one mindanao - february 19, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Cellphone 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]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound 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)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Executive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

A Home at Last!Dianah GeneralaoCaraga Region

Today’s issue... Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 128

page 4

President Aquino meets with officials of Mitsubishi Corporation in Malacanang 8

Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

ACIAR Partners ERDS 10 in Watershed Rehabilitation Project15

Registered voters in Misamis Occidental up by 5.61%

City fetes young leaders during “Dia de Senator Roseller T. Lim” celebration

13 establishments in Zanorte violated FTL in 2012, says DTI

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao13

1921

Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

DOLE, McDonalds links up for youth employment program 24

Gil Miranda, Caraga Region

DAR-Agusan Norte carries out agrarian and economic programs for farmers 30

Tago River overflows, submerges barangays in Surigao del SurNida Grace B. Tranquilan, Caraga Region

25Rudolph Alama, Southern Mindanao

5 8 11 15 19 22

Tuesday, February 19, 20134

A Home at Last!The fast-rising city of Butuan is

set to soar into greater heights as the Butuan City government entered into a contract with J.D. Legaspi Construction for the construction of the Butuan Polysports Complex; the signing was held at the mayor’s office, Feb. 8.

CoVer StoRy

“Our City Sports Center has finally found a home,” said Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante as he said that the Butuan Polysports Complex will soon rise in Barangay Tiniwisan. Starting construction very soon, Phase 1 of the Butuan Polysports Complex will include the city gymnasium, stadium, football field, and a rubberized track oval. Phase 1 will cost P252,939,664.26. Phase 2 will comprise of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a wake board park, and commercial buildings that will include hotels and

boutiques. In a public bidding held last Jan. 16, 2013, J.D. Legaspi Construction was able to offer a complying bid for the proposed construction in accordance to the Terms of Reference, Conceptual Plans, and Outline Specifications.

By Dianah Generalao

Tuesday, February 19, 2013 5

A Home at Last! ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino receives Special Envoy of the Amir of Kuwait in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III received Dr. Yousef Al Ebraheem, Special Envoy of the Amir of Kuwait, in Malacanang on Monday.

The special envoy paid his courtesy call on the Chief Executive during a simple ceremony held at the Music Room of Malacanang Palace. He was accompanied by His Excellency Waleed Ahmad Al-Kandari, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Philippines.

Also in attendance were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Assistant Secretary Petronila Garcia, of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting is aimed at further strengthening the growing relations

6Tuesday, February 19, 2013

between the State of Kuwait and the Philippines.

The State of Kuwait is one of country’s leading investment and development partners in the Middle East. The Philippines opened the

Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Kuwait City in 2009 to boost economic cooperation and facilitate several business matching conferences between the Filipino and Kuwaiti businessmen. PND

President Aquino meets with officials of Mitsubishi Corporation in Malacanang

President Benigno S.

Aquino III welcomed the officials of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), one of Japan’s leading automakers, led by its President Osamu Masuko in Malacanang on Monday.


Masuko and other officials of the MMC paid their courtesy call on the Chief Executive in ceremonies held at the Music Room of the Malacanang Palace on Monday. Also present was Yoji Sato, president of the Sojitz Corporation of Japan.

Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo joined President Aquino in welcoming the Japanese visitors.

Last year, Masuko also visited the

Philippines to attend the launching of the company’s latest model, the All-New Mirage subcompact hatchback. He did not discount the possibility of Mitsubishi investing in new models in the Philippines.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. expressed confidence that the company will perform even better in 2013 as the country is currently experiencing significant economic growth.

The Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.8 percent in the 4th quarter of 2012 that paved the way for the annual GDP to post a faster-than-expected annual growth of 6.6 percent. PND (js)


Balisacan says Mindanao can surpasscountry’s local economies

Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan is optimistic on economic growth of Mindanao by saying it may still surpass other local economies in the country if the island’s economic potentials

are fully maximized.“Mindanao has the capacity to

surpass local economies of Luzon if the region can harness its potentials to the fullest,” said Balisacan, Director-General of the National Economic Development

Authority (NEDA) in a news conference Sunday in Davao City.

He cited the case of Caraga region which was the fastest growing region with an accelerated growth rate of 9.6


Balisacan says Mindanao can surpasscountry’s local economies

percent in 2011. It surpassed two other growing economies in the country with Central Visayas having 7.9 percent and Central Luzon with 7.5 perecent growth in the same period.

Caraga region, located in the northeastern Mindanao is composed of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and the six cities of Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag.

During the first Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) held in Davao City recently where Balisacan was the guest of honor, he said that among Mindanao’s strong potentials rest in the agri-industry sector, particularly in the export of rubber, pineapple, banana, coffee and organic agriculture products, which command high demand in the global market.

In the same forum, Mindanao Development Authority chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino presented the Mindanao Development Report where she said Mindanao had recorded 94% self sufficiency on staple food with rice domestic output of 66.91 percent, while other staples, which include corn and other root crops posting at 27.13 percent.

Growth rate in the export of coconut-based products was also recorded at

39.11 percent, while bananas registered a growth rate of 42.22 percent.

Other agricultural products such as pineapples and tuna marked steady increases at 55.33 percent and 3.46 percent, respectively.

Also in 2011, Mindanao’s foreign trade had expanded by 69.5 percent which translated to increased export earnings by 74.48 percent. The US remains as the region’s top export market cornering 33.31 percent of Mindanao’s total exports, followed by China with 17.56 percent; the Netherlands 17.46 percent and Japan 17.23 percent.

Balisacan said Mindanao’s resources remain awesome and must be tapped to its maximum.

“Mindanao has so much economic potential that could spur higher growth for our country and contribute immensely in the attainment of the inclusive development agenda,” he said.

To achieve this, Mindanao must identify new players in the region in order to increase and spread growth more equitably.

He stressed that President Aquino is determined to realize his dream of putting the economy right on track and restore its old glory during his term.

He mentioned that the national government has initiated market


facilitation activities, including market matching to assist agriculture growers in entering in agreements with buyers and in opening more markets for their products such as United States, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Middle East and the Gulf Region, and parts of the European Union.

To reciprocate the national initiative, MinDA organized late last year a business networking forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which clinched for Mindanao an estimated investment commitments of P23 billion.

As a result, 16 business deals were secured and are expected to be actualized in the next two to three years which will provide more than 89,000 jobs to Mindanawons.

The business networking was a side event to the 1st BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Consumer Fair in Melaka, Malaysia held from Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 2012.

BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, while the IMT-GT stands for Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle.

The visibly elated Antonino said Mindanao’s capacity is very encouraging.

“These developments indicate Mindanao’s encouraging performance,”

she said, adding that the Board of Investments (BOI)-approved businesses in Mindanao posted a 719 percent increase in 2011.

The on-going peace process between the government and the Moro rebels also contributed to this growth.

Antonino said the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) last year opened opportunity for the Bangsamoro area to effectively respond to the socio-economic prospects that abound in both domestic and international markets, and with the BIMP-EAGA as the integration platform.

“With the improvements in the peace and order situation and the stability that comes with it, we must take advantage of the situation to get these economic activities going in Mindanao,” Antonino added.

The first MDF, which gathered more than 300 Mindanao key stakeholders and representatives from national agencies and local government units, Official Development Assistance (ODA) agencies, diplomatic, and international communities, academe, the civil society groups, and private and the business sector served as a venue to provide platform for dialogue and discourse on Mindanao’s development agenda. (PNA)


PNP turns-over motorcycles to police stations in Northern Mindanaoby PSupt Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

PSupt Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga -- The Directorate for Logistics in Camp Crame has provided Police Regional Office of Region 10 (PRO-10) 11 motorcycles that will be used to boost police visibility in Northern Mindanao.


The end-users, mostly from remote barangays, can now expand their visits to areas not passable by patrol cars, said PCSupt Catalino B. Rodriguez Jr, regional director, PRO-10. He added although this number is far below when compared to the total number of police stations in the region, PRO-10 leadership is hoping that equipping its police force with the ability to fight criminality through the acquisition of these motorcycles and other police equipment will remain a continuing program of the PNP. Those who received the motorcycles were the chiefs of police of Kitaotao and Baungon municipal police stations in Bukidnon, Kauswagan and Munai municipal police stations in Lanao del Norte, Sapang Dalaga and Aloran municipal police stations in Misamis Occidental, Opol, Naawan, Medina and Tagoloan municipal police stations in Misamis Oriental and Police Station 4 of Cagayan de Oro City Police Office. Last February 13, Congressman Jose Ma. F. Zubiri III of Bukidnon likewise turned-over nine vehicles for use of Kibawe, Kadingilan, Dangcagan, Kitaotao, Don Carlos, Quezon and

Maramag municipal police stations. Two other vehicles were turned-over to the Regional Public Safety Battalion. With the continued support extended by the local government units and other stakeholders, PRO-10 can sooner achieve a truly dedicated and highly motivated Philippine National Police (PNP) with modernized resources to prevent and control all forms of crimes. The PNP leadership has always been sincere in transforming the police organization into a more credible police force. Patrol Plan 2030 is its roadmap towards achieving this vision. Meanwhile, it was noted in the previous weeks that PRO-10 completed the training of computer encoders in the different police stations concerning the PNP e-rouges and e-warrant system. This new project will aid and assist the police investigators and tracker teams in identifying personalities with criminal records anywhere in the country. These are just some of the many projects that the PNP have launched to improve its efficiency in carrying out its mission.

Registered voters in Misamis Occidental up by 5.61%

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental- A total of 355,350 registered voters had been noted in Misamis Occidental for the May 13, 2013 national and local elections.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


This figure is actually higher by 18,875 or 5.61 percent compared to 336, 475, the total number of registered voters in the province, during the 2010 elections, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Elections Supervisor (PES), said. Data at the PES Office show that the total number of registered voters in the 1st Legislative District grew from 158,616 to 165,918, an increase of 7,362 or 4.64 percent while that of the 2nd District grew from 17,785 to 189,432, a increase of 11,573 or 6.51 percent. Particularly in the 1st District, the municipality of Aloran posted the highest growth from 16,899 to 19,030, an increase of 2,131 or 12.61 percent, followed by Lopez-Jaena with 9.31 percent and Jimenez, 6.8 percent. However, those in Concepcion posted a decline of 197 and Panaon, 39 or down by 0.6 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively, with the former identified by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as an area of concern due to its peace

and order situation, Baguio said. Voters’ registration in Oroquieta City, also under the 1st District grew from 43,908 to 44,344, an increase of 436 votes or 0.99 percent. Meanwhile, in the 2nd District, the municipality of Sinacaban posted the highest growth in the number of registered voters, from 12,035 to 14,033, an increase of 1,998 or 16.64 percent, followed by Clarin and Bonifacio, 14.70 percent and 13.51 percent, respectively. Voters registration in Ozamiz City, under the 2nd District, also grew, from 72,922 to 73,469, an increment of 574 or 0.79 percent, while that of Tangub City, also grew from 32,345 to 34,055, an increment of 1,710 or 5.28 percent. LIkewise, the number of registered voters in Don Victoriano, another area of concern in the province, as identified by DILG, was noted to grow from 5,073 to 5,213, an increase of 140 or 12.76 percent, Baguio added.

ACIAR Partners ERDS 10 in Watershed Rehabilitation Project by Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), together with Ecosystems Research and Development Service-10 (ERDS-10), has started implementing the project dubbed Improving Watershed Rehabilitation Outcomes in the Philippines using a Systems Approach in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.


The project aims to rehabilitate the Cabulig River Watershed in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. An assessment on the status of selected National Greening Program (NGP) sites implemented in Claveria by the People’s Organization (PO) under the Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) sites was conducted. This is done to design the appropriate methods of improving the survival and early growth of the key species used in the NGP and identify better/alternative species that could fit-in to the three major concerns of the project in the aspect of production, livelihood and environmental significance. The project would also like to identify the

“best bet” native or indigenous forest tree species and appropriate s i l v i c u l t u r a l interventions for old forest plantations. Future activities of the project will include the character izat ion and vulnerability assessment of the watershed area to landslide, soil erosion, and flooding; the implementation of livelihood options for the members of the CBFM-POs in the site; and conduct of species trials in the watershed. Dr. Jack Baynes

from ACIAR spearhead the project. With him were Prof. Arthur Pasa and Forester Roger Tripoli of the Visayas State College of Agriculture, Baybay, Leyte. ERDS-10 Regional Technical Director for Research Danilo C. Cacanindin is ACIAR’s regional research counterpart. Assisting the ACIAR researchers are Forester Rey D. Nambatac, Forester I and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Claveria and Norma A. Palma, OIC Chief, Ecosystems Research and Development Division of the Ecosystems Research and Development Service, Region 10.


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DOLE RO-9, ZamPenOSHNet, PSME to hold 1st Regional Occupational Safety and Health Summit

PAGADIAN CITY - Venturing in the direction of developing the regional occupational safety and health blueprint, the Zamboanga Peninsula Occupational Safety and Health Network (ZamPenOSHNet) in collaboration with the Philippine Society for Mechanical Engineers (PSME) ZamBASulTa chapter and in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment Region 9 (DOLE RO-9) will host the 1st Regional Occupational Safety and Health Summit on February 20-21, 2013 at Marcian Garden Hotel in Zamboanga City. With the theme, “Embracing Challenges and Sharing Visions for an Accident and Incident Free Region,” the summit aims to promote

and sustain excellence in the implementation of OSH programs in the region, to strengthen the networking among OSH practitioners


City fetes young leaders during “Dia de Senator Roseller T. Lim” celebrationBy Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Five Zamboangueño Young Leaders were feted by the city for their outstanding contribution to the community. The tribute highlighted the recent celebration of the “Dia de Senator Roseller T. Lim” held recently.

“Dia de Senator Roseller T. Lim” is being celebrated pursuant to Ordinance 283 authored by the senator’s nephew, Zamboanga City Councilor Rudy Lim. Vic Larato of the City Information Office said Mayor Lobregat lauded the outstanding youth leaders for they have achieved so much despite their young age. Larato said the five distinguished Zamboangueños were honored for their remarkable score cards in terms of leadership, excellence

and dedication to service to the community and the city. Feted in a simple ceremony held recently were Arnold Bucoy, James Bryan. Larato explained, the awardees were chosen from among 10 nominees for the search for Five Outstanding Zamboangueño Young Leaders (FOZYL). FOZYL is a joint undertaking of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Zamboanga and the city government.

and advocates, the government sector, other stakeholders, and to uphold the government’s mandate on zero accident. Topics will focus on best OSH practices, trends, issues and concerns, and the corresponding initiatives that have been carried out involving industries such as those in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, fishing, construction, transportation, communication, and health care. Plenary sessions aimed at promoting Safety and Health in a

Green Economy, OSH and Decent Work, Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Preparedness will also be discussed in the said summit. Meanwhile, exhibitors/ sponsors are also invited to introduce their products and services as this will be an opportune time for owners, managers, policy makers, safety practitioners, engineers, traders, and workers in the region to meet, exchange ideas, and gather in one venue. (DOLE9)


13 establishments in Zanorte violated FTL in 2012, says DTI By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Thirteen business establishments in Zamboanga del Norte were among the 94 business establishments in Zamboanga Peninsula which violated the Free Trade Law(FTL) in 2012, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Mr. Julius Salaveria, Customer Welfare Division Chief, DTI-Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Office based in Dipolog City said that “of the 13 violators from the province, six were able to immediately reopen their businesses after correcting their mistakes, while the remaining 7 violators were formally charged in court.” Salaveria further disclosed that of the seven establishments, only two were penalized for their failure to rectify their violations amid repeated warning from the DTI. They were ordered closed and meted out a penalty of P45,000.00. Twenty-one establishments, on the other hand, were penalized for their violations under the price tag law while 23 firms were found violating certain regulations under sales promotion, and four others under the business name law. DTI-ZN also reported that a total of P154,000.00 of fines were meted out to erring establishments for their violations of certain provisions of Department Order No. 2 series of 2007 on Philippine Law on Standards. The DTI, whose mandate

includes the protection and promotion of consumer welfare bared that 46 of the violators were from Zamboanga City, 13 from Zamboanga del Norte and the rest were from Zamboanga Sibugay. DTI has collected a total of P195,000.00 from penalties of various violations. DTI is now calling on the consumers to be vigilant and urges them to report to appropriate authorities any unethical practices or violations they may notice with the establishments. DTI exercises jurisdiction over cases involving consumer product quality and safety; deceptive, unfair sales acts and practices; consumer products and service warranties; price tag; mislabeling/fraudulent advertising; service and repair shops; advertising and sales promotion. Among those falling under the Department of Agriculture (DA) are quality and safety, and labeling and packaging of agricultural products, while food, drugs, cosmetics, and devices and hazardous substances fall under the Department of Health (DOH).


TAGUM CITY-The Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) has de-clared three puroks in Barangay Mambing in New Corella in Davao del Norte Province as no-habita-tion zones after a landslide oc-

curred in the said areas on Saturday “We will no longer allow the evacuated families to come back to their old neighborhoods as it is no longer safe for them,” Provincial Disaster Risk R e d u c t i o n M a n a g e m e n t C o u n c i l ( P D R R M C ) Executive Officer Sonio Sanchez said Tuesday. The safety of Puroks 2, 6

and 8 in barangay Mambing in New Corella have been assessed by the local officials and the MGB and they have decided to declare the areas as no habitation zones, he said.

MGB declares areas in DavNor village as no habitation zoneby Lovely Carillo


DOLE, McDonalds links up for youth employment programDAVAO CITY- McDonald’s Philip-pines and the Department of Labor and Employment has continued its partnership to provide an all year-round SPES (Special Program for Employment) for underprivileged but qualified youths. The linkage began in 2012 where McDonald’s offered about 3,600 slots for students and out-of-school youths across the country to become crew members in its stores. In Davao City over 102 students in two batches have undergone SPES in eight of its stores in the City. About 26 of these SPES are

now undergoing training to become regular employees of the fast food chain.This year, McDonald’s aims to hire more SPES crew targeting about 136 youths to be deployed in nine of its stores. “Each student will be with us for 52 days, earning the salary that can help support their education.” Says Rebecca Roselada, Human Resources Manager of McDonald’s Philippines. Part of the SPES beneficiaries responsibilities include maintaining the cleanliness of restaurant areas, proper preparation of beverages and

by Rudolph Alama

Sanchez said the tension cracks in the said areas have been noticed after Typhoon Pablo last year. “The Intensity IV Tectonic Earthquake which hit the province last Saturday as well as the heavy rains contributed to the present landslides in the area,” he said. He said Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Focal Person Jomar Chatto “informed the office that a major mass wasting is now occurring on the said areas with the approximate extent of the landslide at six hectares.” It was also reported that further

land masses continued to fall from above which may trigger additional damage and create danger to the residents nearby, he added. Sanchez said a total of 33 families and homes were affected by the landslides. All the affected families have already been evacuated and are staying in the barangay hall, the schools and their relatives. He said the MGB had coordinated with the local government unit and are providing technical assistance. However, he added, the weather would not warrant a clearing operation for now.(lovely carillo)


desserts, providing assistance to local store marketing team during events or McCelebrations at McDonld’s Restaurants. DOLE-XI Regional Director Jeoffrey Suyao said that 60% of the SPES beneficiary salary comes from McDonald’s while 40% of their salary is provided from the share of DOLE XI. According to figures from DOLE XI, During the 2012 SPES McDonald’s shared P957,902 while DOLE chipped in P638,601. This 2013 the fast food giant has allocated P1,277,203 while DOLE will earmarked P851,468 for its SPES.

“We are so grateful for the support of McDonald’s Philippines to the SPES program.” Suyao said, he added that the company also provides an opportunity for SPES beneficiaries to become regular employees. One of the handpicked SPES beneficiaries is Marjorie Nadera a former out-of-school youth who opted to try her luck at the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), a luck would have it,

the McDonald’s SPES examinations was underway, Marjorie took the exams and passed the exams and the subsequent interviews. “I now have a job; I can now help my family a little and save when I go back to school.” Nadera said, the SPES beneficiary is one of the 26 undergoing training to become a regular McDonald’s employee. Lilibeth Pantinople PESO manager in Davao City said that McDonald’s SPES is the only all-year round SPES as compared to other SPES which held during summers and the Christmas holidays. (PIA/RG Alama)

facts and figures

3,600 Special Program for Employment of Students slots offered by McDonald’s Philippines across the country, this 2013, they are targeting 136 slots in Davao City.


Butuan City gov’t eyes dredging of Agusan River as flood problem solution

BUTUAN CITY -- The Butuan City government sees the dredging of the Agusan River as among the solutions to the city’s problem of flooding.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

by NOEL B. NAJARRO


Butuan City gov’t eyes dredging of Agusan River as flood problem solution

This was disclosed by Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. during a recent press conference at his office.

Amante said that flooding caused by river siltation upstream will be solved through the project conceptualized by the Agusan River Development Authority.

He said the city government intends to sell the extracted sand and gravel to bring revenue to the city coffers while solving the flood problem.

The mayor cited an example of the delta caused by siltation located at the mouth of the river. Amante said that based on a city government survey, it was estimated to easily yield 10 million cubic meters of sand and gravel.

At a rough estimate of P20.00 per cubic meter, it will mean a P200-million income to the city coffers, the mayor said. This scheme, he said, can be worked out in two months.

According to City Hall consultant Earl Alcala who was also present during the said press conference, the dredging could be funded by the national government as a flood control strategy through the Department of Public Works and Highways.

He, however, said the funding needed, at P100.00 per cubic meters times 10 million cubic meters plus the creation of the

area where the extracted materials will be stored, may mean million of pesos in expenses on the part of the government.

Alcala said that is only for the delta and the area to be dredged stretches 31 kilometers. To request government funding through this scheme, according to Alcala, may take years to be realized.

He said, however, that the city government solved this through the public-private partnership scheme. There are private firms, he noted, who are willing to partner with the city government for the project.

Mayor Amante said that this may become a flagship project in the coming years. (PNA)


According to the Miguel local Disaster and Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) officer Charles Suhian, the river overflowed around 9 a.m. today, affecting more than five barangays in the area including Barangay Poblacion.

Meanwhile, according to the press statement of the local DRRMC of Bislig, Tandag, Carmen, and San Miguel, classes were suspended from pre-school to elementary level early today after the

whole province experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall since yesterday. Pagasa said that the Low Pressure Area (LPA) had developed to a tropical depression, Crising, early last night.

Roads and bridges along Tandag bound to northern and southern part boundaries of the DPWH 1st District Engineering Office were reportedly passable as of 10:30 a.m., today, according to DPWH Information Officer Jo Moselina.

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

Tago River overflows, submerges barangays in Surigao del Sur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Tago River overflowed Tuesday morning, submerging the interior municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur and also some barangays in Tago town.


DAR-Agusan Norte carries out agrarian and economic programs for farmersby Gil Miranda

BUTUAN CITY -- The Agrarian Reform Office of Agusan del Norte has announced the full implementation of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) aimed at providing additional support to farmers.

“We shall proceed with the implementation of ARCCESS by turning over common service facilities including farm implements, machineries and equipment in the first quarter of 2013,” said Provincial Agrarian

Reform Officer II Andre Atega. Ester Cabalan, OIC Chief of the

Beneficiaries Development and Coordinating Division, revealed that there are two agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) with projects to be


financed at P3 million each. Cabalan identified the two

organizations as the Tagabaca Multi-Purpose Cooperative of the Tagabaca Agrarian Reform Community in Barangay Tagabaca here whose project, the Tagabaca Grains Center had been approved, and the Baliguian Irrigators Association of the CLIMMBBB Agrarian Reform Community in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, whose proposal for an Integrated Rice Production and Marketing had been favorably considered.

The ARBOs will serve as conduits of the ARCCESS program to encourage other agrarian reform beneficiaries to become ARBO members.

ARCCESS is a package of intervention designed by the national government to develop and expand the farmer’s livelihood through training and acquisition of proper technology in managing a viable business undertaking.

For this year, another two agrarian reform beneficiary organizations will each receive P3 million funding support from ARCCESS, namely, the Avanceña Beneficiary Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Sanghan Agrarian Reform

Community in Barangay Sanghan, Cabadbaran City, and the Palmavera Small Coconut Farmer Beneficiaries Cooperative of Mapcola Agrarian Reform Community in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

The two organizations’ approved project proposals are Rice Trading and Pre and Post Harvest Facilities, and Palay Trading and Post Harvest Facilities, respectively.


For the list of Philippine holidays in 2013 through Proc. No. 459, just visit the PIA-Caraga Blogspot at www.piacaraga.blogspot.com for the copy of the said proclamation...

one mindanao - february 19, 2013

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