one mindanao - june 2, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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LAYOUT ARTISTS

DOMINIC SANCHEZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE APIT, PIA Caraga Region

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

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Senior high school kicks off in Lake Sebu

PH joins call to end illicit trade of tobacco products, say Palace

No enrolment duties for teachers in 1st week of classes – DepEd XII

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By:Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

Cover Story

CARAGA WESTERN NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGENSOUTHERN

NATIONAL

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OUR COVER

ContentsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

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Global Surigaonons conduct tree planting for Lake Mainit shores reforestration

P3.4 Million anti-smoking fines to be used for the cancer patients

Basilan officials urge closer Mindanao-Sabah relations; expresses concern on proposed barter trade ban

DTI pushes for establishment of Negosyo Centers in Bukidnon

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Parolees, probationers undergo orientation on DOLE’s livelihood programs

28By: Junar B. MerlaBy: Zimmbodilion Peter Mosende

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OWWA to celebrate 20th Migrant Workers DayBy: Susil D. Ragas

By: Claro A. Lanipa58 KALAHI-CIDSS disaster response projects to rise in CamiguinBy: Nica Rochell B. Gabay

NorthCot LGU holds solidarity games in conflict-affected villageBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

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Tabak chief lauds 53rd IB’s feat in bringing down CPP-NPA’s influence in Zambo. Sur

31By: Gideon Corgue

By: Danilo Doguiles

4 June 2, 2015One Mindanao

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

Senior high school under the Department of Education’s K to 12 Programis scheduled to begin in school year 2016 – 2017 yet.

Cover Story

Senior high school kicks off in Lake Sebu

5June 2, 2015 One Mindanao


In Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, however, Lake Sebu National High School is already offering Grade 11 – the first level of senior high school -- starting Monday, June 1.

What sets this offering apart, besides the fact that it is implemented a year ahead of the program’s nationwide full implementation, is its emphasis

on the culture and heritage of the Tboli people.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro visited Lake Sebu on May 19 to personally lead the launching of the senior high school in Lake Sebu, the first such curriculum under the K to 12 Program in the country. “This is the first of its kind.


We endeavored to make sure that the curriculum as well as its program offerings are in line with indigenous peoples’ culture and language,” Secretary Luistro said. “The school must be a link between culture and development.” Developed in partnership with the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), the said senior high school curriculum focuses on developing qualifications and competencies of students in ecotourism and agriculture. “This is a senior high school curriculum that is distinct to T’bolis. It carries their values, dreams and aspirations, both as individuals and a community,” the education secretary said. He emphasized the need of the education system to be inclusive and centered on the needs and context of the learners. “We are a nation in search of who we are. Until we are able to return to the roots of our indigenous peoples, we will never be able to find our soul.” “If we are serious about being learner-centered, we should also be very serious about

being culturally sensitive,” Luistro added. Luistro dedicated the launching of the Tboli Senior High School to the late GawadManlilikha ng Bayan awardee Lang Dulay, whom he described as a symbol and an icon for the Tbolis. “We need to understand and to nurture our culture so that the works of Lang Dulay will not be lost with her and that we can pass on her dreams and arts to the next generation,” he said. Lake Sebu NHS first batch Grade 11 students comprised of about 45 students who completed their junior high school last March in the same school. Information from the program’s developer, indicated that the offering is a technical-vocational that will focus on Sustainable Community Resources Management with two options for courses: ecotourism and agriculture.

The program intends to create graduates who are capable of developing and managing their own resources, creating sustainable livelihood and opportunities for the Tboli


community, where the school is situated. Through the program, graduates will be equipped with entrepreneurial and management skills to prepare them for small-scale business ventures or communal cooperative management. Datu Benito Blonto, chair of the Municipal Tribal Council of Lake Sebu, said consultations and coordination with the parents and students in the Tboli community, Lake Sebu NHS, and other education stakeholders have been crucial in creating the program. Through consultations with Tboli elders, teachers, parents, students, and other education stakeholders, TSHS came up with its aspirations for its students that seek to uphold, preserve, and promote the Tboli cultural identity through an inclusive, participative, environmentally-friendly, and quality culture-based education. Emphasizing on the benefits to the program, Blonto said: “After completing K to 12, students could be employed because by then they should have gained skills and qualifications.

With the program, we will develop their skills based on culture. We will also train them in ecotourism and the proper use of local resources.” Meanwhile, Fr. Joel Tabora, president of ADDU, vowed continuous support for the senior high school in Lake Sebu. “This is probably the most sophisticated anthropological and pedagogical in the country relative to the senior high school education,” Tabora said. “We pledge continued services to the Tboli community,” he added. Healso thanked them for their participation in the development of the curriculum. The crafting of the Tboli senior high school program came after ADDU’s Department of Anthropology was granted a Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) to conduct an ethnographichresearch, the T’boli Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices in the area. Results of the study were then used by AdDU’s School of Education in creating a


curriculum that is “sensitive to the contextual way of life, the environment, and the common aspirations of the Tboli tribe.” Said curriculum was presented in a consultative

dialogue with T’boli tribal leaders, parents, students, teachers and other stakeholders on April 17 – 18 at Punta Isla Lake Resort in Lake Sebu.


MANILA - Showing their resolve to end the decades-old armed conflict in Mindanao, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiating panels signed an agreement creating the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities.

GPH, MILF agree on decommissioning task force


The new task force is mandated to “undertake all efforts related to socio-economic and development programs” and to “assist the Panels identify and implement socio-economic priorities and development projects” for decommissioned MILF combatants and their communities. The document is guided by the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) as well as by the terms of reference of the Joint Normalization Committee.

The move is part of efforts by both the government and the MILF to kick off a program to hasten the return to civilian life of MILF combatants.

“The new Task Force is part of the continuing effort by the government and the MILF to move forward the other dimensions of the peace agreement, alongside the passage of the law establishing the Bangsamoro government,”

said GPH chief peace negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer.

Under the CAB, the MILF forces will undertake a gradual decommissioning program wherein their weapons will be put beyond use and their combatants will return to normal, productive civilian lives.The decommissioning process should be commensurate to the process of instituting the Bangsamoro Government, addressing other security concerns such as the private armed groups, and transforming MILF camps acknowledged by the Government in 1998 into productive, civilian communities.

Moreover, the two panels also agreed to renew the mandate of the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) as well as the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) for two years and nine months


respectively.

The IMT is mandated to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between the GPH and the MILF. The CPC monitors, verifies, and reports non-compliance of the two Parties to their basic undertaking to protect civilians and communities. Meanwhile, the AHJAG functions as a coordinating body prior to the conduct of law enforcement operations (LEOs) by government forces.

The IMT and the AHJAG were instrumental in restoring the ceasefire between the government forces and the MILF combatants following the Mamasapano incident last January.

Coronel-Ferrer reiterated the need to protect the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process. “So much work remains to be done to build peace on the

ground. We cannot afford to lose more time and resources before the peace dividends are felt in the communities.”

The new task force will also undertake special socio-economic and development programs for the decommissioned women auxiliary forces of the MILF. It will coordinate with government agencies, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders in monitoring and supporting the transition of the decommissioned combatants and programs for their communities, the internally displaced and other vulnerable sectors.

Composed of three members from the GPH and the MILF panels, the task force will exist until the signing of an exit agreement that will be signed when all agreements stipulated in the CAB have been realized. (OPAPP)


PH joins call to end illicit trade of tobacco products, say Palace

MANILA -- The Philippines joins other countries to work together to end the illicit trade of tobacco products, said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., on Sunday.


“Nakikiisa ang buong pamahalaan sa buong mundo at sa World Health Organization (WHO) sa paggunita ngayong araw ng ‘World No Tobacco Day’ (WNTD) sa ilalim ng temang “Stop Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products,” said Coloma in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

According to WHO, tobacco is the cause of death of 6 million smokers around the world, and is responsible for the mortality of some 600,000 non-smokers due to secondhand smoking.

This year’s ‘World No Tobacco Day’ highlights the health risks associated with tobacco use and

advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. “From many angles, the illicit trade of tobacco products is a major global concern, including health, legal and economic, governance and corruption,” said the WHO. (PCOO/PND (ag)


Basilan officials urge closer Mindanao-Sabah relations; expresses concern on proposed barter trade ban

MANILA-- The Basilan provincial government has urged closer economic ties between Mindanao and Sabah, noting that economic engagements will benefit both areas.

Photo credit to: Erixk Dantoc


In a courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on May 28, Basilan Vice Governor Keemhar Jay Sakkalahul and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) said that there is much to be gained in economic cooperation, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported.

“Economic development and growth in these areas will ensure long-term stability and order, as the people will feel the benefits in terms of jobs, income and a better life for themselves and their families. It is also what will consolidate the peace process in Mindanao,” she said.

For his part, Deputy Chief of Mission and Philippine Consul General Medardo Macaraig said that there should be separate but parallel initiatives in securing peace and stability in these areas.

“Initiative to enhance ties should continue between Mindanao and Sabah, along with closer security cooperation to address challenges arising from security concerns,” he

said.

During the call, Vice Governor Sakkalahul was accompanied by members of the Basilan provincial government, who are in Malaysia to explore economic opportunities and closer business ties, particularly in the halal sector.

They expressed concerns on the economic impact of a proposed ban on barter trade between Mindanao and Sabah, particularly on the prices of basic goods and economic development in these areas.

“Additional costs are being borne by the consumers in a number of island provinces near Sabah. Businesses in Sabah will also be affected, as their sales and income will definitely go down if there will be a barter trade ban. It would be counterproductive for both sides if a ban is implemented,” Vice Governor Sakkalahul said.

“This will also be contrary to the vision of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) in developing Mindanao and


Sabah as engines for growth in the region,” he added.

Based on a study by International Alert in 2014, the barter trade is a PhP2 billion (around RM167 million) economy, where each player is earning some PhP1.4 to 2.5 million (some RM112,000 to RM208,000) a year. In Malaysia, barter trade earnings account for a total of RM150 to RM300 million (roughly PhP1.8 billion to 3.6 billion) annually.

In a press conference last week, Sabah Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abdul Bakar floated the idea of recommending a ban on the barter trade between Sabah and Mindanao as a security measure, after two Malaysians were kidnapped in a seafood restaurant along Sandakan’s shorelines on May 14.

There are many efforts to further economic ties between the two areas, most recently Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) subsidiary’s Felda Agriculture Services Sdn Bhd (FASSB), which will supply its premier oil palm seeds to planters in Mindanao. FASSB signed a

Memorandum of Collaboration with the Philippines’ Bali Oil Palm Produce Corporation (BOPPC) recently to explore the possibility of collaborating in agriculture-related products and services.

Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, who was in the Philippines for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade in Boracay from May 23 to 24, also led a delegation of Malaysian companies which would like to do business in the Philippines. He said that Malaysian companies should be “more aggressive” in tapping the potential of the Philippines as a trade and investment destination. (DFA)


Thousands avail of Peace Caravan services in Loreto town

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Thousands of mostly indigenous people (Manobo) avail of the services, medicines, facilities, agriculture materials, school supplies and many others during the conduct of Peace Caravan for nine barangays in Loreto town as government’s gesture of appreciation for their efforts in obtaining peace and order.

By: David M. Suyao


It was surprising that on the first day, as early as 6:00 a.m. of May 28, 2015, hundreds of people were already gathered in the multi-purpose building surrounded by tents waiting for the different national, regional, provincial and municipal government agencies that will render their services for the known conflict-affected areas. The first cluster of the caravan was held in Barangay Kauswagan, joined by Barangays Bugdangan, Binucayan and San Mariano. Even with the burning heat of the sun, populations of the people from five barangays are increasing as the day moves on at 9:00 a.m. The different government agencies were already in position at the tents surrounding the multi-purpose building assigned to them, while others were already rendering services they can offer. Inside the multi-purpose building, guests for the day Undersecretary Vicente Belisario Jr. from the Department of Health (DOH) and Asst. Secretary Jennifer Oreta of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the

Peace Process (OPAPP) were already settled ready to give their shares. In support to the flagship program of Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza called Upland Sustainable Agro-forestry Development (USAD), the Department of Agriculture and the Provincial Agriculture Office have distributed seedlings of rubber, coconut, banana, corn, cacao, falcata and upland rice seeds. Agricultural reading materials were also provided to guide the farmers on the correct farming practices. OPAPP has distributed some 900 school bags containing story books, pencil, crayons, pad papers, slippers and coloring books. Other items that were distributed during the first day of the Peace Caravan were 150 OL trap kontra dengue; 1,500 nutri curls; medicines for cough and colds, high blood and diarrhea; land titles from Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); tree seedlings from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), while


free medical consultation were extended. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also turned over a timbangan ng Bayan to Barangay Kauswagan. One of the highlights during the first day is the distribution of checks for various projects. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) handed over to Loreto Mayor Dario Otaza a check worth P2.8 million for Salintubig for Barangays San Isidro, San Mariano, Katipunan, Sta. Theresa and Sto. Nino.

Another check worth P1 million performance challenge fund for repair and improvement of Kauswagan-Sabud road and another P1 million for Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) capacity development for Civil Society Organization. At the end of the day, more that 2,500 recipients from the first cluster four barangays were served by the Peace Caravan.


Global Surigaonons conduct tree planting for Lake Mainit shores reforestration

MAINIT, Surigao del Norte — Migrants and residents of Mainit, Surigao del Norte led by the online facebook group, Mainitnon Gihapon, in collaboration with the local government of Barangay Quezon, joined hands recently in planting more than 600 bangkal trees along the Bitan-ag area of Lake Mainit shore.

By: Zimmbodilion Peter Mosende

Members of Mainitnon Gihapon or MG are local and migrants Mainitnons from all over the world. Many have come

home as far as Canada, North America, Europe, Middle East, North Africa, and Australia to join this year’s 2nd global reunion


which included a support to the tree planting cause. Several members of MG, even prior to its existence as a facebook group (founded Dec 2011) (http://pidjanga.blogspot.c om/2011 /12 /ma i n i t n on -gihapon-mg-facebook-group.html), have been strong supporters of the re-greening and reforestation efforts for the lake. This included support to the first ever tree planting efforts

of the online group Mainit Dot Org (MDO) in 2006 with 300 bangkal trees planted, followed by Tambayayong Mainit, Inc. (TMI) in 2009 and 2012 (600 bangkal and susot trees), all on the eastern side of the lake shore called Panayakpan. I n c u m b e n t b a r a n g a y captain and

a tree enthusiast Gaudencio Mondano, who has extensive experience on reforestation in Papua New Guinea, pushed the lake shore reforestation as one of the barangay’s top priority development agenda. The barangay named this as the Panayakpan Ecopark project. With a convincing proposal, and armed with evidence from the previous tree planting experiments that both bangkal


and susot trees are guob-resitant which means they can survive in long term flooding, the Philippine Red Cross granted a P300,000 seed fund for the establishment of a barangay nursery and planting of additional trees. By end of 2014, the barangay has planted almost a thousand trees spanning around two kilometers of lake shore from Barangay Quezon to the neighboring Barangay Mabini. The MG-led tree planting this year covers the western portion of the lake going to Barangay San Isidro. A total of 625 bangkal trees were planted spanning around 1.5 kilometers of lakeshore. “With its capacity to hold water of up to 40 liters a day, a throng of fully grown bangkal trees has a potential to help mitigate the effects of the dreaded annual lake flooding,” said Mondano. “I am so happy to be back home after several years of living abroad. I am so excited to be of help,” shared Crispo Salino, an MG member based in Canada who also joined the activity.

“This has always been among my advocacies. My dream is to see one day that the 62-kilometer shoreline of Lake Mainit will be fully reforested so that our children, grandchildren and their grandchildren would enjoy the beauty of the ecopark. It is my prayer that with the joint efforts of Mainitnons and Surigaonons, we will be able to see again the beautiful lakeshore forest which existed in this very lake a century ago,” expressed Manila-based MG member and Pidjanga blogger (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com) Zimmbodilion Peter Mosende who was also among the force behind the successful tree planting projects of MDO and TMI since 2006. Members of Mainitnon Gihapon have suggested that this project be sustained in the coming years with the hope that fellow Mainitnons will realize the importance of trees in the lake’s ecosystem, and the neighboring lakeshore towns will replicate barangay Quezon’s success.


OWWA to celebrate 20th Migrant Workers Day

MAINIT, Surigao del Norte — Migrants and residents of Mainit, Surigao del Norte led by the online facebook group, Mainitnon Gihapon, in collaboration with the local government of Barangay Quezon, joined hands recently in planting more than 600 bangkal trees along the Bitan-ag area of Lake Mainit shore.

By: Susil D. Ragas

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Kasanayan at Husay sa Paggawa, Proteksyon ng Migranteng Manggagawa.” In Caraga region, the event will be held at Surigao del Norte Provincial Gymnasium from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The one day celebration will include fun-filled activities such as parlor games, raffle draws and dance competition. OWWA-13 regional director

Samuel Madrid enjoins all Caraganon Overseas Filipino Workers (vacationing and returnees) including their families, especially those from Surigao del Norte area, to participate in this celebration dedicated for them. To register, please visit the nearest Public Employment Service Office (PESO) or contact the OWWA Regional Welfare Office-13 with telephone numbers (085) 342-6178/815-1894.

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Farmers, women entrepreneurs, and some beneficiaries of the Agrarian Reform Cooperatives of Lamitan City Basilan were given training on climate change towards sustainable agriculture, recently.

Lamitan City farmers push for sustainable agriculture amidst climate change


Arsenio P. Raval, Agricul-ture Training Institute (ATI) Of-ficer said that the training aims to provide women farmers and entrepreneurs with knowledge about climate change adaptation and mitigation hoping that they would understand its effects to agriculture,and at the same time adopt to environment-friendly agricultural practices.

“Malaki po ang nasisira sa ating agrikultura dahil sa pag-babago ng ating panahon, da-hil siguro kulang ng information and dissemination ang ating mga farmers tungkol sa isyu. (The destruction of natural calamities to agriculture is huge, and this is due to climate change, and may-be due to the farmer’s lack of in-formation on the issue),” he said.

Raval said farmers and women need to practice proper waste disposal, learn disaster preparedness, and understand what is going on with the envi-ronment.

“Dapat bigyan natin sila ng training about climate change dahil minsan yung mga hindi dapat sunugin ay sinusunog na-tin dahil kulang sila sa kaalaman gaya ng pagsunog ng plastic at non-biodegradable waste. Kaya

kailangang bigyan natin ng diin ito dahil malaking kasiraan ito sa ating agrikultura (We need to train them on climate change be-cause sometimes we burn what we are not supposed to burn due to lack of knowledge on the ef-fects of burning plastics and non-biodegradable wastes. That is why we need to emphasize this because it will have great impact and destruction to agriculture),” he added.

The training was initiated by ATI in partnership with DAF-ARMM, held at Na Lamar Restau-rant in Lamitan City, Basilan from April 27 to May 1, 2015.

Raval added that livelihood assistance, whenever requested by beneficiaries were also ex-tended to farmers and women’s groups but training is a require-ment which is also given to gov-ernment employees and other sectors.

On April 29, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Basilan was invited to conduct session on climate change adap-tation and its impact to Basilan agriculture. The PIA stressed that knowledge about climate change will help the farmers plan, im-prove, and


adapt to the changing environ-ment. As food producers, the farmers and women entrepre-neurs and cooperative members have a vital role in attaining food security in the province.

The ATI is an agency of the government under the Depart-ment of Agriculture responsible

for training agricultural exten-sion workers and their clientele; conducting multi-level training programs to promote and ac-celerate rural development; and ensuring that research results are communicated to the farm-ers through appropriate training and extension activities.

Parolees, probationers undergo orientation on DOLE’s livelihood programsBy Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY - Some 52 probationers, arolees and pardonees including volunteer probation aides (VPAs) have recently attended an orientation on the the Deparment of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) livelihood programs at Anastacia Pension House this city.

This activity was designed to effect positive changes in the lives of the parolees, probation-ers and pardonees as part of the Parole and Probation Administra-tion (PPA)-Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office No. 1’s commit-ment to improve the living condi-tions of its clients.

Camilo Encila Jr., officer-in-

charge, DOLE- Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office presented the Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Program (DILLEP), a government’s intervention pro-gram that seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and to reduce vulnerability to risk of the poor/marginalized sectors in the com-munity.


Tabak chief lauds 53rd IB’s feat in bringing down CPP-NPA’s influence in Zambo. SurBy Gideon C. Corgue

GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur - 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division commander BGen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr. got impressed with the achievements of the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) battalion, as it succeeded in bringing down the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the province.

Speaking on Friday before the officers, enlisted personnel, stakeholders, and dependents during the 13th Refilling Anni-

versary of the unit at Camp Ma-jor David Sabido here, Barrientos cited the

Encila emphasized that “this program is part of the rehabilita-tion process to alleviate the so-cio-economic status of deprived individuals like the DOJ-PPA cli-ents for them to normally go back to mainstream society pro-ductive, despite being in conflict with the law before.

He further said that his of-fice would continue to support all PPA’s programs that focus on cli-ent’s welfare and development, “as this is the most humane ex-pression for them to feel that they are still very important seg-

ment of the society.”

In line with agency’s goal of promoting the correction and rehabilitation of an offender by providing him/her with personal-ized community based treatment and an opportunity to become productive in his/her re-integra-tion to mainstream society, the ZDSPPO No. 1 under the stew-ardship of Chief Probation and Parole Officer Nicasio D. Dujali, commits itself to pursue various rehabilitation activities geared for client’s reformation.


efforts undertaken by the battal-ion in the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) or “Bayanihan” campaign resulting in the decline of the CPP-NPA’s influence in the area.

In his report, Lt. Col. Alvin Luzon, commanding officer, said “the influence of CPP-NPA in the province is on steady decline, as there was no record of ter-ror activities and/or NPA-nitiated violent incidents for more than a year now. As local communist movement members are gradu-ally returning to the mainstream society.”

Meanwhile, Barrientos said the success of the unit in pre-venting the threat of insurgency is attributed to the support ex-tended by various stakeholders.

“I thanked the local chief executives, national government organizations, and peoples orga-nizations for their active support and cooperation because without the involvement of stakeholders I am certain that the 1st Infantry

division could not achieve their mission in making the province peaceful,” Barrientos said.

“Imposible pong magam-panan ng ating mga kasundalu-han ang kanilang trabaho kung hindi magbibigay ng tulong ang ating mga stakeholders, kaya palagi natin silang ini-involved sa ating mga peace efforts,” Bar-rientos added.

(It would be impossible for our soldiers to perform their work without the stakeholders’ help. Thus, we always involved them in our peace efforts).

Barrientos said collabora-tions have been made by the AFP with all stakeholders to intensify their engagement as mandated by “Oplan Bayanihan”.

Proof of this, Barrientos said “the 1st Infantry division has or-ganized the Multi-Sectoral Gover-nance Council (MSGC) to monitor the soldiers if they are sincerely performing their work as protec-tor of the people. They serve as the ‘eyes of our people’ and it is


their duty and responsibility to check if the soldiers are efficient-ly performing their work.”

“To our forces, let us con-tinue to serve with excellence to show our dedication. Let us continue to be the soldiers of the Filipino people and by doing so, we can say that we are slowly getting towards our main objec-tive that is the Philippine army the source of our national pride,” Barrientos concluded.

Among those present in the said occasion were Governor An-tonio H. Cerilles, Vice Governor Juan Regala, 103rd Brigade Com-mander Colonel Andres Aguinal-do Jr., local chief executives, and stakeholders.

Bukidnon hosts “Saktong Iodine sa Asin” forum

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Through concerted efforts of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) region 10, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Department of Health (DOH), and National Nutrition Council (NNC), a multi-sectoral forum on “Saktong Iodine sa Asin” was held in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on 28 May 2015 to promote the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 8172 otherwise known as ASIN law that ensures adequate amount of iodine content in iodized salt.

by Egypt F. del Rosario


UNICEF’s focal person for Universal Salt Iodization (USI), Alexander Michael Palma, and the regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of National Nutrition Council (NNC), Marissa Dm. Navales, were the event’s resource speakers. RA 8172, also known as “Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide” (ASIN), was signed into law and promulgated by then President Fidel V. Ramos in 1995 to: address the micronutrient malnutrition in the country particularly the Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD); require all manufacturers to iodize the salt that they produce, import, and trade or distribute; require the Department of Health (DOH) to undertake the salt iodization program, set and enforce standards for food-grade iodized salt, and monitor compliance of food grade salt manufacturers; require the Local Government Unit (LGU) to check and monitor food-grade salt sold in the market to ascertain that the salt is properly iodized; require Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to monitor and regulate the trading of iodized salt; direct the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in collaboration with Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) to initiate, promote and cause the transfer of technology for salt iodization; authorize the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to serve as the advisory board on salt iodization, provide mechanisms and incentives for local salt industry in producing,

marketing, and distributing iodized salt; and ensure that the act is sustained. The program also emphasized that adequate iodine content in salt is not only applicable for human consumption; it also takes effect even for animals. However, salt that will be utilized for industrial purposes is an exception. In her talk about Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD), Navales said that iodine is an essential element to have a proper thyroid function and correct growth and development of brain. Due to inadequate amount of iodine intake, this connects to IDD as a leading cause of preventable brain damage and reduced Intelligent Quotient (IQ) among children nationwide, stillbirth, miscarriage, and other abnormalities during pregnancy. Meanwhile, Palma encouraged the participants to help the organizers implement RA 8172 by encouraging the members of their sectors to just avail the salt with adequate iodine content. He also gave the participants an overview of the law. An open forum with the participants from different Bukidnon Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Non-Governmental Agencies (NGAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), academes, and media institutions, followed after the talks. Also, iodine-testing was done to the salt brought by the participants from different parts in Bukidnon.


DTI pushes for establishment of Negosyo Centers in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) in Bukidnon pushes for the establishment of Negosyo Centers that will promote ease of doing business and facilitate access to services for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

by Junar B. Merla

In a recent Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP) Bukidnon Chapter meeting in Malaybalay City, DTI provincial director Ermedio J. Abang presented various DTI programs that need legislative support such as: Implementation of the ‘Go Negosyo Act’; Formulation of the Local Incentives and Investments Code; Identification & Development of a One-Town-One-Product of a certain city/

municipality; Implementation of the Business Permits and Licensing System; Support for the Annual Conduct of Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Survey; Creation of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC); and Establishment of the Timbangan ng Bayan Project. In his presentation, Abang highlighted the salient features of Republic Act No. 10644 otherwise known as

“Go Negosyo Act.” He requested the VLMP members to enact enabling ordinances for the implementation of the “Go Negosyo Act” and establish their own Negosyo Centers. The Negosyo Center is a one-stop-shop that promotes ease of doing business and facilitates access to services for MSMEs within its jurisdiction. It is proactive, client


friendly, and provides more services to MSMEs. “We have a nationwide target of 100 Negosyo Centers established

by 2015. In Bukidnon, two Negosyo Centers will be established this year, which will be situated in the cities of Valencia and Malaybalay,” he said.

58 KALAHI-CIDSS disaster response projects to rise in Camiguin

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) conducted an “Information Caravan and Mass Groundbreaking” in Camiguin on May 28 for the P60-million worth Disaster Response Operation Management (DROM) Projects.

by Nica Rochell B. Gabay

The event was led by Assistant Secretary Teodulo Romo Jr. and DSWD 10 Assistant Regional Director for Operation Aldersey Dela Cruz, and the media. DROM is a community driven project under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community-Driven Development Program (KC-NCDDP). Romo said it aims to empower and improve the lives of the KALAHI beneficiaries by giving them the chance to decide on what projects to take, as well as, hand on the implementation with technical and management assistance from the agency and the local government unit. “Infrastructure is secondary to

developing the capacity of the people. This is the first move of trusting the community, trusting the people, and the volunteers to implement. May this change the mindset and touch people to revolutionized governance,” he stressed. The mass ceremonial groundbreaking was held in the following areas to include the installation of 27 units solar street lights in Barangay Poblacion Mambajao, road concreting project in Poblacion, Mahinog; Flood Control Structure in Barangay Alangilan, Sagay; and the construction of a submarine bridge (vented submersible reinforced concrete pavement) in Barangay Sto. Ñino, Catarman.

LGUs urged to back dev’t. plans on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation

DAVAO CITY– The Davao Regional De-velopment Council has called on the sup-port of the municipal and barangay govern-ment units and other stakeholders to their respective provincial enhanced plans on di-saster risk reduction and climate change ad-aptation. RDC-XI chair and Davao del Norte Gover-

nor Rodolfo del Rosario made the call during the recent RDC-XI’s regional advocacy forum on DRR/CCA-Enhanced Provincial Development and Physi-cal Framework Plans. Del Rosario said the PDPFP of each of the four provinces in the region assures the integration of DRR/CCA in the local de-velopment planning and decision-making process-es. RDC-XI vice chair

By: Carina L. Cayon


By: Carina L. Cayon

and regional director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim of the National Econom-ic and Development Authority, said the PDPFP also assures the commitment of the governors to “pursue disaster-preventing and mitigating interventions identi-fied in the plans.” Lim said it is a bigger chal-lenge for the local government units to cascade their PDPFPs to their respective municipalities, barangays and stakeholders to strengthen their communities’ resiliency to disasters and adapt climate change. “We call on the support of stakeholders because the LGUs should not be left alone in these tasks,” Lim stated during the Ka-pihan sa PIA-XI held immediately after the advocacy forum. Various DRR/CCA-related projects and appropriate major interventions have been lined up in the plans ready for implemen-tation, such as reforestation and watershed development proj-ects, construction of weather re-sistant drainage/flood/river con-trol, provision of relocation sites and climate resistant housing units, among others. The salient features of the

PDPFP of each of the province were presented during the advo-cacy forum held Friday (May 29) at the Pinnacle Hotel, Davao City. According to NEDA, the PD-PFPs of the LGUs of Davao Ori-ental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur were completed in June 2014 follow-ing the provision of technical as-sistance that was aimed at main-streaming concerns on DRR/CCA into the plans. The technical assistance projects, which included training on various techniques and meth-odologies on DRR/CCA, came from the United Nations Develop-ment Programme (UNDP), Aus-tralian Agency for International Aid (AusAID) and New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP) UNDP Philippines country di-rector Titon Mitra lauded the four provincial LGUs and NEDA for a comprehensive understanding of disaster risk reduction. Mitra said UNDP is “willing to work with NEDA to take this for-ward, to enhance the capacity of the LGUs.”


P3.4 Million anti-smoking fines to be used for the cancer patientsDAVAO CITY- Mayor Rodrigo Duterte revealed that the Expand-ed Anti-Smoking Ordinance which commemorated its full implemen-tation in May 30 raised a total of P3.2-Million from June 2013 to March 2015. He mulled of using the funds to support the cancer patients particularly the children at the Southern Phillippines Medical Center. “I’ll make use of the fines in taking medical care to cancer patients, particularly children,” Duterte said. The City Anti-Smoking Or-dinance have been implemented 13 years ago. Duterte underscored that 10 Filipinos die due to tobacco-re-lated diseases every hour every day. He said the Anti-Smoking Ordinance is aimed primarily in promoting public health, by ad-dressing passive smoking that impacts on pregnant women and children. Duterte also bared that a to-tal of 4,613 violators had been

apprehended and fined for smok-ing in public as of 2014. The expanded anti-smoking law, or Ordinance No. 0367-12, effectively repeals Ordinance No. 043-02 or The Comprehen-sive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City approved in 2002 that prohibited smoking in public places, enclosed spaces, build-ings and establishments, public motor vehicles and in govern-ment facilities. The new law will ban smok-ing in all establishments, and smoking areas will be limited to outdoors with the corresponding sign to alert the public. Smoking areas in buildings will be prohib-ited. The new law also expanded the prohibition to electronic ciga-rettes and shisha or waterpipe. Violators will be fined 1,000 for the first offense, 2,500 for second offense and 5,000 for third and subsequent infractions.

By:Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

Midsayap irrigators laud DA for increased rice productionBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, June 2 -- In the past, rice growers in Midsayap, North Cotabato would be satisfied if they harvested 80 sacks from each hectare.

But this, changed lately, according these farmers, after the Department of Agricul-ture poured in several interventions to the town’s irrigators’ associations.

Dante Cudal, president of the Midsayap – Pigcawayan – Libungan – Kabuntalan Federa-tion of Irrigators’ Association (MPLKIA), said since 2013 when DA 12 started imple-menting projects , they have been enjoy-ing harvest of up to 140 sacks per hectare

MPLKIA received P17.4-M worth of projects from DA 12 from 2011 to 2014. The biggest project given to us was the P16-M Rice Pro-cessing Center (RPC( II,” Cudal disclosed.

Besides the state-of-the-art rice processing facility, the IA federation also received four-wheel drive tractor (P1.3-M);, flatbed dryer (P506, 000), and hand tractor (P106, 000).

Another farmer-leader Danilo Tacan, presi-dent of Libris 5 Chrislam Irrigators’ Associa-tion of Barangay San Isidro also lauded DA’s farm mechanization program, which he added has resulted in 110-140 cavans per hectare being enjoyed by their mem-


bers. Each cavan weighs 55 ki-lograms.

“We received hand tractor with trailer (P106, 000) and one float-ing tiller (P88, 000) from DA 12,” Tacan said.

Similar increase in rice produc-tion was also recorded by rice grower-members of Settlers IA (SIA) of Barangay Lower Katin-gawan after being granted with almost P1-M worth of farm ma-chines and postharvest facility from the Department.

Meanwhile, Wilson Macoy, president of SIA, acknowledged DA 12 for giving them flatbed dryer (P625, 000), rice thresh-er (P 95, 000), and power tiller (P93, 000) which they have been utilizing in bolstering their farms’

productivity.“These farm machines such as

floating tiller shortened the time spent for land preparation” Ta-can remarked.

These farmer associatons also attributed the increase in rice production in the improvement of their farm-to-market road for a more convenient and faster transportation of products to the town’s market.

“Better and quality road also reduced our transportation costs and improved our mobility and even motivated us to increase our palay production which gives us bigger incomes,” Cudal com-mented.

Apart from the aforemen-


No enrolment duties for teachers in 1st week of classes – DepEd XIIBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

tioned, members of these farm-er associations have also been recipients of

certified seeds from DA 12, which they agreed has also boosted their production capaci-ty that they added could great-ly contribute to the achievement of the rice self-sufficiency goal of the national government.

With these bountiful harvests, farmer-members of the associa-tions are more confident they could send their children to col-lege and provide for the basic needs of their respective fami-lies.

In their words, these farmer-leaders have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Depart-ment of Agriculture led by Secre-

tary Proceso Alcala, and Regional Executive Director Amalia Jay-ag-Datukan for addressing the needs of the farmers engaged in rice farming.

“I hope the DA will continue its undying service to the rice farm-ers,” Cudal said challenging his fellow farmers to be proactive in submitting proposals for their desired projects to the DA.

Cudal also added that “Depart-ment of Agriculture will always be our number one partner to-wards community development.” (CRMatullano/LMSalvo-DA-RAFIS/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, June 2 -- Public school teachers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region are prohibited from enter-taining late enrollees during the opening week of school year 2015 – 2016 Monday.

Instead, they were ordered to meet their students and conduct classes, said Dr. Al-

lan Farnazo, regional director of the Department of Education XII.


Dr. Farnazo issued DepEd Region Memorandum No. 116 s. 2015 on May 22 directing all schools in the region to observe “Lesson 1 on Day 1” as classes start on June 1, 2015.

DepEd 12 is comprised of nine divisions, namely: the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of Koronadal, General Santos, Ta-curong, Kidapawan, and Cota-bato.

“All teachers must be in their respective classrooms conduct-ing their first lesson of the day; hence, they shall not entertain enrollment of pupils/students from June 1 to June 4, 2015,” he said.

In the said memorandum, Farnazo noted that his order for Lesson 1 to kick off on the first day of classes was in ac-cordance with the DepEd Order 9, s. 2005, entitled “Instituting Measures to Increase Engaged Time-On-Task and Ensuring Compliance Therewith,”

It was also intended to “em-bark the school year with great importance on quality instruc-tional contact time with the learn-ers.”

“This regional policy ensures that schools are in the proper

direction by observing regular-ity of the conduct of classes at the same time enforcing policies on Early Enrolment, Brigada and Oplan Balik Eskwela,” he add-ed.

Since the Department Or-der 4, s. of 2014 has mandat-ed the cut-off date for enrol-ment this school year on June 5, Farnazo has also directed all school heads to ensure that the “school’s Public Assistance Station (PAS) is operational and shall accommodate enrollees only on June 5, 2015.”

Late enrollees can be enter-tained on June 9, 2015 onwards,” he ordered.

However, he added, “when the number of enrollees per class has reached the maximum num-ber, the school head can advise the late enrollees to enroll in the nearby school to ensure even distribution of pupils/students vis-à-vis the standard pupil/stu-dent-classroom ratio.”

To ensure that the “Lesson 1 on Day 1” policy is enforced in school, Farnazo deployed re-gional staff to different areas in the region to monitor the opening of classes.

In a radio interview with a ra-dio station here this morning, he said, the start of


NorthCot LGU holds solidarity games in conflict-affected villageBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

classes for SY 2015 – 2016 has been smooth with several schools holding their first flag-raising ceremony as early as 6:30 Monday morning.

He, however, disclosed that two schools in Alabel, Saran-gani have not started conduct-ing classes today due to peace and order problem in the area.

Farnazo identified these schools as Supan Integrated School and Canaan Elementary

School. Classes in these schools will

start as soon as officials in the area declare the area safe es-pecially for the school kids, he said.

Earlier, Farnazo disclosed that they are expecting over 1.3 mil-lion elementary and high school students to flock public schools in the region.

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, June 1 (PIA)—In a bid to strengthen peace and unity in the village of East Patadon in the city, the provincial government recently held solidarity games like inter-purok basketball and volleyball tournament.

Romeo Anito, provincial sports coordinator said that the 28-day tournament which con-cluded this weekend is in coordi-nation with the Barangay Council of East Patadon. Aside from the villagers of East Patadon, residents from the nearby village of West Patadon also joined the solidarity games.“The games which were also

aimed at developing sport skills and promoting camaraderie and sportsmanship were played ev-ery Saturdays and Sundays,” Anito noted. Anito added that the initia-tive was in line with the provincial government’s efforts to uphold peace especially in conflict- af-fected areas in the province.“Governor Emmylou Mendoza


makes another step by way of sports to unite people regardless of their tribes, beliefs or religions and together recognize the value of peace in moving towards de-velopment,” Anito emphasized.East Patadon is affected with land conflicts which the local govern-ment units continue to address.The Provincial Sports Coordinat-ing Office which took charge of the games deemed that as very popular sports among Filipinos, basketball and volleyball can be very good instrument to build unity, cultural respect and rec-onciliation. Spicing up the cham-pionship games is the in-clusion of Sipa sa Manggis, a native Moro sport. The game is played by hitting the ball towards a target which is usually a box that contains a gift hanged on a net suspended between two bamboo poles. A strong advocate of peace herself, Governor Mendoza has conceptual-ized different activities in advancing peace in North Cotabato.

One of which is the Summer Kids Peace Camp (SKPC) which started in 2010 and participated by thousands of fifth graders. Aside from peace-building, SKPC fosters leadership training, cultural development, trust, re-spect and reconciliation among many others.

one mindanao - june 2, 2015

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