– The Department of Trade and Industry recently launched the Shared Service Facility (SSF) project at the Noodle Production Center of the Ipil Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative (IMAVEMCO) in Barangay Tiayon, this municipality.

By Alma L. Tingcang

DTI launches Shared Service Facility projects in Sibugay


DTI OIC Provincial Director, Engr. Al-Zamir I. Lipae briefly explained that, “SSF Projects targets to improve the quality and productivity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by addressing the gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain of priority industry clusters, through the provision of processing machines and equipment under shared system.” The five SSF projects that were launched were: Abaca Fiber Processing of the Lacnapan Planters Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LAPMCO); Noodle Production Center of Ipil Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative (IMAVEMCO); Rope Production of Upper Pangi IP Women’s Association; Rope Production of Hugpong sa Gagmayng Mag-uuma sa Purok Lagman; and Coconut Oil Processing of Gorgollo Memorial Foundation, Inc., all in Zamboanga Sibugay. Such projects will also give MSMEs access to better technology and more sophisticated equipment to accelerate their bid for competitiveness and help them uplift to the next level to tap better and wider market. IMAVEMCO Chairman, Ms. Lourdes B. Hinggo expressed

sincere gratitude to DTI for its support and assistance provided in all the cooperatives’ projects underway. The projects launched were the DTI’s contribution in the DAR-DTI synchronization. The Department of Agrarian Reform–Sibugay headed by Atty. Judith P. Mantos, provides project to IMAVEMCO under Village Level Processing Center Enhancement Project (VLPCEP) which is the concreting of the cooperative’s drying area for its noodles production and an amount for the laboratory testing of its products. The said projects are set to be turned-over soon. Highlighting the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between DTI and all the cooperatives which were ably represented by its respective cooperative managers.


By Mary May A. AbellonDIPOLOG CITY– Mayor Evelyn T. Uy of this city was recognized as one of the top five finalists of the first Sonia R. Lorenzo Award for Women in Leadership and Good Governance on Dec. 7, 2015 at University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila.

The said award was launched by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Kaya Natin! Movement, a civil society organization that promotes lasting change in the government, in recognition of women leaders in the local government who exemplify effective, empowering and ethical leadership. The lady mayor is the sole finalist from Mindanao while the rest were from Luzon. She has driven Dipolog into vibrant, dynamic and sustainable

city which proved that women can be good and empowered leaders in the field of politics. Meanwhile, the nominees were judged according to their leadership experience, promotion of good governance, service to the community, and promotion of the empowerment of women. The winner will be given a chance to conduct a short lecture on leadership and good governance to the students of UST, a cash prize of P50 thousand and a plaque of recognition.

Mayor Uy finalist for Sonia R. Lorenzo award


DOH spearheads anti-firecracker campaign in Sibugayby: Rhea Grace A. La PlanaIPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Health Regional Office 9 and Provincial Health Office, in partnership with the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office conducted Tuesday, December 8, a media forum on “Iwas Paputok 2015” at Roderics Resort, here. Anchored on the theme “Sa Ingay Walang Sablay, Sa Paputok Goodbye Kamay,” the activity was held in an effort to reach out to the general public on the government’s anti-firecracker campaign and raise their level of awareness on the dangers of using firecrackers to celebrate the holiday season. DOH 9 Health Education Program Officer, Ms. Virgie A. Galarreta, said, “For one’s own safety, we are encouraging the public to use safe merry-making instruments and alternative noise-makers such as “torotot”, car horn and loud music instead of firecrackers in the upcoming holiday season.” Police Officer Rodel R. Vergara explained the PNP directive to conduct inspection and confiscation of prohibited firecrackers as the PNP calls for strict enforcement of “Iwas Paputok 2015” aimed at

minimizing death and injuries. OIC-Director, Dr. Ruby C. Constantino of DOH 9 issued a press release urging the earnest cooperation of the local government units and the public towards achieving zero casualty during the 2016 New Year celebration. DOH underlined that safety must be everyone’s concern. Every firecracker that is ignited puts a person’s life at risk. All are encouraged to be vigilant while having fun in observing the spirit of Christmas and New Year holiday season.

one mindanao - december 10, 2015

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