one mindanao - june 30,2014

Buy-bust operation caps DENR-IX’s Environment Month celebrationNoemi B. EdagaWestern Mindanao MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 209

Disaster readiness of the country above average, say Palace official

NATIONAL

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CARAGA REGION

CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

Empowering farmers boosts productivity in Agusan Norte

Gov Matugas assures unfaltering commitment, dedication on her 2nd term as RDC chair

DA revises buying, selling prices of rice seeds

DOE eyes social awareness on oil industry

Gingoog continues support MRDP’s P7.5M livelihood project

JENESYS 2.0 Disaster Prevention Course now open

Climate change may soon put Zambo underwater - PAGASA

Zamboanga mayor recognizes gov’t information officers’ role in society

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Information to Empower Filipinos

9 6 11

Gideon C. Corgue

Dominic I. Sanchez

Venus L. Garcia

Susil D. Ragas

Danilo E. Doguiles

Edmar Pabia

NYC10

Buy-bust operation caps DENR-IX’s Environment Month celebration

International Year of Small Islands Developing States” (SIDS) and “Raise your voice, not the sea level” are this year’s theme and

slogan for the Environment Month, giving emphasis on environmental protection. Care for the environment is everyone’s concern, as sea level rise and climate change are global phenomena caused by extensive emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, resulting from people’s harmful acts to the environment. Morethanthese,someofusinflictnature by greed and selfishness as inthe case of Earl Frederick Galupo alias “Epoy” of Lumbia, Pagadian City.

The Crime Galupo and his criminal acts against nature was brought to limelight on June 25, 2014, during the bust operation and investigations conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural

Resources (DENR) through Undersecretary Ernesto D. Adobo Jr., chair of the Philippine Operation Group on Ivory and other wildlife (POGI) and Edgardo Rasco of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Judge Catherine Fabian of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Zamboanga City issued a search warrant for the arrest of Galupo for violating Republic Act 9072, or the “Cave Act of 2001.”

Preciousfind Galupo was caught red-handed in possession of “nature’s beauty and treasure” such as two pieces carapace

by Noemi B. Edaga

COVER STORY

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frame of hawksbill turtles, 30 pieces of stalactites, 29 pieces hawksbill scutes, 275 pieces of different coral species which includes precious, rare black and red corals, triton, nautilus and several giant clam species. These made him answerable not only to RA 9072 but also to other special laws like RAs 8550 and 9147.

Social media evidence The online trade of stalactites and corals posted through www.olx.ph and the photos of endangered hawksbill turtle carapace, on the facebook account of Earl Frederick Galupo had nailed him literally and figuratively. Investigations revealed that the marine products were sold to his large-scale network, as evidenced by the presence of warehouses and activities in other parts of the globe such as Japan.

Case filed on Environment Day June 25, 2014 was an unfortunate

day for Galupo, as the case was filedagainst him in court on this day. But it

was a welcome development to cap the Environment Month

celebration. DENR-IX Regional Director Arleigh J. Adorable, who led the initial steps in tracking down Galupo and

in determining the extent of

his illegal b u s i n e s s , found a sigh of relief as his illegal

activities were i m m e d i a t e l y

stopped. He accredited

the feat to the support of the Philippine Army as well as to

Regional Technical Director Gil T. Ona of the Protected Areas, Wildlife

and Coastal Zone Management Service and his personnel.

Support to UN Declaration DENR’sofficialshaveadmittedthatmuch remains to be done in protecting our natures’ beauty and treasure. With this, goes the call for all and sundry to uphold the UN General Assembly declaration of 2014 in helping protect the islands in the face of growing risks and vulnerability to natural and environmental disasters, particularly to climate change.

6 JUNE 2014 | PAGE

Across the Nation

Palace releases midterm update of Philippine Development Plan

Maaari itong ituring na report card ng gobyerno kung hanggang saan na humantong ang mga

reporma at programa hinggil sa pagpapahusay ng serbisyo publiko,” said Presidential Communication

The Palace released on Sunday the midterm update of the Philippine Development Plan for 2011 to 2016 from the National

Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

7 JUNE| PAGE

Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., in a briefing over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

“According to the President: We have witnessed the gradual transformation of our country from an economic laggard to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world,” said Coloma quoting the President.

“Through sound management of economic fundamentals, we have climbed out of severe financial and economic deficits, and achieved a healthy cash position to financing priority development projects; and from being regarded as the ‘sick man of Asia’ to earning an investment grade rating that reflects the confidence of the local and international communities,” he continued.

Coloma said the country has made a significant headway in the campaign against corruption, prosecuted government officials and eliminated leakages in government procurement.

He added that due to the government’s trustworthiness it resulted to attracting big-ticket investments in manufacturing, tourism, agri-business, logistics

and other productive sectors that resulted to higher employment and more remunerative jobs for Filipinos.

The Communications Secretary said that the President emphasized that there are more still to be done particularly in reducing poverty which maybe addressed through focusing on health, education and employment.

“That is why we are exerting every effort to ensure that the process of reducing inequality happens at a much faster rate and that our programs and projects will have a much more palpable impact on peoples’ lives,” Coloma added.

He encouraged the public to visit the NEDA website to see the so called report card.

“Makikita nila doon sa plans.neda.gov.ph. Chapter by chapter meron tayong performance indicators kaya komprehensibo. Nag-umpisa sa macroeconomic policies, nandoon din ‘yung competitive industry and services, pagkatapos agriculture and fisheries, pagkatapos ‘yung financial system, tapos ‘yung social development,” said Coloma.

8 JUNE 2014 | PAGE

Disaster readiness of the country above average, say Palace official

The Philippines’ disaster readiness is above average, a Palace official said on Sunday. e-through of four bridges along the

Iloilo Circumferential Road.

Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., is reacting to a report from the United Nation (UN) rating the Philippines disaster preparedness between 6 and 7, where 10 is the highest.

“Siguro naman maituturing na rin na above average kahit na sabihing sixth or seventh. Ibig sabihin, hindi naman po tayo naging malamya sa ating pagtugon sa mga hamon na ‘yan,” said Coloma in a press briefing over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Margareta Wahlstom, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s special representative for disaster risk reduction made the assessment of the Philippines’ capability.

The Philippines is located in the Pacific ring of fire, where most volcanoes are active; it is also in the Typhoon belt where an average of 20 typhoons pass through each year; and it has

fault lines that generate earthquakes. Coloma said the government is

continuously making preparations and educating the public on how to prepare themselves in times of disaster.

“Matibay po ang paninindigan ng ating Pangulo na ang kinakailangan nating itatag ay ‘yung mga disaster resilient communities. Hindi na dapat maulit ‘yung itinuturing niyang vicious cycle of destruction and reconstruction. Dapat ay matigil na ang aspeto ng destruction sa pamamagitan ng pagtatag ng mga mas matibay na komunidad,” he added.

Here in the capital the Metro Manila Development Authority is constantly conducting earthquake drills.

“Iba na po kasi ang maging handa para kapag dumating ang panahon—huwag naman sanang pahintulutan ng Poong Maykapal—ay mas mataas na po ang antas ng kahandaan ng mga mamamayan,” Coloma said. PND

9JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Canada gives additional PHP32-M aid to Mindanao

Canada is providing a fresh PHP32-million funding to help the Philippine government address the needs of the thousands of

people affected by the years-long conflict in Mindanao, its embassy in Manila said on Monday.

The new assistance follows the Philippines’ designation by Canada

as one of its “countries of focus” in terms of development assistance.


“Canada’s support will ensure that conflict-affected families in the region will have access to improved temporary shelter conditions, access to safe drinking water, improved access to sanitation and hygiene facilities, as well as improved nutrition,” Canada’s ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said in a statement.

“We continue to build on our strong ties with the Philippines with this assistance,” he added.

The funding will be channeled to a project of the International Organization of Migration (IOM) to address the immediate needs of thousands in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

Despite a recent peace agreement signed in March 2014 between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the effects of decades of ongoing conflict continue in Mindanao where thousands of displaced families live in dire conditions. Congested evacuation centers are increasing health risks, malnutrition and protection concerns.

The new funding, Reeder explained, will support IOM’s efforts to support the conflict-affected women and children by

improving the coordination and management of camps for more than 25,000 internally displaced people in 10 evacuation centers and four temporary shelters, as well as improving conditions in temporary shelters by providing privacy partitions for approximately 4,000 families in evacuation centers.

“Canada’s generous contribution of USD 800,000 to IOM for its humanitarian relief in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao is helping thousands of vulnerable people,” said Marco Boasso, IOM Chief of Mission in the Philippines.

“Canada’s support will pay for camp management in evacuation centers for displaced persons and transitional shelter for people leaving the centers and returning home. It will also support the Bangsamoro Peace Process. The IOM Mission in the Philippines is grateful for the generous support of the Canadian government.”

IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration and provides humanitarian assistance to migrants, refugees and displaced persons. It has also assisted the Philippines in evacuating thousands of Filipinos in conflict zones in various countries. (PNA)


PCOO Usec. Yu inducts MindaComNet ZamPen officers in Zamboanga City By Alma L. Tingcang

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Jess Anthony Q. Yu, undersecretary for Legislative, Policy and Legal Affairs of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, inducted the officers of the Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) ZamPen on Friday, June 27, at Garden Orchid Hotel, this city.


PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma lauded the MindaComNet for choosing a relevant theme, “Resilient Communities Through Science, Information and DRR Policy Integration,” through a video message. “Public Information Officers(PIOs) should be Pro-Active, Informative and Organized especially in times of disaster,” said Sec. Coloma. He said as IOs, it is critical that we are able to communicate our mission and ideals. Information and communication is a form of aid equal to food, clothing and shelter, he said. Secretary Coloma also commended the Zamboanguenos for their resiliency and unity during the fateful siege on September 9, last year. PIA Regional Director and MindaComNet president Noemi B. Edaga presented “Branding the Climate Change Advocacy” andcalledoninformationofficersto help in the advocacy efforts of PIA and DENR. This calls for mobilization of all sectors to protect the environment. The assembly concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between PIAIX One radio incorporators including Pag-IBIG Fund, CAAP, RDC IX Task Force on Climate Change, Rural Transit and other agencies who signified theirsupport to climate change advocacy efforts, witnessed by Usec. Yu. HealsoinductedtheofficersofMindaComNet headed by: Noemi B. Edaga, PIA Regional Director; Vice


By Gideon C. Corgue

In her message as readbyCityInformationOfficerSheilaCovarrubias duringtherecently held Mindanao Communicator’s Network (MindaComNet) general assembly and Climate Change advocacy forum at the Garden Orchid Hotel, the lady mayor said, “information is important and powerful resource that has power to shape opinion and

public perception.”Salazar continued that the gathering of information officers of nationalgovernment agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) is “critical to communicate the government’s mission, ideals, policies, practices, and commitment to public to counter the instability brought about by misinformation

Zamboanga mayor recognizes gov’t information officers’ role in society

President – Raymond B. Domingo - NYC; Secretary – Ma. Melba Wee - DA; Treasurer – Jocelyn Wee, TESDA; Auditor – Lowell S. Vallecer; Business Manager – Ma. Carla Minoza of DPWH; PRO – Roservirico A. Tan – DENR. Board of Directors: Emma Rodelie Deverala – MGB; Roselyn

R. Manalo (NSO); Narrabelle Z. Bue – DSWD; Gay Iris T.S. Tangcalagan - DOLE; Jacqueline Krisell Carrasco -DOT; Thelma E. Diego - DOST; Jose Eric Castillo- OCD; Armando F. Borromeo – CHR; Jordan L.Valente -NFA; Ronald Jabay -PhilHealth; and Michael Vincent Cajulao - PIA.

ZAMBOANGA CITY –The role of information officers is very important in our society, according to Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar of this city.


Climate change may soon put Zambo underwater - PAGASA By Dominic I. Sanchez

“Our biggest concern is sea level rise in Zamboanga and communities here may be completely washed out,” Enriquez said.“Even a one-meter rise in sea level

is threatening,” Enriquez added.Enriquez explained that as a result of climate change, storms are becoming more frequent, and have grown stronger.

and propaganda.” “In our experience with the crisis last year, we have learned that information and communication is a form of aid which is equal to food, water and shelter,” Salazar pointed out. Salazar disclosed that the local government of Zamboanga utilized all channels of media to communicate and engage with all its residents. “And through these efforts, we were able to coordinate the emergency responses uniting the city and its residentsunderoneflag,onenationand one city.”“Information and communication are invaluable tools our government

agencies can use to promote change and advance the progress what we have achieved us a city and as a nation. Through information, you are giving back people the power to be active in governance and in society, empowering them to be the catalysts that they clamor for,” the chief executive added.The mayor also encouraged the participants to maintain dynamism and zeal for public engagement. “Together let us ensure that our information is properly channeled and disseminated to the public in order to foster a culture of accountability, participation and inclusion in our nation,” she concluded.

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city’s coastal barangays are in danger of being submerged underwater due to climate change, according to Chief Meteorological Officer Maribel Enriquez of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA).


To be safe, according to Enriquez, residents along coastal and low-lying areas should either “move to higherground,buildsecondfloorsifthey refuse to evacuate, and plant mangroves near the shoreline”.“Planting strong trees that have deep roots will lessen the impact of storm surges particularly because they would ease the rush of the water,” she pointed out.Climate change is a global

phenomenon caused by the extensive emission of greenhouse gases such as coal and oil into the atmosphere. It has been attributed to be the cause of strange weather disturbances happening all around the globe.Enriquez asserted, “only a reduction of consumption of these fuels and lessening carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can save the world from the effects of climate change.”


Surigao Norte guv takes oath as RDC-Caraga chair By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY- Surigao del Norte governor Sol F. Matugas officially took her oath as the Regional Development Council (RDC) chairperson of Caraga region on Thursday, June 26 at the Provincial Convention Center, this city. She will take the lead in the council for the period May 16, 2014 to June 30, 2016 in effect of her reappointment as authorized by President Benigno Aquino III.


Regional directors of government agencies, local chief executives, officers from the Armed Forcesof the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), and representatives from the private sector were in attendance during the oathtaking ceremony.

In her acceptance speech, Gov. Matugas expressed her gratitude to the board members and partners in government service and allies for their incessant support in bringing development in the region.

“We conquered because of unity and interest to advance the region. For servant leaders, good is not enough so let’s keep striving for excellence,” remarked Matugas.

She also emphasized that demand-driven, empowering and liberating education and enhancement of human resources are necessities in pursuing progress.

Meanwhile, the 79th RDC Meeting immediately started after swearing of the lady governor. The participants have witnessed the RDC Platform of Action for 2014-2016 through an audio-visual presentation.

The following eight RDC-Caraga themes were likewise presented: Accelerating infrastructure development as the backbone of Caraga region’s inclusive growth and poverty reduction; Transparent and responsive governance: Restores and buildspublicconfidenceandpromoteseconomic development; Building the resilience of Caraga’s communities through disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation; Improving the productivity and competitiveness of agriculture and fisheries of food

security and resiliency; Diversifiedcompetitive and productive industry and services sectors for sustained economic development and inclusive growth; Capacitated, empowered and globally competitive Caraganons in this increasingly complex and modern world; A peaceful, orderly and stable Caraga: The key to combating chronic and inter-generational poverty and sustaining economic growth; and Conservation, protection and responsible utilization of natural resources for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The development administration, economic, social, and infrastructure development committees under RDC-Caraga also gave updates and situational reports.

Matugas bared that Caraga is out of the poorest and poverty incidence have declined. “But that is only good. We need to do great. The RDC must double its effort to become great,” she said.

As proudly claimed by Gov. Matugas, Caraga is a region of great potentials. “We have to lay down our directions and stand for positive reforms. As we ascend and traverse the road to a prosperous Caraga, let us think big,” she said.

Surigao Norte guv takes oath as RDC-Caraga chair


Empowering farmers boosts productivity in Agusan Norte

BUTUAN CITY - “Among the very important drivers of our economy are the empowered farmers,” Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba stated in confirmation for the fulfilled empowerment “when the province was able to distribute additional 3,091 hectares of land to 1,586 landless farmers which in effect transformed them into land owners.”

She claimed that the local government is already seeing some of the fruits of the strategy of empowering people where it can be gleaned on the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran(SEA-K)beneficiaries.

Matba disclosed that last year the recovery rate of the P5M loan assistance extended to 1,033 members was three percent which is higher than the standard of 80 percent.

Matba said that the strategy to improve the productivity of producers especiallythefarmers,thefisherfolks

have always been topmost in the province’s economic thrust.

Meanwhile, Matba revealed that the Provincial Economic Enterprise DevelopmentandManagementOfficehas doubled its remittances to P4M or a 200 percent increase.

“Providing funds for our various undertakings has always remained a challenged but by empowering producers like farmers, wise management and production is attainable,” bared Matba.

By Venus L. Garcia


Gov Matugas assures unfaltering commitment, dedication on her 2nd term as RDC chair

SURIGAO CITY- The chairperson of the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC), Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas on her second term, assured her unfaltering commitment and dedication for continuing inclusive growth and development of Caraga during the 79th Regional Development Council Full Meeting on Thursday, June 26, 2014 held at Provincial Convention Center, this city.

Just recently Governor Matugas was re-appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino III, as the chairperson of the Caraga RDC, a highest policy making body in the region.

In her message, Matugas said that she will remain bold in her advocacies, clear in her direction

and courageous in the face of daunting challenges.

“I will stand for reforms that willbenefitthepeopleofCaragaparticularly the poor and the marginalized and I exhort all the members of this council to do the same as we continue our quest to becoming the Fishery Agri-

By Susil D. Ragas


Forestry, Mining and Ecotourism (FAME) Center of the country,” Matugas said.

Matugas then laid down the RDC’s direction for the next two years and its RDC Platform of Action for the year 2014-2016 that will serve as guide for the council towards a great Caraga.

She also encouraged everyone to dream big and think big on what the council can do for all Caraganons and what Caraga can become as a region of vast potentials.

“We are the leaders of this region and it is our responsibility to bring

into fruition a development that is high and sustainable, generates mass employment that draws the majority of our people into the economic and social mainstream and facilitates the reduction of poverty. Together let us rise up to challenge of surpassing our current gains and paving the way for a great Caraga Region,” she added.

The 79th RDC full council meeting was attended by representatives of different provinces, municipalities and officesoftheregion.


4ID supports National Tree Planting Dayby 4ID

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro - In celebration of the National Arbor Day, the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, through its different line units and in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of regions 10 and 13, Local Government Units, schools, civil society groups and the residents, conducted on June 25, a simultaneous tree planting activity at their respective areas. http://www.keepoklahomabeautiful.com/how-to-plant-a-tree

Thousands of different tree species were planted in two regions to create awareness on the uniqueness and fragility of the ecosystem and biodiversity; to encourage the people to show concern about environmental protection and see these trees look like in the future; and improve landscape and aesthetics and adds tranquility to

the surrounding areas. MGen Ricardo R Visaya, commander, 4ID said let this activity bind us to become one nation with a common goal which is to bring back the lost glory of our Mother Nature. The army is more than willing to support this kind of advocacy as we are the steward of our country’s territory


Gingoog continues support MRDP’s P7.5M livelihood projectby Edmar Pabia

GINGOOG CITY - The city government of Gingoog city, through the Office of the City Agriculturist, continues to assist implementation of the P7.5 million livelihood projects under the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) from the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

According to MRDP director Lealyn A. Ramos, CFAD, a major component of the development program, aims to give disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors in Mindanao opportunities for increased income from agriculture and fishery production, including alliedvalue-adding activities that make use of appropriate and sustainable technologies preferred and selected by the target groups. It will ensure meaningful participation in decision-making over the entire sub-project cycle. Ramos further said ultimately, it aims to make them capable of handling projects basic to their development.

As one of the concrete undertakings of her administration in poverty-reduction and food security intervention for the city’s rural poor and the indigenous people, mayor Guingona has been working together with city agriculturist Eduardo Sanchez and his personnel in helping technically for the welfare of 30 People’s Organizations (PO) with P2.5 millioneachasbeneficiaries. Meanwhile, Guingona recognized the initiative of the previous administration in facilitating for the availment of this program from Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. The lady executive further

and the protector of the people and environment. Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. It has been institutionalized to be observed every June 25 throughout the nation by planting trees and ornamental

plants and other forms of relevant activities. Proclamation No. 643 stresses the necessity to promote a healthier ecosystem for the people through the rehabilitation and re-greening of the environment.


expressed gratitude to director Ramos for dividing the amount into three rounds via MRDP’s Adaptable Program Loan (APL) to 30 PO’s in their investment for agricultural productions, vermi-culture, livestock projects, lawi plantation and manufacturing. Mayor Guingona is confidentthat these opportunities will improve

people’s lives and reach extensively. She said the city is considered as a haven for agriculture with industrious residents. She cited the concerted efforts of the agriculture’s workforce, led by Engr. Randy Tecson, in dealing seriously thisprogramforfiveyearsand ensuring recipients can fully manage their respective projects.

JENESYS 2.0 Disaster Prevention Course now openby NYC10

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Japan government, through the Japan Overseas Cooperative Agency (JOCA) and the Japan Information and Cultural Center (JICC) in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NYC), is implementing the Japan-East Asia Network of Students and Youth Program 2.0 (JENESYS 2.0: Disaster Prevention Course) for the year 2014.

JENESYS 2.0 Disaster Prevention Course will be held on September 20 to October 8, 2014. This program aims to increase potential interest in Japan, especially in Disaster Management and Prevention, using the branding COOL JAPAN, and to further deepen mutual understanding between the youth of Japan and the ASEAN-Oceanian region. NYC will be sending 35 youth delegates and 2 supervisors to the program.

For more information on qualification,requirements,expenses,application guidelines, downloadable application forms and other inquiries, please visit www.nyc.gov.ph or the NYC Northeastern Mindanao Area Office at 3/F Solid Building, Velez-Mabini Streets, Cagayan de Oro City. You may also contact NYC at (088) 8575895 for more information and look for Evanesa Pasamba, Salma Jayne Tamano or Rizza Malou Vicente.


Coastal clean-up in SaranganiALABEL, Sarangani - Sarangani Transport Alliance for Reform and True Development Inc.(STARTeD), carries out a coastal clean-up at Barangay Ladol Thursday, June 26. The clean-up is one the highlights of Environment Month this June including efforts to protect Sarangani Bay under the flagship program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, Sulong Kalikasan. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Employees of the Department of Agriculture should be models in their advocacy to popularize consump-tion of not-so-popular staples and alternatives to rice.

DA employees urged to eat brown rice, rice mixed with other staplesBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala recently issued a memorandum directing all employees of the department’s regional field offices, servicebureaus and attached agencies to take major role in their Be RICEponsible advocacy.

The campaign, which is in accordance with the national government’s efforts to attain rice self-sufficiency, includes amongothers encouraging eating of brown rice and rice mixed with other staples such as corn grits and sweet potato.

DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said, the directive was issued in relevance with the Nutrition Month celebration in July.

She said, Secretary Alcala specifically instructs all DAofficestoservebrownriceeveryWednesday and rice mixed with other staples such as rice with corn grits every Thursday at their respective cafeterias instead of serving white rice.

These offices are also urgedto hold activities to extensively promote the consumption of these healthy rice options and to stir the awareness of the masses to become responsible rice consumers.

Morever, the agriculture chief also urged everyone to recite the Pledge for Rice (Panatang Maka-Palay) every Monday during their weekly convocation.

In SOCCSKSARGEN Region, Datukan noted, DA has continuously promoted responsible consumption of rice to help in the attainment of DA’s goal to be 100% rice self-sufficient in the first quarter of2015.

In every activity, she said, participants are enjoined to recite the Panatang Maka-Palay and sing the National Year of Rice song to promote understanding on the significanceofnotwastingevenagrain of rice considering that every Filipino wastes at least to spoons of rice every day. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LMSalvo-DA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- In its efforts to encourage rice to produce high quality rice seeds, the Department of Agriculture recently announced it has increased its buying prices of inbred and hybrid seeds.

DA revises buying, selling prices of rice seedsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan announced that Secretary Proceso Alcala recently issued Administrative Orders No. 5 and No. 6, series of 2014 which set the revised schedule of prices of said commodities.

Rice seeds that the Department purchases are sold to interested farmersatzeroprofit.Thesameareused in its distribution program.

Datukan said, the revised values were formulated to allow farmer producers gain better prices when they decide to venture into production of seeds for the agency.

According to the memoranda, prices of inbred rice seeds are follows: P34/kg of certified seeds,P42.50/kgofregisteredseeds,P80/kgoffoundationseeds;andP150/kgof breeder seeds.Thus, a 40-kg bag of certified

rice seeds is currently valued at P1,360, an increase of P160 from thepreviouspriceofP1,200/bag.

Meanwhile, a 20-kilo bag of registered rice seeds which was

previously sold at P800 will now be bought from the rice seed producers at P850 per bag.

On the other hand, buying prices for hybrid seeds based on classes are as follows: P50/kg for registeredseeds,P100/kgforfoundationseeds,andP187/kgforbreederseeds.

In the same memoranda, Secretary Alcala reminded regional fieldofficesthatprocurement,sellinganddistribution of rice seeds shall be in accordance with the existing auditing and accounting rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit (CoA) and the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184).

Further, he noted, rice seeds to be procured by DA shall be packed in 5- kilogram and 18-kilogram bags or sacks labelled with the following information: name of variety, date harvested, percent germination, and moisture content (MC), and name of seed grower or company. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LMSalvo-DA 12)


Protecting Mt. Hamiguitan, top concern for UNESCO inscription-Malanyaon

CITY OF MATI--- To protect the environment stands as the ulti-mate goal of seeking the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscription for Mt. Hamiguitan, Provincial Gov. Corazon Malanya-on said. In a presscon Thursday evening at the Subangan Provincial

Museum, Malanyaon emphasized the need to protect Mt. Hamiguitan amidst influx of touristsexpected to come and see the mountain range recently inscribed by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage sites. “We sought the inscription because we want to showcase our people who want to protect the environment,” she said.

Malanyaon bared that UNESCO had set “stringent conditions” that went along with the inscription of Mt. Hamiguitan, recognizing it for possessing “outstanding universal value as it represents a complete and substantiallyintactfloraandfauna.” Proclaimed as a protected area under Republic Act 9303, the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary


was inscribed by UNESCO on June 23, 2014 among the World Heritage sites under wildlife sanctuary category. It is the only UNESCO-inscribed heritage site in Mindanao, the only mountain range in the Philippines inscribed as a World Heritage site, and the sixth UNESCO-inscribed wildlife sanctuary in the world. Other UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Philippines are the city of Vigan (Ilocos Sur), the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Puerto Princesa Subterrarean River (Palawan). Stretching in a land area of more than 7,000 hectares , the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary straddles across the municipalities of San Isidro, Governor Generoso and the City of Mati in Davao Oriental. Malanyaon banks on the continued commitment of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to protect the mountain range and its wildlife but she had made her own measures of protecting it by creating the Mt. Hamiguitan Development Council, bringing together local government units and concerned government agencies tapped to protect and conserve Mt. Hamiguitan. She has also tasked the three local chief executives of LGUs within Mt. Hamiguitan to “plan out the kind of development that should happen in the area.” In the same press conference, Governor Generoso Mayor Vicente

Orencia committed to do his share of protecting Mt. Hamigutan sayingnobody should be allowed to enter the buffer-zone serving as shield area surrounding the mountain range. Mayor Justina Yu vowed to hold on to the policy of the municipality on “No to Mining, No to Illegal Logging” that the municipality has been implementing since 1997. “No cutting of trees in San Isidro. We have been protecting the mountain for so long,” she told the media practitioners. Mayor Carlo Rabat of the City of Mati pointed out the need to come up with uniform policies among LGUs within Mt. Hamiguitan not only to conserve Mt. Hamiguitan but also to protect its buffer-zone from intrusion. “There should be coordination in terms of policy,” he said in the same forum. Meanwhile, DENR Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada assured the provincial government of Davao Oriental of the continued support of DENR but he pointed out the need for a collective effort “to sustain Mt. Hamiguitan as a World Heritage Site.” He also saw the need to establish proper implementing rules and regulations on entry of visitors to and on research studies in the mountain range in accordance with the conditions set by UNESCO in its inscription of Mt. Hamiguitan. (PIA 11/JeaneviveDuron-Abangan)


DOE eyes social awareness on oil industryTAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte - The Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the City Gov-ernment of Tagum conducted an Information, Education and Com-munication (IEC) Campaign on The Downstream Oil Industry, on June 27, 2014 at Molave Hotel, Tagum City. The one-day event was primarily aimed at enhancing the level of awareness of the industry stakeholders, consumers and other concerned agencies on the pertinent government agencies rules and regulations, safety and standards including concerns that currently confronting the oil industry. The topic discussed during the forum includes the Overview of the Downstream Oil Industry, LPG

Cylinder Standards, Household LPG Rules and Regulations and Consumer Safety Tips, Liquid Petroleum (LPP) Retail Rules and Consumer Tips, LPG in Butane Canisters, and ended with an Open Forum. DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos said in his message that this campaign will elevate social awareness to give ethical standard to consumers and dealers and also enjoins them to sustain the information and interaction inthisfieldofindustry. Close to 200 persons attended which came from different sectors of oil industry and businessmen from Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and other LGUs from the different provinces. (Gleiza Delgado of CIO Tagum)

one mindanao - june 30,2014

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