one mindanao - july 20, 2012

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

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

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Philippine Information Agency

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Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

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Cover Story

Gensan undertakes robotics training for public schools

Pops Gumana FruylanCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Friday, July 20, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 305

page 4Photo Credit:RapidSignal Electronics

Palace welcomes initiatives of Indonesia seeking an end to rift among West Philippine Sea claimants 8

Fredelyn L. Ragandang, Northern Mindanao

Bukidnon allots P4.475 million for Lantapan schoolrooms repairs

1715

Southern MindanaoComVal sets July 22 as Nature’s Day

Authorities to file charges against a boarding house owner for election code violation21

Pagtatanim ng kawayan, itataguyod ng lalawigan ng Cotabato

NGOs report PAMANA projects’ status

2630

ARMM

Mindanao Infocus1214

Muslims to start Ramadhan Friday or Saturday

Ras Datu, Northern MindanaoCARP projects set in Lanao del Norte

North Cotabato invites extreme adventurers to take the Mt. Apo challenge24Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

PRO 13 conducts anti-illegal logging seminar 31

Shahana Joy Duerme, Central Mindanao

David M. Suyao, Caraga Region

PSupt Martin M Gamba, Caraga Region

7 10 13 16

19 22 27 32

RDC-IX urges LGUs, regional line agencies to support the 38th NMC 34 Claro A. Lanipa, Western Mindanao

Public urged to donate blood regularly 35 Rene V. Carbayas, Western Mindanao

4 Friday, July 20, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StoryGensan undertakes robotics training for public schools

Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio recently underscored the need for empowering the city’s human resource through information communication and technology (ICT) by emphasizing its significant role in “cultivating and heightening global competencies.” “The pervasiveness of communications technology around the world necessitates that government embark on a cohesive and coordinated strategy on how to prepare its citizens to survive, live and thrive in a digital world,” she opined.

To make it happen, Custodio emphasized, the city government is widening the reach and coverage of its SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP) from teaching basic courses to conducting leveled-up trainings for the residents of the Tuna

The local government here is taking

another step towards global competitiveness as it trains public high school students on the science of “robotics” in response to the city’s increasing urbanization.

by Pops Gumana Fruylan

Friday, July 20, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

Capital. SHEEP-CLP head Percival Pasuelo described the upcoming robotics training for public high school students next month as “another milestone in the learning technologies.” The training, he said, will be facilitated by Engr. Franz Duran, the owner of the first robotics company in GenSan, the home-grown RapidSignal Electronics (RSE). This time, the participants are expected to “obtain a wide range of technical knowledge on electronics hardware design, computer programming, and system-based design” Duran explained. In an interview with PIA-Gensan, Duran pointed out the importance of the training especially in teaching public school students about innovative technologies that are virtually found inside every

electronic devices and gadgets in

the homes, offices, industry, automobiles, medicals, and naval/aeronautics. “Examples of such technologies are microcontrollers, sensors, motor controls, Bluetooth, SMS, and so many more,” he said. Through learning robotics, Duran explained that participants “will obtain industry-level knowledge and skills even before they graduate from high school, preparing them for a possible career related to science, engineering, and technology.” “If we teach industry-level science and technology as early as possible to our young people, in the near future, there will be a critical mass of scientifically and technically proficient graduates who will enter the manpower poll. This will be very enticing to investors and


large companies looking to expand into our city,” he pointed out. Meanwhile, Duran attributed the difficulty of teaching robotics in the past to “lack of physical resources” rather than “because of the steep learning curve.” Now, RSE has developed a solution to this complexity through its low-cost hardware learning modules that are designed primarily for Filipino high school students. “They will learn all of this through hands-on, experiential-based learning with hardware modules that we designed and assembled locally. These boards and modules have been tested and improved in the local academic community for many years.”

He explained that RSE can partner with “any academic institutions that want to innovate the learning experience of their students in the area of e n g i n e e r i n g , science, and IT through t e c h n o l o g y transfer and the products and the seminar/w o r k s h o p s /trainings that it provide. Moreover, City Media Affairs Officer, A v e l m a r M a n a n s a l a d e s c r i b e d

the conduct of the robotics training as the “wave of the future.” “It encourages our young to innovate and create and do their share in making the country’s tech force globally competitive,” he added.


ACROSS THE NATION

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday that the government is confident that the sustained implementation of the 4Ps will result to the continuous improvement of the quality of life of poor Filipinos.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that 3,015,671 households have been enrolled in the program as of May 23, 2012, according to Lacierda. “Of these households, a total of 7,545,615 children aged 0-14 years old are covered in the program,” he

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has already enrolled over 3 million households – Malacañang says

In keeping with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s agenda to provide Filipinos access to a comprehensive package for education, healthcare, and family development, the Pantawid

Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has already enrolled over three million households as of May this year.


said.

Lacierda said the 4Ps is being implemented in 138 cities

and 1,261 municipalities across the country.

As of May 31, this year, a total of 1,707 beneficiaries were hired by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Lacierda said quoting the DSWD report.

He said that 390 families were

provided with capital seed fund as part of the sustainable livelihood program called the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K).

President Aquino remains committed to further strengthening the government’s comprehensive approach to empower the Filipino people by providing them with the services, skills, and resources that will help lead them to a better life. (js)

Palace welcomes initiatives of Indonesia seeking an end to rift among West Philippine Sea claimants

Malacañang said it welcomes the visit of the Indonesian Foreign Minister in Manila on Wednesday seeking a resolution to disagreements among claimants of disputed territory in the West

Philippine Sea.


Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa met with

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on Wednesday in an emergency visit to resolve the rift involving the West Philippine Sea claimants by crafting a new pact aimed at avoiding future clashes in the volatile region.

Natalegawa will also fly to other Southeast Asian nations to try to ease the discord and prevent further damage to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after the regional bloc failed to come up with a joint statement following a meeting in Cambodia.

“We certainly welcome the efforts of the Indonesian Foreign Minister. It is important that ASEAN as a regional bloc be maintained and that the centrality be preserved. And the way that Indonesia--- what the Indonesian Foreign Minister is doing is something that we welcome,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday.Asked by reporters if the recent visit of Natalegawa reinforces the Philippines’s statement that it’s not alone in raising the West Philippine Sea issue during the Cambodia meeting, Lacierda said the failure of ASEAN to issue a joint communiqué is something that the ASEAN ministers are concerned

with.“Despite contentious issues in the

past, they were able to issue a joint communiqué. And the fact that they weren’t able to issue one is something that ASEAN foreign ministers are not satisfied with. And hence there is a need to maintain or to reinvigorate the ASEAN as a regional bloc.”

ASEAN foreign ministers, who met for the annual summit in Phnom Penh last week failed to publicly issue a concluding joint statement after the host Cambodia rejected a proposal by the Philippines and Vietnam to mention their separate territorial disputes with China in the statement.

The absence of a post-conference statement underscored the divisions within the regional group over the handling of the West Philippine Sea issue.

Among the ASEAN member countries claiming parts of the disputed territory include Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

China and Taiwan also have been contesting ownership of potentially oil- and gas-rich territories. New tensions have risen recently after the Philippines and Vietnam accused China of aggressive behavior in pursuing its claims. (AS)

10 Friday, July 20, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Palace ‘cautiously optimistic’ about peacedeal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front

Malacañang said it is “cautiously optimistic” on forging a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation

Front (MILF) following the conclusion of the 29th exploratory talks between the MILF and the government in Malaysia on Wednesday.

“I can only tell you that we are cautiously optimistic that a peace agreement will be signed within this administration,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in response to a question from Palace reporters as to how far the government of the Philippines and

the MILF can agree in a peace deal.

While Lacierda declined to discuss further the recent developments in the talks in Malaysia, Lacierda described the peace initiative as “very positive.”

He said the statement made by


government chief negotiator Dean Marvic Leonen, that both sides are “at the door of a peace agreement” is a serious assumption of the ongoing peace negotiation.

On Monday, during the opening of the 29th Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Leonen urged the MILF to persevere, saying that both parties are now at the “door of an agreement.”

The chief negotiator enumerated the recent working arrangements between the government of the Philippines and the MILF, which can serve as the framework for future cooperation.

The fact that the government panel was given an opportunity to interact with some of the communities supportive of the MILF ideals and given the chance to address a recent MILF consultative assembly, are positive developments in the peace discussion, Leonen said.

“The working relationship was impressive. I believe it was so because it was founded on trust and respect that our troops already have for each other. It was also founded on a vision, in that case, an assembly of hundreds of thousands,” Leonen said.

In response, MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqbal agreed that the “momentum for a peace settlement

is at hand,” citing that the presence of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles at the Darapanan assembly “speaks well of the future of the peace talks.”

The government and MILF panels successfully concluded the 29th round of Exploratory Talks in Malaysia with both sides expressing confidence in wrapping up discussions on mechanisms towards the realization of a new political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Leonen, for his part, said the Aquino administration “is prepared to fully invest in a harmonious working relationship between the National Government and the new autonomous political entity to enable an autonomy that is truly viable and workable.”

Both parties continued discussions on power-sharing and other related matters during the talks and agreed to meet again next month.

The two panels expressed their gratitude to President Benigno S. Aquino III for his commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindanao. They also thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Abdul Razak for his continued support for the facilitation of the peace process.


Muslims to start Ramadhan Friday or Saturday

Muslim Filipinos throughout the country will start the fasting month Friday if the moon is sighted Thursday night.

Commissioner Esmael Ibrahim of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos said Muslim religious leaders, led by the Darul Ifta (House of Opinions) will observe the moon at about 6:30 p.m. Thursday all over the country.

“If the moon appears tonight, Ramadhan or the fasting month officially starts Friday,” he said. If not, then the fasting officially begin on Saturday, July 21.

Ibrahim, an Ustadz and chair of the Ulama Council of the Philippines, said fasting during the Ramadhan is one of the “five pillars” of the Islamic faith.

The other pillars are the unconditional belief in Allah, giving of zakat (alms) to the poor, praying five times a day facing the direction of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, and, for the financially capable, joining the pilgrimage or hajj to the holy land of Mecca.

“If you are capable, at least once in your lifetime you must join the hajj,” he said.

Ismael said fasting was prescribed by Prophet Mohammad to his followers as a means of inculcating in them the need for self-restraint to achieve harmony with all peoples regardless of faith and race.

He also appealed to fellow Muslims to refrain from firing their guns to welcome the fasting month of Ramadhan, saying it would be best to share their blessings to the poor instead of buying bullets for firing.

In previous years, the incident of gun firing in welcoming the fasting month has dwindled due to repeated appeals by Muslim religious leaders.

“The best thing to do at the moment is to share your blessings even as you refrain from taking water or food from dawn to dusk in 30 days, including sexual activities,” Ibrahim said.

On the first day of fasting month, Muslims from all over the world will gather in the centuries-old tradition of congregational prayer.


DTI holds FTA awareness drive in Mindanaoby Mila Aguilar-Lasquitas

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be holding the “Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA)” information sessions in universities in Cagayan de Oro on July 24 and

Ozamiz City on July 26.

The DBFTA is a trade advocacy and information campaign of the DTI to increase exporter awareness of the country’s preferential trade agreements. Since its launch in 2010, the program has also become a venue for exports to navigate the complex Philippine FTA markets, including Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, Korea, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. DTI Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. said, “Our initiatives to improve market access for our exporters are steadily bearing out. Hopefully, more exporters find new, alternative markets through the DBFTA.” As result of the nationwide DBFTA seminars, Philippine exports to FTA market such as ASEAN and Australia have increased. Data from ASEAN

Secretariat showed Philippines as among the countries with high ATIGA (ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement) utilization rate (41.15%) together with Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand. In addition, Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed Philippine exports to Australia that claimed AANFTA (ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement) preferential tariffs in 2011 increased to $155 million


CARP projects set in Lanao del Norteby Ras Datu

ILIGAN CITY - Two Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)-funded projects were started on July 1 this year as part of the 76th Araw ng Kolambugan celebration.

These were the groundbreaking ceremony of the 7.2-km farm-to-market road from Barangay Kulasihan to Barangay Palao in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte and the launching of the Kolambugan agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) products with government officials in attendance. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-10 Regional Director Felix Aguhob said the farm-to-market road project cost is estimated at P30.5 million funded under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project-Phase III.

Congresswoman Imelda “Angging” Q. Dimaporo of the Ist District of Lanao del Norte said farm to market road is a big help to the farmers

from $115 million in 2010. To date, 17 academic institutions, business groups, and customs brokers associations are partnering with the DTI this year to help boost exporter utilization of the country’s trade agreements. This July, the DTI and Mindanao universities, Xavier University, Capitol University and La Salle University, Ozamiz, are scheduled to sign memorandum of agreement to raise awareness on FTAs. Other universities and groups who have partnered with DTI under DBFTA were De La Salle University Manila, Siliman University, Mountain Province University as well as business

groups Chamber of Custom Brokers, Inc. and Negros Oriental Chamber and Industry. Based on latest World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Enabling Trade Report 2012, the Philippines climbed to 72nd spot, up by 20 notches from its previous ranking. The report, which covered 132 economies, measured the extent to which individual economies have developed institutions, policies, and services facilitating the free flow of goods over boarders and to their destinations. From January to June 2012, 54 DBFTA sessions nationwide were held with 3,761 participants representing 1,941 companies. (DTI)


Governor Alex P. Calingasan, in his recent visit to Lantapan, said there is really a need for monetary aid as the old buildings are found to have now leaking roofs, dingy paints and dilapidated ceilings. Calingasan said in his speech that he is also giving out P2 million for the construction of covered court of Lantapan National High School and

200,000 for repairs of the secondary school’s deteriorating structures. “Construction of covered courts in schools is one of the priority projects of the provincial government because this facility has all-around use. Covered courts can even temporarily accommodate hundreds of homeless people in times of emergencies or calamities,” he said. He added that this project is part of the local government units’ support to the national government’s efforts in improving the quality and efficiency of basic education as the country implements the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education System. (PGO, PAIA)

in transporting their products to the markets. She also assured continued help to farmer-beneficiaries through the congressional fund to uplift their living conditions. Kolambugan Mayor Bertrand Lumaque led local officials of the barangays covered by the project in expressing gratitude to the DAR officials for the project that is seen to benefit 513 agrarian reform beneficiaries in the area, as well as the more than 2,000 households in the neighboring municipalities of Tangkal and Munai in

Lanao del Norte. After the groundbreaking ceremony, the launching of the two ARB products of Kalambuan ARC in Kolambugan, namely, KOL virgin coconut oil and KOL coco nectar vinegar immediately followed. These products are made possible with the active collaboration and support of the local government Kolambugan, Department of Trade and Industry and DAR, to provide additional income to the ARBs. (DAR10)

Bukidnon allots P4.475 million for Lantapan schoolrooms repairsMALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - The provincial government of Bukidnon handed out P4.475 million to fund classrooms repairs in Lantapan Elementary School.

by Fredelyn L. Ragandang

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The 26th celebration of the Davao City’s Kadayawan Fes-

tival has gotten additional boost-ing from the national government with two proclamations aimed at enhancing this year’s festival. The proclamations include a city-wide gun ban and a special holiday for the city both aimed at enhancing this year’s Kadayawan experience. Philippine National Police

chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome has issued a Gun Ban which suspended all Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFORs) for a period of one month in Davao City, effective August 1 to August 31 in time for the festival. Under the ban, only the members of the PNP, the Armed Fores and other law-enforcement agencies performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms

will be allowed to carry weapons. The gun ban was proposed by the City’s Peace and Order Council last month to ensure that the Kadayawan will be free from firearm-related incidents and the city will be made safe for the residents and tourists who will converge in the city. The directive of the PNP Director-General includes the

City holiday, Gun ban declared for Kadayawan


ComVal sets July 22 as Nature’s DayNABUNTURAN----- An ordinance declaring July 22 of 2012 and ev-ery year thereafter as Nature’s Day of the Province of Compostela Valley is approved by the Sang-guniang Panlalawigan (SP) lead by Vice Governor Ramil L. Gentugaya. Provincial Ordinance No. 09, Series of 2012 authored by SP Mem-ber Moran B. Takasan, is an ordi-nance complementing to Governor Arturo T. Uy’s advocacy of making ComVal as the Greenest and Most Environment-Friendly Province in the country. It is unanimously approved by

the SP members, during their 91st Regular Session, who believe that a sound environment is everybody’s concern. With this, in the aim of main-taining a balanced ecology, the province constituents are enjoined to participate to the different activi-ties and programs concerning envi-ronmental protection such as tree planting, riverbank and lakeside protection, coastal water clean-up including that of the ocean floor area, and other environmental care concepts. (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

strict implementation of the policy through Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS), which includes the conduct of checkpoints, LOI SITA/Oplan Bakal, mobile/beat patrols and other police security operations in close coordination with the AFP, other law enforcement/government agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs). Meanwhile Malacanang has released Proclamation No. 432 which declares August 17 as a special (Non-Working) day in Davao City. The Proclamation gives full opportunity to the people of Davao

City to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.Kadayawan is an annual festival in the city held every third week of August with main celebrations occurring in the third weekend of the month. This year’s Kadayawan will be on August 17-19. Main highlights include the famed Street Dancing (Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan) and the Floral Float Parade (Pamulak sa Kadayawan). The City Tourism Operations Office is expecting 20,000 to 30,000 tourists to visit the City during the celebrations. (PIA/RG Alama)


Regional gallery

Department of Interior and Local Government -XI Regional Director Francisco Jose replies to a query during a special press conference by the Regional Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) at the office of the Philippine Information Office-XI last Wednesday (July 18). beside Dir. Jose is Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Liza Maso, Department of Science and Technology -XI Regional Director Anthony Sales and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Maria Lourdes Lim (photo Rudolph Alama PIA)


Cultural street dance highlights culmination of Karimbaran sa Ranao 2012by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

A colorful cultural street dance competition highlighted the finale of the week-long celebration of the 53rd founding anniversary of the province dubbed as “Karimbaran sa Ranao

2012” on Wednesday, July 4.

The competition was participated in by students from the various schools in the province clustered into five schools division, namely Lanao del Sur IA, IB, IIA, IIB, and Marawi City. The Lanao del Sur IIB contingent was awarded champion winning

P60,000 while Lanao del Sur IIA contingent won first runner-up taking home P50,000 cash prize. Contingents from Lanao del Sur IB and IA placed second and third runners-up with cash prizes of P40,000, and P30,000, respectively. On the other hand, a special award


was given to the delegation of the Marawi City School Division. During the culmination program, Provincial Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. expressed appreciation to all those who joined in the week-long festivity and merry-making. He also thanked the Sangguninang Panlalawigan for continuously supporting his programs and projects, as well as, the Lanao civil society, national line agencies, and local government units in the province for being key partners of the provincial government in promoting and advancing the province. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Lanao del Sur: My Home, Your Home.” It can be recalled that Republic Act No. 2228 divided Lanao into two provinces, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, on July 4, 1959 making Iligan and Marawi the capital of the two provinces, respectively. Today, Lanao del Sur is one of the five provinces comprising the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It voted to join the Muslim Mindanao region in plebiscite

in 1989 while Lanao del Norte was included as part of Northern Mindanao.


Authorities to file charges against a boarding house owner for election code violation by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - A boarding house owner within the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus is facing charges for allegedly coercing students to register under fictitious Maranao names during the third day of the general voters’ registration, here.

This was disclosed by 103rd Brigade Commander Col. Daniel Lucero in a press conference July 14, saying that they are preparing the legal documents to file appropriate charges against the boarding house owner. On Wednesday, around 30 non-Maranao freshmen and sophomore students of the university aired a complaint against the said owner who warned them to vacate the boarding house if they will not follow him. This kind of intimidation was also experienced by other students from other boarding houses situated within the MSU campus as per report received by the army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade. According to Lucero, documents are now being readied to file charges against these people because such action can be considered an election offense. In a related development, a crackdown on passenger jeeps and vans suspected of ferrying fictitious registrants was continuously conducted at several checkpoints since military forces intensified its checkpoint operations.

Lucero said they have monitored an influx of alleged and suspected flying registrants. “We have intercepted vehicles and flagged down several suspected people from other areas entering the province to register, but after giving them warning of the possible charges, they went back to their respective places,” he added. The 10-day general voters’ registration in the entire Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which include the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, as well as the cities of Marawi and Lamitan started last July 9 and will end on July 18. As of 9:41 a.m. Saturday, a total of 245,525 individuals in the province have submitted their respective applications for registration to the poll body.


11 foreigners charged for polluting Sarangani BayBy Serafin Ramos

GLAN, Sarangani -- The 11 officers and crew of two foreign vessels that dumped “pollutants” into Sarangani Bay almost two months ago were charged Monday (July 16) for various environmental offenses.


Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. filed the complaint before provincial prosecutor Felipe Vicente Velasco at the Justice on Wheels mobile court against the officers and crew of TB Oceania 1 (tugboat) and Oceania 2 (barge).

The respondents were from Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar.

They were charged for violation of the Clean Water Act (pollution of water body), violation of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, marine pollution under PD 979, and aquatic pollution under the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

Mayor Yap has been authorized by the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape-Protected Area Management Board to file for and its behalf any legal action against the respondents “for whatever illegal acts they committed within the area of its jurisdiction.”

In his complaint

affidavit, Mayor Yap said that the foreigners “willfully and feloniously dumped pollutants on the sea water believed to be coal, of quantity incapable of being known or estimated,” on May 26, 2012, at about 4 p.m., while on board their vessels TB Oceania 1 (tugboat) and Oceania 2 (barge), which vessels were stationed at about 200 meters from one of the beaches in Sitio Kabug, Barangay Kapatan.

The mayor said the area is within Glan’s municipal waters and inside the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.

A Sarangani Information Office photographer, who was on a nearby resort, caught the incident on camera and sent pictures to higher authorities. This led the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to hold the vessels and crew.

The vessels are in custody at the International Port of Glan.

“The area, where the acts of dumping pollutants (was

committed), is fronting a private resort named Belmar Ecopark Beach Resort,” Yap disclosed in his complaint. “As the activity was done in broad daylight it was witnessed by quite a number of people.”

According to the PCG, the vessels had unloaded their coal cargo in Manila and were set to load scrap metals at General Santos City seaport as consigned by Cebu Metal before going back to Malaysia.

The cargo, however, was unavailable on time thus the illegal anchorage in Kapatan. The PCG said the vessels might have docked away from the seaport to avoid the docking fees to accumulate while waiting for their cargo.

In a separate maritime incident, the provincial government of Sarangani last year was able to get compensation from the owners of MV Double Prosperity which destroyed four hectares of corals when it ran aground Bacud Reef in Kiamba.


The Panamanian-registered MV Double Prosperity ran aground at Bacud Reef on May 8, 2011 while passing the Sarangani strait enroute to India from Australia

The total c o m p e n s a t i o n package of P20 million constituted the P10

million representing the actual valuation of experts for the actual damage, and additional P10 million allotted for the rehabilitation of the damaged reef which is within the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. Sarangani Bay is a protected seascape by

virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 756 in relation to the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS Act of 1992) and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (DAO 2008-26).(Serafin N. Ramos Jr./PIO Sarangani/PIA General Santos City)

North Cotabato invites extreme adventurers to take the Mt. Apo challengeBy Dani DoguilesKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Eco-adventurers, mountaineering teams, and extreme adventure enthusiasts all over the country are in-vited to take up the challenge to conquer the country’s highest peak, the majestic Mt. Apo, in a mountain climbing cum biking competition.

Joey Recimilla, provincial community affairs officer of North Cotabato described the adventure dubbed as “Mt. Apo Eco-challenge” as “the toughest race.”

It is scheduled on August 25 and 26 and is one of highl ights of the provinces’ 9 8 t h foundation anniversary celebration a n d Kalivungan

2012 Festival. The race, he

explained , will cover 86 kilometers grueling adventure that consists of 38 km of mountain climbing on the first day and 48 km of trail biking.

“Mountain trekking will start in New Israel, Makilala as entry point to Mt. Apo check points including Mt. Zion, Maag, the peak, down to Lake Venado, and the Mandarangan trail,’ he said.


Teams will stay overnight at Barangay Agco in Kidapawan city.

“On the second day teams will ride their mountains bikes and race from Agco passing through barangays Ginatilan, Kisandal, Poblacion Magpet and finish at the provincial capitol in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan where awarding ceremony will be done.

No registration fee is required from each participating teams which should

be composed of three members but cash awards amounting to a total of P155,000 await the winners.

Prizes are as follows: 1st place – P70,000; 2nd place – P40,000; 3rd place – P30,000; 4th place – P20,000; 5th place – P10,000, and 6th – 10th place – P2,000.

Recimilla said, the Mt. Apo challenge is open to “all Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old, with an excellent physical and mental health condition can join the

competition.”“They are required to

submit voter’s affidavit or ID, Medical certificate and sign a waiver. Mountain bikes and mountaineering gears are pre-requisite.”

The event is hosted by the Guardians of Lake Venado.

For inquiries please contact Edgar Aquiatan CP 09391497786, Doodz Vallescas CP 09283343690 or visit facebook, Guardians of Lake Venado. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Pagtatanim ng kawayan, itataguyod ng lalawigan ng Cotabatoni Shahana Joy Duerme

LUNGSOD NG KORONADAL-- Itataguyod ng lalawigang Cotabato ang programa ng pagtatanim ng kawayan sa pangunguna nina Cotabato Provincial Governor Emmylou Mendoza, Kabacan Mayor George Tan at University of South Mindanao President Jesus Derjie na ngayon ay lalagda ng isang kasunduan.

Kaugnay nito, inihayag ni Kabacan MENRO Officer Jerry Laoagan na noong Biyernes ay nailunsad ang nasabing programa sa USM Main Campus, K a b a c a n Cotabato.

A n i y a , aabot mula pito hanggang 1 0 , 0 0 0 kawayan ang nakatakdang itanim sa nasabing lugar. Dagdag pa ng opisyal, mags i s imu l a ang programa sa unang linggo ng Agosto.

Nabatid din na magmumula ang mga

binhi sa pamahalaang p a n l a l a w i g a n , samantalang ang kabacan MENRO naman ang mamamahala sa programa at ang mga

mag-aaral naman ng USM ang siyang magtatanim.

Layunin ng programang ito na maprotektahan ang ilog ng Kabacan dahil

sa patuloy na pagguho ng lupa sa gilid nito na maaaring maging sanhi ng matinding pagbaha sa bayan at maging sa mga kalapit lugar nito.Magandang tamnan ng kawayan rito dahil ito ay maaaring pumigil sa pagguho ng lupa at maibsan ang pagbaha. (SJD-PIA 12/RBeñez-DXVL)


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The hosting of the 21st Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) on August 2-4, 2012 will bring business

opportunities in this city, said Vice Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun during the press conference on Tuesday held in a local hotel here.

Hosting of MinBizCon to bring business opportunities in Butuan, official sayby Robert E. Roperos


The Mindanao Business Conference is the premier platform for fostering competitiveness and accelerating economic growth in the Mindanao region and for showcasing its trade and investment opportunities. Fortun said with some 700 business entrepreneurs expected to participate in this annual gathering coming from different places in Mindanao, the event will likewise pave the way for Butuanon communities to explore latest developments in establishing a stronger business industry here in the city. The official further said sharing of best practices of different regions in the island will also lead to sustaining the economic development of five regions

in Mindanao, especially in Caraga Region. He added that since Caraga Region is considered the poorest region in the country according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), there is a need for officials of the region to know the latest trends and strategies in sustaining

and improving the business industry in their respective areas. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Butuan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (BCCIFI) in hosting the biggest gathering of business entrepreneurs in Mindanao. The annual conference serves as the official business conference of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce


and Industry (PCCI) for the Mindanao area and is the biggest of its business conferences in scope and number of participants, among them senior business leaders, members of chambers of commerce, government policymakers, investors and foreign trading partners. Participants have the chance to network and exchange ideas on enhancing the business climate and strengthening competitiveness, in addition to marketing products, services and investment destinations. Since 1991, the MinBizCon is being hosted by local chambers of commerce from across Mindanao.

BCCIFI former president Alfredo Baluyut, Jr. said hosting the event can help boost the local economy through increased trade and tourism across the conference. Among the past hosts of this annual event are local chambers of commerce and

industry of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Surigao, Butuan, Cotabato, Dipolog, Koronadal, Zamboanga, General Santos and Pagadian. The first day of this year’s MinBizCon is also held in time with the celebration of the city’s charter day dubbed “Adlaw Hong Butuan.”


This is based on the report of Educational Discipline in Culture and Area-based Development Services, Inc. (EDCADS), a nongovernment organization (NGO) accredited by PAMANA and the provincial government here to monitor the status and situation of all PAMANA projects implemented. The New Tubigon bailey bridge, which crosses the Andanan River, was inaugurated and turned over last February 22, 2012. It is 18 linear meters long and made mostly of light materials that can only cater light vehicles like motorcycles and carts. New Tubigon Barangay Captain Librado Felizilda said the route from New Tubigon via San Juan using the new bridge going to Bayugan City reduces their travelling distance by about 30 kilometers compared to the original route they use before, passing thru the mountains and small rivers, with almost impassable roads before reaching Poblacion Sibagat. EDCADS also said out of 20 respondents interviewed, 19 of them said they are satisfied with the rehabilitation

of the Andanan bailey bridge and that there are no greater threats in passing the bridge. A farm-to-market road (FMR) that connects eight barangays comprising 2,113 households in Bayugan City is the Pinagalaan FMR, 6.84 kilometers long with some P25 million cost. As of May 12, based on a report of Propegemus Foundation, an NGO, the physical accomplishment of the project is 30.05 percent, with financial accomplishment of almost P7 million while construction is still on-going. The Pinagalaan FMR will connect the barangays of Osmena, Magkiangkang, Villa Undayon, New Salem, Mt. Carmel, Pinagalaan, Sta. Teresita and New Lanao, all in Bayugan City. The last PAMANA project reported by an NGO called the Sibog Katawhan Alang sa Paglambo, Inc. (SIKAP) is the rehabilitation of 15 kilometers FMR from the national road junction to Don Alejandro, Mahayahay and Binicalan, all in the municipality of San Luis, with an appropriation of P3.4 million.

NGOs report PAMANA projects’ statusby David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- The New Tubigon bailey bridge connecting Barangay New Tubigon, Sibagat and Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City is in good condition.


PRO 13 conducts anti-illegal logging seminarby PSupt Martin M Gamba

BUTUAN CITY -- Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 on Tuesday conducted a seminar on anti-illegal logging in pursuit of the government’s drive to stop illegal logging activities nationwide.

This is in line with Executive Order 23 issued by President Aquino, implementing the indefinite log ban and creating an Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force to be headed by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje. President Aquino also tasked Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome to help the task force in the implementation of EO 23. During the seminar, Rafal directed all the provincial directors, assistant provincial directors, deputy provincial directors for operation and chiefs of police to deeply understand and effectively implement EO 23 and other DENR laws. Rafal added Caraga region is rich in forest resources and cutting of trees

has been part of the cultural activities of indigenous people. He said said Caraga police will give its full support in the implementation of EO 23 subject to strict compliance with existing guidelines of the DENR to prevent illegal logging, which is the main culprit of flooding and landslides that cause significant loss of lives and damage to properties. Aside from Rafal, resource persons include forester Ronaldo D. Gadot, Camilo Emmanuel Soriano, Romy Ladroma, all of Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC); Police Senior Superintendent Ferdinand G. Sevilla, Deputy Regional Director for Operations and Raul Rosales, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO), Agusan del Norte.


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The long awaited construction of a sea wall project at the shorelines of barangay Sto. Niño, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, will soon be realized.

Construction of sea wall project in Tukuran finally realizedBy Claro A. Lanipa


To signify the official implementation of the project, a ground breaking ceremony highlighted by the lowering of the time capsule was held at the shoreline of said barangay last Thursday, July 19, 2012. Tukuran Mayor Francisvic Villamero and DILG Provincial Director Abcede Asjali led in the lowering of the time capsule, and witnessed by local functionaries, department heads, punong barangays and local folks. This project was made possible thru the Local Government Support Fund cash award given to the municipality in the amount of P800,000.00 with counterpart from the municipal local funds amounting to P1 million pesos. Recently, the local government unit of Tukuran under the leadership of Mayor Villamero passed the good local governance test, better known

as the “Seal of Good Housekeeping Award,” initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government to institute an incentive award system for all LGUs who will be pursuing the “Matuid na Daan” governance of President Benigno Aquino III. Aside from adhering to the tenets and policies of good governance, the


This year’s celebration promotes vegetable consumption with the theme “Pagkain ng gulay ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain.” Nutrition Program Coordinator Maria del Pilar Pamela Tarroza said, this theme is in recognition of the health benefits that could be derived in making vegetables as part of the regular diet in addressing micronutrient deficiency problems and non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancers and obesity. The celebration of Nutrition Month is an annual nutrition

awareness campaign held every July in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 491 known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, an act which created the National Nutrition Council (NNC) as the highest policy- making and coordinating body on

RDC-IX urges LGUs, regional line agenciesto support the 38th NMC By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Regional Development Council (RDC-IX) issued Resolution No. IX-030-12 urging all local government units (LGUs) and regional line agencies to support the 38th Nutrition Month Celebration (NMC).

Commission on Audit (COA) also found no adverse findings as to how the municipal government spent its funds. It can be recalled, the construction of the boulevard shoreline at barangay Sto. Niño had been planned by the municipal government since 1997 but due to budget insufficiency, said project had been left behind for fifteen (15) long years. Mayor Villamero thanked

everyone responsible for making the dream come true and encouraged his constituents to contribute for the maintenance of the shoreline project. DILG Provincial Director Asjale on the other hand, challenged the local government workers of Tukuran to sustain the good local governance they have instituted to reap same or even more benefits and awards for the next coming years. (DILG/CAL/PIA9)


Public urged to donate blood regularlyBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan - The Isabela City Blood Mobile Team in Basilan has called on the public to be regular blood donors to save lives.

nutrition program. This year’s nutrition month celebration aims to increase vegetable consumption as part of a healthy diet to address micronutrient deficiencies and non-communicable diseases; promote vegetable gardening as a source of additional food and income; and increase demand for vegetables to help local vegetable farmers. As stated in the RDC resolution, the trend in the mean one-day per

capita vegetable consumption in the Philippines from 1978-2008, based on series of surveys made by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) has steadily declined from 145 grams to 110 grams and that per World Health Organization (WHO) report, low fruit and vegetable intake is among the top selected risk factors for global mortality. (NNC/CAL/PIA9)


The team is composed of the Department of Health (DOH) Representative, the Isabela City Health Office and the Philippine Red Cross Basilan Chapter. In a radio interview at the Philippine Information Agency’s radio program over DXNO-FM Radyo Komunidad de Isabela City, DOH-Rep Blood Service program coordinator Oliver Divinagracia said the World Blood Month celebration in July is observed in recognition of the unwavering support of those who are regular blood donors. “They are considered as modern-day heroes because of the numerous lives they had saved for sharing their blood,” Divinagracia said. He said donors are considered as one of the healthiest people because their blood undergoes several tests to determine its health. “We honor them (blood donors) for their heroic act,” he said. City Blood Service program coordinator and current chairman of the local Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Bernardita Hontucan said the chapter so far has only a blood collecting unit. She said the “blood bank,” which is referred to as the refrigerator that stores blood collected unfortunately broke down due to the fluctuating electricity that Basilan has been experiencing. “In spite of this, we continue to do bloodletting activities in different areas and we deposit them at the Basilan General Hospital,” Hontucan said. She added that the

mobile city blood team conducts advocacy campaigns first before any bloodletting activities are held. She said the mobile was able to collect only 297 blood units with 400 cc each bag last 2011. Hontucan said half of it was given to the Basilan General Hospital (BGH) and the other to the PRC. She noted that blood samples collected from donors are sent to Zamboanga for blood testing to ensure that the blood is safe and healthy. Hontucan said the blood collected for the past year is not enough that is why they are intensifying their campaign to encourage more and more people to donate blood in Basilan. DOH-Representative for Isabela City Dr. Paysal Kasim said that human blood for transfusion is the only form of treatment that cannot be manufactured. It is only possible if blood from generous donors is available. Potential blood donors must meet the following basic requirements: at least 110 lbs (50 kgs), pulse rate between 60 and 100 beats/minute with regular rhythm, blood pressure between 90 and160 systolic and 60 and 100 diastolic, and with at least 125g/L of hemoglobin level. The World Blood Month observance is an annual advocacy program of government’s health department to draw awareness in the effort to increase potential regular blood donors. (JPA/RVC-PIA9, ZBST)

one mindanao - july 20, 2012

Documents

pia surigao

pia caraga region nora

pia caraga region richard

pia caraga region officer

pia region ximanaging

pia region x rudolph

cellphon pia agusan

edaga regional director