one mindanao - december 11, 2013

PASKO SA ILIGAN 2013: Celebrating the Season in the Christmas VillageLorry V. GabuleNorthern Mindanao

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013 Vol. 3 No. 81

President Aquino to meet with Filipino community for the second time in Japan

NATIONAL

10

OUR COVER

Today’s news...

Page 4

NORTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

MCW hosts Social Media ‘Planning for Peace ’ Conference 29

CENTRAL MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

Kidapawan City mayor assures brgy officials of projects, programs implementation

Over 3,000 children, senior citizens benefit from NorthCot’s “Pasko sa Piling ni Gob Lala”

32 33

KM5 Elem School is Fr.William F. Masterson, SJ Elem School

More rice to food packs

16 16

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Shahana Joy Duerme

Robert E. Roperos

Oliver Badel Inodeo

ARMM

Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

Apipa P. BagumbaranNFA Lanao del Sur intensifies local palay procurement 37Do not let our negative voice be louder than our positive voice – Asec. Boncato 40

Page 8

Page 12

Page 14

Page 18

8

CARAGA REGION

BSP partners NSO for 2013 Public Perception Survey

One month after end of program, C4TP yields 48% employment rate in Caraga Region

19 20

OUR COVER

COVER STORYPASKO SA ILIGAN 2013: Celebrating the Season in the Christmas Village

Colorful, festive and joyful merry making, traditional Christmas decors and symbols, plays a major part in the season’s celebration.

In his message during the launching of Pasko sa Iligan 2013 Christmas Village on December 6, City Mayor Celso G. Regencia expressed that under his administration, he recognizes and supports unified community Christmas celebrations and spearheads program that embodies the essence of “forgiveness, sharing and giving.” Mayor Regencia created an Executive Management Board that would plan and decide various activities relative to the aforementioned project, to be carried out and participated by all offices of Iligan City Government, schools, industries, private and non-government agencies.

During the launching, the ceremonial lighting and switching on - of the 40 feet Christmas tree was held at the Anahaw amphitheatre, city hall, Pala-o. The giant tree is atop a sloping hillside near the semi-circular terraced rows of benches of the amphitheatre. This was spearheaded by Mayor Regencia, along with City Vice Mayor Ruderic

By Lorry V. Gabule

5

Marzo and some of the SangguniangPanglungsod members. All activities for the month shall be seen and witnessed at the Anahaw Amphitheatre city hall grounds, said Lamberto ‘Macky’ S. Macapagal, Jr., chairman, Executive Management Board, 2013 Christmas Village. One of the highlights of the ‘Pasko sa Iligan 2013 Christmas Village’ is the Night of the Mindanao Dances performed by MSU-IIT Kalimulan Dance Troupe at the city hall’s amphitheatre on December 8. It’s a display of dance steps portraying the people’s culture, traditional & lives of the natives and their beliefs. The renowned Kalimulan Dance Troupe has been performing here in our country and abroad. Twenty-two departments, to include different offices from Iligan City Local Government join the ‘Light A Tree’ around the city hall premise. Offices from the Education Department, Iligan City Police Office, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, private sector like the Iligan Chamber,the Iligan Hotel and Restaurants Association (IHARA), and other plant industries within Iligan, have accepted the invitation in the light of making the Christmas celebration in Iligan

a success. The ‘Christmas Booth Contest’ participated by nine barangays showcases Christmas symbols like Christmas tree, belen, lantern and others. The installation of booth started last week of November up to December 6. Recognition for “Most Symbolic,” “Well-lighted,” and “Well-decorated” booth shall be awarded during the culmination day. Macky Macapagal cited the participation of only few barangays due to time constraint in the preparationas other newly-elected barangay chairpersons have just assumed into office effective December 1. To make the celebration more festive and joyous, weekend activities are highlighted by performance of various groups, and a food court starting December 6, 2013 until January 5, 2014.Inter-Barangay Children’s Caroling

Contest - On December 13, the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) will hold its Night which is open to all residents of barangays in Iligan. Contestants aged seven to 15 years old, with a minimum of 12 and maximum of 20 members for the participating group, with only string instruments allowed for the accompaniment. Judging shall be based on musical interpretation, 40%; blending/connection, 30%; technique/choreography, 20%; and timing/rhythm, 10%. Search for Singing Market Vendor- The singing talent search on December 14, is open to all market vendors of Iligan. Contestant must register together with their Association President

at the Economic Enterprise Development Management Office (EEDMO) office, this city. Criteria for this competition shall be on voice quality, timing and enunciation, stage decorum and star quality. Voice Power: Battle of Singing Stars - The first elimination night was on December 7 while the grand finals will be on December 22. Twelve participants vied to the first elimination round, the official six singing stars will compete on the grand finals. This is a battle of singers who are residents from Iligan. Iligan City Government Employees Night - A Christmas Party for city hall employees on

7

December 20 with a ‘Daygon (Caroling) Contest’ from eleven offices within city hall. As their contribution to raise funds for Typhoon Yolanda survivors, there will be raffle tickets, which thirty percent of the tickets sold shall go to prizes for the event, while the seventy percent of tickets sold shall donated as aid to Yolanda survivors. Senior Citizen’s Night (Star on 60) - An individual talent competition search open to senior citizens from all barangays within Iligan, scheduled on December 27. Any talent on singing and dancing will be judged according to its originality, audience impact, stage decorum, and talent presentation. Other activities include Night

of Music and Bands on December 21 and Videoke King and Queen on December 28. The month-long events will be highlighted with fireworks display on December 22, and shall culminate on January 5, 2014 for the awarding of Christmas Booth Contest. Despite the recent calamities which struck our country, we still need to celebrate Christmas and be thankful that we shall be reminded again of the nativity of the Almighty, the giver of life, expressed Macky Macapagal. Thus, this festive wholesome approach serves as a venue for the family and ‘barkadas’ bonding moment, as well as tourist destination for visitors, Macapagal said.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013 8

Mayor Alfred Romualdez acknowledged the support extended by the national government to his devastated

city in the aftermath of super typhoon “Yolanda”, hoping it would set the record straight on some reports circulated by the national media following his emotional appearance during a recent Senate hearing, City Administrator John Tecson Lim clarified on Wednesday.

Tacloban city mayor acknowledges support extended by national government

“May sound bite po na lumabas na baka ma-quote nang mali na

parang sinabi niya walang ginawa ang national government. No, he actually


recognizes that, and actually wants to thank everyone for it,” Lim told reporters here, on behalf of Mayor Romualdez, after a meeting with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC).

Lim said Mayor Romualdez would like to thank everyone, not only the members of the RDRRMC, but all the personnel sent by the local government units and the national government agencies from different regions that responded to their cry for help.

A tearful Romualdez spoke before members of the Congressional Oversight Committee on the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management hearing at the Senate last Monday, where he disclosed that Interior Secretary Mar Roxas initially denied him his request for additional manpower from the national government until a written ordinance was accomplished to legalize the said operation.

The issue immediately became a hot topic that polarized public opinions which the local government of Tacloban would rather not inflate,

Lim said, hoping that those who are currently involved with the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in the area would not get affected by it.

“There are some issues now in the national media which he actually wished to just stay away from… Hindi naman po siguro sinasadya ng mga istasyon (ng media) na ‘yon na naputol po ‘yung sound bite,” Lim said.

“He asked me to personally convey to everyone his extreme gratitude in the service that you have been providing Tacloban City. He really appreciates the same and actually urges us to continue working together, hand-in-hand, and be focused sa task natin na ito at hindi po magpadala doon sa mga nangyayari doon,” he added.

Lim stressed that they truly appreciate all the help they are getting from all sectors. “We can never thank you enough. Alam ko parati na lang po ako thank you nang thank you. Pero, again, we cannot thank you enough. Maraming-maraming salamat po,” he concluded. PND


It will be the first on his itinerary during his three-day official visit here to take part in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Commemorative

Summit which will be held on December 14 (Saturday).

The President will have an opportunity to interact with several of the 202,974

President Aquino to meet with Filipino community for the second time in Japan

For the second time since assuming office, President Benigno S. Aquino III will be meeting with the Filipino

community here upon his arrival on Thursday.


Filipino nationals living and working in Japan.

This is the second time President Aquino will be holding an event with the Filipino community here. The first was during his visit in 2010 when he attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Yokohama.

He is expected to address the Filipino organizations who have been contributing a lot to the Philippine economy through their remittances that reached USD 452,048,000 as of August 2013.

During the slated meeting to be held at the Large Hall of the Arts Building of the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center, the Filipino community will be handing over a symbolic check for Y1 million for victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) to the Chief Executive.

The President will also award the Presidential Medal of Merit to National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Ambeth Ocampo.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez will deliver remarks as well as Joyce Ogawa, chairperson of the Philippine Assistance Group representing the Kanto region and Jocelyn Yoshitomi, chairperson of the Philippine Community

Coordinating Council representing the Kansai Region.

Filipinos comprise 10 percent of all foreign nationals living in Japan and are its third largest population of foreign nationals. Official data from the Japanese government show that there are 202,974 Filipino nationals in Japan of which 6,908 have no valid visas.

More than half of all Filipinos here are permanent migrants, most of them are spouses, relatives of Japanese nationals or permanent visa holders. About 46 percent of the entire Filipino population here are Filipino temporary migrants comprising of overseas workers with working visa (7%) and those without working visas (38%).

Temporary migrants with work visas are mainly engaged in education, technical skills training, engineering, intercompany work, among others. More than half of them are technical trainees while the second largest group of Filipino workers here are engineers.

The President will depart Manila on Thursday. He will be welcomed by Ambassador Lopez and other Embassy official upon his arrival at the Tokyo international Airport, Haneda.

12WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

GPH-MILF peace process not a violation of Constitution

Speaking over a local radio station here, chief government negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, stressed that the Framework Agreement on

Bangsamoro did not violate any provisions of the Philippine Constitution.

Muslimin Sema, chair of a bigger and politically active faction of

The government peace panel chair in the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday said there is no truth

to claims by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that a ministerial form of government is unconstitutional.


GPH-MILF peace process not a violation of Constitution

the MNLF, has said that the FAB clearly violates the Constitution because it is unitary while the FAB is trying to establish a ministerial form of government in Mindanao.

Ferrer stressed that the government peace panel was certain that any agreement it entered into with the MILF does not in anyway violate the Constitution.

“That is why any agreement we can agreed upon will be subjected to democratic process and must pass the Philippine Congress,” she explained.

The MNLF under Nur Misuari faction has been rattling against the Framework Agreement because of its belief that the government has abandoned the 1996 GPH-MNLF Final Peace Agreement.

While Misuari, who is wanted by Philippine authorities after the recent siege of Zamboanga City, was publicly against the FAB agreement, the MNLF under Sema faction welcomes it.

“We welcome the annex on power sharing, we welcome whatever agreement both sides could agree on,” Sema was quoted as saying. He maintained that the government should also consider the MNLF in the peace talks with the MILF.

Both sides have the same objective of exercising its rights to self determination in southern Philippines.

In expressing his opinion that the FAB is a violation to the Constitution, Sema said the idea of establishing ministerial form of government in Muslim Mindanao was first presented and discussed during the 1976 peace talks between the MNLF and Manila “but we learned it was against the law.”

But Ferrer explained that Republic Act 9054 have so many loopholes that the FAB is addressing clearly and in accordance with existing Philippine laws.


Pilipinas Shell to inject P6-billion investment in CDO portby Rutchie C. Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Oil giant Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC) is sinking in some P6 billion in new investments to improve its facility at the Cagayan de Oro port (CDO).


Currently, Pilipinas Shell has access to the CDO port facilities to serve the fuel requirements in the area. CDO port, owned and operated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), meanwhile, has been almost idle the past couple of years after most of its cargoes shifted to nearby Mindanao Container Terminal run by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. “This is a welcome development for PPA,” General Manager Juan C. Sta. Ana said. “PSPC already made a presentation to the Board and we are now just fine-tuning their rental rates and the length of the contract.” “PSPC is looking at Cagayan not just as a support investment but a major facility as they are planning to bring in import products directly to Cagayan de Oro and distribute it from there as they expect their Batangas production to be short to support the fuel needs of the country by 2016,” Sta. Ana added. PSPC, for its part, said the new investment will guarantee the smooth and enough fuel supply within the country by 2016. “If the Batangas refinery is inaccessible, the rest of the country will suffer, but by putting another hub in Mindanao, PSPC will be able to secure the fuel requirement of the region,” PSPC said in its presentation to the PPA Board. Based on the plan, PSPC will upgrade and invest the amenities and convert it into an airport-like facility as well as refurbish their crane facility into a MR import capable facility. PSPC also wants a continued access to

berths 11 and 13, which they are currently using and is likewise proposing a long-term lease of about 7,400 square meters in the waterfront area to allow them to put their equipment as well as for their pipeline system. The structures to be built will be movable and will hot hamper future expansion in the area considering that the designated berthing for passenger vessels is about 300 meters away. In terms of port development, PSPC is willing to put up about P180 million to improve some parts of the port and some P140 million to improve and install the fire fighting capabilities, lighting, berthing and security systems, including the upgrading of the fenders where they will be berthing their vessels. The PPA, meanwhile, will greatly benefit from the new investment with the expected increases in leases, port dues and wharfage fees when the facilities become operational by 2016 from the current P1.8 million per annum to about P32 million per annum and projected to increase steadily as fuel growth in Mindanao is expected to be significant. A couple of days ago, Pilipinas Shell donated about P6 million worth of fuel to be used at the Tacloban port or about P1 million a month to sustain the operation of the port for at least six months. The agency has likewise sponsored a training program for PPA employees on cargo handling, maritime safety and environmental protection.


KM5 Elem School is Fr.William F. Masterson, SJ Elem Schoolby CdeOSP

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – KM5 Elementary School at Xavier Heights in Upper Balulang here takes a new name.

Through Ordinance No. 12688-2013, the 17th City Council during its regular session recently presided over by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas renamed the public school to Fr. William F. Masterson, SJ Elementary School. The move was favorably endorsed by the Department of Education-10 (DepEd-10) in honor of the Jesuit priest, who is an icon of Xavier University. City Schools Division

Superintendent Elena M. Borcillo said the university donated a 17,592 square meter-lot located at Xavier Heights, Upper Balulang for educational purposes. She said this is a milestone in the endeavor to acquire a lot for a future school site. The ordinance was also endorsed by the committees on education and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors Adrian L. Barba and Ramon G. Tabor, respectively.

More rice to food packs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) bared that survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Eastern Visayas will have more rice supply this coming December.

by Oliver Badel Inodeo

This after the Department is adding more kilos of rice to the family food packs. DSWD Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera said internally displaced

families will have ample supply of rice grains with the additional 12 kilos per pack. Since the start of response, DSWD is giving out three kilos of rice


KM5 Elem School is Fr.William F. Masterson, SJ Elem School

a pack. Along with the rice pack are sardines, corned beef, noodles, and coffee, among others. As of November 28, 2013, DSWD has distributed 10,086 rice packs or

a total of 30,258 kilos to the 55,927 displaced families in this city. The agency’s Task Force Yolanda Tacloban Hub, which serves 24 municipalities of Leyte province delivered and turned over 512,476 rice packs to the local government units; 93,630 rice packs for the 16 towns of Leyte served under Ormoc Hub; 6,400 rice packs for Ormoc City; 12,800 rice packs for Baybay, Leyte; 226,454 for the 14 towns in Eastern Samar; 8,800 for

Western Samar; and 1,555 for Biliran province. Cabrera announced the additional kilos of rice per pack to members of local and international humanitarian

groups during the Food Cluster meeting recently here. She said DSWD will need 246,404 bags of rice to meet the increase of demand for rice distribution.


Liga Surigao City elects new sets of officersSURIGAO CITY -- The Liga ng mga Barangay (LnmB) Surigao City Chapter elected on Monday its new sets of officers and board of directors at the City Cultural Center, this city.

By SUSIL D. RAGAS


The newly-elected LnmB or also known as League of Barangays of the Philippines 2013-2016 officers are incumbent President Barangay Captain Pablo A. Bonono, Jr. of Brgy. Taft as President; Vice President: Barangay Captain Margarito M. Cavite of Brgy. Quezon; Auditor: Barangay Captain Leo B. Escopete of Alegria. Board of directors are Buenavista Barangay Captain Romeo T. Alcala; Bitaugan Barangay Captain Jovelyn F. Alsong; Sukailang Barangay Captain Renato G. Cabajes; Catadman Barangay Captain Abelino Fabio; San Roque Barangay Captain Rogelio E. Laid; Poctoy Barangay Captain Josephine E. Patan; Serna Barangay Captain Cecilia T. Sembrano and Cabongbongan Barangay Captain Evelyn M. Torejas.

The LnmB or League of Barangays of the Philippines board of directors will select among themselves who will become the secretary and the treasurer of the league.

The current league’s creation and purpose is mandated by Section 491 of the Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, which states: “There shall be an organization of all barangays to be known as the liga ng mga barangay for the primary purpose of determining the representation of the Liga in the sanggunians, and for ventilating , articulating and crystallizing issues affecting barangay government administration and securing, through proper and legal means, solutions thereto.

BSP partners NSO for 2013 Public Perception SurveyBUTUAN CITY -- In order to improve the quality of services and further strengthen its relationship with the Filipino public, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) contracted the National Statistics Office (NSO) to conduct a Public Perception Survey (PPS) starting on December 11, 2013.

The 2013 PPS aims to obtain the views of the general public on the BSP in terms of effectiveness, integrity, responsiveness, and transparency with the Filipino public.

The first PPS was conducted in July 2009; hence this is the third series to be conducted. This will be administered on a sample basis at the household level drawn through a stratified multi-stage random

sampling.It shall be conducted among a

random sample of 12,500 households from all regions in the Philippines. The reporting unit is the household, which means that the statistics emanating from this survey refer to the characteristics of the population residing in private households. Persons who reside in institutions and establishments are not within the


coverage of the survey. The 2013 PPS is an 8-page questionnaire (including cover page), which shall obtain information on the demographic and economic characteristics of the respondent, knowledgeability and public perception on the BSP’s functions and advocacies.

In Caraga, NSO Field Staff and selected trained Statistical Researchers will do a comprehensive

door-to-door interview to the sample households during enumeration period. NSO would like to assure the respondents that all information furnished to the SRs are strictly confidential and shall not be used as evidence in court for purposes of taxation, regulation or investigation as provided for in Section 4 of Commonwealth Act No. 591.


BUTUAN CITY -- A month after the program ended in October 2013, the Cash for Training Program (C4TP) has recorded 48% of employment rate out of the total beneficiaries in Caraga Region.

C4TP is a joint undertaking of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

TESDA-Caraga Regional Director

Dr. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. said this is a welcome development for the government agencies that have converged for the realization of the program considering that the program has just ended its

by Robert E. Roperos



implementation last October 31, 2013.

According to Dir. Sunico, aside from DSWD and TESDA, local government units of the different provinces, cities, and municipalities in the region have also supported the program implementation.

Out of 3,286 total beneficiaries enrolled this year, 1,604 were already employed which is equal to 48%. Of this figure, self-employment has yielded 1,547 (96%) while wage employment got 57 (4%).

Under the wage employment, total number enrolled is pegged at 1,299 and out of this figure, 1,286 have graduated, equivalent to 98.99%. With this figure, 1,630 were assessed where 1,408 (86.38%) of it were certified.

In the self employment component, a total of 1,987 were enrolled and 1,926 (96.93%) have graduated while out of 2,499, only 1,922 (76.91%) were certified.

Meanwhile, Emma De Villa, TESDA-Caraga Finance and Administrative Services Division (FASD) Chief and C4TP focal person explained there are some C4TP beneficiaries who were enrolled in bundled courses like Automotive Servicing and Driving, Food and Beverage Service (FBS) and Bartending, Carpentry and Electrical Installation

and Maintenance (EIM), EIM and Masonry, Commercial Cooking and Baking/Pastry Production, Wellness Massage and Perform Manicure/Pedicure, among others.

“This is the reason why the figure indicated under assessed is more than the number of beneficiaries enrolled,” De Villa said.

With these developments, Dir. Sunico is optimistic that the program’s employment rate increases as time goes on. “This is already a good development for us because at present, nearly 50% of our total beneficiaries have find employment – may it be wage- or self-employment… and I am optimistic that more C4TP graduates can find employment before the end of this year or early next year,” he said.

The C4TP is one of the flagship programs of the Aquino administration which is entrusted to TESDA Sec. Joel Villanueva and DSWD Sec. Corazon “Dinky” Soliman that was implemented early this year as a means of poverty alleviation. Because of its successful implementation in Caraga, local chief executives are hoping that another batch of beneficiaries will be the given the opportunity to avail the program next year.

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


DavNor Guv recognizes role of info officers during emergenciesTAGUM CITY --- Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario recognizes the important role that information officers are taking especially during emergency situa-tions. Giving the keynote speech during the recently held 2013 Mindanao Communicators Network Congress and Workshop held in Tagum City, Del Rosario expected information officers to allay people’s fear of the unknown through information. He also presumed them to work ways for local chief executives to communicate with their constituents via multi-media during emergencies, so LCEs can give assurance of the government’s capacity to manage the situation and to immediately carry out relief operation. He expected information officers to perform such functions, viewing them as “frontliners” of

local government units (LGUs) especially during situations “when your LGUs do not have the benefit of time to call for meetings and discuss policies in the middle of emergencies.” Del Rosario engaged government information officers to emergency situations as he carried his discussion towards greater public awareness and understanding on climate change and disaster preparedness. He observed that such pressing concerns also “redefined” the functions of information officers in the same way these had done with LGU executives who started to elevate policy decision-making to the fields of science and of research. Del Rosario revealed his issuance of Executive Order No. 19 series of 2013, reorganizing the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council which integrated the National Climate

by Jeanevive Abangan


Change Adaptation “key result areas of the Climate Change Commission.” He said the Council had approved in a meeting in November, 2013 the creation of Climate Change Academy which would grant a research fund for a study on the effects of climate change in local ecosystem from “reefs to ridges.” “These research outputs shall hopefully inspire policies to be enacted by our Sangguniang Panlalawigan, for our execution,” he said.Del Rosario also revealed his initiative to launch the Oplan ANDAM or Advocacy on Natural Disaster Awareness and Management designed, among other objectives, to introduce simple technologies “adaptive to the changing climate, and reduces the risks to natural

catastrophes.” The provincial governor placed particular concerns on climate change adaptation and disaster risk management as he noted the Philippines, among other poor island-nations, to have become more vulnerable to natural disaster as a result of climate change. While the national government advances the disaster risk reduction management at the local level , Del Rosario noted that LGUs have yet to fully mainstream climate change adaptation in their local agenda.“As governor, we take it our moral responsibility to reverse climate change, through little ways that could change the way people think about the phenomenon,” he said. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


MCW hosts Social Media ‘Planning for Peace ’ ConferenceDAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Com-mission on Women will be hosting a social media conference entitled “Planning for Peace: Strategic Ac-tions Toward the Creation of the Bangsamoro” on December 12-13, 2013. The two-day conference will discuss strategic actions that are critical to the success of the Initial period in the creation of the Bangsamoro. It will be broadcast live in three parallel venues: at the Seda Hotel in Davao City; Notre Dame University (NDU) in Cotabato City; and the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) in Iligan City. The conference will be guided by three overarching thematic and strategic areas for action, namely, electoral reforms; legislative advocacy; and post-war economic recovery (peace dividend). In all these themes, the gender perspective will be integrated. Resource persons include Dr. Socorro Reyes (Center

for Legislative Advocacy); Ms. Cristita Marie L. Giangan (Konrad Adenauer Stiftung); Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI (Institute for Autonomy and Governance); Atty. Camilo Montesa (Thinking Tools); ; Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo (FASTRAC); Amina Rasul (Philippine Council on Islam and Democracy); Mr. Luis Corral (Congress); and Prof. Rudy Rodil, among others. Participants in Cotabato City and Iligan City will be able to listen to the inputs of resource persons and actively join in the discussions. They will also be able to participate in the open forum planned after the panel discussions and submit their comments and reactions. Those interested to join the conversation online can do so by using #planning4peace. The event can be viewed online at the MCW website www.mindanaowomen.com; and by clicking like the MCW official fan page www.facebook.com/mcwomen. (MCW)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Children’s welfare group Save the Children fervently promotes reading -- in mother tongue -- among indig-enous peoples communities, an official of the organization said.

Children’s NGO pushes reading in IP communitiesBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


Ivan Ledesma, project coordinator of the NGO’s First Read project told Philippine Information Agency that they have recently conducted as series of “Booklatan sa Bayan” sessions in SocSarGen (South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos) area for this purpose.

“The essence of ‘Booklatan,’ Ledesma noted, “is to promote the habit of reading at the household level.”

This, he added, is anchored on the fact that most parents leave it on teachers, especially those in primary schools, to teach their kids how to read.

“Save the Children and the National Book Development Board (NBDB) believe that the learning process should start not when a child is already in the school age but should begin much earlier, at the mother’s womb,” he said.

In the recent Booklatan sa Bayan session at the Farm at Carpenter Hill, this city, Save the Children gathered

barangay officials, day care workers, nutrition scholars, health workers and parent volunteers.

In this session they were taught techniques in developing stories as well as telling stories, among others.

The event was also a venue to inform the participants that there are already children’s books that available in their mother tongue, Tboli.

Developed early this year with Tahanan Publishing Inc. and Adarna House, titles include, “Mahilig Kaming Magbasa,” “Tagu-taguan,” Bahay Kubo,” and “Ang Mabait na Kalabaw,” separately translated into Tboli, Tagakaulo, and B’laan languages.

Other partners like the Summer Institute of Linguistics Philippines have helped in the development of these books, which were field tested in communities where they are intended prior to publication.

“Field testing was made,” he reasoned” so that cultural sensitivity,


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato —The local chief executive here has as-sured all the newly elected barangay officials that their constituents will benefit from all the programs and projects that will be implemented under his administration.

correct language usage and usefulness of these books to target parents and children are assured.”

Ledesma explained this is in line with their advocacy to promote mother tongue-based education.

“Along with several experts, Save the Children believes that for a child to learn at his or her full potential, we should promote mother tongue-based learning materials.

Since these books are highly illustrated, Ledesma added, parents do not need to learn reading to be able to promote reading using these books.

“For example, in the counting book, a parent only needs to point

at the grasshoppers to teach his or her child to count,” he pointed out.

“That simple act a parent and kid bonding together over a book is very informative for the kid,” he said.

Ledesma added that Booklatan is only a part of the multi-pronged approach to promote reading in IP communities.

“Besides the materials provision, we also do parenting sessions, play group sessions and stimulation activities as well as sessions on counting, letters, phonics and others to build capabilities at the community level,” Ledesma said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Kidapawan City mayor assures brgy officials of projects, programs implementationBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

“Elections are now over and I am looking forward to work with all newly elected barangay officials. Rest assured that all benefit from the development programs we will be implementing soon,” mayor Joseph Evangelista told barangay officials.

This, according to Evangelista is to make sure that the progress of one locality is the progress of all.

To realize this endeavor and to further equip the officials with

information with regards to their work as public servants, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the city has conducted an orientation as to how each barangay local government will govern their constituents.

City DILG director Ging Kionisala shared important information on the provisions of the Local Government Code.

Also, some of the points tackled during the activity were


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato,-- More than 3,000 children and senior citizens in the province of North Cotabato benefited from the first seven beneficiary municipalities of the province’s Christmas program tagged as “Pasko sa Piling ni Gob. Lala”.

the following: proper conduct that needs to be observed by all barangay officials; conduct of scheduled regular sessions; crafting of resolutions and ordinances by the Sangguniang Pambarangay; right fiscal management of local funds; efficient delivery of public services and other related procedures in the conduct of local governance.

Kionisala also encouraged all barangay officials to review their local revenue codes to help them generate local income that will be utilized to fund the implementation of programs and delivery of basic services to their constituents.

Further, the barangay officials were taught on the importance of a sound and orderly disaster

mitigation measures for each barangay if and when calamities and emergencies happen.

Mayor Evangelista’s Public Safety Plan which is aimed at safeguarding the public at all times was also introduced by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC).

Lectures were also given as to how barangay local governments implement peace and order in their communities. Barangay officials also underwent workshops and prepared plans for development.

On the other hand, Evangelista is hopeful that with this orientation, barangay officials will properly perform their responsibilities in serving the public. (SJDuerme-PIA12/LKOasay-Kidapawan City LGU)

Over 3,000 children, senior citizens benefit from NorthCot’s “Pasko sa Piling ni Gob Lala”By: Shahana Joy Duerme

The 14-day program which was inaugurated on November 21 and kicked-off on November 29 at Inug-og, Pikit is an activity designed to celebrate Christmas by sharing blessings and giving love to the people of North Cotabato especially

those poor families for them to experience happiness this Yuletide Season.

Under this program, beneficiaries are around 300 children per locality aged 6 to 10 years old and around 150 senior citizens.


According to the provincial government information center, the activity will continue today at Manobisa, Magpet and tomorrow at Kimarayag, Pigcawayan.

On Thursday, December 12, “Pasko sa Piling ni Gob. Lala” team will visit Manupal, Matalam and on the following day in Gebrona, Libungan.

The schedule also includes: December 14 in Barangiran, Alamada; December 19 in Tunganon, Carmen and on December 20 in F. Cajelo, Tulunan.

Meanwhile, North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza emphasized that this program is another way of showing love and

care to the children and elderly particularly during this special season.

“Let us always put in our minds the many things we can do to make others feel better during Christmas season amidst all the hardships and calamities we are experiencing”, she noted.

“Pasko sa Piling ni Gob. Lala” will culminate on December 23, 2013 at the North Cotabato Provincial Gymnasium. This will be attended by sons and daughters of the provincial government’s employees. (SJDuerme-PIA12/N. Cotabato Provincial Government)


Lanao del Sur celebrates enthronement of the 6th “Sultan sa Ranao”by: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Manabilang was endorsed by the five Datus of Marawi, 28 legislative bodies (adel a gaus), four (pat a engud) Datus of sovereign boundaries in Lanao, and other traditional and religious leaders in a fitting ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium, Saturday, November 30. Accordingly, he was confirmed as the new Sultan sa Ranao based

on his integrity, leadership capability and credibility, making him the epitome to represent Lanao locally and internationally to advocate for the betterment and welfare of the Maranaos. Manabilang served as the mayor of Bumbaran town for full three terms. During his incumbency, he initiated the construction of several infrastructure projects including the construction

The Province CELEBRATED the enthronement

of former Bumbaran Mayor Mastura Dalig Bagambang Manabilang as thw sixth “Sultan sa Ranao”.


of municipal hall building, Bumbaran auditorium, ABC Hall, day care and rural health centers, public and flea market, warehouses with solar dryers, school buildings, and two big mosques. He championed the maintenance of peace and order that paved way for multi-national investors to capitalize on local resources boosting the town’s economy. The enthronement ceremony was highlighted by the pinning of the sash by the heirs of the Sultan sa Ranao Ibra Gundarangin and Muhammad Malawani assisted by the five Datus of Marawi and Pat A Engud; fastening of the noble kandit (belt) as a symbol of power by the heirs of former Sultan

sa Ranao Bato Ali and Cosain Naga assisted by the 28 Adel a Gaus; ordaining of noble kris as a symbol of authority by the 16 Royal House of Panuroganan; and installation of the noble diogit (crown) as a symbol of empowerment by the Sarip Batua and Datu a Petheelan of the Madaya Sultanate Executive Committee.


NFA Lanao del Sur intensifies local palay procurementby: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The National Food Authority (NFA) here is intensifying its local palay procurement program to help the government attain its goal of self-sufficiency when it comes to rice. NFA Information Officer Khayamera Dialem said they are now implementing several strategies to encourage more farmers to sell their produce to the NFA. She said NFA Provincial Manager Sittienaidah Sampaco is closely monitoring the palay production in the province and has deployed several mobile procurement teams to go to the places of farmers.

She said they also simplified the requirements for the issuance of individual farmers passbook adding that the farmers passbook and taking of its ID picture is now free of charge. Additional incentives are also available for farmers selling their produce to NFA such as delivery fee, drying fee and cooperative development incentive fee (CDIF). Dialem said they are buying palay at P17.00 per kilogram (kg) plus the added incentives of P0.20/kg drying fee, P0.20/kg delivery fee, and P0.30/kg CDIF. Interested farmers can go directly to the NFA provincial office for more details or they can contact NFA Information Office at 0947-934-8071. For the period January 1 to November 26, this year, the NFA Provincial Office has been able to procure 5,995 bags or 287,324.15 kg of palay.


DOLE celebrates 80 years of valued service thru environmental preservationBy Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - To celebrate its 80th anniversary, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Zamboanga del Sur Field Office conducted a cleanup drive along the shoreline of Barangay White Beach, this city last Dec. 6.


DOLE celebrates 80 years of valued service thru environmental preservation

Ms. Lourdes B. Amores, DOLE provincial head led the cleanup activity in coordination with Punong Barangay Rey R. Rabanos with the full support of DOLE employees, barangay officials and residents. “ C o m m e m o r a t i n g 80 years of program implementation and employment facilitation, our theme this year is ‘Walumpung Taong Pag-unlad, Walumpung Taong Paglilingkod’,” said Ms. Amores. Meanwhile, DOLE Sibugay also conducted a similar environmental undertaking through a tree planting activity and orientation on Green Productivity. Mr. Elamsalih E. Ungad, DOLE chief of Zamboanga Sibugay said partner agencies were the Zamboanga Sibugay Federation of Family Welfare Committees, Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-9, DENR-Sibugay and Goodyear Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GARBEMCO). The tree planting activity was held along the riverbanks of Banker in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay Province.


Do not let our negative voice be louder than our positive voice – Asec. Boncato By Michael Vincent D. CajulaoZAMBOANGA CITY – Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Arturo P. Boncato Jr. urged all tourism stakeholders in Zamboanga Peninsula not to let negative things hurt the industry. This was the gist of his message during the 1st Regional Tourism Summit held here yesterday, as he pushed for positive information dissemination to counter the negative information about the place. “Do not let our negative voice be louder than our positive voice. Let our positive voice ring loudest so that when they hear something negative it will be very, very negligible,” Asec. Boncato said. Boncato said this attitude

may just be the right solution to Mindanao’s negative image among tourists. “Let’ us focus on the things that we have that the world doesn’t know yet. It’s all about positive branding,” he asserted. Asec. Art, as he prefers to be called, hinted that a very big opportunity for tourism boom is being presented to Mindanao and that Mindanaoans must stand together and deliver a strong message to the


Do not let our negative voice be louder than our positive voice – Asec. Boncato

market. “Our country is now on a massive recovery and rehabilitation efforts due to the natural calamities that hit Visayas. Mindanao could be one of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines, and I can declare right now that Mindanao should be the last frontier of Philippine tourism as it is

not developed yet,” the youthful official from Davao City said. He said tourism industry is in one of the better times in the country as national economy remains resilient. “Things are doing very well for the tourism industry. We are happy to say that tourism has contributed to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) around

5 or 5.5 percent of our GDP. And it is still the top four dollar earning industry in the country today,” Boncato pointed out. Boncato revealed that as of September this year, over 3 million foreign tourists have already visited the country, and he is optimistic that the country will meet its target of 5.5 million tourist arrivals this year.

one mindanao - december 11, 2013

Documents

iligan city local government

city mayor celso

iligan city police office

city halls amphitheatre

iligan chamber

city hall premise

christmas villagecolorful

christmas villagelorry