one mindanao - june 20, 2014

5,000 senior citizens convene in GensanNirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan CENTRAL MINDANAO FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 203

President Aquino to discuss regional issues with Prime Minister Abe during Japan trip

NATIONAL

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

ARMM

CARAGA REGION

World Vision launches book drive in Bukidnon

Kidney Month 2014 kicks off

South Cotabato brings “Piyesta sa Nayon: Adusay” back to T’nalak fest

Task Force Davao assures its readiness against terror threats

OCD-ARMM holds DRRM summit in Lanao del Sur

ARMM settles P1B unpaid GSIS remittances of teachers

OWWA-ARMM opens applications for scholarship programs for SY 2015-2016

387 get TESDA scholarship in SurSur

PopCom, partners define goals for population

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36 35

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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May Ann O. Escobal

Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

Danilo E. Doguiles

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Greg Tataro Jr.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 203

5,000 senior citizens convene in Gensan

Over 5,000 senior citizens from the 26 barangays here convened for the first time to elect the three

nominees for the next chairperson of the Office of the Senior Citizens

Affairs (OSCA).

R o n a Temblor, S e n i o r C i t i z e n s Coordinator of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) described the event as the biggest gathering of the city’s elderly who are “very empowered” to exercise their right to suffrage through secret balloting. “We want to make sure that when we elect our next chair it should pass through the right process in accordance with the law, and our representative should reflect the voice of the majority,” said 78 years old Clemente Hechanova, one of

the members of OSCA-Gensan’s Commission on Elections (Comelec).For the past years the usual practice was that OSCA members would just send the list of their three representatives to the Office of the Mayor for screening, and the Chief Executive would choose among them who will be the next chairman to serve for three years. “We have a different case now as nine of us signified our interest to run for the position that’s why we have this first ever general assembly to get the pulse of the majority,” explained Florente Paculdo, Jr., Federation

by Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan

COVER STORY

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President of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines-Gensan.Paculdo topped last week’s election for the three nominees along with former O S C A - G e n s a n Chair Zenaida Naguio, and Lydia Tubola. Earlier, OSCA-Gensan Chair Jacinto Gutang disclosed that the city has a population of at least 30,000 senior citizens as of two years ago but only more than 8,000 are active due to illnesses and other age-related problems. Gutang will step down on November 30 this year to pave the way for the assumption office of the next chairperson that would be appointed by the mayor. “I hope this election will further extend the good changes the mayor endeavors for the city. I trust that Mayor Rivera will select the right person that will assume my position,”

the City Public Information Office (CPIO) quoted Gutang as saying.

Paculdo, however, revealed that to date there are more or less 12,000 active senior citizens in the city and only 5,000 made it to the general

assembly because they were required to limit

the number of participants to

112 per chapter barangay. The grand gathering was p e r s o n a l l y attended by Mayor Ronnel

Rivera who surprised all five

elderly celebrating their natal day with a

birthday cake. The CPIO in a report disclosed

that the mayor prioritized the assembly because he recognized the role of the senior citizens in nation building. “I acknowledge our elderly as the ones who trod the way so that we can reach where we are right now. They are our pioneers; therefore, we should never undermine the things that they have done for us,” Mayor Rivera was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, the city government

also hosted a free medical check-up, feeding program and other activities for the elderly during the event. Temlor said thousands of senior citizens availed of the free eye check-up and 700 of them got their free eyeglasses from sponsors RD Founda t i on and Yacap Party-list. O t h e r s availed of the free h a i r c u t , weight and blood pressure checkup, and other physical examinations.All participants were also treated with sumptuous morning snack and lunch as prepared by Crab A Crab restaurant and the city government. “Some malls in the city also donated items for raffle like umbrellas, t-shirts and blankets that would be very useful for our senior citizens,” Temblor opined. Celso Mendoza, 62, a new member of OSCA-Gensan expressed

his gratefulness over the support of the local government and

other non-government organizations to uplift

the morale of the city’s elderly to be more productive and empowered. He said he was

overwhelmed with the huge number of

attendees in the general assembly considering that it was his first year to be active in the organization. “Many of us would

only register as member of OSCA to

get the ID for discount purposes, but now I

realized how valuable it is to be an active member of the

organization and be informed not only of my rights but of the added benefits of becoming a senior citizen,” Mendoza said. One of the priority areas of C.L.E.A.N Gensan (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building) program of Mayor Rivera is the “giving of quality social services to the women, children, and elderly of the city.”

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Across the NationNational Economic Development Authority Board approves new infrastructure projects

Approved were the P14.6 million Laguindingan Airport Development, Operations and Maintenance Project, the P122.8 million Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike Project, and the P2.3

million New Bohol Airport Development and Operations/Maintenance Project.

Also approved during the NEDA Board meeting was the P9.35 billion single bid of the Light Rail Manila

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino III, on Thursday

approved three new infrastructure projects worth P139.77 billion, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr said on Friday.

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Consortium for the LRT Line 1 South Extension Project. The project will connect Manila to the province of Cavite.

The board also gave its nod to the change in funding source for the Umayan River Irrigation Project (URIP), from an Official Development Assistance (ODA) to locally sourced funds.

This adjustment reduces the cost of the project from P1.56 billion to P1.4 billion, according to Coloma.

The NEDA Board also changed the funding source for the Casecnan

Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project – Irrigation Component, which will also get local funds.

Coloma said the change in funding source will bring down the project’s cost from P7.61 billion to P5.45 billion.

During the meeting, President Aquino urged the members of his Cabinet and the NEDA Board to focus on completing similar ongoing projects and lay the groundwork for long-term economic development and inclusive growth. PND

President Aquino to discuss regional issues with Prime Minister Abe during Japan trip

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will discuss regional developments and different

areas of cooperation between the Philippines and Japan to forge a stronger partnership, a foreign affairs official said on Friday.

The President will undertake a one-day working visit to Japan on Tuesday (June 24).

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said the meeting between the two leaders is an opportunity for them to exchange views on several issues to develop stronger ties between their countries.

“These areas of cooperation include humanitarian assistance and disaster response, maritime cooperation, promotion of trade and investments, people-to-people exchanges and the Mindanao peace process,” Jose told Palace reporters.

The two leaders are expected to deliver their respective press statements after

9 JUNE| PAGE

their meeting, he added.Aside from meeting Abe, the

President will deliver the keynote address at the Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao Conference in Hiroshima, organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Research and Education for Peace of the University Sains Malaysia.

Jose said the President’s attendance in the event in Hiroshima is important because it serves as a follow-up to government actions on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which aims to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.

On the President’s scheduled meeting with Abe, Jose was asked if Japan and the Philippines are joining forces against China.

Jose said Japan is a very important friend and partner of the Philippines and the two countries have a very vibrant political, economic, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Japan is one of our only two strategic partners. And in terms of economic

cooperation, Japan is our number one trading partner, largest source of ODA (official development assistance), third largest source of approved investments, and third largest source of tourists,” he said.

Japan and the Philippines also have very active people-to-people exchanges, he said, noting the scholarships and trainings being offered by JICA to Filipinos.

The President’s delegation will include Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Presidential Management Staff head Julia Abad, and Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles. PND

10JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

PHL, Japan to discuss maritime cooperation, Mindanao peace process

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will discuss maritime cooperation and the

Mindanao peace process when the two leaders meet in Japan next week.

Foreign Affairs Asst. Secretary Charles Jose said the West Philippine Sea issue will be likely in their agenda.

“We can see so much developments happening in the South China Sea, East China Sea. So I’m sure they will be sharing views and exchanging views on this issue... It is very important for the President to brief

the Japanese side on the arbitration case that we filed against China,” he said in a Palace press briefing.

Jose said President Aquino and Prime Minister Abe will also tackle other areas of cooperation to enhance their countries’ strategic partnership, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response,


PHL, Japan to discuss maritime cooperation, Mindanao peace process

promotion of trade and investments and people-to-people exchanges.

”Japan is a very important friend and partner of the Philippines. We have very vibrant political, economic, and people-to-people exchanges with Japan. As we all know, Japan is one of our only two strategic partners,” he said.

In area of economic cooperation, Jose said Japan is the country’s number one trading partner, largest source of official development assistance (ODA), third largest source of approved investments, and third largest source of tourists.

”And in terms of people-to-people exchanges, we are very vibrant also; scholarships and trainings are being offered by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), for example. So I think they have a lot of matters that could be discussed during this bilateral meeting,” he said.

Jose said the meeting is an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on recent regional developments and to discuss areas of cooperation to enhance our strategic partnership.

They will hold a summit meeting over lunch at Japan prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo during President Aquino’s one-day working trip to Japan on June 24.

After their meeting, President Aquino will deliver the keynote address at the Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao Conference in Hiroshima, organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Research and Education for Peace of the University Saints Malaysia.

”He will be delivering the keynote address in the Bangsamoro conference. As we all know, the Philippine government, especially the President, attaches very much importance to this CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) and he will have a chance to—as a follow up action on the CAB,” Jose said.

The Chief Executive will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Presidential Management Staff head Secretary Julia Abad and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles.

After speaking in Hiroshima, President Aquino will return home to Manila.

The President will visit Japan upon the invitation of Prime Minister Abe. (PNA)


Dinagat Islands holds DRRM SummitBy Ma. Jane MayolaDINAGAT ISLANDS - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Dinagat Islands recently conducted a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) summit on Monday, June 16, 2014 at the Provincial Guest Center, Cuarinta, San Jose, this province.


Dinagat Islands holds DRRM Summit

The one-day DRRM summit was aimed to provide the local chief executives with a comprehensive and standard understanding of the provincial DRRM roles and responsibilities for an effective and efficient delivery of services specifically during disasters.

During the said activity, several memoranda regarding disaster risk reduction were presented and discussed by the members of the Regional DRRMC and Provincial DRRMC, local government units,

and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members.

The summit was also highlighted with the review of the past disasters and best practices of the province - being the first province in Caraga Region to hold a DRRM summit, and the awarding of the provincial winners of the search dubbed as “Gawad Kalasag: Search for Excellence on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance.”

PopCom, partners define goals for populationBy May Ann O. EscobalBUTUAN CITY - A more concerted approach to the implementation of the Philippine Population Management Program has been reached during Regional Population Executive Board (RPEB) Meeting and Regional Population Management Conference (RPMC) held very recently, this city.

Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga regional diector Alexander A. Makinano discussed the Supreme Court’s Decision on RH Law or otherwise known as Republic Act 10354 of 2012 for further understanding of its ruling and awareness of the said law. He also discussed and emphasized the interrelationships of Population,

Health and Environment for these have something to do with the development, health and empowerment of people and communities, and ecosystem conservation.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Population Management Program-Directional Plan (2011-2016) and PPMP’s Monitoring


and Evaluation System were thoroughly discussed by four staff from PopCom Central Office.

Other relevant discussions were focused on the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) Preliminary Findings on the Fertility Rate and Family Planning; History of Hormonal Contraceptives and the Implant Method; Supplemental Guidelines of the POPDEV Integration,

AHYD and RP-FP programs; and the presentation of the DOH on Wheels: KP Roadshow program of activities.

The gathering was facilitated by the PopCom Caraga and was attended by the Provincial/City Population Officers, Deputy/District Population Officers and Partner Agencies of Caraga Region.

387 get TESDA scholarship in SurSurTANDAG CITY-- Some 387 students have qualified to get a scholarship grant this year from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provincial office headed by Provincial Director Rey Cueva in Surigao de Sur.

By Greg Tataro Jr.

According to Nancy de Guzman, Administrative Officer V, a total fund allocation of P2,654,336 has been set aside for the purpose, which is broken down as follows: Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA)—P2,264,336; and Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP)—P390,000.

Under such scholarship programs, 10 “TEKBOK” providers have been identified, she said.

These include Saint Michael College, St. Theresa College, Surigao Doctors College, GREAT Center , Inc., St. Vicent De Paul Diocensan College, De La Salle John Bosco College, Southern

Technological Institute of the Philippines, Andres Soriano College, Surigao Sur Colleges, and Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU)-Lianga Campus.

Also, these providers offer at least one or any of the seven ”qualifications,” which include Computer Hardware Servicing; Food and Beverage Services; Front Office Services; Bartending; Shielded Metal Art Welding (SMAW); Housekeeping; and Cookery, it was learned.

Upon compliance, all qualifications are issued with matching National Certification II (NC II), she added.

387 get TESDA scholarship in SurSur

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


DPWH boosts Bukidnon economy through road upgrading by Recthie T. Paculba

TALAKAG, Bukidnon - The Department of Public Works and Highways-10 (DPWH 10) in partnership with Bukidnon First District Rep. Malou Acosta-Alba conducted the groundbreaking ceremonies of the road upgrading in the Ticalan-Paganan Section and Mamaon-Rogongon Section in Talakag, Bukidnon on June 18 to boost economic activities in the area.


Project Engineer Ismael R. Alajid said the 5.30- kilometer road upgrading (gravel to pave) along junction Sayre Highway- Aglayan- Alanib- Ticalaan (Ticalaan-Paganan Section) is a response to Bukidnon’s fast development on agricultural and industrial aspects. The road upgrading will make transportation of people as well as of goods easier and safer from the area in Bukidnon to the market and other areas where products are often sold. This development is also aimed to improve the livelihood of the people and give government support such as hospitalization and education. The government has allocated about P134 million for the Ticalaan-Paganan Section road upgrading which will be constructed within 270 calendar days. The target completion

date of the road upgrading will be on January 2015. Meanwhile, Project Engineer Florentino N. Macarayo, Jr. said that the 4.50- kilometer road upgrading (intermittent sections) Ticalaan-Iligan Road (Mamaon-Rogongon Section) will be completed within 264 calendar days and the total contract amounts to about P92.6 million. According to Rep. Acosta-Alba, the improvement of the roads will make Talakag accessible to ecotourism and these will also boost economic activities. She also stressed that these can be great ways to promote and uphold peace in Bukidnon. Together with DPWH, Rep. Acosta-Alba further said that they will also be working on some major water systems in the area.

World Vision launches book drive in Bukidnonby Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

DON CARLOS, Bukidnon - As the world celebrates World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) in June 12, the World Vision launched a book drive in Don Carlos, Bukidnon.

`The book collecting event will run for weeks up until July 30 to gather more used or new books from generous individuals or groups. Every book donated will be handed over to Learning Resource Centers (LRCs) established in two profiled barangays

of Don Carlos municipality, namely Sinangguyan and Maray-maray.Steve Francis Sarigumba, World Vision provincial engagement officer, said this is one of the many strategic interventions implemented by World Vision through the project


dubbed “Pag-Aaral ng Bata para sa Kinabukasan-Livelihood, Education, Advocacy, and Protection (ABK3 LEAP), which endeavors to reduce child labor through education.He said the the book drive was part of the weeklong celebration of WDACL in town, where various events were also conducted such as poster-making contest, Pinoylympics, livelihood products display, and reflexology service. “This initiative aims to develop positive attitude for reading that promote literacy, emphasizing the need to establish a community-based support system for identified struggling learners to prevent them from dropping out of schools,” he said. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates 2.4 million child workers are in the Philippines and many of them are in rural areas working in fields.

Recent ILO statistics showed that Bukidnon is among five provinces in the country that employ children as laborers, having about 2,000 children and youth between 9 and 17 years old engaged in laborious works within sugarcane plantations, corn and rice fields. Hence, World Vision, through ABK3 LEAP project, provides educational assistance to schoolchildren, geared towards eliminating child-labor.ABK3 LEAP is a special project funded by the Unites States Department of Labor which aims to reduce child labor in the sugarcane areas in the Philippines. World Vision Development Foundation leads the implementation with project associates ChildFund Philippines and Educational Research and Development Assistance Foundation.

Kidney Month 2014 kicks offby Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) Region 10 - Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) kicked off the Kidney Month celebration this year through a motorcade and an orientation and open forum with the theme “A Healthy Lifestyle Makes your Kidneys Smile.”

Dr. Sandra Oliveros of the Philippine Society of Nephrology Inc. said that healthy lifestyle is key to

preserving the kidneys. However, she said that kidney function goes with age.


According to the National Kidney Foundation of USA, at age 40, kidney starts to deteriorate. One in 10 or 10% of adult population worldwide has kidney damage: one in five men; one in four women between ages of 65 and 74. In the country, prevalence of kidney disease is 9.4% from 2003 to 2008, which constitutes to 5.64 million Filipino adults. High risk factors of kidney disease include obesity, diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease. Further, in cases of End-Stage or Kidney Failure, the patient must undergo a dialysis or transplantation. However, Dr. Oliveros said that the latter is the best treatment. In region 10, the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) is able to operate organ transplantation for End-Stage Kidney Disease. Alice Ong, Renal Transplant Supervisor in NMMC said that the process of organ donation and

transplantation is very careful and critical. There are rules and regulations in organ donation. Usually, the donor undergoes series of medical tests and even psychological evaluation. However, she said that there is no difference with a person with one kidney than with another with two. Living donors can live a normal life after operation and can go back to lifting and doing regular work after three months. Jericho Ventic donated his kidney to his father Jerome Ventic. He said that after donation, he did not feel anything different. It has been seven years since the operation and both of them are doing fine. Elena Angco also donated her kidney to her sister Rubina Sanchez. She too felt perfectly fine after the operation. From January to March 2014, a total of 200 Hemodialysis patients are undergoing treatment in Northern Mindanao.


Multi-purpose drying pavement project to boost agri sectorALABEL, Sarangani - Jonathan Duhaylungsod (extreme right), OIC provincial agriculturist; Barangay Captain Amina Trecero (3rd from right) of Katubao, Kiamba; and Barangay Captain Francisco Garcia Jr. of Zion, Maitum show the distribution certificates for the construction of P300,000 multi-purpose drying pavement each barangay Tuesday, June 17. (Jake T. Narte/SA-RANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has recently finished and turned over P62-million worth of peace projects in three conflict-affected and vulnerable municipalities in North Cotabato, an official of the agency reported.

Gov’t completes P62-M projects in conflict-affected, vulnerable townsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Bai Zorahayda T. Taha, regional director of DSWD 12 , said that the amount represents 138 community projects through the government’s flagship peace and development framework.

“These projects are part of the government’s firm intent for peacebuilding and development in conflict affected and vulnerable areas in Mindanao,” Taha said.

Projects include peace centers, community livelihood initiatives, pre and post-harvest facilities, electrification, water systems, roads, flood controls, educational facilities, and many others.

According to agency day, some P27.8 million worth of projects were completed in Pikit, an armed conflict town affected, Meanwhile, P20.7 million worth of projects were also finished in Arakan town; another P13.5 million worth of projects were completed in Libungan.

Libungan and Arakan are considered vulnerable municipalities.

Taha added that the projects form part of the synergized efforts of the

agency, local government units, village officials and volunteers with funding support from Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) though its PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn Project.

Meanwhile, Emerita Q. Dizon, DSWD-12 regional project coordinator, said that the agency’s PAMANA projects go beyond the usual infrastructure projects since it employed a community-driven development (CDD) strategy to ensure participatory, collective and inclusive decision-making process.

“As complementary tract to national government’s peace initiative, the process itself fosters peaceful relations between and among communities and addresses the root of conflict,” Dizon said.

Besides the aforementioned projects, the named municipalities have lately been granted additional funding of P27 million for various community projects that are expected to be completed before the year ends. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DSWD 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Piyesta sa Nayon: Awit, Dulay Sayaw (Adusay) competition will once again take center stage in South Cota-bato’s 15th T’nalak festival and 48th foundation anniversary in July.

South Cotabato brings “Piyesta sa Nayon: Adusay” back to T’nalak festBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Adusay, which was scrapped from the regular events of T’nalak festival in the past few years, is a competition of the ten municipalities and lone city in the province on folk songs, drama and dances depicting the traditional Filipino fiesta celebration.

Ma. Luisa Santillana of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist which

manages the event, said the Adusay will be held on July 16 along Alunan Ave, this city.

Contingents composed of 15 to 25 members from each local government unit will perform before judges and onlookers in front of their municipal or city “Bahay Kubo.” From July 10 to July 18, these


OWWA-ARMM OIC Habib Malik said they are now accepting applications for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (EDSP) for school year 2015-2016.

“We are calling out interested applicants, OFWs and their children to grab the opportunity to acquire quality education through the scholarship programs of OWWA”, Malik said.

The deadline of submission in ARMM is set on August 4, 2014.

Malik noted that the applicants should not be more than 21 years old, must be in good health and must pass the qualifying examinations administered by the DOST-SEI scheduled on September this year.

EDSP is offered to qualified dependents of active OWWA-member OFWs who intend to enroll in a four to five-year baccalaureate course in any CHED accredited college or university of their own choice.

A financial assistance of P 30,000 per semester or a maximum of

OWWA-ARMM opens applications for scholarship programs for SY 2015-2016By: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

COTABATO CITY – Children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in the au-tonomous region are invited to apply in scholarship programs of the Over-seas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

“Bahay Kubo” will also be the venue for showcasing the unique products of the municipalities and city.

The first Adusay entry is expected to perform around 5:00 p.m., Santillan added.

Presentations will be judged based on the following criteria: attire (15%); synchrony of performance (15); awit (20 % - musicianship, 10%; blending and harmony, 10%); Dula – acting and interpretation (20% ); Sayaw (20%- creativity 10%, choreography

10%); and relevance to the theme (10%).

The festival revolves around the theme: “Sharing our Best to the World.”

A seed money of P10,000 have been provided to the LGUs for use in preparation of attires, props and other materials.

Prizes of P25,000, P20,000, and P15,000 await winners of 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, respectively. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


60,000 per school year shall be given covering the scholar’s tuition fee and other school expenses.

CMWSP, on the other hand, is entitled for inactive OFWs not more than 45 years or their children not more than 21 years old who wish to take up science and technology courses at any CHED accredited school within the region.

This grant includes tuition fee and other school fees of P10,000 per semester, monthly stipend of P3,500, book allowance of P1,000, and clothing allowance of P500.

The documentary requirements include:

1. Accomplished application forms

2. 2”x2” ID pictures (2pcs)3. Proof of relationship to OWWA

member (copy of birth certificate of applicant and of the member if related as brother or sister that is duly certified by the Local Civil Registrar or NSO)

4. Form 137 or transcript of records with principal’s certification on scholastic standing

5. Proof of OWWA membership (i.e. official receipt of OWWA contribution or certification from OWWA membership processing center)

Application forms are also available through OWWA website at www.owwa.gov.ph.

Malik added that they are actively promoting the scholarship programs

of OWWA in the five provinces of ARMM.

“Those who may apply for scholarship at OWWA-ARMM must be a resident of the autonomous region or the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi as well as the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.

We have Family Welfare Officers (FWOs) assigned in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to cater our OFWs and their families in the island provinces, the official said.

Applicants from Basilan can submit their scholarship at the DOLE Provincial Office, Rizal Avenue, Lamitan City or contact 09174687527 and look for Ms. Radiah S. Jakilan.

For the province of Sulu, the OWWA-ARMM field office is located at 2/F HKI Bldg., Buyon St., Jolo, Sulu with contact no. 09173084294 and look for Mr. Samer A. Mariwa.

For Tawi-Tawi, applicants can go to NSO Bldg., Tubig Boh, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi or contact 09065217170 and look for Mr. Omran A. Indasan.

For further inquiries about the scholarship grants those interested are encouraged to visit the OWWA Regional Welfare Office-ARMM at 2/F MAGS Bldg. Quezon Ave. Cotabato City or contact them thru telephone number (064)- 4217237 or 09176220140 (ORVRivera-PIA12)


Gov’t Info Officers converge in Tagum for Climate Change confab

DAVAO DEL NORTE--- Govern-ment information officers from the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Compostela Valley will con-verge today in Tagum City for the three-day Orientation/Briefing on Climate Change for Information

Officers. Most participants are officers of provincial organizations of information officers of local government units and national government agencies while others are information officers-designate of key NGAs involved in climate change advocacy and disaster risk reduction management. P h i l i p p i n e Information Agency (PIA) Regional Director Efren F. Elbanbuena

has invited them to the event which runs in line with the Climate Change Advocacy Program that PIA implements through the funding support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Elbanbuena lines up topics to

by Jean Abangan


deepen the knowledge of information officers on climate change necessary for them to take on the responsibility to advance community awareness on the adverse impact of such phenomenon. Discussion of such topics will start off with the “Overview on Global Warming and Climate Change” by Engr. Nestor V. Patnugot, officer in-charge of the Legal and Environmental Education Division of the Environment Management Bureau; “The New Normal Weather” by Gerry Pedrico, senior meteorologist of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) XI. Other topics are “The El Nino Phenomenon” by Alejandro Yadao Jr, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) coordinator of the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI and “The Security Measures of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on the Impact of Climate Change” by Melfrance Capulong, corporate communications officer of NGCP. The event presents an opportune time for Retired Brig. General Loreto Rirao, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XI to discuss “The Role of the Information Officer in the Incident Command System”. Elbanbuena has integrated in the event an exposure visit to model disaster operation centers of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction

Management Office (PDRMO) of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley. On Day 2 of the event, participants will be shuttled to the Provincial Capitol of Compostela Valley where they will be briefed by PDRRM Officer Raul Villocino on the “Communication and Information System of Comval PDRRMC: The Relevance of Information and Communication in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”. They will also have a glimpse on the structure, functions, communication programs and projects of the Information Dissemination Section (IDS) of the Provincial Governor’s Office of Compostela Valley and that they will get to know the information network and the role of IDS in the ICS of Comval PDRRMC. They will then swing their exposure visit to Davao del Norte PDDRMO where they will be briefed about the Oplan ANDAM (Advocacy on Natural Disaster Awareness and Management) which is the key disaster risk reduction management program of the provincial government. They will take a side-trip city tour to key sites in Tagum City which is touted as the “palm city” of Davao Region. A plenary session presided over by Elbanbuena will cap the second day of the event. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


Task Force Davao assures its readiness against terror threats

DAVAO CITY- The chief of the Task Force Davao assured the readiness of the soldiers in guarding the city from terror threats following re-ports of threats in other areas in Mindanao. Colonel Macairog Alberto, commanding officer of the Task Force Davao said that troops are put in high visibility to deter terror groups to enter the city. He said the checkpoints put in place in strategic areas are indicators of readiness. Alberto said threats are prevalent in Cagayan de Oro,

Central Mindanao and the report includes other areas in Mindanao. “So even if the report does not include Davao City, we anticipate the situation to prevent the occurrence of any terror attack here,” he said. Macairog said the TF Davao is striking a balance between the security and the

convenience of the public. He urged the public to cooperate and apologized for the inconvenience brought about by the tight security. Macairog said he is reviewing currently the systems and procedure to improve the operation of the unit. He also discouraged vendors to do their business in military checkpoints which observes claimed disturbing to the inspection. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


10,000 Lanao del Sur teachers receive early payby: Apipa P. BagumbaranAbout 10,000 public school teachers from this province flocked

to the provincial capitol gymnasium Sunday, June 15, to receive their June salaries.

The distribution of checks for the salaries of teachers from Lanao del Sur and Marawi City Schools Division was led by Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional governor Mujiv Hataman and assisted by regional vice governor Haroun

Alrashid Lucman Jr. and provincial governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. Hataman said the release was made earlier in preparation for the Ramadhan or the fasting month. Aside from the awarding of checks, the regional governor also relayed


ARMM settles P1B unpaid GSIS remittances of teachersMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) signed today a supplement memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to finally settle the P1 billion unpaid remittances of teachers in the region.

to the teachers that they can now avail of higher loanable amounts and retirement benefits from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). He said the GSIS, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the ARMM government has recently signed and sealed a tripartite agreement to settle the premiums-in-arrears of almost 26,000 DepEd-ARMM employees. Hataman said DepEd-ARMM and GSIS will soon issue guidelines on the requirements especially for those employees who have retired but have not received their retirement benefits. With this development, the regional governor urged the teachers to also do their share and protect the interest of school children. “We are doing our best to protect your interest kaya sana gawin din ninyo ang lahat

upang matuto at protektahan ang interest ng mga bata sa loob ng eskwelahan.” Meanwhile, 82 recipients of ARMM’s “Iskolar ng Bayan” scholarship program, from the province also received their stipend for one semester on Sunday. Under the scholarship program, full scholars will receive P10,000 while those with partial scholarship will receive P5,000 each per semester. According to Department of Education in the region, the scholars were selected after undergoing one-on-one interview, comprehensive examination and careful deliberation.


The DBM will pay state pension fund GSIS almost P1 billion in unpaid premiums, effectively adjusting the GSIS benefits of almost 26,000 teaching and non-teaching workers in ARMM. DBM will pay GSIS about P900 million in cash, 30 days after the signing of the supplemental MOA, with the remaining P100 million to be paid over a period of one year. ARMM Education Secretary Jamar Kulayan said the MoA supplements an earlier agreement signed in March 2004 to settle the

unpaid premiums of 15,715 DepEd-ARMM employees. With the payment, around 26,000 DepEd-ARMM employees can now expect higher loanable amounts and retirement benefits “We have freed our teachers in service as well as those who already retired from the uncertainty of the full entitlement of their retirement benefit,” said ARMM Governor Mujiv

Hataman. Hataman said the teachers can now look forward to a more comfortable retirement package from the GSIS. “We have made clear to the teachers that this administration is fully dedicated to the promotion of their welfare with the expectation that this will increase their drive and determination to enlighten every Abdul and Fatima in every classroom in the region,” the region’s chief executive added. (Bureau of Public Information)

OCD-ARMM holds DRRM summit in Lanao del Surby: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Office of the Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-ARMM) conducted a two-day summit on disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) for local chief executives (LCEs) of the province.


OCD-ARMM holds DRRM summit in Lanao del Sur

The two-day summit kicked-off June 10 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall and concluded June 11 with LCEs and local DRMM officers as participants. O C D - A R M M Director and Regional DRRM Council Executive Director Manuel Luis Ochotorena said the summit aims to provide a venue for consultation on the major challenges and gaps in the implementation of DRRM system among local governments in the ARMM. “ARMM has long struggle with problems on poverty, and poor places are considered the most vulnerable to disasters. We should not forget that ARMM is unique because we are not only affected by natural disasters but also with man-made disaster,” he said. Ochotorena said the summit highlighted the roles and responsibilities of LCEs to enhance their capacities on DRRM system to establish more resilient communities amid imminent threats

of disaster due to climate change and those that are man-made. Also, the implementation of the Memorandum Circular on the allocation and utilization of Local DRRM fund was discussed in the summit. Lectures on earthquake and its hazard, Project NOAH, weather causing phenomena affecting the country, and climate change adaptation were also presented in the summit. The first day of the summit was highlighted by the signing of declaration on the strengthened commitment on DRRM system among local government units (LGUs). Workshops on reporting of

actions regarding declaration of commitments to DRRM provincial level and 2015 DRRM plan and budget preparation were further conducted during the second day of the summit. There was also sharing on the lessons learned from past disasters as well as of DRRM best practices and challenges.

one mindanao - june 20, 2014

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