one mindanao - december 15, 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

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NORTHERN

NYC, youth organize short film fest on HIV/AIDS

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Tips to avoid being robbed!

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16

Camiguin named outstanding province in nutrition

DSWD intensifies preps for ‘Nona’

Mindanao rural broadcasters gather in Koronadal City for Climate Change training

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Cover Story

SOUTHERN

INFOCUS NATIONAL

DavNor honors Batang Pinoy medalists

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Contents

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By: Jorie C. Valcorza

OUR COVER

549 set for TESDA mass graduation in SurSur24By: Greg Tataro Jr.

CARAGA

40 21

25 PIA-13, 4ID Phil. Army to hold IP Reg’l Youth Leadership & Communicators Summit in AgNorBy: Jennifer Gaitano

WESTERN

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Mayor, town residents thankful for DSWD’s PAMANABy: Dominic I. Sanchez

By: Michael Uy

Paskuhan sa Gensan 2015 to showcase bigger fireworks competition

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SOCCSKSARGEN

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December 9, 2015One Mindanao

Camiguin named outstanding province in nutrition By Jorie C. Valcorza

Investing equally in social services, as it does in tourism and infrastructure, the island-province was named this

year as the most outstanding province in Northern Mindanao for the effective and efficient implementation of their local nutrition programs. The challenge to perform and improve the lives of its constituents pushed local executives here to innovate ways in

5December 15, 2015 One Mindanao

By Jorie C. Valcorza

curbing under and over nutrition prevalence. It reported an improved nutritional status of underweight and severely underweight children, based on the Operation Timbang (OPT) or weighting result, the province noted a 7.15 percent malnutrition rate in 2012 to only 5.88 percent in 2014. To sustain the gains, Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo issued, this year, a policy pronouncement to reduce malnutrition rate to

6 December 15, 2015One Mindanao

three percent among under-five children (0-71 months) in 2016. He also noted that it would had been easier to target lower than three percent, if

the data does not include the other face of malnutrition, which is obesity. When it comes to over nutrition, Camiguin reflected a 1.03 percent rate, ranking 4th in the region. Lanao del Norte with 1.80 percent, Misamis Occidental with 1.59 percent, Misamis Oriental with 1.11 percent and Bukidnon with 0.54 percent. The rates were all increasing except for the province as it reflected .03 percent decrease since


2013. The provincial and municipal LGUs have been initiating various programs in support to nutrition from learning sessions, feeding, and livelihood assistance to priority families with identified malnourished children. Guinsiliban LGU was likewise recognized as the provincial green banner awardee during Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC) held in Cagayan de Oro city on November 6. Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Marissa DM Navales said the Green Banner Award is given to a municipality, city, or province, which has shown very satisfactory performance in implementing nutrition program. An area awarded the Green Banner for three consecutive years as outstanding regional winner automatically is awarded for the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award. To date, an evident 4.78

percent decrease of malnutrition rate in 2014 from 8.4 percent in 2013 was reported by the local government unit of Guinsiliban, while it noted a 4 percent increase in food production last year by initiating interventions like seaweed farming, tilapia, livestock and poultry production that includes target families.

One Mindanao8 December 15, 2015

MANILA-- Government economic planners are confident that the Philippines can achieve its target of six (6) percent to seven (7) percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

PH can meet 2015 GDP growth target—NEDA

This means that the expected economic growth of 5.9% for the

4th quarter of the year should be achieved, said Rosemarie Edillon,

filephoto: mppn.org

9December15, 2015 One Mindanao

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) assistant director general for policy and planning. Edillon said the growth will be fueled by government’s spending, the industry, business process outsourcing (BPO) and tourism sectors in the 4th quarter. She added that because of a stronger economy and a stable inflation rate, household consumption will also contribute to faster economic growth during the period.

This year, the country posted a 5.7 percent unemployment rate, the lowest in a decade.

NEDA attributes this to employment generated by the industry sector, led by construction and manufacturing, and the services sector led by the trade sectors and tourism-related sectors.

Edillon said in 2016, construction and manufacturing

will still play an important part for the country’s economic growth, especially now that the government is ramping up its infrastructure spending.

“The IT-BPO will still be a growth engine,” she added. “In fact, we are climbing up the so-called value chain. So although we ranked number one in voiced accounts, we are moving to the non-voice sector of BPO, such as animation, accounting processes, and medical transcriptions, which is higher in value.”

In terms of assisting these sectors, Edillon said the government is already working on the several stages of business processes to improve the “ease of doing business” in the country. Government also ensures that the manpower needed by these sectors will be provided accordingly, she said.

“Let’s say, in the IT-BPO industry, they need a certain


set of skills in their field. So, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA,) in partnership with the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP,) provides six (6) months of training to those who are interested to enter the BPO industry. This program is ongoing and is expected to expand,” said Edillon.

Edillon was guest at the recent Kapihan sa Media ng Bayan. Kapihan airs live every Friday over Radyo ng Bayan DZRB 738 AM from 10am to 11am, with a delayed telecast over PTV4 from 7 pm to 8pm, and IBC 13 from 10.30 to 11.30 pm. (Andrea Lynne Reposo/RDA/Media ng Bayan Operations Center)

11December15, 2015 One Mindanao

QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as vice-chair for Response of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), advises residents along Typhoon Nona’s path to heed calls for immediate evacuation, if necessary, to ensure their safety and achieve zero casualties as the typhoon continues to gain strength.

DSWD intensifies preps for ‘Nona’

filephoto: manila bulletin

Aside from being vice-chair for response, DSWD is also the lead agency of the Food and Non-Food Cluster, Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster, and Protection Cluster under the humanitarian cluster system of the Council.

In NCR, members of the disaster response teams at the DSWD-Central Office, together with other concerned government agencies, are now on 24-hour duty at the NDRRMC for the pre-disaster risk assessment.

In typhoon-affected regions,


DSWD disaster response teams are now on alert status to monitor the extent of the typhoon and to assist local government units (LGUs) in disaster operations.

To date, a total of ₱25,034,400.47 standby funds, 263,223 family food packs, and ₱185,670,882.86 worth of food and non-food items are available at the field offices in Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, and at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City.

Likewise, concerned DSWD-Field Offices continue to preposition family food packs in the different provinces for easier and immediate distribution to affected families.

In Bicol Region, DSWD-Field Office V has prepositioned a total of 9,000 family food packs at the following towns : Matnog, Sorsogon (2,000); Castilla, Sorsogon (1,000); Tinambac, Camarines Sur (1,000);Guinobatan, Albay

(3,000); and Ocampo, Pili, Macarao, Bombol, Calabang, Canaman, Camaligan, Naga City in Camarines Sur (2,000).

Meanwhile, a total of 1,000 passengers are stranded in Matnog Port in Sorsogon. They are now being assisted by the provincial LGU.

As part of its disaster preparedness, DSWD-Field Office CARAGA also prepositioned 8,000 family food packs in the following municipalities:Loreto, Dinagat Island (1,000);Tubajon, Dinagat Island (1,000);Libjo, Dinagat (1,000); Burgos, Surigao del Norte (500); Socorro, Surigao del Norte (500); Pilar, Surigao del Norte (500); Dapa, Surigao del Norte (500); and Province of Surigao del Norte (3,000).

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman assured the public that relief supplies are enough for affected families. (DSWD)


Mindanao rural broadcasters gather in Koronadal City for Climate Change training

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- At least 100 rural broadcasters from various parts of Mindanao gathered in Koronadal City on Monday for a three-day training on Climate Change.

filephoto: http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/

The activity, which is organized by Philippine Foundation of Rural Broadcasters (PFRB) and the Department of Agriculture in Region 12, mainly aims to mobilize the rural or

farming sector for Climate Change adaptation and mitigation.

Louie Tabing, PFRB chaiperson, said Monday the training will mainly focus on

14 One Mindanao December 15, 2015

enhancing the capability of rural broadcasters in handling and tackling issues and concerns related to Climate Change. He said it is important for rural broadcasters to be properly equipped in handling topics on Climate Change adaptation, especially on “climate-smart” agricultural practices.

“We have invited experts to speak on various topics on Climate Change and strategies that will help our rural broadcasters become more effective in discussing related issues,” he said.

Tabing said the activity, which is slated until Wednesday, Dec. 16, is divided into two session and workshop tracks or components.

The first track includes sessions on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security in the Asian Region, Climate Smart Agriculture Practices and Technologies, and Building a Climate Resilient Community.

The speakers are Dr. Leo Sebastian, project leader of the Climate Change, Agriculture, and

Food Security Project fr Southeast Asia; Dr. Paterno Rebuelta of the Aklan State University; and, Mayor Rolando Distura of Dumangas town in Iloilo.

The second track will cover sessions on Radio Broadcasting for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Communicating Climate Change: Opportunities and Challenges for Broadcasters, and Radio Broadcasting for Climate Change and Agriculture.

Tabing said training also includes sessions on community radio broadcasting and scriptwriting.

For the workshops, he said the participants will required to come up with eight-minute instant production programs and scripts on topics concerning Climate Change.

These outputs will be integrated in the work plan of the PFRB for its pilot campaign on Climate Change, he said.

“Prizes are at stake for groups that will produce and present the best output,” Tabing added.(PNA)


AFP pursues rebels over landmine blastsDAVAO CITY- Pursuit operations go on as soldiers belonging to the 69th Infantry Battalion scour the rebels’ lair in Sitio Kialaw, Barangay Mala-bog, Paquibato District following a series of encounters last Friday and Saturday.

A report from the 10th In-fantry Division based in Mawab, Compostela Valley revealed that members of the 69th IB engaged the rebels belonging to the guer-rilla front 56 and Pulang Bagani Command 1 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee resulting to the killing of one sol-dier and the wounding of anoth-er. The report said the first in-cident happened while soldiers from Bravo Company, 69IB were checking the reported presence of the rebels under alias Ka Ji-ares at Sitio Kialaw, Brgy Mala-bog of Paquibato District. The rebels detonated an im-provised explosive device that killed Pfc Johnhill Victor Alarcon and wounded Cpl Ramil Aquino. Alarcon’s wake is at a funeral home in Panabo City. He hailed from Iloilo City.

Aquino is undergoing medi-cal treatment at Camp Panacan Station Hospital. Three other soldiers were wounded in a separate encoun-ter on December 12. They were identified as 2Lt Earl Jun Atucha, Sgt Maynard de Guzman and Cpl Allan Paul Sal-vador who are now given medi-cal treatment. The soldiers recovered live ammunitions for M14 and M16 rifles, empty shells of assorted high-powered firearms, 150-me-ter electrical wire and several personal belongings from the rebels who immediately fled. Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th ID ex-pressed his grief to the family of Alarcon. “We share the grief of the family of Pfc Alarcon who paid the ultimate sacrifice in serv-


ing our country and people. We will continue our efforts against the rebels who exploit their sur-

roundings while they sow terror against the people,” he stressed. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

DavNor honors Batang Pinoy medalistsDAVAO DEL NORTE- Davao del Norte athletes, who snatched medals in the recently concluded 2015 Batang Pinoy National Finals, grabbed centerstage earlier today as they were being presented during the monthly Convocation Program of the provincial government.

Provincial Sports Coordina-tor Giovanni Gulanes bragged that the 34-man team from the province wiped 21 medals in the said national sporting event, which was held in Cebu City on November 27 - December 2. Gulanes emphasized that the 21 medals consist of six golds, five silvers and ten bronzes. The gold medallists were Mary Gweneth Lim in Arnis Laban-an Pinweight Category; Harrison Cerillo, Arnis Labanan Welter-weight Category; Noah Gonza-les, Arnis Labanan Lightweight Category; Latrell andre Dennis Pantastico, Wushu Sanda under 48kg. Boys; Ronie Marielle San-tiago, Wushu Sanda under 48kg. Girls; and Kyle Cielo Bernaldez, Table Tennis Singles Girls. The silver medallist were Geroge Neri Jr (Arnis Labanan Flyweight Category), Louis Jude Andrae Dumdum (Taekwondo Bantanweight), Kenneth Telin

(Kata Novice Boys), and Jhon Rafael Lamatan, (Shot Put Track and Field event), and Vince Carl Seismundo and Kyle Cielo Ber-naldez (Table Tennis Mixed Dou-bles). Meanwhile, the bronze med-allists were Jay Mabanag (Arnis Labanan Bantamweight Catego-ry), Kate Diane Faelogo (Anyo Solo Baston and Arnis Labanan Flyweight Category), Ron Ja-peth Mena (Wushu Sanda under 48kg. Boys), Philip Jacob Taga-nas (Wushu Sanda under 48kg. Boys), Christian Rhyan Chung (Taekwondo Heavyweight Boys), Giery Mei Amodia (Lightweight Girls), Ileana Vanessa Edna Fuen-tes (Welterweight Girls) and Lei Anne Frances Naval (Flyweight Girls), and Marjore Ledesma (Kata Girls). (Michael Uy)


Kalahi-CIDSS lights up remote village in Sultan Kudarat


Too remote to be reached by the national grid, Kanulay has for decades been left without electricity and it svillagers, most-ly Manobo indigenous people, have been reliant on kerosene lamps as a source of light at night.

“We spent more or less, from Php150 to Php200 for our lights,” Non Togue, village leader, re-counted. Incidenttally, Togue’s house was burned because of unattended kerosene lamp.

Some villagers had to resorted to an environmentally damaging and health risky practice of burn-ing old sacks and plastic so that they could provide light for their children.

Thanks to the solar home lights project of the Department of So-cial Welfare and Development,the village is now with electricity.

Through its flagship poverty-reduction programs, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-A Compre-hensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services or Kalahi-CI-DSS with Php 1.7 million fund-ing from World Bank, DSWD 12 has installed solar panels on 103 Kanulay homes, providing each with electricity without cost and

adverse effect to health. Thus, even when other places

are experiencing power curtail-ment, their homes are well light-ed. At night, when other plac-es are experiencing brownout, houses in Barangay Kanulay, which is located on a plateau, would look like fireflies on a dark night.

“Many wonder why we have al-ways light while there are power interruptions in the whole town,” Togue said.

Takal Togue, a 67-year old Manobo farmer, did not expect that in his lifetime, his house would have electricity. The power from the solar panels, he added, seemingly extended the daylight allowing him and his household more valuable activi-ties at night.

Meanwhile, 48-year old Floren-tina Pimentel noted that one of the most important benefits from the solar panels is allow-ing more time for their children to study since the traditional kerosene lamps were replaced by light bulbs.

“Our lives have been changed here the moment our homes were energized and lighted,” Pi-

BAGUMBAYAN, Sultan Kudarat, Dec 15 ---Christmas has literally become brighter for villagers in the remote community of Kanulay, this town.


Paskuhan sa Gensan 2015 to showcase bigger fireworks competition

mentel said.Savings from expenses for

kerosene, she added, are now spent for more valuable pur-poses such school needs of chil-dren.

For Jerwin Tiwan, 28, a Manobo father of two and the chairperson of the sub-project management committee in the village, the in-stallation of the solar home sys-tem is a big help as it practically offers more livelihood opportuni-

ties for them.With electricity from solar pan-

els the the Christmas and New Year celebrations would defi-nitely be merrier and brighter, the residents agree. (HTEsta-cion-DSWD-12/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dis. 15 – Paskuhan sa Gensan 2015 prom-ises to deliver a grander pyrotechnic competition this year.

Before the Paskuhan sa Gen-san last year came to a close, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera with the organizers of the festivity promised to make the next py-rotechnic competition bigger.

And now, the city government of Gensan is now ready to fulfill everyone’s anticipation.

Scheduled for three nights, starting December 20 until 22, the second pyrotechnic com-petition will feature fireworks displays crafted by competitors

coming from Manila, Duma-guete, Tacurong, Bohol, and Ma-talam.

As the host city, Gensan has two entries.

The venue will still be at Oval Plaza Grounds so that many residents of the city can witness the battle of colors and spec-tacle.

These fireworks, to ensure the safety of the public, will be fired inside the Mindanao State University – College of Educa


tion Training Department (MSU-CETD) grounds. No one is allowed to come into the area during the show.

A bigger prize pool was also allotted by the city government for the second Pyrotechnic Com-petition to attract more partici-pants.

The winner will bag the Php100,000 cash prize while the second and third place win-ners will get Php80,000 and Php60,000, respectively. Non-winners will still get a consola-tion prize of Php30,000.

Last year’s winner, a competi-tor coming from Manila brought home the P80,000 cash prize.

Mayor Rivera is hopeful that this fireworks competition will attract more visitors to come to the city, especially in the month of December.

“If this pyrotechnic competi-tion will become popular, then who knows, we can attract more people to come in our city. This will not only boost tourism, but as well as the economic activity of the city,” Mayor Rivera said.

The mayor also explained that the competition was orga-nized so that every resident of the city can enjoy witnessing beautiful fireworks display with-out spending or getting harmed.

“Not all of us have the ca-pacity to buy such fireworks. In fact, only a few of us can do so. That’s why we got the idea of hosting a fireworks competition. We spend less. We got more at-tractions. We make many people happy,” the mayor explained.

The Paskuhan sa Gensan Py-rotechnic Competition is a brain-child of the Gensan Tourism Council headed by Jane Gollon-Rivera.

The Paskuhan as Gensan 2015 will be held on December 14 to 23. (IJLagare-Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA12)


150 Surigaonons gather for a dialogue on human rights, environment, IP issues

BUTUAN CITY - Some 150 participants comprising students, pro-fessors, representatives from government agencies, and media attended the Forum on Human Rights, Environment and the In-digenous Peoples (IP) on Thursday, held at the convention hall of SDSSU, Cantilan Campus in Surigao del Sur. Said event is sponsored by Vicariate Social Action Center, United BARDUGS International

Association of Cantilan, Inc., Tubig Kinaiyahan Panalipdan Coalition, and Cantilan Women’s

By Jennifer Gaitano


Club. Vicente Cirilo Iriberri, president of United BARDUGS International Association of Cantilan, Inc. said that in order to address the issue on the alleged conflict between the military and the IPs, stakeholders from the different sectors intentionally convened to voice out significant concerns and give clear solutions. Iriberri added that with the aggressive entry of mining operators in our communities, a bleak human rights and environmental destruction have amplified and even the proliferation of firearms has caused conflicts and warfare. He also stressed that the issue of human rights is very critical that it requires different stakeholders to rally together to address the risks/threats, to avoid displacement,

and therefore coordination is deemed needed to build unity. It was also emphasized by Jose Melvin Alfante Lamanilao, consultant of Resource Governance/Bantay Kita the importance of human rights and the environment. According to him, while people practice their individual rights, they should also know their limitations. Rowil Aguillon, Woods Division head of Sudecor’s management committee also pointed out that it is not yet too late for them to finally attain lasting peace. He said that they should all work together as one and set aside their personal interests. Meanwhile, according to Major General Oscar Lactao, commander of 4th infantry division, Philippine Army, they facilitate civil government in the delivery of the basic needs of the people through ‘Bayanihan.’ He also bared that the AFP will not tolerate any violation of human rights and will follow the international humanitarion law. “Human rights is imperative and there is no national security when there’s no human security,” he said. Lactao further reiterated that the army does not create policies


for mining, however, they have the responsibility to protect the people. “I am a believer of giving value to our natural environment. We have to advocate in preserving the wonders of nature and proper utilization of these resources. Let us condemn injustices, violence, arm struggle, and protect our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Everything starts in the mind and by putting them in action through dialogue and consensus, peace and development can be achieved,” he remarked. Meanwhile, Datu Rico Maca, the municipal tribal chieftain of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur explained why there are still

hundreds of IPs still staying at the evacuation center in Surigao del Sur. He strongly emphasized that it is because of the intervention and manipulation of some sectors – religious/faith-based and non-government organizations who just want to take advantage of the situation in order to get donations from other countries for their personal interest and not for the benefit of the IPs. Maca further acknowledged that the government is continuously providing the IPs the needed programs and services despite the resistance of some progressive groups in the area.


By: Greg Tataro Jr.

549 set for TESDA mass graduation in SurSur

According to Rey Cueva, TESDA provincial director, these individuals who gained various skills training would be conferred with their respective certificates of graduation. In his letter dated December 4, 2015 to Governor Johnny Pimentel, TESDA Director Cueva had invited the former to be their guest speaker.

TESDA Provincial Office here has always been “in partnership with various Tech-Voc Institutions” province-wide. Since the occasion would be held in Tandag City, the agency’s partners during the set graduation include Access for Youth training and Employment Center (AYEC) and Jobs through Tech-voc Program-Provincial

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – A total of 549 beneficiaries under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here are set for the mass graduation at the Provincial Social Hall at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2015.

By : Greg Tataro Jr.


Skills Training Center (JTP-PSTC). Meanwhile, Cueva claimed TESDA, this year, had continued to be more productive. In closing, the TESDA chief had called on the attention of other youths to avail of their skills training. Meanwhile, Nancy De Guzman, TESDA administrative officer V, said their office, in collaboration with the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) under Lt. Col. Randolp Rojas, Surigao del Sur State University headed by president Dr. Basilides Estal, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) with P/SSupt. Romaldo Bayting at the helm, is going to sponsor a “concert for a cause”

at the SDSSU Gymnasium on January 8, 2016. She said proceeds would be used to finance the “Bayanihan Team Activity” for the benefit of “Habal-habal Drivers/Operators in four barangays of Tago town, this province, particularly the barangays of Anahao-Daan, Lindoy, Caras-an, and Layog.” A mini-hardware for spare parts and vulcanizing shop would be set up in each of the places mentioned, De Guzman pointed out. Each ticket is sold at P25 in exchange for watching a live entertainment care of “Valor Band and SDSSU Talents,” it was learned.

PIA-13, 4ID Phil. Army to hold IP Reg’l Youth Leadership & Communicators Summit in AgNor By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

IP youth coming from the areas with Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) in Caraga region will be attending said

event. Also, the closing program and awarding of certificates to the participants on December 21, 2015 will be held in the city.

BUTUAN CITY- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, in partnership with the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army is spearheading the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Regional Youth Leader-ship and Communicators’ Summit on December 18-21, 2015 to be held at Tiberias Retreat House in Carmen, Agusan del Norte.


According to LTC. Rey Pasco, commanding officer of 4ID Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army, the said event will equip the youth with the right information that will guide them in deciding their future and to give them hope and keep them away from crime, drugs and help them secure a better future. “The youth’s idealism, thirst for adventure and inquisitiveness form part of their strength that drive them to aspire to achieve greater heights and accomplish greater things as they continue to define the life that they chose to

have in the future. Bearing that in mind, the unit came up with the conduct of such activity that shall become a platform for positive reinforcement to prepare the IP youth in their role as movers and shakers of this country,” Pasco remarked. It was learned that the major major ethnic tribes in Caraga region that will be participating are the following: Manobo, Higa-onon, Mamanwa, Banwaon, Talaandig and Mandaya/Kamayo. Caraga Region has 21 approved CADT and two CADT applications. “The IP Regional Youth Leadership and Communicators’

filephoto


Summit on Dec. 18-21, 2015 is generally aimed to enhance the potential of the Indigenous Peoples - Youth to become an agent of peace and development in their respective areas. Specifically, it is also intended to develop the IP youth to become responsible individuals and to empower the youth as advocates and conduits of peace and development,” disclosed Pasco. Meanwhile, PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga expressed his optimism that the participating youth will be fully-equipped as effective communicators at the end of the summit. “This will be the first IP-

youth activity, which will focus on the development of their skills as communicators. They will undergo various basic workshops in the field of communication during the summit that will arm them to become good and effective communicators (writers, speakers, journalists) in their respective communities,” said Caga. Also, the said summit will be conducted in four phases and will be done in coordination with the members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee (RIAC) for Indigenous Peoples in Caraga, Caraga Council for Peace and Development and 5th Civil Relation Service of AFP.


filephoto


ZAMBOANGA CITY– The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) thanked the members of the media for their support to helping promote transparency and sharing important information on government’s poverty-alleviation programs in a press conference held on Thursday at a local hotel here.

By Felipo David G. Malcampo

DSWD cites media for promoting transparency in gov’t programs


DSWD planning officer Hasan Alfad said: “Without the media, it would be very difficult for the public to learn of the benefits they can avail from government.” Meanwhile, Ma. Socorro Macaso, social welfare officer of the DSWD said “it is very important that the media share issues with regards to the implementation of government programs as this promote transparency.”

We thank you for sharing with us issues on Pantawid Pamilya and other programs, and this is very important so we will know what further interventions we can do to improve our services,” Macaso added. The DSWD is currently implementing the multi-billion pesos Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, which provides conditional cash grants to assist

in beneficiaries’ health and education. There have been many reports on inclusion errors, as well as misuse of the cash grants that were noted by the media during their exposure in the communities. “We really need to take note of these reports so we can act properly on them,” Macaso said. The DSWD takes pride in the very positive impact of their programs, which have enabled children not only to go to school regularly, but also encouraged them to excel. According to DSWD information officer Ivan Salvador, many of their Pantawid beneficiaries have become consistent honor students. “The parents of the children attribute these successes to the program, without which,

they would not be able to send the children to school.”


By Dominic I. SanchezZAMBOANGA CITY– A municipal mayor and community volunteers shared their appreciation for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project which has made possible the construction of various infrastructure and development projects in several municipalities in the region during a PAMANA Peace Festival held on Dec. 10-11 in a local hotel here.

Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Norbideiri Edding said “DSWD was one of the first agencies to take the challenge of visiting Sibuco because there’s

this stigma that our municipality is a hotspot. But with the interventions provided by DSWD since the leadership of Assistant Secretary Teodulo Romo,

Mayor, town residents thankful for DSWD’s PAMANA


especially the road projects which made our community more accessible and longer an isolated municipality, I can now say that Sibuco is a peaceful place.” “After implementing PAMANA, the people have adopted knowledge on the process on how to implement projects. For me, the infrastructure projects only come second to this knowledge,” Mayor Edding furthered. PAMANA uses the community-driven development strategy made known by the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), which empowers ordinary community residents to

identify, implement and sustain development projects, with the support of the local government units. Projects include roads, day care centers, peace centers, and others that stimulate growth, peace and development in the communities. “Thank you Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA because we, the women have also been empowered. We were taught how to implement projects,” said Marlyn Duhaylungsod, a community volunteer from Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. Duhaylungsod was one of the volunteers who helped realize the installation of 30 streetlights in barangay Poblacion.


Soldiers of the 8th Infantry Battalion displayed the spirit of Christmas by devoting a day of fun games for the Lumad children of Impasugong town in Bukidnon province on

December 13, 2015.

Soldiers celebrate Christmas with Lumad kids

Together with their children, the soldiers unite with the Lumads and their children during the festivity in commemoration of the

harmonious rapport that has been established by the battalion among the residents of the Tribal Capital of the province of Bukidnon.

The activity was conducted at 8IB headquarters in Barangay Poblacion of Impasugong. For more than seven years, 8IB has been rendering its services to the municipality of Impasugong. In these long years, the battalion has been a revered partner in peace building most especially that it maintains a reputation of respecting Lumad customs and traditions. The Higaonon tribe of Impasugong has ordained on July 27, 2015 Ltc Lennon G Babilonia, commanding officer of 8IB, as Datu Impamani or protector of the Lumads. The event was conducted through sacred rituals that depicted the Lumads’ great respect for and trust to the soldiers of 8IB. At that time, the troops reaffirmed their vow to protect the Lumads from the exploitations and deceits of threat groups such as the NPA. Meantime, 1Lt Lorjohn Hernandez, commandant of Headquarters Company of 8IB,

thanked the parents of the Lumad children for allowing them to participate in the Christmas celebration that the battalion has prepared for them. “I am very much thankful to the parents of these Lumad children for allowing them to join us in our Christmas celebration. It is very heart warming to know that kids these days are not anymore afraid of the soldiers as what we are accustomed to when we are also kids because our parents are using the soldiers as a jackstraw so that we may listen to them,” said Hernanded. He also said they made this activity so as to educate our children, especially the Lumad children, that they should not be afraid of us. Instead, they should love us because we care for them. It is because of these children that we offer our lives to ensure their future. “Let’s all work together for peace so that we may fulfill our dream for our children,” he said. (8IB/4ID/PA)

NYC, youth organize short film fest on HIV/AIDS The National Youth Commission (NYC) spearheaded by Tingug-CDO, Inc. a Cagayan de Oro based organization has designed a project concept entitled “Tingug-CDO Short Film Festival on HIV and AIDS.”


During the preparatory meeting with the Regional Youth Advisory Council (RYAC) region 10 on 8 December 2015, it was discussed that the event’s concept is to scale up the key messages for HIV prevention services among MSM and Transgender in the city of Cagayan de Oro and some parts of Northern Mindanao. The Short Film Festival focuses on the stories related to MSMs, Bisexuals, and Transgender who were victims of HIV and AIDS. The festival has the theme “Pag-amuma” which is a Cebuano dialect that means to care for and provide with a strong support. “Pag-amuma” depicts the live of MSMs and Transgender in

their daily sexual health and HIV/AIDS concerns. The organization focuses on these genders since they are the victims of stigma and discrimination. Tingug-CDO Inc. has tapped schools to participate in the event and said this is an open category. The top 10 film finalists will be screened on January 20, 2016. The contest proper and the awarding ceremony will be on February 10, 2016, and the lucky winner will receive P15,000 for the grand prize, P10,000 for the 1st placer and P8,000) for the 2nd placer. Other awards are to be given on the special category like best in cinematography, best actors and actress, best director and including


the viewer’s choice award which are judged according to the preference of the audience. Winning film will be used for

campaign and advocacy by partner stakeholders. (Jonathan Macas/JMOR/PIA10)

Tips to avoid being robbed!

Tips from a victim:

1. Don’t bring an open-mouth bag that provides much space for a quick hand. 2. Have your personal space respected and give anyone a stone cold “stay away” look. 3. Observe your surroundings and the people around regardless of how seemingly “safe” they look. 4. Don’t take any “bump” for granted. 5. On the way back to park lot,

ask the guard to accompany you until you are safely inside the car. 6. Walk against traffic flow to see the motorists passing you by, especially motorcycle riding thieves. 7. Be vigilant even in the study halls. 8. Don’t leave things unattended. 9. Keep in mind emergency numbers. Tips from victim Ivanna. (Joe Felisilda, media practitioner)

one mindanao - december 15, 2015

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