one mindanao - february 17, 2016

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 RegionBautista 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 ARTISTSGIDEON CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERSSEC. 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

Succeeding in life thru farmingCover StoryBy: Mary May A. Abellon

today’s news10

17 20

27 30 38

Direct-seeding addresses high labor cost in rice farming

Joint gov’t, IDP inspection team to assess quality of Z3R housing projectsBy: Dominic I. Sanchez

PNoy carries Bangsamoro peace process agenda to ASEAN-US Summit

17 22

23

MisOr govt condemns tower bombings; NGCP pledges for peaceful May elections

Gingoog releases P30M for livelihood projects

4Ps rescues 1.5 million beneficiaries out of poverty nationwide

29 Kidapawan assesses sources of drinking water

By: Olga Virginia A. Demata and Abigail Grace S Pantejo

By: LGU-Agusan del Norte

By: Buboy Pabia

33

34

Surigao Norte town supports DOLE’s programs, services

Farmer leaders to receive financial support

SOUTHERN SOCCSKSARGEN

CARAGA

INFOCUS NATIONAL

WESTERN

NORTHERN

4125

14

By: Danilo E.Doguiles

DavNor hosts DavRAA 201626By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

By: Michael L. Uy

4 February 17, 2016One Mindanao

Succeeding in life thru farmingBy Mary May A. Abellon

Cover Story

Most of us may only think that a bowl of rice, a can of milk, a bottle of oil, a bar of chocolate and other agri-products could just be bought by just a simple trip to the supermarket. We hardly ponder about the tireless efforts of our farmers in the laborious process of producing the food we eat.

5February 17, 2016 One Mindanao

Succeeding in life thru farming

Most of us may only think that a bowl of rice, a can of milk, a bottle of oil, a bar of chocolate and other agri-products could just be bought by just a simple trip to the supermarket. We hardly ponder about the tireless efforts of our farmers in the laborious process of producing the food we eat.


Farmers are the people who work in acres and not in hours. They are our unsung heroes that we seem failed to recognize. Without them, the entire human race will be unable to survive. Model farmer, public servant

Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest what you have not planted. For Macias D. Abog, 60, a farmer from a small town of Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte, he has proven that life is just like farming: you reap what you sow!As a successful farmer, Abog, a high school graduate, has earned the respect, love and admiration of many. So, when he threw his hat in politics, he got elected as one of the barangay officials in Barangay Guinles uniterruptedly from 1994-2002, starting off as barangay councilor and then as barangay chairman.

After his tenure as barangay chairman, he became chairman of the Barangay Agrarian Reform Council (BARC), which mediates land conflicts in agrarian reform areas. He also became one of the officers of the Coconut Famers

Association organized by Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

He again ran as barangay chairman in the 2013 barangay election and won.

Blessed

God truly blessed his family. Today, Abog has hectares of lands planted with coconut, corn and rice. From a nipa hut, his house is now made of concrete materials furnished with appliances and high-tech gadgets. He now also owns a four-wheel service vehicle which he uses to take his family to the farms and his wife to her store near the poblacion.

“We could now buy what we wish and eat what we want,” Abog said. For him, dreams do come true if you believe in yourself, work beyond your imagination and have faith in the Almighty God.

Separated parents He was raised by family of farmers and at a young age his parents separated.“My parents got separated and I did not know any kind of job except tapping rubber

7February 17, 2016 One Mindanao 7

trees,” he shared. “Before I got married to my wife, I was just like a stowaway, a person with no direction and meaning,” he added.

When he was 20 years old, he went to Manila then to Olangapo City. There, he met a German national, a husband of one of his neighbors in Polanco, who became his close friend and offered to finance his college. But he declined the offer because the nephews and nieces of the wife also wanted to study.

Used to being a farmer, he engaged himself in planting and selling bananas and camote (sweet potato) while in Olanggapo. In 1977 he decided to go back to Polanco and there he married his wife, former Evangeline P. Ong.Church worker

Abog is not only known as a hardworking man but a man of principleand virtues as well. Right after he got married, he volunteered to be a church worker.

“Those times were really difficult and challenging. We were just living in a very small nipa hut,

about six by eight meters in size. I helped in harvesting corns just to eke out a living,” he recalled as his eyes welled up with tears. His family then transferred to the house of his father-in-law near the highway and his life slowly changed when he started to barter bread for corn to his neighbors with cornfields.“I bought on credit 100 pieces of bread from the bakery and bartered pack of bread for three pieces of corn.

“I was able to save some money which I would use whenever somebody comes to me to mortgage


his/her farmland,” he said when asked about the beginning of his success.

He personally cultivated the farmlands that were mortgaged to him andhe proved that dreams don’t work unless you do something and make them happen. “Lazy people get nowhere in life,” he stressed.

Happy farmer

He cannot contain his happiness as he shared that his children were all college degree holders and achievers in their schools. His eldest daughter, Maria

Libeth, now 38 years old and married is a commerce graduate and is now running her own store near their house. Maria Liberty, 35 years old and married to an engineer is a nurse in a hospital at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. His youngest son, Lester, 30 years old, is a nurse and currently enrolled in Bachelor of Laws at Jose Rizal Memorial State University in Dipolog City.

He has this advice to poorparents: Never lose hope, just keep believing and working hard.

CLOA recipient

Macias is a recipient of the Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) for a 29, 809 square-meter agricultural land in Barangay Sianib, Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte awarded by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).“I am very thankful to the DAR and its officials and employees because they work by heart in improving the lives of farmers like me, encouraging us to be more productive and made us realize that farming is a profession we should be proud of,” he exclaimed.


According to him, their cooperative, the Guinles Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GUIFAMUCO), received various projects and programs from DAR like irrigation system, flat bed dryer, potable water system, tractor, solar bed dryer, mud boat, rice planter, rice harvester, warehouse and even farm-to-market roads.

A blessing to others

Abog knew the feeling of having nothing. Success for him has nothing to do with what you have in life or what you have accomplished for yourself,but it’s what you do for others. He recalled the time when he helped an eight-month old baby of his neighbor that ineeded to be admitted in Cebu due to congenital heart disease. He helped without asking anything in return. The child did not survive, though.

He has also provided employment to other farmers by having them work on his cornfield and coconut farm. When asked about his view of success and happiness, Abog said:“Problem is always there as we

live. Success is only in one’s mind. If you are contented with what you have, you are successful. There are people living in extravagance and lavish lifestyle but unhappy.”

In life we need a doctor to treat our illness, a lawyer to defend us, a teacher to help us understand things or a policeman to protect us. But, we always need a farmer to feed us.

One Mindanao10 February 17, 2016

Philippine envoy cites importance of US-ASEAN summit to PH

RANCHO MIRAGE, California- President Benigno Aquino III’s presence in the special summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States will show the Philippines’ solidarity with the other ASEAN leaders in promoting regional stability, a Philippine envoy said. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. underscored the importance of the President’s attendance to the

summit, the first meeting of the ASEAN leaders with US President Barack Obama since both sides elevated relationship to strategic


partnership. “The summit is an opportunity for leaders of the ASEAN and the US to have candid conversations about issues of mutual concern. It is an important step for the leaders to substantiate their strategic partnership between the US and ASEAN,” said Cuisia. Moreover, the summit highlights the central role of ASEAN in ensuring stability and prosperity in the region. Cuisia said the Philippines, as a member of ASEAN, appreciates the significance of a summit in the development of a regional framework. He noted that the summit reaffirms the commitment of the US to continue playing a key role in ensuring the regional security architecture for the 21st century.

The summit is described as “unprecedented” since it will

be the first time Obama will be meeting all ASEAN leaders on US soil.

Among the agenda of the summit include the South China Sea, trade, climate change and counterterrorism.

Cuisia said that the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the US “have never been better.”

“As we mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-US relations, we highlight the durability, comprehensiveness, and dynamism of our ties. We have always been supportive of the rebalance to Asia-Pacific policy of the United States as it is an opportunity to deepen further our alliance in various areas of cooperation,” he said.

He said the Philippines intends to be a reliable and


responsible ally with the US as both countries have reaffirmed commitment to jointly address maritime security, climate change, and violent extremism, among others.

“Our defense and security arrangement has never been stronger and nor more focused,” he said.

He further noted that the

Philippines cooperation with the US in the area of maritime security and maritime domain awareness has actively contributed to the security and stability of the region.

He said the recent approval of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement “will further strengthen our alliance and this will help us in expanding further our capability and defense


modernization efforts.”

Cuisia also said the Philippines has likewise expanded its relations with the US in terms of the bilateral economic engagement.

“US is the second largest source of inward tourism, and the US is also the third largest in terms of foreign direct investments in the Philippines,” he said.

He noted that the positive transformation of the Philippine economy as a result of the reform agenda undertaken by the government of President Aquino has made the Philippines a stronger and more attractive partner, economic partner of the US.

He added that the Philippines is also working to further enhance economic relations with the US by joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is also likely

to be discussed in the summit.

“We are not yet a member but we hope that with the support of the US and other countries that are presently members of TPP, we will eventually become a member of TPP,” he said. In the field of development cooperation, Cuisia said the Millennium Challenge Corporation Board selected the Philippines for a second compact. “As you know, we will be completing the first compact in May and that has helped our efforts in terms of poverty reduction, inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and battling corruption. We hope that the second compact will allow us to leverage on the gains that we have achieved in the first compact,” he said. (PCOO/PND)


QUEZON CITY-- The direct seeding, a crop establishment method where pre-germinated seeds are sown directly onto the soil surface, can help address high labor cost in rice farming according to experts.

Direct-seeding addresses high labor cost in rice farming

PhilRice Agronomist Myrna Malabayabas said the method can be done either by dry or wet seeding and does not require seedbed preparation.

“The dry direct-seeding method is more commonly

used in rainfed and upland areas. It involves sowing of pre-germinated seeds on dry soil surface and then incorporating the seeds either by ploughing or harrowing. Wet direct-seeding, on the other hand, is practiced during dry and wet seasons in


irrigated and rainfed areas. It is done either through broadcasting or drilling pre-germinated seeds with the use of a drum-seeder on a wet, well-leveled paddy,” Malabayabas explained.

Direct-seeded rice matures earlier than transplanted rice. Hence, labor requirements and expenses for crop establishment and the time spent on crop management are reduced.

A PhilRice study titled Benchmarking the Philippine rice economy relative to major rice-producing countries in Asia, says that P4.42 is spent on labor cost for every kilogram of rice on transplanting while P3.28 is spent on direct-seeding.

In direct-seeding method, farmers can save up to P1.14 on labor cost for every kilogram of rice they produce and 23-man days for every hectare of their field.

In a seminar titled Direct-seeded Rice: Progress, Prospects, and Challenges at PhilRice, Dr. Vethaiya Balasubramanian said that managing weeds is one of the challenges in using the direct-seeding method.

The former agronomist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) explained that weeds germinate simultaneously with rice due to the absence of water that suppresses their growth. Nevertheless, options are available to address the problem.

“Among the ways to manage weeds include narrow spacing and uniform plant population, appropriate water depth and timing, use of weed-competitive varieties, and herbicide rotation and combination,” Dr. Balasubramanian said.

Malabayabas added that savings from the labor cost can offset the expenses in weed and


pest control.

“When the Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is followed properly, the optimum yield is comparable to that of transplanted method,” she said.

Experts at PhilRice recommend varieties for the direct-seeding method. These

varieties are early maturing, resistant to drought, and can attain a maximum yield of at least 6 t/ha.

For more information about the direct-seeding technology call or text PhilRice Text Center 0920-911-1398 or email [email protected]. (DA)


PNoy carries Bangsamoro peace process agenda to ASEAN-US Summit

PASAY CITY-- President Benigno S. Aquino III has reiterated his commitment to the peace process in Mindanao, saying that he would discuss the Bangsamoro peace process and the shelved Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at the ASEAN-US Leaders’ summit in California.

photo credit to gmanews.com

18 One Mindanao February 17, 2016

“Ito na nga po ang pinakahuling ASEAN Summit na dadaluhan ko bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas,” Aquino said in his departure speech. “Ito na rin ang pinakahuling pagkakataon na maibabahagi ko sa kapwa nating mga pinuno ng ASEAN ang paninindigan natin sa ating prosesong pangkapayapaan, na siya nating ambag sa pagtugon sa isyu ng extremism at kawalan ng istabilidad.” US President Barack Obama will be hosting the 10 ASEAN leaders at the Rancho Mirage in Sunnylands, California. The aim of the meeting is to further strengthen and improve the Joint Strategic Partnership between ASEAN nations and America. The last ASEAN-US summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in November 2015. This will be the first time that the meet will be conducted on US soil.

Among others, Aquino is expected to attend the summit’s Retreat Session 2 “Protecting Peace, Prosperity, and Security in the Asia-Pacific”.

Focusing on the BBL,

Aquino said the importance of the BBL in achieving peace and development in the Philippine south.

“Naudlot man ang panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law sa ating Kongreso, di nagbabago ang ating posisyon ukol sa BBL: Ito pa rin ang pinakatamang landas tungo sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran para sa Mindanao,” he said. “Sa ating pagpupulong, ilalatag natin ang mga kongkretong hakbang na ating ipapatupad sa kabila ng pagkakabinbin ng BBL.”

As early as the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in March 27, 2014, President Aquino already pinned high hopes on the BBL. “The Bangsamoro shall form a perimeter of vigilance against the spread of extremism; it shall act as a bridge of moderation among the great faiths of the various constituencies in ASEAN,” he declared then.

Despite the non-passage of the BBL, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation


Front (MILF) reiterated their continued commitment to the peace process. This was also echoed by the representatives of the various peace structures and mechanisms of the Bangsamoro peace process. Under the CAB, the implementation of certain provisions would move alongside legislative developments in the BBL. For instance, the decommissioning of MILF weapons and combatants and the transformation of MILF camps into productive, peaceful communities will only be completed once the BBL has been passed and the Bangsamoro regional government has been

established.

The GPH and MILF recently reaffirmed their commitment to stay the course of peace.

In a separate statement, the Peace Parties said they recognize that the non-passage of the BBL has adversely affected the timeline of establishing the Bangsamoro entity and agreed that the means forward is the early passage of this legislation in the next Administration and Congress, which is a requirement for implementation of significant aspects of the CAB including the decommissioning of MILF weapons and combatants. (OPAPP)

photo credit to gmanews.com


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The need to use the same water not just once but many times is a practice not only to have lower water bills but contribute in reducing the impacts of El Niño.

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat

Maximizing use of water vital to reducing impacts of El Niño - USAID

As presented by Elisea “Bebet” G. Gozun, USAID Be Secure’s Climate Resiliency team leader during the

seminar workshop of USAID Be Secure Project with the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine


Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) on PAGASA services and El Niño forum in Cagayan de Oro City on 9-10 February 2016, there is a need to make the most out of our water especially now that we are experiencing impacts of El Niño such as high temperature and minimum rainfall. Gozun said that ground water; the water we use daily in homes, businesses and agriculture is not limitless. “We have to make the most of the same water, use it many times,” she said. She also said to make use of rain water. She explained that there is a need for Water Demand Management (WDM). This should include provisions on water efficiency, strengthened water authorities and concerned government agencies to uphold water security especially in being resilient and adaptive to climate change. Water security is through strengthened resilience to climate change and increased service coverage and sustainability which results in increased access to water and sanitation, reduced risk to climate change, strengthened enabling environment for service delivery and strengthened analysis and use of climate data. Gozun said that WDM is a short term response to the bad El Niño and a long term response to climate impacts on water.

Further, Gozun said that cases for saline water intrusion is possible and happening to some parts of the country. This is salt water moving to freshwater aquifers which can lead to contaminating drinking water; and land subsidence, a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth’s surface owing to subsurface movement of earth materials. Gozun said this can have a permanent effect to the drinking water of the communities that is why it is important to monitor ground water. WDM is getting the most from the water we have and includes any action that reduces the amount of fresh water we use, or that keeps water cleaner in the course of a particular use than it otherwise would be. She said that everyone can make a significant contribution by knowing water footprint, implement and advocate for water efficiency measures, water conservation measures, rainwater harvesting and storage and reuse of treated wastewater for agriculture. WDM also includes the use of public policy, laws, rates, measures and practices to reduce water use for the goal of securing long-term, reliable, affordable and safe supply of water for the benefit of society and the environment; maintains public health and safety and provides equal importance to supply-side water management. Gozun said we need WDM because


MisOr govt condemns tower bombings; NGCP pledges for peaceful May elections

In a Provincial Resolution, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan presided by Jose Mari Pelaez, vice governor of Misamis Oriental, strongly condemned the bombings of transmission towers in Mindanao and urged the national government “to take urgent action to include the declaration of a state of emergency in the affected areas.” A similar resolution called on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the national government “to take immediate action and employ proactive and significant measures to prevent the destruction and the collapse of the Mindanao power grid…in order to secure the availability and continuous supply of electricity and ensure the integrity of the May 2016 national and local elections.” “NGCP welcomes this development and recognizes the

support of the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental as this further highlights the need to prioritize the provision of reliable and stable power before, during, and after Election Day,” confirmed NGCP. In RJSCC Coordinating Conference for Region X, NGCP joined representatives of COMELEC, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Smartmatic in evaluating the preparations of government security forces for the May 9 elections. This includes NGCP’s anticipation of the effects of the El Niño phenomenon and bombing of transmission towers to power supply in the region, to which the system operator recognized AFP

population and economic growth adds to a growing demand for water, fresh water. Also, fresh water supplies are limited, seawater desalination is very costly; over abstraction of ground

water and surface waters supplies can have permanent detrimental effects. Further, WDM can greatly mitigate the effects of emergency water shortages and droughts.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental expressed its support for peaceful May elections during the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) Coordinating Conference.


Anchored on the 8-point agenda of the administration of Mayor Marie de Lara Guingona, these projects aim to augment the income of the residents by investing to other source of livelihood; and to other potential faucet that would financially address the needs of Gingoognons. Meanwhile, mayor Marie has tasked Edgardo Balsamo, city consultant on agriculture and business to consolidate, coordinate, supervise and monitor the recently tracked down

pro-poor programs that aim to uplift and sustain beneficiaries’ economic conditions. The total amount of the livelihood projects emanated from the implementing offices namely Veterinarian’s Office which takes care P1,381,274.70 worth of projects consisted of 280 beneficiaries; Agriculturist’s Office which implements P11,612,732.81 for 2,190 beneficiaries; Public Employment Services Office (PESO) which monitors

LANAO DEL NORTE – Gingoog city has implemented various livelihood projects to almost 79 barangays under its priority programs following the release of P29,938,596.79 by the local government.

By: Buboy Pabia

Gingoog releases P30M for livelihood projects

and PNP in providing the necessary support. The conference ended with representatives of member agencies signing a pledge of commitment to ensure clean, safe, and peaceful elections in Region X. NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the

interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets. The consortium, which holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country’s power transmission network, is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. led by Henry Sy, Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation led by Robert Coyiuto, Jr., and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical partner. (NGCP)


P1,488,000.00 with 307 beneficiaries. Social Welfare and Development Office which supervises P11,361,069.47 with 1,927 beneficiaries; Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Field Office which puts up P3,665,850.00 with 701 beneficiaries; Community Training Employment Center (CTEC) under which oversees P278,000.00 with 20 beneficiaries; and Mayor’s Office which funds P151,669.81 with 89 beneficiaries. These funds are sourced out from World Bank through Mindanao Rural Development Program-Community Fund for Agriculture Development (MRDP-CFAD) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), City-wide Development Fund and Local General Fund. “Dako namong kalipay nga ang among Barangay 26 maoy

nakatagamtam sa pinakadako nga kantidad sa maong mga proyekto nga makatabang sa among panginabuhi (We are very happy that our Barangay 26 gets the bigger chunk of these projects which aids our livelihood),” said Punong Barangay Dolly Arot. For his part, barangay Agay-ayan Punong Barangay Amado Maagad said, “Mapasalamaton kami ngadto ni Mayor Guingona tungod kay ang Brgy. Agay-ayan maoy nalista nga adunay pinakadaghan nga benepisyaryo nga buot sabton nga adunay daghan nahatagan ug panginabuhian. (We are thankful to mayor Guingona as the barangay is listed with the most number of beneficiaries of the livelihood projects)” “We have to continue our genuine cause—our cause to end poverty. Let us join our minds, hearts and hands together for a more progressive and sustainable Gingoog,” said the lady mayor.


4Ps rescues 1.5 million beneficiaries out of poverty nationwideDAVAO CITY A total of 1.5 million out of the 4.4 million beneficia-ries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) nationwide have been rescued out of poverty according to a top official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 11. Mercedita Jabagat, newly-installed regional director of the DSWD 11 said that despite this development, this number of beneficiaries remains vulnerable to disasters. “They can still be reclassi-fied as very poor once a calamity strikes or when the head of the family is gone. They can eas-ily lose their lives and property in case of a strong typhoon hits their locality,” she said. She recalled that the 4Ps started to assist the first batch of beneficiaries in the region since 2008, particularly the set one area which includes the benefi-ciaries from Davao City. Jabagat said the DSWD na-tional office is still determining the respective share of every re-gion in the country on the 1.5

million 4Ps beneficiaries reported to have relieved their lives out of poverty. She said every beneficiary was evaluated every six months, since 2009 by looking closely on the description of dwelling and its content, and level of well-be-ing, ranging from survival, sub-sistence to self-sufficiency. “Once a beneficiary reaches self-sufficiency, that would mean he is rescued from poverty,” Jabagat said.She also underscored that only the DSWD and its beneficiary can stop the 4Ps. “Politicians cannot lay claim on the either the termination or continuity of the 4Ps,” Jabagat said. She said a total of 234,213 families have been enrolled in


the 4Ps as of January 27, 2016. She said that the region also has its share of the modified cast transfer prioritizing the indige-nous peoples, covering 39, 966 households. Jabagat said a total of 13,187 families from the 234,213 fami-

lies have been taken out of the list in the 4Ps in Davao Region due to fraud, transfer of residence, acquisition of regular income and absence of dependent aging 18 years old and below. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

DavNor hosts DavRAA 2016DAVAO DEL NORTE - The provincial government of Davao del Norte hosted the 2016 Davao Regional Athletic Association (DavRAA) Meet, which starts today until February 18. During the opening ceremony yesterday, Gov. Rodolfo del Rosa-rio stressed that the hosting of the 2016 DavRAA is a manifestation that the province remained the re-gional sports hub and the home of the most promising athletes in the region. Since the establishment of the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in 2013, the province hosted three DavRAA meets and the 2015 Palar-ong Pambansa. In a press conference earlier today at the sports complex’s Club House, Provincial Sports Coordina-tor Giovanni Gulanes bared that the province shelled out P 4-million for the sporting event. Gulanes said that the amount did not include that of the City Gov-ernment of Tagum, which took care of the accommodation facilities of the athletes, coaches and technical officials and other playing venues outside the sports complex; and that of the Department of Education.

Around 2,100 medals from 20 sporting events are up for grabs for this year’s DavRAA. The sporting events include three demo sports, which are Wushu, Futsal and Wres-tling. Meanwhile, Regional Sports Co-ordinator George Wong underscored that for the first time in DavRAA, they will announce the team compo-sition that will compete in the 2016 Palarong Pambansa in Albay. “This is to avoid any issues like that of last year,” Wong said. Last year, parents and coaches of the winning football team peti-tioned to the City Council of Davao to reject the 70-30 selection policy on team composition for the Palaro. Wong added that the rule still remained and that for team sports, the DavRAA team for the Palaro will compose of 70 percent from the winning team and 30 percent from the losing teams. (PIA11, Michael L. Uy)


44 multi-cabs distributed to LGUs in NorthCot

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Feb. 17--- Forty- four multi-cabs were recently distributed to different villages here in the province.

The recipient villages in the First District include Lower Dado, Upper Dado and LGU Alamada; Pagangan in Aleosan; Upper La-bas and Poblacion 1 in Midsayap;

Banucagon, New Culasi, Pobla-cion 3 and Maluao in Pigcawayan and Balong in Pikit.

For the Second District, recipi-ent villages include Badiangon

By:Shahana Joy E. Duerme


and Kinawayan in Arakan; Pa-tadon, Sikitan, Luvimin, San Isidro, Mua-an, Junction, Sum-bac, Mateo, Katipunan, Kalaisan and Amas in Kidapawan City; Villaflores, New Cebu, Malungon, Jose Rizal and Batasan in Makila-la; Kisupaan in President Roxas and the Provincial Capitol.

Meanwhile, Third District recip-ients include Capayangan, Tum-bao, Malinao, Miguel Macasarte and Poblacion 1 in Banisilan; Sanggadong and Osias in Kaba-can; Taculen, Kibudoc, New Abra and Linao in Matalam; Pulang Lupa in Mlang and Bituan in Tulu-nan.

Governor Emmylou Mendoza said that the distribution was aimed at enhancing mobility and quick response to emergency situations, especially in far flung villages. She also underscored the need of barangay officials for transport facility to become more effective in rendering their duties and responsibilities.

“We need to hasten the abil-ity of local officials to move and these multi-cabs ensure prompt response to urgent situations such as bringing patients to hos-pitals, medical missions, relief operations and other urgent situ-ations,” Mendoza noted.

Further, the governor stated that the vehicles were also dis-tributed to recipient villages as

incentive for partnering with the provincial government in effect-ing change and development in the three districts of the prov-ince.

The recipient barangay offi-cials together with the Provincial Government represented by the Provincial Government General Services Office (PGSO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) where the stipulations on the proper use of the multi-cabs were stated.

Jeorge Silva, PGSO Head re-minded the recipients that the multi-cabs must be used for of-ficial activities or purposes only and authorized travels. He called upon the assigned drivers to take care of the vehicles in order to prolong its use in the community.

The Provincial Government and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) collaborated for the purchase and distribution of the vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Gov-ernment will have additional multi-cabs for distribution to other recipient villages this year. This is to further strengthen the capacity of barangay officials to perform their duties and serve their constituents. (SJDuerme-PIA12 with report from JSta.Cruz&RASotto- NorthCot Media Center)


Kidapawan assesses sources of drinking water By: Danilo E.Doguiles

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Feb 17 — The city government here is conducting a drinking water assessment in its jurisdic-tion.

The assessment, according to a report from the City In-formation Office, aims to de-termine which potable water sources are in danger of drying up due to the on going dry spell brought about the El Nino phe-nomenon.

This is also in accordance with the order of City Mayor Joseph Evangelista to make sure that the residents in the city have sufficient supply of drinking wa-ter in case the dry spell would intensify.

On February 2, the Sangguni-ang Panlungsod approved Reso-lution No. 16-029 and Resolution No. 16-030 placing the city un-der state of calamity and au-thorizing the city mayor to use portion of the local risk reduc-tion and management fund for the implementation of the El Nino Calamity Intervention program.

Just recently, a team com-posed of personnel from the City DRRM Office, City Health

Office and City Engineering Of-fice visited sources of drinking water such as wells, springs and others to examine their current conditions.

The activity is part of the water system assessment that started in the last quarter of 2015.

Mayor Evangelista empha-sized that the city government would not only make sure that there are sufficient drink-ing water but also ensure that water and the sources are clean and safe.

The city government is also coordinating with the Kidapawan Water District to guarantee sup-ply of potable water in the ba-rangays. For this initiative, the city LGU has purchased wa-ter tanks that could be used to store and distribute water to affected villages. (DEDogu-iles-PIA 12 with report from Kidapawan City Information Of-fice)


Diocese of Butuan, partners unite for tree planting activity in AgSurBy: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – As part of the preparation for the Golden Jubilee celebration, the Diocese of Butuan together with partners from government agencies and non-government organizations spear-headed on Saturday the tree planting activity at Barangay Calaitan in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.


According to Rev. Fr. Stephen Brongcano, the tree planting activity which is part of the Golden Jubilee celebration is intended to contribute to environmental welfare and at the same time concretize Jesus Christ’s teachings as embodied in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si. Brongcano added that the activity is also a quick response to the call to take good care of the environment and initiate different activities that will benefit the majority. Said event started with a liturgy of the word and blessing of seedlings led by Butuan Bishop Rev. Fr. Juan de Dios Pueblos. He also briefed the participants on the significance of the celebration

and the tree planting as the highlight. Diocese of Butuan vice chancellor Fr. Michael Abellanosa, also added that other than the tree planting, medical and dental missions, fun run and panaw-duaw (visit to all parishes) are some of the major events of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Diocese. Anchored on this year’s Golden Jubilee theme, “Bugkoson ang mga Matoohong Katawhan Isip Masalmotong Simbahan,” Abellanosa emphasized that the tree planting is also aimed to call on people to participate in the greening programs and contribute to making a better and conducive place to live and


a wholistic well-being. “This undertaking is just one of the many approaches in translating the gospel to be more realistic and meaningful,” he said. “Be reminded that God created everything and as humans we are entrusted to render time and efforts to care/nurture the environment. I am encouraging everyone that as stewards of these gifts of nature, we may rediscover the joy of God’s love especially in this extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy,” remarked Abellanosa. Also, barangay captain Raquel Macfe of Brgy. Calaitan, Bayugan City expressed her sincere gratitude for the presence of individuals who actively participated in the tree planting activity. “In behalf of the community members of this barangay, I would like to thank

you all and the organizers for choosing our locality to be the recipient of this undertaking. We will ensure the proper growth of these mahogany seedlings to achieve the purpose for a greener environment,” she said. Meanwhile, Alejandra Boiser, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO)-Bayugan City said that they have prepared around 500 mahogany seedlings intended for the tree planting activity in the said barangay. “Two of the many ways to mitigate the negative effects of climate change are through protection and rehabilitation. This tree planting is very timely because it is in this area that new roads will be opened and that landslides of mountainous areas may be avoided,” she added.


Surigao Norte town supports DOLE’s programs, servicesBy: Olga Virginia A. Demata and Abigail Grace S Pantejo

MAINIT, Surigao del Norte– The local government unit (LGU) of Mainit, Surigao del Norte being an active partner, pledged their support in implementing the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE’s) various programs and activities. he LGU allocates a total amount of P100,000 yearly under the Gender and Development (GAD) fund of the municipality for semi- institutionalization of its Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO). “This fund will be appropriated yearly by this local unit in order to sustain the implementation of DOLE programs and activities,” Sangguniang Bayan member Lynda B. Mozar said. The LGU wants to develop their PESO by conducting more activities with regard to

providing employment services to job seekers, both for local and overseas employment, recruitment assistance to employers and conduct of pre-employment counseling and orientation to prospective local and overseas workers. Recently, the Sangguniang Bayan of Mainit was present, along with municipal vice mayor Crisanta O. Mondano in confirming the resolution here at the SB Session Hall Legislative Building.


Farmer leaders to receive financial support By: LGU-Agusan del Norte

BUTUAN CITY- A new ordinance was passed and approved recently by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte providing financial assistance to the members of the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) and Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (IFARMC).

Under Provincial Ordinance No. 406-2016 authored by Provincial Board Member Antidio B. Amora, entitled: “An Ordinance Providing Financial Support to the Farmer Leaders on Agriculture Rural Based Organization Under the People Empowerment and Agri-Entrepreneural Skills and Livelihood Enhancement Program of the Province of Agusan del Norte,” PAFC and IFARMC members who shall be present during regular quarterly meeting of farmer leaders will receive an honorarium of P500.00 each. This was based under Section 36 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, which states that, a local government unit may, through its local chief executive and with the concurrence of the sanggunian concerned, provide assistance, financial or otherwise, to such people’s and non-government organizations for economic, social oriented, environmental or cultural projects

to be implemented within its jurisdiction. Hence, Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba was positive about the program for the farmers to encourage people participation and empowerment in agriculture and fishery development, and endeavors to emphasize social justice, equity, productivity and sustainability in the use of the agriculture and fishery resources. The general functions of PAFC and IFARMC are to identify and assess the diverse needs and resources of the province and participate in policy assessment and formulation in consultation with the provincial government and non-government organizations in agriculture and fishery development. The province will appropriate funds every year for the said quarterly honorarium under Support to Rural Based Organizations.


COMELEC holds mock elections in Lamitan CityBy Rene V. Carbayas

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan – A transmission of precinct level results was successfully sent to COMELEC central office at 12:35 p.m., signaling the completion of the mock elections held Saturday at Lamitan Central School for Barangay Malinis in this city.


The Commission on Election (COMELEC) conducted nationwide mock elections in two barangays here to test the Voters Counting Machine (VCM), the election procedures and transmission of results using the Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN). Julius Navarro, observer from COMELEC-Central Office for Parangbasak precinct said that his role in the mock election was to observe the time consumed by the machine to feed and process the ballot per voter. Based on record, each voter has an average of about 25 seconds for the machine to process its ballot. He said that initially, electricity remains the concern in the barangay but he assured that the battery of the machine could last for about 16 hours. He added that the machine is very sensitive to markings in the ballot that is why he urged the voters to shade properly and keep their ballots clean and tidy. The voting at Parangabasak with 786 registered voters opened at 8:46 in the morning and 8:30

a.m. at Lamitan Central School for Barangay Malinis with 569 registered voters. Prior to the opening of precincts, a diagnostic test was conducted to warm up the machine and to check peripherals if they are working. Only minor delays were observed due to connection problems and machine format settings. Navarro said that technician from Smartmatic was around to assist, troubleshoot and ensure that the machines will work. Minor glitches and problems were observed by the COMELEC and election watchdog, NAMFREL, and they were immediately addressed and resolved like the power supply connections and paper jams. The rest of the voting procedures, including the counting, printing of results, and its transmission to COMELEC central went smoothly. Former Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Abdulgani “Gerry”


Salapuddin and congressional aspirant for 2016 who observed the mock election in Parangbasak said that the machines have similar features with the PCOS machine then. He was hoping that the machine has biometrics features that will ensure the votes are secured. “Without the biometrics anybody can vote for anyone especially in the controlled areas in the rural areas. It is not 100 percent secured. The machines are perfect but the imperfection is on the people,” he said. Of the target 100 votes cast in Barangay Malinis at Lamitan

Central School, 97 ballots were counted, 2 jammed, and 1 was diverted or invalidated. Voting was closed at 11:51 a.m. Counting and printing of results immediately followed. Transmittal of results started at 11:58 a.m. and was completed at 12:35 p.m. Meanwhile, Ermina C. Mariano, Lamitan City COMELEC officer said that command conference are held in the province as part of the ongoing preparation of COMELEC to ensure safe, credible and peaceful elections in Basilan.


Joint gov’t, IDP inspection team to assess quality of Z3R housing projectsBy Dominic I. SanchezZAMBOANGA CITY – Erring contractors now beware.

It was decided in a recent Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) meeting that before completed houses under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) project are turned-over to the beneficiaries, a joint inspection composed of government representatives and

the beneficiaries themselves will be done to ensure that they pass quality standards. It can be recalled that the Z3R projects have been under public scrutiny due to the discovered sub-standard quality of houses by contractors. Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar


has continuously reiterated that the local government “will not tolerate” these erring contractors who fail to construct these houses within the standard with all necessary facilities. Within the month, the National Housing Authority (NHA), Housing and Land Management Division (HLMD) and representatives of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) will conduct joint inspection for this purpose. The houses will definitely not be turned over if they are found to be below the standards, emphasized Mayor Climaco-Salazar.

According to the City Hall Public Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias, “contractors have reported the completion of 123 housing units in Tulungatung and 335 units in Mariki”. She added that the construction of sewage facilities must also be completed before the housing units may be turned over to the beneficiaries. To date, over 16,000 individuals are still displaced from the September 2013 siege, and are still trying to cope while temporarily residing in twelve transitory sites in the city.

one mindanao - february 17, 2016

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