one mindanao - february 7, 2014

‘Books for Schools Project’ brings hope to children in Iligan CityLorry V. GabuleNorthern Mindanao

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 115

President Aquino says potential state-witness Ruby Tuason to help bring closure to pork barrel scam

NATIONAL

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CARAGA REGION

WESTERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

Caraga GADCC to perform flash mob dance on Valentine’s Day in Butuan

BIR-RDO 92 targets 900-M in tax collection for 2014

DepEd 10 announces opening of Fullbright Scholarship SY 2015-2016 OWWA trains Maguindanao OFW

desk officers

Butuan Manpower opens recruitment for work abroad

RDC-X sees Panguil Bay Bridge ready by 2016

DTI-XI approves 51 SSF projects in 2013

Dipolog Civil Registrar’s Office bags awards

Crame promotes 16 police officers from NorthCot

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16

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Jennifer P. Gaitano

Claro A. Lanipa

Jasper Marie Oblina-RucatOliver Ross V. Rivera

Venus L. Garcia

Archimedes C. Lazaro & Peleta B. Abejo

JenMendoza

Mary May A. Abellon

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Information to Empower Filipinos

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‘Books for Schools Project’ brings hope to children in Iligan City

Forty-footer van containing 40 palettes with more than 17,000

books arrived in Iligan City on January 2014 as donations to be distributed to the adopted schools of the Zone 2 Iligan City composed of nine clubs.

Receiving the donations in behalf of Schools Superintendent Randolph Tortola of DepEd Iligan was Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Olga Alonsabe. She said they hope to maximize the use of these books to pupils/students in the pre-school, elementary and secondary levels. We aim to improve their reading comprehension, and improve their performance in the coming National Achievement Test. Through this, we have established strong linkage/partnership with our stakeholders like Rotary International and the Children International, Alonsabe further said. No less than the Chief of the Project, Children International, Ms. Rebecca Suellon, came to Iligan to witness the turn-over of the books. She also gave orientation to all school heads who are recipients of these books. Suellon said their mission is to bring real and lasting change to children living in poverty. In partnership with contributors, we reduce their daily struggles, invest

By Lorry V. Gabule

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in their potential, and provide them with the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated and prepared to succeed and contribute to society. To children living in poverty, education is the doorway to a world of possibility. Children International supports the efforts of sponsored children who pass through that doorway and gives them the tools they’ll need to find success on the other side. Today, through the Children International Sponsorship Program, our broad network of hope helps approximately 340,000 children through

17 agencies in 11 countries around the world, disclosed with their adopted schools to be the recipients of the books. Suellon. Donated books coming from the U.S. are about Mathematics, Science, English, and reference books like dictionary, English and grammar. It also included kindergarten books, coloring books, reading readiness books, and materials on CD formate for improving English language speaking, phonetics and phomerics. Likewise, it contained learning books on comprehension and

writings skills. Some DepEd staff, students, teachers came to sort the books according to its subject, while uniformed men from the army’s 4th Mechanized Battalion, assisted in unloading from the container van which started from 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. of January 10. Meanwhile, Rotary International Zone 2 Council of Presidents Chairperson Rose Ann Maquiling Saavedra expressed gratitude to Children International which she said the project is aligned with the school-based management program, for the development of the school and would improve the performance of the less fortunate children especially in the hinterland areas. Early month of 2013, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the Department of Education (DepEd) represented by Education Secretary Bro. Luistro and the College of Governors of the Rotary International held at the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City, dubbed ‘One Rotary Philippines-Focus Service to DepEd.’ This is on the premise that education plays the central role in escaping generational poverty. It’s been estimated that for every year a child stays in school, their future

earning potential increases by 10%-20%. President Ann never thought to have her dream come true of the thousands of books that arrived. She said that way back October 2013 when she met a member of a Rotary Club of Piemo in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental. She was told of a Foundation, the Children International, who donates books to a group like Rotary International. Through email, she got linked with Gertrudes Gauiran, a staff of the Children International. President Ann, who is also the concurrent president of the Rotary Club of Iligan Maria Cristina (RCIMC), an all-women club existing in Iligan, immediately submitted a profile of RCIMC and its two recipient schools for the ‘Books for Schools Project’ as a requisite of the Foundation. Having been told of the bulk of books the Foundation would donate, President Ann never hesitated its acceptance to receive the more than 17,000 books they offered. A meeting with Governor Tess Navales of Rotary District 3870 was immediately called for this purpose, with the nine club presidents in Iligan to accommodate the 25 adopted schools, each club having two and additional schools from far-flung areas recommended by the schools division head, this city. Each club had a share of P2,000 for trucking service charges.

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President Aquino cites Philippine Army for its reliable commitment to serve the people in times of crisis

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited on Friday the Philippine Army (PA) for its ever-reliable and time tested commitment

to serve the people in times of crisis and disasters.

Across the Nation

In his speech during the Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony and Testimonial Review in honor of Lieutenant General Noel A. Coballes at the Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday, the Chief Executive noted the capabilities of the PA in protecting the Filipino people during critical times .

“Mulat po ang ating gobyerno sa bigat ng tungkuling nakaatang sa balikat ng kasundaluhan. Kasama ang kapulisan, kayo ang tagapagtanggol ng ating mamamayan sa oras ng kaguluhan at

una nilang takbuhan sa panahon ng kalamidad,” the Chief Executive said.

“Ni minsan, hindi kayo nagkulang. Sa Zamboanga, buong-giting ninyong nilabanan ang masasamang loob nang may ibayong pag-iingat na mailigtas ang lahat ng mga hostages,” the President said.

President Aquino also cited the PA for its role in disaster relief operations.

“Sa Cebu at Bohol, hindi ninyo inalintana ang peligrong dulot ng malakas na lindol. Sa kasagsagan ng bagyong Yolanda, hanggang sa pagbabalik


Across the Nation sa normalidad ng mga sinalantang probinsya, naroon din kayo, sumasaklolo sa nangangailangan,” he said.

President Aquino urged the PA officers and men to continue working hard in order to help the Filipino nation create an environment conducive for sustainable development and just and lasting peace.

“Pinabigat pa nga lalo ang mga hamong ito ng minanang problema ng ating pambansang tanggulan. Mula po 1986 hanggang sa kasalukuyan, dumoble na ang populasyon ng bansa, pero hindi nagbago ang bilang ng ating mga sundalo’t pulis,” the President said.

“Hindi naman ganun kasimple ang pagdagdag ng kawal dahil mangangailangan ito ng napakalaking pondo. Sa tulong ng Kongreso, isinusulong natin ang mga batas na i-aangkop sa panahon ang benepisyo ng unipormadong hanay, upang bigyang-daan ang pagdaragdag ng mga sundalo’t pulis,” he said.

The President also lauded Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes who retired on Friday for his various accomplishments.

“Sa loob ng mahigit isang taon, pinangunahan ni Lieutenant General Coballes ang reporma sa Hukbong Katihan na siyang may pinakamaraming hanay sa ating Sandatahang Lakas. Masigasig niyang tinutukan ang

implementasyon ng Army Transformation Roadmap at ng Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan,” he said.

“Madalas nga po siyang madestino noon sa Mindanao, kaya’t batid niyang hindi sapat na matalo lang ang mga kalaban sa bakbakan. Ang lalong mahalaga: maabot ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan kung saan panalo ang bawat Pilipino,” the President said.

President Aquino also expressed trust and confidence in Major General Hernando DCA Iriberri as the 56th Commanding General of the PA.

“Kaya naman marapat lamang na mahusay at maaasahang pinuno din ang humalili sa kanya—ito ay walang iba kundi si Major General Hernando Iriberri. Pinabatid po sa atin ang kahanga-hanga pong mga naabot niyang tagumpay noon, tulad ng nakaraang taon lamang bilang Commander ng 503rd Infantry Brigade, ang kanyang unit ay naging instrumental sa pagkamit ng pinakamapayapang eleksyon sa probinsya ng Abra,” he said.

“Dahil epektibo niyang natugunan anumang banta doon, nakapagtala ang probinsya ng 83 percent voters turn-out—ang pinakamataas na tala sa Cordillera Administrative Region noong nakaraang eleksyon. Balita ko rin, ang tawag sa kanya sa AFP ay code “Superman,” the President said. PND (js)


President Aquino says potential state-witness Ruby Tuason to help bring closure to pork barrel scam

“Noong sinabing magte-testify siya, meron isa na pwedeng magkumpleto nung proseso, magtatahi, magre-reaffirm ng mga allegations ng ating mga whistleblowers,” the Chief Executive said in his interview with the media following his attendance to the Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony on Friday at the Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Tuason, one of those charged in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel scam, arrived in the Philippines to testify against the perpetrators of the scam.

“So mas mapapatibay ang ebidensiya at sabi ko nga sa — at pangako natin sa sambayanan, kung saan tayo dadalhin ng ebidensiya, doon tayo tutungo. Makakatulong ito sa pagsasara dito sa

kabanatang ito na nangyari [na] pang-aapi sa ating sambayanan,” the President said.

Last year, President Aquino abolished the PDAF amid allegations of misuse of some P10 billion public funds. He also directed Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to bring all perpetrators to justice.

“Ang nangyari diyan sa PDAF parang may mga conspiracy from the whistleblowers tapos iyong sa napagalaman natin, pati iyong pagtingin ng COA (Commission on Audit),” he said.

Tuason’s lawyer, Dennis Manalo, said his client had already executed her sworn affidavit.

She has been admitted to the Witness Protection Program of the Department of Justice (DOJ).PND

President Benigno S. Aquino III

said on Friday that the testimonies of potential state-witness Ruby Tuason will help bring closure to the P10-billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

11FEBRUARY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Senate, House agree to pass Bangsamoro basic law before year-end

Senate President Franklin Drilon announced on Thursday that the Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed to pass the

Bangsamoro basic law before the end of this year.The agreement was reached in a

meeting with the House leadership led by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on Thursday morning, according to Drilon.

”All of us agreed that the enactment of the Bangsamoro basic law should be made by end of this

year. That is our target because we want to see 2015 as the year when we can submit this for ratification,” Drilon said in a press briefing after meeting with Bangasamoro Transition Commission members at the Office of the Senate President.


”This is our commitment on the part of the Senate and our target dates that we want to pursue seriously in both houses of Congress,” Drilon added.

Bangsamoro Transition Commission chairman Mohagher Iqbal and Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Deles led the delegates in the meeting also attended by Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the Senate committee on peace, unification and reconciliation.

Drilon reminded the transition commission that the basic law should be within the four corners of the Constitution.

”That is the commitment of the President (Benigno S. Aquino III) to the people that there will be no Constitutional amendment necessary as a result of the basic law,” Drilon said.

He said the transition commission has imposed deadline on themselves to submit to the OPAPP and Office of the President the first draft of the Bangsamoro basic law before March 31, this year.

”The OPAPP and OP will go over this and will discuss informally with other sectors and we’ll be waiting in the Senate the administration version of the Bangsamoro basic law. We hope that we can have the administration bill when we come back first week of May 2014,” Drilon said.

The Senate regular session will take recess on March 15 and will resume on May 4.

Guingona, for his part, assured the full support of his committee for the passage of the Bangsamoro basic law.

”We are nearing the fruition of the long-awaited peace talks. After 17 years of hard work, finally, it will be coming to the Senate and to the House of Representatives,” Guingona said.

Iqbal thanked the Senate leadership for the support even as he assured “everybody that there is no other way except to push that there will be peace not only in Mindanao but the entire Philippines.”

”Everybody will reap the fruits of this peace. I know that with peace in Mindanao, this country can be great,” Iqbal said.

Iqbal also requested the senators for some advice and words of wisdom in crafting the Bangsamoro basic law.

”Hopefully, I’m very sure that whatever problems that would crop up from time to time, especially on the technical aspect, we will be able to overcome them,” Iqbal said.

Deles also expressed appreciation for the commitment made by the Senate and the House to pass the basic law of the peace framework agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government before 2015.

”We cannot underscore how important this moment is and how grateful we are that we are part of this process,” Deles said.


Compensation for Marcos dictatorship’s HR victims distributed BUTUAN CITY -- Relative to the Hawaii Class Suit filed against the Estate of Ferdinand Marcos, the Claimants 1081 or C1081, in behalf of Human Rights Victims (HRV) during the Martial Law years, have received their cheques as payment in the amount of P50T during the second distribution at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga office today.

By Venus L. Garcia


In Caraga region alone, there are 160 members of Claimants 1081. These claimants are victims of illegal detention, torture for being accused of rebellion, and others were even executed or have disappeared.

Caraga Regional Human Rights Director Atty. Marylin Pintor bared that the first distribution was made sometime in 2012. “Our office fully support the victims and we accommodate them by providing the nearest venue here in our own region rather of them going to Davao City to get the claims entitled for them,” she said.

History would tell that Marcos human rights litigation is a class action lawsuit which was filed pursuant to the Alien Tort Act in the United States in 1986. Ferdinand Marcos was in United States (US) territory that time which made US court to have jurisdiction over the case.

Atty. Bob Swift, lawyer of the Hawaii Class Suit, personally handed over the cheques to eligible claimants.The same claimants also received the 1,000 dollars (more or less

P43T) during the first distribution.Accordingly, the members

in the human rights class suit against Marcos are all Filipinos who belong to the marginalized sector of the Philippine society.

“I’m glad that finally our violated human rigths are now compensated after years of waiting for the judgement. Truly justice prevails despite our odd experiences during the Marcos dictatorship,” said Marciano Tancawan, member of Claimants 1081.


Caraga GADCC to perform flash mob dance on Valentine’s Day in ButuanBy Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - In time with the world’s celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) under the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) will be performing a flash mob dance on February 14, 2014 at the Robinsons lobby, this city.

This is also in support of the “One Billion Rising For Justice” Campaign in the country.

GADCC chair and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Marylin Pintor relayed that on February 14, one billion people in 207 countries will rise and dance to demand an end to violence against women and girls.

“We are appealing to the general public to support this campaign and help prevent violence against women and girls in our community,” said Pintor.

Now on its second year, the One Billion Rising For Justice campaign is a global call to women survivors

of violence and those who love them to gather safely in community outside places where they are entitled to justice – courthouses, police stations, government offices, school administration buildings, work places, sites of environmental injustice, military courts, embassies, places of worship, homes, or simply public gathering places where women deserve to feel safe but too often do not.

It is a call to survivors to break the silence and release their stories – politically, spiritually, outrageously – through art, dance, marches, ritual, song, spoken word, testimonies and whatever way feels right.


By Venus L. Garcia

Butuan Manpower opens recruitment for work abroad

BUTUAN CITY -- The Butuan City Manpower Training Center (BCMTC) opens today its special recruitment activity for applicants who are interested to work overseas at the Democrito O. Plaza (DOP) Center, this city.

As of noontime, a total of 158 applicants have already been registered and more are expected to come to grab the opportunity.

Interviews for electrical and mechanical engineers, plumbers, carpenters and welders are still ongoing and the recruitment is until February 7, 2014.

The city’s public information officer

said that hiring of administrative secretaries for abroad is also available.

For more inquiries, to get a job on the spot and work in a foreign country, interested individuals are encouraged to call BCMTC at contact numbers 816-2990 or City Assessor’s Office at 341-1214.


4ID marks 44th Founding Anniversaryby Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division celebrates on Feb. 1 to 5 its 44th Founding Anniversary with this year’s theme “4ID Bayanihan: Ikaw at Ako, Tayong Lahat may Tungkulin Para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”


The weeklong celebration highlighted with activities such as the “Barrio Fiesta sa Kampo” concept of booth displays by the different units under its command, showcasing the various products/merchandise from the different localities within the Division’s area of responsibility. Demonstration of the Infantry Rifle Squad and capability exhibit of Special Operations units, Combat Support and Service Support Units. Likewise, the Diamond Rock Concert with performances from the different bands of the command among others. During its anniversary on Feb. 4, the 4ID featured the Evening Parade in honor of the former Commanding Generals of 4ID and Valor Awardees as it gives due recognition to its deserving personnel and civilian partners for peace and development. Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T Gazmin, Guest of Honor and Speaker, reiterated Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan in pursuit of genuine peace. In speaking to the troops, the

Defense Secretary lauded Major General Ricardo R Visaya, Division Commander, for sustaining the high standard of discipline, training and performance of men and women of the division. Gazmin further said these are the ideal qualities of the military troops and norms that through the professional example of the 4ID are worthy to be emulated by the other

units of the AFP. He also commended the troops for their unselfish service to the people and the country and emphasized the importance of the role they play in maintaining peace and security in its area of responsibility. Essentially, he said the role of the Division is to protect the people from all forms of lawlessness. He reminded the troops to strictly abide with utmost respect for human rights and international humanitarian law and the obedience to the rule of law, and further safeguard the human rights and ensure safe and unhampered delivery of basic needs and services for the people. I also have trust and confidence in the professional capability of the Division. Its leadership, dynamics, and duty are adhered to the standards, said Gazmin. For his part, MGen Visaya said this is another occasion to commemorate another year of triumph and growth. This is also a celebration of our success in surpassing the challenges and rigors of dedicated service.


DepEd 10 announces opening of Fullbright Scholarship SY 2015-2016 by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

According to Esmeralda Cunanan, PAFF executive director that this Agriculture Scholarship Program aims to modernize the agriculture and fisheries sectors of the Philippines by developing their human resource base through bilateral educational exchanges between the U.S. and the Philippines. Further, she said that the objective of the grant is not only to enable recipients to pursue particular fields of study research but also to develop leaders in agriculture and fisheries who can contribute to promoting better understanding between the

Philippines and United States. Under the 2015-2016 program, awards are given to Filipino professionals, researchers, faculty or doctoral students specializing in agriculture, fisheries and forestry fields to conduct advanced research or non-degree doctoral dissertation research in the U.S. Application forms may be downloaded from PAFF website www.fullbright.org.ph. Applicants for these grants will be received by PAFF until June 30, 2014.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Education Region 10 (DepEd-10) through the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAFF) announces the opening of 2015-2016 Fullbright Philippine Agriculture Scholarship Program (FPASP) for advanced research awards in agriculture and fisheries in the United States.


RDC-X sees Panguil Bay Bridge ready by 2016by Archimedes C. Lazaro & Peleta B. Abejo

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Officials of the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) and major stakeholders of the Panguil Bay Bridge (PBB) Project met with Secretary Rogelio L. Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on January 30, 2014 at the DPWH Central Office to facilitate funding and early implementation of the Panguil Bay Bridge (PBB) Project.

Secretary Singson expressed full support for the implementation of the PBB project within the term of the Aquino Administration in consonance with the government’s efforts on enhancing agriculture and tourism development in the region. Latest developments include the completion of the new business case study with grant assistance from the Government of Korea. The civil works and approaches are proposed to be implemented through a combination of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Government of the Philippines (GOP) funding that shall include the acquisition of the road right-of-way. With ODA funding, the DPWH can avail of foreign technology in constructing and designing bridges in relatively deep bays. Once completed, it was suggested that the operation and maintenance of the bridge shall be managed by a private sector which shall collect toll fees from the users through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. Approval of the PBB project by

the NEDA-Investment Coordination Committee is targeted within the first half of 2014 so that the loan can be obtained by mid-2014, detailed engineering to start in the fourth quarter this year, and bridge construction to commence within 2015. Costing P5.193 billion, this 3.6 kilometer two-lane bridge will connect the municipality of Tubod, Lanao del Norte and Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and reduce travel time between the two places to only about seven minutes. Panguil Bay Bridge is one of the priority projects in Northern Mindanao considered as one of the major strategic interventions particularly in providing access, logistics and infrastructure services toward the attainment of inclusive growth. Once completed, it will provide uninterrupted access from Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities to Tangub, Oroquieta and Ozamiz cities and the rest of Zamboanga Peninsula. It will also enhance agricultural development and industrialization along the Cagayan-Iligan Corridor and


the Tubod-Tangub-Ozamiz-Oroquieta growth areas. Acting RDC-X Chair and NEDA-X Director Leon M. Dacanay, Jr. and RDC-X InfraCom Co-Chair, Engr. Modesto C. Babaylan were joined by Congresswoman Imelda Q. Dimaporo of the First District of Lanao del Norte and Mayor Nelieta Q. Noval of the municipality of Tubod, Lanao del Norte (for Tubod-Lanao del Norte side); Congressman Henry S. Oaminal of the 2nd District of Misamis Occidental, Governor Herminia Ramiro of Misamis Occidental, Mayor Philip T. Tan of Tangub City, and Mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr. of Ozamiz City (for

Tangub City-Misamis Occidental side). The team also had a pre-meeting discussion focused on resolving road-right-of-way issues with Congressman Jorge T. Almonte of the 1st District of Misamis Occidental and Mayor Maria Luisa D. Romualdo of Mambajao, Camiguin, Chair of the RDC-X Macro & Development Administration Committee. The RDC officials and Congressional representatives present strongly articulated and signified their commitment and support for the realization of the much-awaited bridge project.


Zambo’s dancing fountain resumes operationBy Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBANGA CITY - After almost five months of shutdown, Zamboanga’s “dancing fountain” is finally back in operation.


Zambo’s dancing fountain resumes operation

The trendy and most sought after musically gyrating fountain at the Paseo del Mar underwent technical shutdown last year following the Zamboanga siege last September and the incessant rains in October. The fountain, which is one of Zamboanga’s pride and priced edifice, had to be shut down Sept. 9 when the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) staged an attack on the city. For almost a month, Paseo del Mar was closed to the public so did the fountain as the area is within the conflict zone. Paseo del Mar is the favorite “tambayan ng bayan” (hangout area) and is complimented by the presence of the dancing fountain, a crowd-drawer in the compound. Vic Larato of the City Information Office in a news release recalled, the city decided to resume fountain operation on Nov. 3, but unfortunately the heavy rains in October resulted to technical problems/ defects of the fountain, thus operation remained suspended. It can be recalled that the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) inundated the city, as it brought heavy rains and strong winds resulting in massive flashfloods and landslides. With the resumption of operation of the dancing fountain, locals and visitors can once again enjoy the services of the facility following its successful repair through the collaborative efforts of the Climaco administration and the personnel from the General Services Office as well as the City Engineer’s Office and City Administrator’s Office. The dancing fountain located at Paseo has become an entertainment hub since it was opened in 2012.


BIR-RDO 92 targets 900-M in tax collection for 2014By Claro A. Lanipa

In an exclusive interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Calib disclosed that this year’s goal is based on the 20 percent increase in the previous collection performance of the district which was placed at almost P700 million. “To attain this goal, right after our Tax Information Drive kickoff we will start visiting all the municipalities in the province and encourage the local government units to remit their withholding taxes to our office because these funds are really for the BIR,” Calib disclosed. Calib appealed to the taxpaying public and the businessmen to remit their withholding taxes correctly, religiously and on time. He also urged local media

practitioners, as stakeholders and partner of the BIR, to help in its tax collection campaign and disseminate government’s tax programs. The tax information drive will kick-off with a motorcade around the city’s main thoroughfares to be participated in by the different sectors/taxpaying public including the national government offices, local government units and business establishments to be followed by a short program at the Liga Convention Center with Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones as keynote speaker. BIR-9 Regional Director Albert B. Alocilja and Assistant Regional Director Wilma T. Elivera are also expected to grace the event.

PAGADIAN CITY – As the 2014 tax campaign information drive will kick-off today in the city, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District No. 92 is targeting to collect more than P900 million in taxes this year, Assistant Revenue District Officer Rodrigo A. Calib said.


BIR-RDO 92 targets 900-M in tax collection for 2014

Dipolog Civil Registrar’s Office bags awardsBy Mary May A. Abellon

The Civil Registrar’s Office here received three outstanding awards from the National Statistics Office (NSO)-9 during the 2014 City and Municipal Civil Registrars’ Quarterly Planning Workshop held recently at the Manuel’s Pool and Function Hall in Piňan, Zamboanga del Norte. City Civil Registrar Rosemarie Patangan-Miranda bared that her office was proclaimed the 2013 Top Performing City Civil Registrar in Zamboanga del Norte, the Top Performing Local Civil Registrar’s Office in civil registration with up-to-date database. It was also recognized as having the most number of narrative reports submitted to the NSO. NSO-9 Regional Director Ronaldo C. Taghap personally handed the awards to Mrs. Miranda. Miranda said the awards that her office received were the fruits of hard work, dedication and commitment to public service as exemplified by all her staff. She also credited her office’s exemplary performance to the city government’s implementation of the Performance Governance System (PGS) with the Institute for Solidarity Asia (ISA). In a related development, the lady civil registrar also disclosed that the city is joining the whole nation in observing the “Civil Registration

Month” pursuant to Proclamation No. 682 with the theme, “Ikaw at Ako tungo sa Wastong Pagrerehistro.” Moreover, the city government will also be conducting the annual free wedding ceremony dubbed “Twogether Foreover” on Valentine’s Day at the 2nd Floor of the Commercial Building at the Dipolog Boulevard with Mayor Evelyn T. Uy as solemnizing officer. There will also be a free registration of new born babies and those children who are not yet registered with the Civil Registrar’s Office on Feb. 24, 2014.

DIPOLOG CITY – Hard work really pays off.


While sustaining peace and dev’t, AFP steps up clearing, combat ops

DAVAO DEL NORTE --- While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is sustaining the gains of its Peace and Development Program (PDOP), it is stepping up clearing and combat operations, 10th In-fantry Division official said. In an interview, Maj. Gen.

Ariel Bernardo, commanding general of the 10th Infantry Division (Inf. Div.) said the series of atrocities perpetrated by rebel groups were in reaction to the operations carried out by military troops on field. “We are pouring in more


troops, and more active kami ngayon sa combat clearing operations to be followed by immersion of PDOP,” he said of the peace and development initiative that the AFP runs under Oplan Bayanihan. He explained that the armed encounters with rebel groups happened as a result of the “aggressive” implementation of PDOP which, he said, is complemented with combat operation.Just recently, military forces of the 67th Infantry Brigade operating in the east coast areas of Davao Oriental clashed with rebel forces reportedly under Front Committee 15 in Manay (Davao Oriental). Bernardo said his command had already intercepted the planned entry of the rebel group. As a result, the military confiscated five high-powered long firearms, three sets of improvised explosive device (IED), one rifle grenade, and one hand grenade. One soldier died but four members of the rebel group suffered the same fate during the encounter. In a separate interview, 701st Inf. Brigade commander, Col. Benjamin Madrigal explained that the rebels came all the way

from Compostela Valley traversing the mountainous boundary of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley along the Municipality of Maragusan. Madrigal also identified a certain area in Brgy. Pagsabangan in New Bataan, Compostela Valley as entry point of rebel groups going to Davao Oriental. AFP last year identified Davao Oriental as “insurgency free” but its forces are still guarding the periphery to prevent re-entry of rebel forces. “Ang binabantayan talaga namin ay ang mga (What we are closely watching are the ) mobility corners nila coming from Comval,” Bernardo said. Meanwhile, Bernardo highly counted on the support of residents in local government units (LGUs) down to the barangay level to achieve impact in implementing PDOP. “We are into the process of eliminating fear, by eliminating the presence of the armed groups. After that we will come in for peace and development, so we can push through what is envisioned: to develop the communities,” Bernardo said. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


DAVAO CITY– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region was able to approve a to-tal of 51 projects under its Shared Service Facility (SSF) initiative last year. The SSF, which started just last year, is a major component of the Micro, Small and Medium (MSME) Development Program which is aimed at improving the competitiveness of MSMEs by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, skills, and knowledge under a shared system. Further, this is one of the projects under the “Big Push” for MSMEs Program of DTI which is geared towards meeting the challenges posed by the global economy. Specifically, the SSF projects aim to attain one of more of the following objectives:· Enable MSMEs to increase their productivity;· Encourage graduation of MSMEs to the next level where they could tap a better and wider market share;· Accelerate MSME competitiveness by giving them access to better technologies and more sophisticated equipment; and,· Address gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain of the primary

industry clusters. The SSF projects implemented range from heavy duty sewing machine for bayong to coco sugar processing, coco beads production, kakanin production, jewelry production, coco twining and weaving, garments-making, shellcraft production, coffee processing, meat processing, organic fertilizer production, muscovado sugar production, and banana powder processing, among others. These projects were carefully chosen based on the selection criteria, giving priority on proposals that would generate jobs in view of the government’s commitment for inclusive growth. The 2013 approved SSF projects in the region, which are meant to improve the capability of MSMEs in the processing of raw materials and improvement of their products’ quality, expended P24 million. Of the 51 SSF approved projects, 34 have already been established while 17 are to be awarded to the beneficiaries early this year. These projects are spread out in the region’s five provinces, to wit: 13 in Davao del Norte; 12 in Davao Oriental; 11 in Davao City; nine in Davao del Sur; and six in Compostela Valley.(DTI-11/JenMendoza)

DTI-XI approves 51 SSF projects in 2013


Gov. Solon supports livelihood program for womenALABEL, Sarangani – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon supervises the training of Provincial Livelihood Program Bead Crafts Thursday, January 30. The January 28–31 training was at-tended by women leaders from Alabel and Malapatan and Technology Livelihood Education (TLE) composed of teachers from Maasim and Alabel. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMA-TION OFFICE)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- In a bid to address several con-cerns -- including delayed payment of government share in the salary of beneficiaries -- the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 is employing an online system for its Special Program Employment of Students (SPES).

DOLE 12 assures speedy payment for SPES beneficiariesBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Ofelia Domingo, DOLE 12 regional director, told Philippine Information Agency, beginning this year, all processes for the SPES, from registration of beneficiaries to release of salaries, will be made via the Online SPES system.

Yesterday, DOLE 12 signed a memorandum of agreement with the M. Lhuiller Financial Services, Inc for a partnership in the use of the latter’s payment solutions system.

“Under this agreement, payments for the SPES beneficiaries will be coursed through the M. Lhuiller using the payment solutions system. Once the payment is available, M. Lhuiller will inform the beneficiaries via their SMS facility.” Director Domingo explained.

Once in service, she said, the online payment system should be able to address recurring problems such as delayed payment of the 40 percent government share in the salary of the program beneficiaries.

Charmain Dawn Ladot-Sonsona, information officer of DOLE 12,

in a separate interview elaborated that delays in the payment were mostly caused my non-submission of requirements by some of the SPES beneficiaries in a certain area, returned checks because of misspelled name, and deactivate ATM accounts often caused by repeated balance checking.

“Some beneficiaries are also prevented from withdrawing from their accounts because they have forgotten their Personal Identification Number,” she said.

With the online payment system,” Domingo said, “we won’t anymore issue checks nor require students and out-of-school youth SPES beneficiaries to open an ATM account.”

An individual beneficiary who has completed the work contract and has submitted all required documentary evidences for the program could also receive his or her salary without waiting for others in area to complete their own requirements, the regional director explained further.

Moreover, through the online


SPES system, documentary evidences required from the program applicants will be filed at the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)of origin.

Information regarding the SPES beneficiary will be encoded into the system and all evidentiary documents will digitized and attached to a beneficiary’s database.

“These documents should be validated and certified authentic by the PESO officer upon submission to the DOLE regional office,” she said.

The online SPES system would also ensure that the department will have a comprehensive database regarding the program and its beneficiaries that can easily be accessed whenever needed, she added.

Besides the signing of MOA with M. Lhuiller, the activity at the Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City was also highlighted by the awarding of plaques and certificates of appreciation to exemplary partners in the private sector such as partner hospitals in the Employee Compensation Commission initiatives, companies with most vacancies posted in the Phil-JobNet, companies that employed persons with disabilities, SPES participating establishments and many others.

It was also an opportunity to re-orient partner establishments in

the private sector of important concerns such as employees’s compensation program, two-tiered wage system, Kasambahay Law, labor laws compliance system, and Phil-JobNet and skills registration system.

“It’s also a time for a pledging session with establishment in the private sector who we want to participate more in the SPES,” Director Domingo said.

This year, DOLE 12 has been allotted over P50.5 million for the SPES, which should translate to over 17,700 indigent students and out-of-school youth who would like to return to school employed in the program.

Domingo said, the first batch of SPES beneficiaries this year should be able to start their work later this month, adding that the PESOs and field offices have already started processing applicants for the program.

Under the program, beneficiaries will be paid P270 per day. Sixty percent of the will be paid by the employer – a local government unit, or a private sector participant – while the remaining 40 percent will be paid by the government through DOLE.

In 2013, a total of 10,701 students and OSYs have availed of the program. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


COTABATO CITY -- In an effort to improve the delivery of services of Public OFW Desk Officers (PODO) in different municipalities of Maguindanao, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OWWA-ARMM) recently conducted a three-day capacity building training.

OWWA trains Maguindanao OFW desk officersBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Eighty-six PODOs and representatives of OFW Family Circles joined the said training.

In his message, OWWA-ARMM OIC Habib Malik cited the big contribution of Public OFW desk officers in assisting the OFWs and their families in their respective areas.

Malik also added that activities like these will help strengthen the link between their office and their OFW help desk officers.

Among the topics discussed were effective frontlining, effective communication skills and capacity building.

The participants were from local government units of Buluan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Gen. SK Pendatun, Guindulungan, Matanog, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Parang, Sultan Sa Barongis and Upi.

Other participants were composed of representatives from 17 OFW Family Circles.

Among them were Brgy. Katuli OFW Livelihood Association, Bugawas Overseas Community Association, Dulangan OFW Association, Kabalukan OFWs Family Development Assoc., Inc., Lapok OFW Association, Manggagawa OFW Organization ng Solon, Mindanao Sustainable Association for Dev’t,

Org. ng Migranteng Mang. OFW ng Pagalungan , Overseas Filipino Workers Org. of Bulalo, Inc.

Proper Brar OFW Association, Sigay ng OFW Association, Sitio Pangi Taviran OFW Association, Sittio Lue-ia OFW Handloom Weavers Assoc., SPDA OFW Association, United Bangsamoro OFWs Association, United Moro Women Orgn for Dev’t, Inc. and OFWs and Beneficiaries Association.

Representatives from OWWA’s partner agencies also explained their programs and services to the participants.

These include the Department of Foregin Affairs-Cotabato, Department of Labor and Employment-ARMM, Philippine Overseas Employment-ARMM, Home Development Mutual Fund, PhilHealth, and LandBank of the Philippines.

OFW help desks were established due to OWWA’s limited manpower and the distance of the OWWA regional office to most localities in the region.

As representatives of OWWA in LGUs, PODOs handle all concerns of OFWs from their respective areas. For example, OFWs or their families could file their complaints and other concerns to the PODO in their locality, which in turn would transmit these to the regional office for immediate attention. (ORVRivera-PIA12)


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato--Sixteen Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs) in this province were promoted by the Philippine National Police Na-tional Headquarters in Camp Crame on Monday, February 3.

Crame promotes 16 police officers from NorthCotBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Sr. Supt. Danilo Peralta, provincial director of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) said that among those who received promotions were two police chief inspectors (PCI), two police senior inspectors (PSI), four police inspectors (PI) and eight senior police officers (SPO).

They were: PSupt. Jerson B. Birrey and PSupt. Jordine A. Maribojo with previous ranks as PCIs; PCInsp. Ma. Joyce R. Birrey and PCInsp. Elias D. Colonia with previous ranks as PSIs; PSInsp. Zean Paul L. Cubil, Joan R. Resurreccion, Bernabe T. Rubio and Basilio P. Parcon, Jr. with previous ranks as PI; PInsp. Edgar Allan G. Espadera, Jessie C. Albay, Joemar A. Deocampo, Samson S. Pacete, Jorlito l. Patrona, Felipe M. Concepcion, Francisco C. Encarnacion and Jose Mari C. Molina with previous ranks as SPO4.

“All of the promoted police officers passed the qualification standards set by the PNP National Headquarters and have exceptionally performed their duties and responsibilities in their respective areas of responsibility,” Peralta noted.

The 16 newly promoted PCOs received their new ranks in a ceremony held at the Cotabato Provincial Capitol.

Governor Emmylou Mendoza in her message, conveyed to the police officers her trust and confidence to the CPPO and appreciated the undertaking of the provincial police in maintaining peace and order in North Cotabato.

Mendoza emphasized the importance of CPPO in securing the lives and properties of the people in the province.

Furthermore, the governor said she is grateful for the support of the entire provincial police force in her administration and in the implementation of the ‘Serbisyong Totoo’ advocacy.

“Your commitment to the ‘Serbisyong Totoo’ advocacy is highly appreciated not only by me as your chief executive but also by the people you serve,” Mendoza stated. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)

one mindanao - february 7, 2014

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