one mindanao - june 22, 2012

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

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/F Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

Cover Story

Street dancing, local delicacies, fireworks concluded Agusan del Sur’s Naliyagan Festival

David M. SuyaoCaraga Region

Today’s issue...

Friday, June 22, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 285

page 4

Government vows to maintain efforts to curb human trafficking 7

Shahana Joy Duerme, Central Mindanao15 CICL sa Makilala North Cotabato, sasailalim

sa diversion program

18Rene V. Carbayas, Armm

SPES Fest friendship games showcase youth potential, talent in Isabela City

Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region

Agusan del Sur generally peaceful, decrease in crime volume noted2421st Mindanao Business Conference set in Butuan25Nat’l Computer Center trains gov’t workers on computer apps29

David M. Suyao, Caraga Region

Western Mindanao

ComVal intensifies dengue awareness program36 Grace almedilla, Southern Mindanao

Mindanao Infocus10 President Aquino to check projects in

different ARMM departments

13Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

COMELEC in Koronadal, Tacurong suspend voters’ registration

6 9

12

16

27

30

DepEd offers 40,000 new scholarship slots under the Open High School honors’ program31Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Another soldier-athlete honored33 Northern Mindanao

21

34

4 Friday, June 22, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StoryStreet dancing, local delicacies, fireworks concluded Agusan del Sur’s Naliyagan Festival

Because the dominant colors of the costumes of the natives of Agusan del Sur are yellow, red, and black, these are the colors worn by the performers. During the street dance competition, the first performer was from the municipality of Sta. Josefa,

while the City of Bayugan performed last. The municipality of Veruela was declared as the champion, and the City of Bayugan placed second. After that, the people rushed to the Naliyagan Plaza ground for the “Binaga” (roasting) of mudfish.

by David M. Suyao

The hot rays of the sun did not stop the eagerness and excitement of

the 14 contingents composed of children from elementary and high school levels from all over the province to perform in the street dance competition, as part of the Naliyagan Festival, a six-day celebration of Agusan del Sur’s founding anniversary.

Friday, June 22, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

G o v e r n o r Adolph Edward Plaza performed the ceremonial torching of the roasting pan. Then, the roasting began. The air was filled with the aroma of roasted mudfishes while the live band and artists of Coca-

cola performed. A fireworks display filled the sky with bright, colorful, sparkling lights. The Naliyagan Festival also included the search for Bae Naliyagan where Jesha Macadina from Prosperidad was crowned as Bae Naliyagan 2012, followed by Tara Zamora from Sibagat crowned as Bae Sabuyakan.


ACROSS THE NATION

“We have been a recipient of IMF assistance for the past 40 years. Now that we have been considered a creditor nation, we feel it’s our obligation to assist those nations who require funding from the IMF,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on

Thursday. This will also help in stabilizing the crisis that is going on in Europe,” he added.

Reporters asked Lacierda how the government can guarantee the people that the $1 billion loan to the IMF wouldn’t be mismanaged.

Philippines hopes to assist struggling nations with $1 billion IMF contribution

As part of the global community, it is the responsibility of the Philippines to assists other nations in financial distress that is why it has contributed $1 billion to the International Monetary

Fund’s coffers.


“As to whether it is risky or not, we believe that the IMF will act judiciously on the funds. There is now a standby fund

for around $456 billion, and we have contributed $1 billion to that fund,” Lacierda said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said in a statement on

Wednesday that the Philippines is extending a $1 billion loan to the IMF to support global efforts to stabilize the world economy and maintain it on a growth path.

The Philippines, as a member of the global community of nations, has an obligation to ensure economic and financial

stability across the globe, it said. IMF loans assist countries going through financial difficulties to minimize its adverse impact on their people.

For nearly 40 years until 2006, the Philippines was a net borrower from the IMF following the implementation of continuing reforms that made the country’s economy stronger, according to the BSP.

“This is a loan to the IMF and we will get our money back with interest. In effect, by extending a loan to the IMF that will earn money for the Philippines we are also able to help other nations saddled with financial problems,” the BSP said.

Government vows to maintain efforts to curb human trafficking

The United States (US) State Department’s 12th Annual

Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report which kept the Philippines in the Tier 2 Category is a recognition of the Aquino administration’s multi-pronged and aggressive initiatives to curb human trafficking in the country, a Palace official said on Thursday.


Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the statement following

the release of the US State Department’s 12th Annual

Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report which underscored

several key achievements of the Philippine government in its drive to eliminate human trafficking.

“We will continue to improve our efforts and we would like to be taken out from Tier 2,” Lacierda said.

He said the government is currently tightening the noose against illegal traffickers and recruiter who prey on our hapless countrymen.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons (IACAT) formulated programs to ensure that human trafficking across the country is put to a stop.

Other gains cited in the 12th Annual Trafficking in Persons Report include the apprehension and filing of criminal and administrative charges against government personnel suspected of conniving with human trafficking syndicates or aiding their operations.

The TIP report also highlighted the continuing accomplishment of the government in the prosecution and

conviction of trafficking offenders as well as in helping victims.

The US State Department also lauded the importance placed by the Philippine government in training public officials, particularly in establishing human trafficking indicators, with reference to Filipino migrant workers’ pre-deployment overseas.

The report also cited the cross-border efforts of the government to secure the interests and rights of overseas workers through bilateral agreements, particularly labor-related accessions with foreign countries

A total of US$ 1.5 million or about P65 million was appropriated by the Philippine government to support its operations against human trafficking, prosecution of offenders, and for the protection of the public from this global menace, according to the report.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the Tier 2 status officially recognizes a country’s significant efforts to adhere to the benchmarks prescribed by the US State Department to meet the minimum standards.

Tier 1 countries fully comply with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) minimum standards while Tier 2 countries do not fully comply, but are making significant efforts.


Comelec expects the number of ARMMvoters to go down to 1.4-1.5M from 1.7M

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is expecting the total number of registered voters in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

(ARMM) to go down to 1.4 million or 1.5 million after the conduct of the 10-day voters’ registration in July.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes believes that the bloated voters’ list of 1.7 million in the region will be trimmed down by more than 200,000 or 300,000 after the scheduled re-registration from July 9 to 18.

“Ine-expect natin na bababa ang registration. Talaga namang bloated ang 1.7 million, baka bumaba yan sa 1.4 million or 1.5 million,” he said.

Brillantes said the purpose of the general registration is to fully cleanse the voters’


list.He reported that the poll body is closely

coordinating with other authorities such as the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Navy to ensure that the ARMM voters’ registration will be peaceful and orderly.

Brillantes said the safety of the citizen’s arm, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and Comelec personnel was likewise discussed during the command conference held on Thursday.

“Mainly, security ang pinag-usapan namin. Security and checkpoints para sa gun ban, among others,” he added.

The poll body official said they are also looking at preventing the “hakot” system from the provinces outside the region.

“Maglalagay kami ng checkpoints para ma-prevent ang mga hakot, yung illegal registrants,” Brillantes said.

The ARMM is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. (PNA)

President Aquino to check projectsin different ARMM departments

President Benigno Aquino III said he will check the projects in different departments of the Autonomous Region in Muslim

Mindanao (ARMM).The President announcement made

at the ARMM Convention on Local Governance held at the Waterfront Hotel here on Wednesday, June 20.

“Immediately when I return to Manila, I will call on the different departments to check on this,” he

said.President Aquino told local chief

executives of ARMM that a total of P8.59 billion has been approved to fund different projects in the region.

The P8.5 billion is a transition and investment support funds aimed to


jump start and sustain local economic development initiatives for poverty alleviation in the region, he said.

But the President said as of May 31 status report, some of the projects had not yet started while others on-going.

Except for the Department of Energy with an approved fund of P200 million, it indicated its project of completion by October, 2012 while other projects have not yet started, he said.

“Sana may magandang paliwanag sila bakit (I hope they can explain well why) “not started”, he said.

“Otherwise I will transfer the funds to another agency that is willing to use it,” the President said.

The fund will be used to support plans that focus on improving service delivery performance, creating an enabling environment for public-private partnership towards equitable growth and improving public safety and security.

The President said “we will not stop on reforms. And for every cent spent goes to the people of ARMM .”

Meanwhile, ARRM Officer-in-Charge Mujiv Hataman reported to the President several reforms that were already undertaken in their area.

Among others, Hataman reported that they were able to generate some P237 million savings out of the department’s maintenance, operation and other expenses (MOEE).

He said “nawala na yong ghost teachers and ghost students and the DepEd is now focused on implementing the three pillars of good governance geared towards accountability, transparency and participation”.

He said the ARMM Watch was linked up with the G Watch of Ateneo de Manila, even as he said all their transactions passed through audit with Commission on Audit (COA) Central Office.

Hataman said as they commit for open governance, ARMM’s direction is towards Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance Reform Synergy.

“Gusto lang naming iwasto na ang ARMM ay centro ng korapsyon (We want to correct that ARMM is the center of corruption)”, Hataman said. (PNA)


Palace declares Koronadal city’s tree-growing fest a special holiday

By Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY -- Malacañang has declared June 29 a special holi-day in Koronadal City for its second tree-growing festival.

Dominador Samilin, environment management specialist II of Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Koronadal, confirmed this morning that the city government has already received a copy of Proclamation No. 409 signed for President Benigno Aquino III by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, declaring June 29 a special non-working day for the residents of the city.

Quoting the proclamation, Samilin said, “this is to allow residents of Koronadal City the chance to participate in


the second tree-growing festival.”

In May, Mayor Peter B. Miguel wrote President Aquino for the declaration of the festival day as a non-working holiday to be able to encourage more participants to join activity, especially because the city LGU has doubled its target this year compared to the first tree-growing festival.

It is the city’s primary participation to the National Greening Program (NGP) and the culminating activity of the Environment Month Celebration.

“This year, the second tree growing festival will be bigger and will cover more areas for us to send a concrete message that we are very serious in addressing

our basic environmental concerns,” he said.

In his Independence Day message, he called the activity, “a new challenge that need our united effort and “ a symbol of our freedom.”

This year, the city government is targeting at least 250,000 fruit and forest trees planted in 1,000 hectares in Quezon Mountain Range at the eastern side of the city. Planting sites will cover Barangays Esperanza, San Jose, Cacub, Topland, and Mabini.

During the first festival last year, around 30,000 participants were able to plant 131,028 trees planted in 522.78 hectares along the Roxas Mountain Range at the western side.

Before the first tree-growing festival last

year, CENRO reported that the forest cover in Koronadal City was only 150 hectares, all of second-growth trees.

Mayor Miguel and the officials and employees have been appealing for participation to the activity from the regional government offices, non-government organizations, civic groups, academic community, business establishments, and residents to make the event a success.

Interested individuals may register with the CENRO Office at the 2nd Floor of the City Hall in Carpenter Hill and at the satellite registration centers inside Gaisano Grand Mall, Ace Centerpoint and KCC of Marbel. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

COMELEC in Koronadal, Tacurong suspend voters’ registrationKORONADAL CITY -- Voters’ registration in Koronadal and Tacurong cities will be temporarily suspended beginning June 25, Monday until end of July.

Evangeline Basan, Koronadal City election officer, confirmed they have

been directed by Comelec Central Office to temporarily halt operations for

voters’ registration in favor of the scheduled voter’s re-registration in the Autonomous

By Dani Doguiles


Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We are going to assist in the ARMM r e - r e g i s t r a t i o n ,” Basan said, that they will be bringing with them their lone computer set used for registration of voters.

“We are therefore calling for local residents who still need to register to come to our office on or before June 23.”

She also advised barangay officials to postpone their plan to bring their constituents to the Comelec office at the city public market until after the ARMM activity.

During the last week May, Comelec Koronadal registered over 600 inmates of the South Cotabato Provincial Jail in a satellite voter registration.

M e a n w h i l e , Tacurong City Election Officer Reynaldo Gagno, explained

the suspension is pursuant to COMELEC Resolution 9443 entitled “Suspension of the System of Continuing Registration of Voters and Validation of Registration Records promulgated on June 8, 2012.”

For the City of Tacurong, the satellite registration of voters scheduled in July for barangays San Antonio, D’Ledesma, San Rafael, Tina, Kalandagan, New Carmen, Calean, New Isabela, San Emmanuel, and San Pablo scheduled is

also cancelled until further notice.

Walk-in registrants, however, can go to the office of the COMELEC until June 23 and have their registrations processed, he said.

Resolution 9443 suspends registration in non-ARMM areas until July 31, 2012.

According to the Resolution, the suspension is deemed necessary to pave way for the conduct of General Registration of Voters in ARMM provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi on July


CICL sa Makilala North Cotabato, sasailalim sa diversion program

LUNGSOD NG KORONADAL -- Sasailalim sa diversion program ang mga batang itinuturing na “in conflict with the law” sa bayan ng Makilala, North Cotabato sa pamumuno ng Municipal Social Welfare and Devel-opment Office.

Ang nabanggit na programa ay patungkol sa isang free basic education at pagbabalik eskwela ng mga Children in Conflict with Law o CICL.

Kaugnay nito, abot sa 34 na mga kabataan ang lalahok sa nasabing programa kung saan sila ay sasailalim sa alternative learning.

S a m a n t a l a , m a g s a s a g a w a

naman ng m a l a w a k a n g konsultasyon sa mga magulang ng mga “children in conflict with law” ang MSWDO upang m a k a p a g b a h a g i ng karampatang aksyon at paalaala sa mga naturang bata.

Ayon kay Makilala Social Welfare Officer Lina Canedo, ito ay parte ng kanilang interbensyon sa mga

batang nagkasala.Dagdag pa ni

Canedo, malaking tulong ang nasabing programa sa pagbabalik ng mga bata sa malayang lipunan.

Layon ng diversion program na matulungan ang mga Children in Conflict with Law na maging bahagi ng pag-unlad ng bayan. (DED/SJDuerme-PIA12)

ni Shahana Joy Duerme

9-18.C O M E L E C

personnel and equipment in non-ARMM areas will be

utilized and deployed to the mentioned provinces ‘to effect an honest and credible registration of

voters and attain the mandate to establish a clean, complete, permanent, and updated list.


In a radio interview, DOH-Rep in Isabela City Dr. Paysal Kasim underscored the importance of personal hygiene as key to prevent urinary tract infection and kidney diseases. He urged parents to teach children proper hygiene. “Women are mostly affected by urinary tract infection because of

their unique reproductive organ as compared to men,” Dr. Kasim noted, saying that the reproductive organs of women are more exposed to bacterial infection which could also lead to urinary tract infection. Dr. Kasim was guest at Philippine Information Agency’s radio program Noticias-Informaccion con Musica

DOH-Basilan, Provincial Health Office reiterate care of kidneys

The Department of Health (DOH) Representative in Isabela City and the Provincial Health Office in Basilan reiterated the importance of public awareness on taking care of kidneys as

the health department observes National Kidney Month this June.

By Rene V. Carbayas


over DXNO-FM Radyo Komunidad de Isabela City. Kasim stressed the importance of the kidneys with cleansing the blood as their most important function to keep the balance and nutrients of the body. Kidneys are important parts of the urinary system. They are found at each side of the spine, below the rib cage of the human body. Each kidney is as big as a fist, weighs ¼ pound and looks like a kidney bean. Kasim strongly pointed out that once the kidney fails, it is irreversible. Aside from the rudiments of kidney transplants and regular dialysis, there are no remedies for a kidney failure. Thus, he said that every individual should give utmost attention and concern to their kidneys. In a separate radio interview, Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) Provincial Coordinator Cathy Veloso-Mutamad and Health Education-Promotions Officer (HEPO) Leilani Eugenio also urged the public to prevent kidney diseases by having regular urinalysis. Mutamad said end-stage renal disease is preventable if diagnosed early. She encouraged patients to visit the nearest health centers in their

area on how to avail of the services related to kidney problems. Eugenio, meanwhile, noted that as the 10th leading cause of death in the Philippines, kidney diseases are preventable if every individual has sufficient knowledge of the role of kidney and its functions in our bodies. Dr. Kasim, moreover, encouraged the public to have more fluid-intake of clean water to help kidneys function well. He strongly advised patients to follow religiously the medical advice and medication intakes as directed by their doctors. He noted that kidneys perform vital life-maintaining functions as monitors and regulators of body fluid. Kidneys excrete fluids when the body has an excess of them and retain the substances necessary for the body’s continuing function. They produce and release a variety of chemicals to keep the body healthy and filter the entire blood supply every two minutes, excreting waste materials through the urine. Kidneys also play a major role in the control of blood pressure. (RVC/PIA9-ZBST)


SPES Fest friendship games showcase youth potential, talent in Isabela City by Rene V. Carbayas

Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Labor in Isabela City Wesley Tan disclosed that some 147 student beneficiaries displayed their potentials and talents at the first SPES Fest Extra Challenge Friendship Palaro held last May 30 at the Claret College of Isabela Campus. Tan said the activitiy was part of the 2012 Labor Month celebration with the theme: “Pagtutulungan. Pagbabago. Disenteng Trabaho” The student beneficiaries participated in a team-building extra challenge to showcase the potential

in team sports of mix volleyball and chess, talents in painting, singing, dance interpretation, and group dynamics

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – More than the jobs offered to the young people to earn for their continued education, the beneficiaries of the Special Program for Education of Students (SPES) were also provided the opportunity to showcase their potential and talents at a SPES Fest.


and creativity in food preparation. DOLE said the participating teams were from the four institutions sponsoring and implementing the said program popularly known as the summer job. These institutions were the Basilan State College, the Claret College of Isabela (CCI), Latuan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association Inc. (LARBAI) and United Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (UWA]RBMPC). In his welcome message, newly installed President of CCI Rev. Fr. Noelito Q. Salandron highlighted the significance of the immortal Latin motto, “Ora et Labora, meaning to pray and work and integrate the component of playing to a balance work-life,” saying that “we are here to gain more friends, enjoy and expand our network and collectively work for the change that we desire.” Tan said that a showdown of the SPES talents capped the day’s activity—“unleashing the creativity, spirit of camaraderie, and thinking out of the box.” Team Basilan State College topped the mix volleyball and chess for male and female category. Team UWARBMPC of Cabunbata garnered triple first-


place finished for the dance, song and painting competition. Meanwhile, Team LARBAI finished the best food set-up and group dynamics during the lunch preparation. Providing the needed support were partners from Isabela City PESO Manager Otie Ricablanca as Chairperson of the Committee together with the Dr. Al-basser S. Sappayani (PESO-BSC), Alberth A. Buenbrazo (PESO-CCI), and HR Manager Orlando G. Lawama (UWARBMPC). The members of the Board of Judges included Consultant Gemma C. Paculio of the Provincial Government of Basilan, Ms. Ricabalanca and Lourdes O. Katipunan of the Isabela City Human Resource Management Office and the Chairman Rene V. Carbayas of the Philippine Information Agency –

ZAMBASULTA. Pursuant to Republic Act RA 7323 as amended by RA 9547 otherwise known as the SPES Law, it aims to assist poor but deserving students (aged 15-25) to pursue their education by encouraging their employment and providing income to augment their studies. The 60% salary of the student-beneficiaries shall be paid by the employer while the remaining 40% is paid using the SPES Fund of DOLE. It is now being implemented on a year round basis with a minimum of 20 days and maximum of 52 days. Interested employers with a minimum of 10 workers are encouraged to participate as part of their social responsibility to provide the needed world of work exposure to students. (DOLE/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)


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Gov says Agusan del Norte values technological education, trainingby Robert E. Roperos

Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John Amante recently said the provincial government has always valued technological

education and trainings and its contribution to society.

This developed after he reported that the province’s enrollment rate in public elementary and high schools have increased

significantly, citing that the province is serious in implementing not only basic education and degree courses but also


technical-vocational courses in tech-voc schools in the province and in this city. Gov. Amante said persons provided with technical and vocational education and training reached 7,084 in 2011 up from 5,433 in 2010. The official said the scholarship program through Training or Work Scholarship Program was also able to serve 1,084 scholars in 2011 increasing their number by 201. He added from 6,079 in 2010

to 7,353 in 2011, an increasing number of trainees were assessed, and out of these trainees, 4,985 passed and were given national certifications. “This means that their skills are now duly certified nationwide,” Amante said. The provincial governor also reported that in 2011, 26 graduates

got employed contributing to the overall number of 5,550 Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) graduates who got employed. “Among these graduates were those produced by the Las Nieves Training Center at Barangay Mat-I… from a handful 18 in 2010, they numbered 113 trainees in 2011 specializing in Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Food and Beverage Services,” Amante


said. The official added competency rates have also improved from 61 percent in 2010 to 81 percent in 2011. Meanwhile, Gov. Amante said the provincial training center in Cabadbaran City has also produced a growing number of TVET graduates from 312 in 2010 to 324 in 2011. He added that certification rates for the National Competency Assessment have likewise been increasing from 94 percent in 2010 to 98 percent in 2011. “So was the number of high school graduates and out-of-school youths who were provided with the scholarships, and a total of 215 TVET

graduates from the center have already found employment,” Amante said. Gov. Amante also emphasized that as a complement scheme, the provincial government has granted 50 scholarships to qualified students under the Provincial Technical Scholarship Program. The two-year program covers financial support of P7,500 per scholar per semester. The official further said the provincial government has implemented a full-course scholarship program specifically designed for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Agusan del Norte. “As of 2011, 10 IP scholars have been awarded P50,000 scholarship grant per semester,” Amante said.


According to Dasmarinas, the total crime volume from March to May this year, totalling to 148, decreased by five incidents compared to the same period last year, which is 153 incidents. However, the PNP provincial office has also recorded a decrease in crime solution efficiency, with only 32.43 percent compared with last year, with 46.41 percent. “Within the period from March to May this year, the average monthly crime rate is 8.09 incidents compared to last year’s 8.37, with a reduction of 0.28 incidents. But we are high in our monthly index crime rate this year

with 6.02 per 100,000 population, compared to 4.98 the same period last year. For the monthly non-index crime rate, we recorded a decrease this year with only 2.8 incidents compared to 3.39 incidents per 100,000 last year,” Dasmarinas said. According to PNP’s report, murder registered to be the highest with 40 (36 percent) incidents, followed by physical injury with 22 (20 percent) incidents, and the third is homicide with 13 (12 percent) incidents. The least crime recorded is carnapping with four incidents. “For the period covered, Bayugan

Agusan del Sur generally peaceful, decrease in crime volume noted

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- “Agusan del Sur is generally peaceful,” said P/SSupt. Rodolfo Dasmarinas, police provincial director for Agusan del Sur, when he rendered his report during the provincial peace and order council meeting held last June 14 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall in Prosperidad.

by David M. Suyao


21st Mindanao Business Conference set in Butuan

City had the highest crime incidents with 49, followed by Prosperidad 24. San Francisco ranked third with 20, and two municipalities got the lowest with only one incident each, and they are the municipalities of Veruela and San Luis,” Dasmarinas said. Dasmarinas also said that with 50 warrant of arrests that they have served against wanted persons, the same number was arrested, and while they conducted eight operations against illegal gambling, nine persons were arrested, recovering assorted

illegal gambling paraphernalia. “The decrease in crime volume compared to the same period last year is a result of the religious implementation of police integrated patrol system (PIPS) otherwise known as Patrolya ng Bayan, which is in line with formulated patrol plan 2030 with the coordination, support, and cooperation of all sectors of society in their interest to achieve a lasting peace, progress and stability,” P/SSupt. Dasmarinas said.

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- The Butuan City government led by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. together with other government agencies, Butuan Chamber of Commerce, and stakeholders stepped up preparations for the 21st Mindanao Business Conference slated August 2-4, 2012 to be held at the Almont Hotels’ Inland Resort here.


This activity is anchored on the theme, “Invest Mindanao: Towards a More Inclusive, Progressive and Greener Future.” The said activity is in time with the Adlaw Hong Butuan (Butuan Charter Day) celebration on August 2, 2012 which will celebrate Butuan’s status as a city. It honors Butuan’s municipal officials, citizens, and past leaders who have contributed their loyalty and efforts to the city. It will also present the city’s modern culture through street parties, beauty pageants, and motorcades. According to Marlon Libot, Business Support Organization Team Leader of the Growth with Equity in Mindanao, a non-government organization (which aims to accelerate economic growth in Mindanao and help assure that as many people as possible participate in and benefit from the growth) said that around 500 participants coming from the business sector in Mindanao including farmers and fisherfolks are expected to join the event. Each participant will have to pay a registration fee of P2,500 which includes kit materials for the three-day event. “US Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Harry K. Thomas is highly expected to give his keynote message on the first day, August 2, as well as Ambassador of Japan H.E.

Toshinao Urabe, Ambassador of China H.E. Liu Jianchao, and Ambassador of Korea H.E. Hye-Min Lee… Meanwhile, Senator Franklin Drilon, Committee on Finance Chairperson will also give his message together with other high rank officials, and Vice President Jejomar Binay will be the guest of honor during the Ambassador’s night,” said Libot. “During this three-day event, different products in Caraga region will be featured and presented to investors from other regions in Mindanao with its picturesque scenery,” Libot said. Libot further said that Senator Teofisto Guingona III is expected to grace the activity on the second day, August 3. It will also be highlighted with various topics that will be presented by experts in the business industry. On the last day, August 4, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III will also join the participants while Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino will present the 2012 Mindanao Business Policy Agenda. It was also learned that President Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to give his keynote speech on the culmination day. With this development, the city government and partners are inviting Mindanaons of different sectors to support and participate in this big event.


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“Prevention is better than cure” says Dr. Mondarte By Claro A. Lanipa

Dr. Mondarte was the lone guest during the weekly PIA Media Forum held on Tuesday, June 19 at

Roxan Hotel in celebration of the National Kidney Month this June with the theme “Ikaw at Ako Panalo

“Prevention is better than cure,” this is the key message of nephrologist Dr. Emerson Mondarte.


s a Malusog na Bato.” The young nephrologist said our kidneys have multiple functions. Primarily, kidneys serve as the filtering machine in a human body. Anything we eat, there is always a corresponding waste product, even medications and herbal medicines. The kidneys will filter all these wastes, he explained.Aside from filtering of waste products, it also removes excess water from the human body. As a living organism, we also produce water in small amount in our metabolism, and it is also part of the kidney function to excrete the excess water, Dr. Mondarte added. Kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that signals the bone marrow to produce or stimulate red and white blood cells. Bone marrow is the factory of red and white blood cells, Mondarte said. Therefore, if the kidney is in trouble or not functioning well, it will not produce sufficient erythropoietin hormones

needed by the body, which will result to low hemoglobin, he further explained. Kidney malfunction is one of the top five (5) leading causes of morbidity and mortality, Dr. Mondarte said. When asked what are the causes

of kidney failure or malfunction, he said first, “if a person is a diabetic.” He advised those who are diabetic today to have their blood sugar controlled, because if not, in 5 to 10 years time it will lead to a kidney problem. Second is hypertensive neproschlorosis or high blood pressure. Since kidneys have tiny veins it will cause inflammation, “mamaga ang kidney” and it will cause scars in the kidney. To stay away from kidney problem and to keep our kidneys healthy, refrain from eating foods with high protein content such as red meat and other salty foods, Dr. Mondarte emphasized. “Love your kidneys, eat well, stay physically fit, exercise, check your blood pressure and blood sugar regularly because prevention is better than cure,” Mondarte concluded. (ALT/CAL/PIA9)


ZAMBOANGA CITY - The National Computer Center (NCC) has conducted free whole day training on the latest computer and office applications training to government workers from various agencies. NCC-Field Operations Office (FOO) held the training into two parts, the morning and the afternoon session at the NCC-FOO Computer Laboratory. The first session, focused on Microsoft Excel, its advanced features, functions and formulas, was held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. A total of 25 government employees attended the session, aiming to improve their ability in creating, processing and analyzing reports using MS Excel. The second session was held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Another set of 25 participants attended the session, focused on Open Office Calc. The afternoon session was geared at assisting participants coming from offices that do not have the budget to purchase licensed software but still requires the use of spreadsheet software for their reports as Calc is an office application

which can be downloaded for free. Calc is similar to Microsoft Excel with a thoroughly equivalent range of features and is capable of opening and saving most spreadsheets in Excel format. It provides a number of features present in Excel including a system that automatically defines series for graphing based on the layout of the user’s data and is also capable of writing spreadsheets directly as Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Microsoft Excel is a commercial spreadsheet and productivity tool developed by Microsoft Corporation which enables us to calculate data and present them through graphs and charts. The information and communications technology (ICT) training is one of the activities of the NCC-9’s month-long celebration of the “2012 National ICT Month” this June. (NCC/JPA-PIA9 ZBST)

Nat’l Computer Center trains gov’t workers on computer apps


CdO to benefit from Salintubig programby Lorebeth C. Requiroso

The city government’s desire to

provide safe water services in relocation sites and in poor barangays gets a boost in the Sagana Na Tubig Para sa Lahat (Salintubig) program, this city.

Mayor Vicente Emano signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-10) for the implementation of a P6-million Salintubig program. The city council, during its regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas, authorized this, by virtue of Ordinance No. 12347-2012.

City DILG Director Emil T. Rana informed the mayor that the MOA signing will take place

today, June 21 during the TAPATAN activity of the DILG, and will be attended by DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo. The program is designed to provide grant financing and capacity development programs for the implementation of water supply projects in waterless municipalities, in poorest barangays with high levels of


DepEd offers 40,000 new scholarship slots under the Open High School honors’ program by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – Some 40,000 new scholarship slots nationwide have been offered for incoming Grade 7 this school year, under an honors program for top students.

waterborne diseases, in resettlement areas, and in public health centers without access to safe waters. Pursuant to the MOA, the DILG Central Office shall organize a project-steering committee that shall establish policies and guidelines for the project, provide funding requirements of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and Department of Health corresponding to the agreed responsibilities and tasks under the joint program for monitoring purposes. The Water Supply and Sanitation Unit of the Office of Project Development Services (WSSU-OPDS) shall administer and manage the implementation of the project and establish a program management team composed of personnel from the WSSU. It shall organize program advocacy at the national and local levels. The DILG regional office shall create a technical working group, to provide consulting services for detailed

engineering design for the city, utilize, and liquidate funds for the operation of the project, among others. In view of this development, Mayor Emano is expected to create the City Water and Sanitation Council, which will establish the goal, vision, and strategies for the local water and sanitation sector, and for managing the implementation of the program. It shall also identify communities that have shown interest to the project and that have the capacity to implement this as a partner of the city, with priority given to poor communities without access to safe drinking water and with high incidence of water-borne diseases and poverty incidence, to provide them technical assistance and provide 10 percent counterpart to projects that will form part of the total project cost of the proposed water system. The city shall also participate in all capacity-building interventions provided by the DILG, DOH, and NAPC, among others. (CdeOSP)

Called the Open High School (OHS) program, the scholarships slots have been offered in private

schools participating in the Education Service Contracting (ESC) scheme. This is in the line with DepEd’s


thrust of making basic education open and accessible to all learners, Secretary Armin Luistro of the Department of Education (DepEd) said. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, the scholarships slots were offered to the following students: Those who belong to the upper two (2) percent of the graduating Grade 6 class in SY 2011-2012 based on Mean Percentage Scores (MPS) in the Grade 6 National Achievement Test (NAT) or with an average in Grade 6 of 90% and above. Those who were willing to study in the private schools and who wished to study in ESC-participating private schools. Secretary Luistro said Grade 7 (first year) beneficiaries of the program across all the regions enjoy an all-in-grant amount of Php6,500, thus parents don’t have to pay any tuition differential and miscellaneous fees.

Meanwhile, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Jonathan Dela Peňa of the Misamis Occidental Schools Division, said in addition to the all-in-grant, student beneficiaries who can demonstrate advance level of proficiency are eligible for acceleration on a per subject basis. He said principals of public elementary schools, especially in areas where there are serious overcrowding of students have been asked to meet with the parents of top performing students to convince them to put their children in the OHS program.


Another soldier-athlete honoredCAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - Another Fourth Infantry Division (4ID) trooper was honored during the flag-raising ceremony, June 18.

Private First-Class Roland Z. Artajo, assigned with the 4th Division Special Service Office, participated in the 2012 World Eskrima/Arnis Championships at City Sports Club, Grand Convention Center, Cebu City held June 6 to 10, where he won the Silver Medal in Live Double Sticks Category. Out of the 11 martial artists from Mindanao, only Pfc. Artajo received an award. Twenty-five teams from different countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, and Philippines competed in the event. Since arnis is a Filipino martial arts, Supreme Grandmaster Ciriaco Cañete from the Philippines chose to hold the competition in the Philippines. Grandmaster Anthony Kleeman from United States and Grandmaster Vince Palumbo from Canada were present and acted as referees/judges in the competition, while Grandmaster Chuck Cañete also from the Philippines was Tournament Director. The said event was organized

in connection with the 80th Doce Pares Anniversary. There were also an International Martial Arts Workshop and Doce Pares Hall of Fame Awards. “We are proud of you Pfc. Artajo, again in behalf of the Command, I congratulate you for this achievement,” MGen. Victor A. Felix Commander, 4ID, said. (4ID)


The Provincial Government of Davao del Norte through

a soft opening launched its 45th founding anniversary celebra-tions, dubbed as Kadagayaan Fes-tival 2012, through local govern-ment unit-based and mall-based events. The province rolled out the series of tourism jingle competi-tions in the LGUs, entitled Himig Turismo DavNor, in Asuncion town to instill a great sense of pride in place among the Dabaonons. At the same time, the agri-trade fair, tagged as Produkto DavNor sa Kadagayaan, kicked off at the NCCC Mall of Tagum to showcase the thriving home-grown industries in the province. For the first time, the prov-ince lined up external activities to drum up wider participation in the annual festivities, with the Cap-itol-based activities to start yet on June 29 and culminating on the anniversary day July 1, 2012.

Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario said this year’s theme, “Convergence and Solidarity”, heralds the larger role that the province now plays, as his administration pursues the P.E.O.P.L.E. agenda, in collabora-tion with other government agen-cies, the LGUs, the private sec-tor, and many more stakeholders. According to Assistant Pro-vincial Administrator Romulo Tagalo, the winning entries in the Himig Turismo DavNor contest shall become the official jingle for the tourism and investment promotions of the local govern-ment units. The province allotted a P10,000 prize for each winner. Other mall-based events also include the indie film competition Sine DavNor 2012 that will be open for public viewing and judging this June 29 at the Gaisano Mall Cinema in Tagum City, as well as, the dance contest which will run from June 18 to July 1, 2012 at the Food Cove area of the NCCC Mall of Tagum City.

Kadagayaan Festival 2012 opens external events


Regional gallery...

President Benigno Aquino III (2nd from left) congratulates Parang., Maguindanao Mayor Ibrahim Iboy after receiving a Seal of Good Housekeeping Award. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman ( first left) and Interior and Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo (partly hidden rightmost) looks on. The President was in Davao City to attend the ARMM Convention on Local Governance last June 20.


ComVal intensifies dengue awareness program

Nabunturan- Joining the nation in celebrating the Dengue Aware-ness Month spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH), the provincial government through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) intensifies its advocacy on pre-ventive measures against dengue through disseminating health ad-visories, lectures, and other forms of community orientation and self-protection measures. With the idea that cleanliness is still the key to prevent such mosquito-borne disease, everybody is encouraged to practice proper health sanitation and maintain a clean environment. Another continuing service is

the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLIN) to the municipalities. In 2011, a total of 43,304 LLINs were already distributed in the province. A program is also hosted by the provincial government on June 15 to support the ASEAN (Association of South East Asia Nations) Dengue Day, an annual advocacy campaign day for dengue prevention and control. On its Malaria Control Program,

the province is now busy preparing for the coming visit of “Biyaheng Kulambo” (Travelling LLIN), a DOH new advocacy campaign. It is a public health intervention against malaria aiming to heighten public awareness in preventing and eliminating such disease. The caravan started roaming from province to province on April 25 and to culminate on August 17, 2012. ComVal expects it to drop by on July for the ceremonial transfer and acceptance of LLIN as a manifestation of the province’s support and participation to the campaign. (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

one mindanao - june 22, 2012

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