one mindanao - december 16, 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 ARTISTSDOMINIC SANCHEZ, 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

39

ARMM

Guv supports MILF’s anti-drug campaign

40 DENR-ARMM intensifies greening program

38

16

19

Lanao del Norte up with ‘Night International Supercross’ competition

SSS benefit releases up by 10 percent

BBL can be template for peace building, says Albano

13

Cover Story

SOUTHERN

INFOCUS NATIONAL

Hedcor unveils P2.5M-worth school buildings in DavSur, Bukidnon

1610

Contents

18

By: Lorry V. Gabule and Vincent N. Labial

OUR COVER

Gigaquit MPS facilitates ‘Salida Caravan’ to end VAW

28

CARAGA

25

29 PIA Caraga gears preparation for IP Reg’l Youth Leadership & Communicators’ Summit

WESTERN

3634

101st IB launches hot pursuit operation vs NPAs

DAR North Cotabato gains ISO certification23

SOCCSKSARGEN

21By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

4 December 16, 2015One Mindanao

5December 16, 2015 One Mindanao

Lanao del Norte up with ‘Night International Supercross’ competitionby Lorry V. Gabule, Vincent N. Labial


More than 150 riders from different parts of the country converged in the capital town of Tubod for the biggest motocross event of the year slated December 4 to 6, 2015, said Race Director Mener Sanes.

Seven international riders competed against top Filipino racers in the Lanao del Norte International Motocross and ‘Night Supercross’ hosted by the provincial government at world-class Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) sports complex racetrack. The 3-day event was in partnership with SEL-J Sports of Manila and featured death-defying stunts and jumps from w e l l - k n o w n Freestyle riders

like Bradley Robert Burch and Harry Paul Bink. “This is the best motocross racetrack of the Philippines and

Another star-studded international motocross event is hosted anew by the Province of Lanao del Norte—

popularly known as the country’s Motocross Capital.


it is at par with the best racetracks in Asia. This is the reason why we keep coming back here to compete,” noted International motocross rider Balazs Deczi of Hungary. I n t e r n a t i o n a l riders who participated in this international competition include Richard Austin Yorks, Dennis Stapleton, Austin Robert Howell, and Jack Kristopher McNeice. The mega-racing event saw motocross riders compete in the two racetracks created by the provincial

government through its Provincial Engineering Office – the Motocross dirttrack and the new Supercross racetrack. Among the categories riders competed include Pro-Open, Expert-Open, Executive-A, Executive-B, Underbone Stock, Novice-Open, Power Enduro, Enduro 125, Mini Class, Ladies, and Veterans. The motocross event was also the first-time for Lanaodel Norte local government unit to host a ‘Night Supercross.’ “Many came to watch the Night Supercross because there


are more jumps in supercross compared to motocross. So it has more airtime and riders can do some fancy tricks,” said Provincial Information Officer Lyndon Calica. We have motocross enthusiasts who came to witness the event, as far as Zamboanga, Misamis Occidental/Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao, and even from the Visayas, from nearby cities and provinces, Calica added. Winners of the international motocross event were Bornok Mangosong (Pro-Open/ Expert-Open), Hermes Bantoc (Executive-A), Popet Frias (Executive-B), Terence Napat (Novice-Open/Mini Class), RK Cuesta (Ladies), and

Athoy Belican (Veterans). The provincial g o v e r n m e n t also hosted the 2nd Lanao del Norte Triathlon on November 29, 2015 participated by more than 170 athletes from all over the country including seven

nationally triathletes. The province of Lanao del


Norte has been acclaimed as the ‘Motocross Capital of the Philippines’ by both motocross organizers and riders. Riders admire the international standard race course as being “very technical yet very safe.” Last 2011, the Province of Lanao del Norte made history by hosting the first-ever Freestyle competition in the country. On that day, residents and visitors get to see the breath-taking jumps and death-defying stunts performed by international FMX riders once only seen through

televised X-Games. The “Lanao del Norte International Motocross Invitationals” event has

transcended from being a mere s p o r t i n g competition to becoming a potent tool for peace building and helps unite the people of this beautiful province in showcasing their unique c u l t u r a l h e r i t a g e and colorful traditions to the rest of

the country and the world.

One Mindanao10 December 16, 2015

MANILA-- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday pledged that the government will boost its anti-corruption campaign to better empower the Filipino people.

President Aquino vows to boost anti-corruption campaign

In a speech delivered during the 3rd State Conference on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace,

the President noted how the government’s all-out campaign against corruption has produced stellar results.

11December16, 2015 One Mindanao

“Over the past five years and five months, we, together with the Filipino people, have transformed our country from the Sick Man of Asia into Asia’s New Darling, we have channeled our economic success into social services that make certain that our growth is inclusive, and we have begun to see the tangible impact of our long-term efforts to alleviate poverty,” Aquino said.

According to the President, part of this inclusive growth was the 1.4 million Filipino households (roughly equivalent to 7 million Filipinos) lifted above the poverty line, and the lowest unemployment rate the country received in a decade.

“All this is rooted in the battle cry of our administration, ‘kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap. (where there is no corruption, there will be no poverty),’” he said. “Throughout our administration, we have stood by that promise, with a view of empowering our

people, showing them how it is to have a government that truly works for them.”

President Aquino said that to eliminate corruption and institute transparency in every possible pocket of governance, the government fixed the budgeting system that was prone to leakage and corruption, turning it into zero-based budgeting.

He also pointed out that the country has improved its ranking in surveys that measure corruption, with Transparency International bumping the Philippines up 49 places in its Corruption Perceptions Index, and the Heritage Foundation bumping the country up 48 places in terms of Freedom from Corruption, which is part of its Economic Freedom Index.

Aquino said an empowered government has a greater capacity to invest in its people. This was translated in the


success in the implementation of the administration’s human development programs such as the 4.4 million household beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program. The beneficiaries have additional resources to get by and can more ably send their children to school.

The education sector has managed to clear all inherited backlogs in classrooms, school seats, and textbooks, and at the same time upgrading its basic education system to be at par with global standards. In the health

sector, the bottom 40 percent of the country’s population can now just walk into any government hospital and show their PhilHealth card to receive treatment, free of charge.

“Until the very last day of my term, we will strive to do even more against corruption and to uplift as many of our countrymen as possible, and we encourage our colleagues from the Legislature and the Judiciary to continue doing the same,” the President said. (PCOO/PND)


QUEZON CITY-- The Social Security System’s (SSS) benefit releases amounted to P83.66 billion for the first nine months of 2015, up by 10 percent from P76.17 billion for the same period last year, as the total number of members who applied for various SSS benefits increased by eight percent to 2.7 million.

SSS benefit releases up by 10 percent

SSS Vice President for Benefits Administration Division Agnes E. San Jose said that 99 percent of the nine-month benefit releases were paid under the Social Security (SS) Program, which is the standard benefit package for members. SS benefit payments grew by 10 percent from 75.41 billion to

P82.84 billion. “About 40,800 members eligible for benefits under the Employees’ Compensation or ‘EC’ Program received a total of P817.97 million in additional financial support from the SSS due to the work-related nature of their sickness, disability or death,” San Jose noted. “This was


higher by seven percent from the P763.82 million EC benefits disbursed for the same period last year.”

Benefit types offered under the SS Program include retirement, death, disability, maternity, sickness and funeral, while the EC Program covers work-related contingencies such as death, disability, sickness, funeral, medical services and rehabilitation. Both the SS and EC programs offer pension benefits.

“A wide range of contingencies are covered by the

SSS. We urge members to ensure that their contributions are up-to-date so that they and their loved ones qualify for benefits when the need arises. Members with higher and more frequent contributions also reap higher computed benefits,” San Jose said.

Social security retirement claims, which reached P46.67 billion or 56 percent of the total benefit disbursements, jumped 13 percent from P41.41 billion in 2014. Other SS benefit payments include P25.43 billion for death, P3.88 billion for maternity, P3.07 billion for disability, P2.23 billion for funeral, and P1.57 billion for sickness.

Death claims accounted for the largest share of EC benefits at 78 percent of the total. The SSS also disbursed EC benefits amounting to P83.07


million for disability, P77.68 million for sickness, P12.75 million for medical services and rehabilitation, and P6.17 million for funeral grants.

In terms of pension releases, combined payments under the SS and EC programs amounted to P57.69 billion, higher by 10 percent from P52.42 billion paid from January to September last year. The nine-month SS and EC pension payments this year totaled P57.09 billion and P598.87 million, respectively.

“Nearly 70 percent of all benefit releases were paid for the SSS pensions of members and beneficiaries. Pensioners normally receive their benefits through their own bank accounts, but there are also rare cases of those who choose to get monthly SSS pension checks from the mail,” San Jose added.

About 60 percent of pension disbursements, or P34.43 billion, were paid for SS retirement

claims. SSS pension payments also include P20.77 billion for SS death, P1.89 billion for SS disability, P546.15 million for EC death, and P52.72 million for EC disability.

The SSS has granted a series of benefit hikes in recent years, such as the increase in SS funeral grants from a fixed amount of P20,000 to a variable amount ranging from P20,000 to P40,000, depending on the member’s number of contributions and average monthly salary credit or reported income to the SSS, and the five-percent across-the-board pension increase for all SSS pensioners that took effect in June 2014.

Effective September 2013, the SSS also increased EC pensions for disability and death by ten percent, and EC funeral grants were doubled from the previous P10,000 to P20,000. (SSS)

16 One Mindanao December 16, 2015

BBL can be template for peace building, says Albano

MANILA -- An opposition leader in the House of Representatives over the weekend expressed conviction that Congress will be able to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that could be a template for future peace processes and peace building efforts by other countries as pointed out by President Aquino III.

filephoto: gmanewsnetwork.com

“Let us give peace a chance. This is the opportune time for Congress to pass this peace

measure which has been a product of hard work not only by legislators but also of a peace


panel made up of experts from multi sector groups and civil society leaders who worked hard to provide invaluable inputs to make sure that the proposed peace pact would reflect and respond to the demands for peace and development in strife-torn Mindanao,” Albano, House contingent head for the Minority Bloc of the Commission on Appointments, said.

He said President Aquino was right to push hard for the passage of the BBL as the proposed law is an integral part in upholding the rights of Moros and Lumads or the cultural minorities in Mindanao and help provide closure to the decades-old conflict in the South.

“Passing the BBL will be the legacy of the Aquino administration, and that Congress will forever be proud of having crafted a peace pact that will be used as guide by the international community in pursuing a peace process,” Albano said.

The veteran lawmaker also renewed his appeal to fellow legislators to diligently and religiously attend the remaining session days of the 16th Congress which will end in June 2016 to pass significant pieces of legislation such as the BBL.

“We have done so much to allow peace measure to reach the final stage of legislation. All that the BBL needs is one final push that will bring hope for a lasting peace in Mindanao. We are a bit closer to have this passed into law, and so I urge my fellow legislators to join hands, cooperate and fulfill their constitutional duty passing the BBL” Albano said. (PNA)


DAR-XI distributes P22M-worth of farm equipment to farmer-organizationsDAVAO CITY– The Department of Agrarian Reform Region XI has turned over on Monday PhP22 million worth of farm machineries and equipment 29 agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) from across the region.

Regional Director John M. Maruhom said the ARBOs are from Davao City, and from the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley Province and Davao Ori-ental. The farm machineries and equipment were procured under the Agrarian Reform Communi-ties Connectivity and Econom-ic Support Services (ARCCESS) project thru the Department Of Budget and Management-Pro-curement Service (PS-DBM). The equipment include: 22 light-duty shredders, two cultiva-tors/power tillers and eight units four-wheel drive power tractors (one unit 120 HP, two units 90 HP and five units 35 HP). Thorough inspection and test runs were conducted by

government inspectors upon the delivery of these farm machiner-ies and equipment to ensure that they conform to specifications and in good working condition. The suppliers were likewise required to conduct orientation and training on proper operation and maintenance of this equip-ment for the recipient ARBOs. The ARBOs’ actual need of these farm machineries and equipment were pre-determined and validated by a third-party state university which was com-missioned for the purpose. The ARCCESS project is DAR’s strategic intervention to retain the awarded lands of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) through increased pro-duction and engagement in agri-based and related enterprises.


It aims to strengthen the ARB organizations by building them as hubs of support services in the community which are ex-pected to contribute to increasing ARB household incomes and im-proving resiliency of ARB house-holds. It has five major compo-nents, namely: 1) provision of common service facilities (CSFs) for production and processing, 2) agri-technology and agri-ex-

tension services, 3) business development services, 4) credit facilitation, and 5) land tenure improvement. The formal turnover cer-emony of the machineries and equipment was held on Decem-ber 14, 2015 at the DAR Regional Office XI Compound in Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City, and was attended by DAR XI officials and officers of the ARBO recipients. (DAR-XI/Divino C. Dalanon)

Hedcor unveils P2.5M-worth school build-ings in DavSur, BukidnonSTA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur – A back-to-back turn-over of Silid Panga-rap from the AboitizPower’s subsidiary, Hedcor to Sta Cruz Central El-ementary School in Davao del Sur and Ilignan Elementary School in the Province of Bukidnon were unveiled this year. “Sta. Cruz Central Elemen-tary School is one of the lucky few who are being given this kind of blessing,” expressed grateful school principal Hazel V. Luna. In partnership with Aboitiz Foundation, Department of Edu-cation, and AGAPP Foundation, Hedcor supports DepEd’s K+12 program in providing better edu-cation and improving academic performance of the kindergarten students in the areas. Over 190 pilot kindergarten-enrollees of the Sta Cruz Central are benefiting from this Silid Pan-garap, while in Ilignan Elementa-

ry School a population of roughly 80 kindergarten pupils will have the same. “We are blessed because these classrooms from Hedcor and partners were given to us in an opportune time. These are not ordinary classrooms; these are classrooms with complete facili-ties, even devices, instructional materials and all that a teacher and a student would need for the teaching-learning process,” Luna stated. AGAPP representative Joc-elyn T. Ledesma said AFI has been such a wonderful partner of


AGAPP. Aboitiz has already given 216 kindergarten classrooms out of the 1,050 classrooms donated by AGAPP nationwide, in which 13 of it were bestowed by Hed-cor to its adopted public schools in host communities since 2011. “In behalf of our AGAPP Chairman Pinky Aquino-Abella-da, allow me to thank the many people who made this building possible. AboitizPower is indeed a good neighbor. Where Hedcor is, that community is sure to be abundantly blessed,” Ledesma shared. “Just recently, Hedcor sent kindergarten teachers to a very significant workshop on a new curriculum required by DepEd and on parent involvement in the early childhood program. This is a complete-package project be-cause through this partnership, the students did not just get new conducive classrooms but well-trained mentors as well,” said Impasugong Mayor Anthony Uy. Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez, in his response, took the opportunity to extend his grati-tude to Hedcor which he defined as “one of the best things that happened in Sta. Cruz”. Parents and kids thanked the corporations behind the project,

too. “As a parent, I am happy because the kids now have class-rooms with exceptional facilities that nurture the love for knowl-edge and mould their charac-ters,” said Jessica Lumio, parent of a 5-year-old kindergarten. Hedcor as a major partner of Sta. Cruz and a new community-partner of Bukidnon Province in development committed to con-tinue improving and expanding its social development and envi-ronmental efforts as the compa-ny continues to grow. Meanwhile, out of the 11 business units of the Aboitiz Group and its social develop-ment arm, Aboitiz Foundation, four companies under Hedcor re-cently received recognition from the DepED for their contribution to the improvement of the coun-try’s public education system during its annual partner’s ap-preciation program. Hedcor engages in run-of-river hydro development and op-erations. It is currently expand-ing its operations in Bukidnon with the 68.8-MW Manolo Fortich Hydro. Currently, Hedcor oper-ates 22 hydropower plants with a total capacity of 185 MW. (Hed-cor)


STCW amendments crucial for seafarers to remain globally competitive –MARINABy: Aida C. Agad

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 16 – In the re-cently conducted “Usapang STCW” here in SOCCSKSARGEN Region, a Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) official stressed that lessons in the manual’s amendments are cru-cial for seafarers to remain globally competitive.


During the interaction, Chief Mate Michael John R. Esplago, Maritime Education and Training Standards Su-pervisor, said that the 2010 STCW (Standards of Train-ing, Certification and Watch-keeping) Amendments is a crucial step in complying with the 1978 STCW.

He added that the need to upgrade the certification standards of Filipino Seafar-ers is critical for our seafar-ers to remain globally com-petitive.

The 1978 STCW prescribes the minimum standards in relation to training, certifica-tion and watchkeeping for seafarers which countries are obliged to meet or ex-ceed.

Over 400 marine stu-dents and instructors from all across the region listened to the discussions on the Standards of Training, Cer-tification and Watchkeeping (SCTW) held at the Mind-anao Polytechnic College in General Santos City.

The “Usapang STCW” is

one of the information and education campaign chan-nel of the Public Information Division of STCW Office un-der MARINA. It is a series of fora all over the country in an effort to clarify issues and questions on educa-tion, training, examination, assessment and certifica-tion under the STCW 2010 Amendments, MARINA said.

The STCW Central Office is assisted by MARINA Region 12 in conducting the “Usa-pang STCW” at the Mindan-ao Polytechnic College.

At the said forum Ms. Ru-bina S. Badoy Officer-in-Charge of the Public Infor-mation Division also touched on the need to train Mer-chant Marine Officers. She said, the Philippines proudly supplies 1/3 of the merchant marine sailors international-ly, but she laments, “the sad fact that very few of those are officers.“

Badoy added, in 2015 alone, 10,000 officers are needed worldwide. By 2020, it is projected that 150,000


DAR North Cotabato gains ISO certification By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

officer positions will need filling up. “This presents a big opportunity for our Fili-pino seafarers to enhance their careers and level up

the stake of our already thriving maritime indus-try, “ the official said. (AC Agad PIA12 with report from CMDelfin-MARINA 12)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Dec. 16— The Department of Agrarian Reform in North Cotabato is now an ISO 9001:2008 cer-tified government agency, a high ranking official of DAR here an-nounced.

Nasser Musali, DAR-12 re-gional director, said DAR North Cotabato obtained the ISO 9001 certification from the Guardian Independent Certification Ltd (GIC), a UK-based global certifi-cation body, which has an office in Mandaluyong City.

“The GCI which provided the third-party conformity assess-ment found that the DAR North Cotabato’s Quality Manage-ment System adheres to the ISO 9001:2008 standard and compliance to statutory require-ment,” Musali said.

Findings also revealed that the leadership and competen-cies of personnel were also

found to be reliable in achieving the organizations targets and objectives, Musali added.

Meanwhile, Marion Abella, provincial agrarian reform pro-gram officer II, said that DAR North Cotabato has done its best to achieve the ISO certifi-cation of services under the land tenure improvement, develop-ment of program beneficiaries, and agrarian justice delivery.

“We have gone through a lot of challenges to achieve this feat. I laud the participation and cooperation of every personnel who wholeheartedly gave their time and effort to make DAR North Cotabato ISO 9001:2008


certified,” Abella said.“We are not perfect yet but

we are ready to comply with the standards and continuously act to improve and conform to the quality management system.”

ISO 9001 is an international standard on Quality Manage-ment Systems based on quality management principles to help improve organization’s perfor-mance.

Norlito Suelo, lead external auditor, explained that the cer-tification to ISO 9001 is a continu-ing process of improv-ing an or-ganization’s quality manage-ment sys-tem.

“We will conduct surveil-lance vis-its anytime next year to check if the re-quirements of the said standard are consis-

tently conformed to and the es-tablished quality management systems are maintained and continually improved,” Suelo said.

DAR North Cotabato started the ISO 9001:2008 certification process in May this year and passed the external audit con-ducted by GIC this December. (DEDoguiles-PIA12 with report from DAR North Cotabato)

8.dpuf


DOLE-RCC holds Christmas-presscon; awards plaques, tokens to media partners

BUTUAN CITY - The officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) Caraga gathered on Monday for a press conference cum awarding of plaque of appreciation and tokens to partner media held at the LJ Mega Convention Center, this city.

By Jennifer Gaitano


It was the last press conference for this year, it was learned. Members of the panel gave updates on their programs and services, as well as accomplishments for 2015 and plans and upcoming activities for 2016. The members of the panel comprised the regional directors and representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TEDSA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Philippine Regulatory

Commission (PRC), Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Department of Education (DepEd) and National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). Atty. Johnson Cañete, regional director of DOLE Caraga bared that most of the workers from the different establishments in the region have already learned to participate in avenues or forum where they can raise their issues and concerns with their employers, instead of directly going to the NLRC for their complaints. Cañete also encouraged its


partner government agencies, media and private individuals to support and participate in the simultaneous conduct of the ‘Walk for A Cause’ on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015. “For Butuan City, said activity will start from St. Joseph Cathedral going to Robinsons Place in Butuan City, where a short program will be held. Participants will have to pay P20 for the registration and proceeds will be turned-over to the identified barangay-beneficiary to prevent child labor,” bared Cañete. Dr. Isidro Biol Jr. of DepEd Caraga also announced that the department is ready for the implementation of the Senior High School starting from school year 2016-2017. “In the 12 schools division in Caraga, we have 403 senior high school and from which we can accommodate 360, so this time, we are still looking into how we can settle the remaining 43 students. We will also be coordinating with the private schools as we implement the voucher-privilege system,” he said. Biol added that there is lack of teachers for the K-12 implementation, however, the department is also accepting applications from those who have

National Competencies (NCs) issued by TESDA for contractual basis. Also, according to TESDA Caraga regional director Florencio Sunico, acquiring the lower level in the National Competency (NC) does not necessarily have to be a pre-requisite in acquiring for a higher level test, as long as the needed skills requirements are there. “NC I is more on the operators, NC II for technicians, NC III for supervisory, and NC IV for managerial. Just visit the office for any inquiry about the NCs,” he said. Meanwhile, right after the press conference, the DOLE-RCC led by Dir. Cañete handed-over the plaque of appreciation and tokens to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and media personalities in grateful acknowledgement and appreciation for their support as media partner to the DOLE Caraga programs.


Gigaquit MPS facilitates ‘Salida Caravan’ to end VAW

The said activity features the viewing of short films on VAW and advocacies to end VAW, lecture on the statistical situation of VAW in the country, and the laws protecting women’s rights and campaign commitment. A total of 149 Grade 10 students supervised by their respective class advisers headed by its school principal Anecito Apatan attended the activity. The showing of the said salida caravan was facilitated by PO2 Ariel E. Esperon, PO2 Jesusa T. Mollaneda, PO2 Michelle Edera Lareza, PO1 Marilyn G. Baleña, Añelab Nozug Nyliram and NUP

Maximino B. Angob, Jr. and Jee-ar Neutron. The conduct of the said event is pursuant to proclamation no.1172 series of 2006, declaring November 25 to December 12 of every year as the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, which aims to raise awareness of the public that VAW is a public issue of national concern and to campaign for the protection of the human rights of women. (SDR/Gigaquit MPS, GNHS, PIA/Surigao del Norte)

GIGAQUIT, Surigao del Norte– The Gigaquit Municipal Police Sta-tion (MPS) facilitated a filming showing activ-ity dubbed “Salida Car-avan” to End Violence Against Women (VAW)at the Gigaquit Nation-al Highschool (GNHS), this town.


PIA Caraga gears preparation for IP Reg’l Youth Leadership & Communicators’ Summit By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

PIA-Caraga regional director Abner Caga expressed that there is really a need to gather the IP youth and empower them through different activities especially in the field of communication. “Considering the issues and challenges being faced these days by the IPs in the region, we feel the

need to help them especially the vulnerable youth who are the most affected ones. As the information arm of the government, PIA is committed to assist them in learning/

gaining new knowledge that will help them better in their decision-making. We will demonstrate how it is to be effective communicators by imparting to them the workshops on the following: news writing, photo journalism, radio broadcasting, and the like,”

BUTUAN CITY– With eager-ness to help the youth in the tribal communities in the region, the Philippine Infor-mation Agency (PIA) Caraga has geared its preparations for the upcoming Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Regional Youth Leadership and Communica-tors’ Summit, in coordina-tion with the 4th Infantry Division of Philippine Army on December 18-21, 2015 to be held at Tiberias Retreat House in Carmen, Agusan del Norte.


stressed Caga. Caga added that this will be the first summit conducted that focuses on the welfare of the IP youth. Other government agencies have also expressed their support to PIA and Philippine Army in the conduct of said event. “PIA will conduct full documentation during the four-day activity and will maximize its distinct and valuable platforms to

support the IP youth and boost their morale and confidence,” he remarked. The 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 Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) and two CADT applications.


Dipolog vies for ‘Most Child-Friendy Cities’ By Mary May A. Abellon


Other evaluators were from Department of Justice (DOJ)-9 and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - 9. The city would compete with other three component cities of Ilagan in Isabela, Tagaytay in Cavite and La Carlota in Negros Occidental. The evaluators looked into the city’s programs on education, social protection, health and nutrition as well as children’s participation. They also conducted an interview with local officials regarding the programs, projects and activities for children’s welfare and development in the city.This search seeks that the national government together with local government units will

make efforts in addressing the four categories of child’s right to survival, development, protection and participation. Meanwhile, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted with presidents of pupils’ government council in public schools and children from the barangays of Olingan, Cogon, Estaka and Sicayab. The Barangay Council for Protection of Children (BCPC), school principals, Barangay Health Workers (BHW), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and Day Care Workers were thoroughly scrutinized and examined in regard to their child-friendly policies and programs. Dipolog City has been a regional hall of famer and twice as finalist in national level in the said competition.

DIPOLOG CITY – Evaluators from the central offices of Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have come here recently to assess the city as one of the national finalists for the search for Most Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities in the country.


By: Greg Tataro Jr.

101st IB launches hot pursuit operation vs NPAsBy Alfonso T. Ruda

According to Captain Jason Roy P. Mararac, 101st Brigade’s Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer, a platoon-size fully-armed NPA members belonging to Natarang Guerilla Flex “A” Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) burned down thee heavy equipment owned by Edana Construction Company in Purok Rosa, Sitio Kandingan, barangay Situbo at 2 p.m. last Dec. 12. Edana Construction Company, which is now constructing the farm-to-market road in Zamboanga del Norte’s third congressional district, is owned by HJ Yusop, based in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. “We condemn to highest term this foolish act of the NPAs.

The incident clearly manifests that the NPAs are against any initiatives for progress and development that would uplift social and economic conditions of the community. The NPAs don’t really care to address the poverty problems. If the NPAs are really pro-poor, then they should participate in and support developmental initiatives. The people of Zamboanga del Norte do not deserve this for Christmas. The equipment are there to construct road to lessen the burden of the farmers and the people in transporting their products and for the government to effectively deliver the needed basic services in the area,“ Col. Jesus Mananquil Jr., 101st brigade commander said.

DIPOLOG CITY – Elements of the 101st Infantry Brigade (IB) are now conducting hot pursuit operations against the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who burned down three heavy equipment last Dec. 12 in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte.


Mananquil has called on all peace loving people to be vigilant against these dastard and irrational acts. He also urged the NPA members to come down and join the multi-sectoral peace and development

initiatives to address the plight of the poor. “The solution to our problems is not through the barrel of the gun or by burning construction equipment,” he said.


ARMM intensifies Gender and Development mainstreaming in the region

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

(ARMM) is intensifying its campaign to mainstream Gender and Development (GAD) and eventually eliminate Violence against Women (VAW).

The region, through its Women Commission (RCBW-ARMM), kicked-off the annual “18-day campaign to end incidences of violence against women” on November 25, in Cotabato City. The campaign, based on a national policy, is being held from November 25 to December 12 aimed at raising awareness among all stakeholders that violence against women is a public issue and of national concern.

It supports the government’s goal to protect the human rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of violence against women. Abderson Antao, RCBW-ARMM planning chief, said part of the campaign is pushing for the institutionalization of the Gender and Development focal point system in each agency in the region. Such system, he said, is the mechanism to implement and mainstream Gender


Guv supports MILF’s anti-drug campaignMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - To support the intensified anti-drug campaign of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Lanao del Sur, the provincial governor ordered the display of tarpaulins saying “no to illegal drugs which are considered haram or forbidden” in conspicuous areas in Marawi City and some municipalities.

The tarpaulins also contain the MILF resolution, attested by Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, which states the banning of the “use and sale of shabu or methamphetamine in the Bangsamoro and neighbouring areas.” The resolution further says, “the MILF shall take appropriate action to any person, Bangsamoro or non-Bangsamoro, found guilty of using shabu and those found beyond reasonable doubt of drug-pushing or being engaged in the sale and

proliferation of shabu.” The resolution was made by the MILF Central Committee adopted during its special session at Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on October 21, 2015. “Illegal drugs and substances should be banned from any place because they destroy a community,” said Provincial Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr. Adiong. He said illegal drugs are the cause

and Development in the offices. “Gender and Development is very important. If implemented thoroughly, it will protect and promote the welfare of women. Both men and women have a role in social development and in peace building especially in conflict-affected areas like the ARMM,” said Antao. Antao said they are urging all agencies to have an established Gender and Development focal point system. Currently, only the region’s Education department, Department of Agrarian Reform, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources are the only agencies with an established focal point system.

Simultaneously, the region launched the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the ARMM Gender and Development Code. The code is the regional translation of Republic Act 9710, or the Magna Carta for Women and was signed into law on May 20, 2013. “ARMM is demographically and culturally distinct. The code is an instrument in addressing gender issues and advancing the status of women in the region,” said Antao. This year’s campaign bears the theme “End VAW Now! It’s our duty! Gains and ways forward.” (BPI/PIA-10)


of majority of the crimes committed in the country. “It is our duty to support anti-drug campaigns of the government, individuals, and organizations, and to

also ensure that the law of this nation is first and foremost upheld,” he added. (PIO-Lanao del Sur/PIA-10)

DENR-ARMM intensifies greening programMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) further intensifies its greening program to reduce the effects of climate change in the region.

Kahal Kedtag , Regional Environment and Natural Resources Secretary, said DENR-ARMM, will plant one million trees starting in Maguindanao. “Ang ginagawa natin dito ay ang pagsulong at pagtulong sa climate

change mitigation (Our objective is to help in climate change mitigation),” Kedtag said. The reforestation is in line with the National Greening Program. Kedtag said the seedlings available for the project can reforest


up to 50,000 hectares of land. The watersheds in Dimapatoy, South Upi and Kabulnan – all in the province of Maguindanao – are the priority areas to be planted with the seedlings. The region – composed of the mainland provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi – has a total of 585,000 hectares of forest land. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman has implemented a total log ban in the region through Executive Order 001 issued in December 2011. The order prohibits the cutting of trees in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. ARMM now has 301,000 hectares of forest cover, an increase of 6.7 percent compared with the 282,640 hectares in 2003 after a “precise geo-mapping, tagging and monitoring.” The DENR-ARMM has commissioned the local community, mostly of Teduray ethnicity, in Datu Odin Sinsuat town to raise the seedlings at the department’s central nursery at Sitio Lomboy, Brgy. Awang. More than 400 residents, joined in the bagging of the seedlings, and availed themselves of jobs under the cash-for-work program of DENR-ARMM. Over 200 of the participants are members of the LoPaSiNaKa (Sitio Lomboy, Pagapulan, Siawan and Nabilan) People’s Organization. One of the beneficiaries is 24-year old Regie Agustin who has a child and needs to make both ends meet since he earns only P100 a day as a

driver of ‘habal-habal’, a motorcycle that ferries passengers to remote villages. “Dati akong habal-habal driver, P100 lang kinikita ko sa isang araw at nahihirapang tustusan ang gastusin sa bahay. Ngayon kahit papano nakatutulong na ako sa panggastos sa bahay (I used to be a ‘habal-habal’ driver earning P100 daily, which is not enough to support the needs of my family. At least, I now contribute more to the family’s expenses),” said Agustin who now earns as much as P500 a day from bagging seedlings. “Noong nakapagtrabaho ako dito sa LoPaSiNaKa, nagkakapera po ako ng sapat. Kontra nung driver ako ng habal-habal, tama lang po ang aking kinikita. Minsan may naiuuwi sa pamilya, minsan wala, tama lang sa gasoline (When I started working with LoPaSiNaKa, I was able to earn enough. When I was a ‘habal-habal’ driver, there were days my earnings would only be enough to buy gasoline, no money to bring home to my family), Agustin added.” “Nagpapasalamat nga po ako kay Sec. Kedtag dahil yung project na ito ay ditoMahogany, molave, narra, and coffee, among others, are raised in the half-hectare nursery in Lomboy. Lauriano Saldino, 61, president of the association, said the community is thankful of the opportunity. “Kapag maitanim na po ito sa amin, kami naman po ang poprotekta dito, at aalagaan hanggang sa paglaki (We would take care of these seedlings and we would protect these until they grow into trees).” (BPI/PIA-10)

one mindanao - december 16, 2015

Documents