one mindanao - june 8, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

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

COPY EDITORS

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

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

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

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

Ground Floor 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]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

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

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE APIT, PIA Caraga Region

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

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11 Caraga schools now have DOST

Palace welcomes China’s statement on having a peaceful solution to the West Philippine Sea row

10

By Michael Uy

Cover Story

CARAGA

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

128

30 OUR COVER

ContentsBy: S&T Media Service

24

148 HS grads qualify for 2015 DOST scholarship

DTI DavNor trains CARP beneficiaries on food safety

Bangsamoro bill provides continuity of Mindanao peace deals, authors assure

MisOcc volunteer-based organization focal persons confab set this June

21

23

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

By: By: Mary Grace Tambis

19

Butuan villagers join Brigada EskwelaBy Marie Angela A. Conde

Tech4ED gains support of Lanao Norte towns

ARMM

26

28 NFA guarantees no rice shortage in ARMM By Bureau of Public Information

25 Free cleft palate operation set on Independence DayBy Joey Sem. G. Dalumpines

29ARMM-wide caravan on youth empowerment set this June

WESTERN

1516 “We will resolve the crisis

soon,” says Pagadian mayorBy Gideon C. Corgue

4 June 8, 2015One Mindanao

11 Caraga schools now have DOST’sTARBOOKS

A globally recognized digital science library developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), is now being used as a handy research tool for students at 11 high schools in Eastern Mindanao.

By: S&T Media Service

Cover Story

5June 8, 2015 One Mindanao

11 Caraga schools now have DOST’sTARBOOKS

Recently, DOST-STII launched STARBOOKS or Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations in the said sites during the Butuan City, Caraga Region stop of the Department’s national roadshow dubbed Science Nation: Agham na Ramdam.

STARBOOKS is a user-friendly digital library of science and technology (S&T) information which may be accessed without Internet connection. It is the first science digital library in the Philippines, c o n t a i n i n g

Cover Story


thousands of S&T resources in various formats - text and audio/ video - placed in especially designed pods set in a user-friendly interface.

STARBOOKS is one of five projects worldwide recently chosen by the American Library Association (ALA) to receive the 2015 ALA Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects on June 29, 2015 in San Francisco, USA.

The 11 Caraga schools now installed with STARBOOKS are Agusan National High School and AMA Computer Learning Center in the city; Mainit National High School in Mainit, Surigao del Norte; Jabonga Central Elementary School, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte; Burgos National High School, Burgos, Siargao, Surigao del Norte; Tag-abaca National High School and Loreto National High School in Basilisa and Loreto, Dinagat Islands respectively; Jacinto P.

Elpa National High School and Lingig National High School in Tandag City and Lingig, Surigao

del Sur; Esperanza National High School and Bayugan National Comprehensive High School in Esperanza and Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

“ALA, if you would ask me, is among the most influential academic bodies,” said DOST assistant secretary Raymund E. Liboro during the launch, “so for those who have STARBOOKS in their school library, you are getting a world-class product.”

Also present during the


launch were other key officials of DOST led by undersecretary for regional operations Carol M. Yorobe and and DOST Caraga regional director Dominga D. Mallonga.

Science Nation: Agham na Ramdam is a continuing roadshow that showcases DOST’s achievements and contributions in the region’s economic growth

through various scientific and technological interventions. The launching of STARBOOKS was one of several activities during the event. STARBOOKS will also be featured during DOST’s National Science and Technology Week slated from July 24-28, 2015 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.


PH ranking improves in Rule of Law Index 2015

MANILA -- The Philippines ranking in the Rule of Law Index 2015 has improved, the Palace said on Sunday.

“We note the recently published 2015 Rule of Law Index by the World Justice

Project where the Philippines was ranked 51st among 102 countries. This is a significant


improvement of nine spots from our ranking of 60 in 2014,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. This year’s report shows that the Philippines is the most improved country among ASEAN member states ranking 9th among 15 countries in East Asia and the Pacific for 2015.

According to Coloma, American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative Director Elizabeth Andersen pointed out that the Philippines is one of three countries considered as rule of law “success stories.”

“Ms. Andersen mentioned about improvements by the Philippine government, such as ‘judicial and policy reforms

including the Department of Justice’s court automation initiative and efforts by the government to remove the country from the Intellectual Property Watch List,’” said Coloma.

“The Aquino administration will persevere in its efforts to pursue reforms in government and will continue to work to make such reforms sustainable and permanent,” he added.

The Washington, D. C.-based, World Justice Project is an independent, multidisciplinary organization working to advance the rule of law around the world. It was founded in 2006 through the initiative of the American Bar Association. (PCOO/PND (ag)


Palace welcomes China’s statement on having a peaceful solution to the West Philippine Sea row

MANILA -- Malacañang on Sunday welcomes China’s statement “they would not seek any military solution to the territorial disputes” in the West Philippines Sea (WPS).


“Ikinalulugod natin ang mga pahayag na tulad niyan at sang-ayon din po tayo doon sa proposisyon na hindi dapat gumamit ng anumang military solution. At inaayunan din po natin ‘yung kanilang pahayag na ang apatnapung taong pakikipag-ugnayan sa pagitan ng China at ng Pilipinas ay peaceful, friendly at cooperative,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma said that since the maritime dispute in the WPS involves other countries it will not be as simple as solving the issue bilaterally.

“Marami pong bansa, usually po ay more than two sa bawat pinagtatalunang lugar diyan o features o maritime entitlements diyan sa West

Philippine Sea. Kaya po iyon po ang ating posisyon. Hindi po ganoon kasimple,” said Coloma.

Zhao Jianhua, China’s ambassador to Manila, last Friday said, “We want the Philippines to return to the negotiating table,” and added that China has no precondition to the resumption of the talk.

On March last year, the Philippines has filed a memorial before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) against China regarding its reclamation activities in the WPS.

Other claimants of land features located at the disputed maritime area are Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. (PCOO/PND)


MANILA -- Authors of the substitute bill of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the House of Representatives have assured Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., chair of the Senate committee tackling the Bangsamoro bil in the Senate, that the House ad hoc committee conducted due diligence to ensure that the bill currently being deliberated on the plenary of the Lower House is constitutional and responsive to the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.

Bangsamoro bill provides continuity of Mindanao peace deals, authors assure


“Senator Marcos asked me if the BBL would be accepted by the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front). I told him yes because there would be no MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) without the MNLF. Even if they are not united now, they will have to unite because they are fighting for the same history, the same people, and the same region,” said Sulu 1st district Rep. and Ad hoc Committee vice chair Tupay Loong during a media forum. Loong was joined by Cagayan de Oro 2nd district Rep. and Ad hoc Committee Chair Rufus Rodriguez and Basilan Rep and Ad Hoc Committee Vice Chair Jim Hataman-Salliman.

The Philippine government is in the middle of a tripartite review on the 1996 Final Peace Agreement forged with the MNLF as brokered by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

It would be remembered that OIC Secretary General Iyad bin Amin Madani activated the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) to help converge the separate but parallel peace processes with the MNLF and the MILF.

“I think most of the questions of our colleagues in the House revolve around the opt-in clause,” said Rodriguez.

“The contiguity is by land, and never by sea. To those expressing reservations because they are adjacent to a local government unit which is adjacent to the proposed Bangsamoro region, I think that’s far-fetch speculation and that their fears are groundless.”

The ad hoc committee reworded the opt-in clause in the original BBL to ensure that the only areas that could opt-in were those contiguous and mentioned in the 1976 Tripoli Agreement. “That leaves us with only three provinces that are eligible for the opt-in provision: North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Lanao del Norte.” The substitute bill also provided only two chances to join the Bangsamoro, on the fifth and tenth year after the enactment of the law.

On passing the BLBAR next week

Loong appealed to his


fellow lawmakers in the House as well as the Senate to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law because it is the country’s only opportunity for peace and development. “We are not asking for sovereignty. We are merely asking for the return of some of our rights such as self-determination and genuine autonomy. Please look into the BBL seriously because this bill provides this country with the opportunity of finally becoming one nation.”

“The ad hoc committee, through the amendments it introduced, was able to protect the integrity of the Philippines by ensuring social justice to all

Filipinos and adhering to the 1987 Philippine Constitution. We are doing this now not because of political pressure, but because we can no longer make peace in Mindanao wait, added Hataman-Salliman.

Rodriguez said that the Bangsamoro initiative of the current administration now lies in the hands of Congress, “I hope Senate sees the importance of the passage of the BLBAR as it is positioned to bring complete security and stability not only in Mindanao, but for the whole country.(PPMB)

Local bikers, business group conduct outreach program in Sibugay By Rhea Grace La Plana

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Ipil Cycling Enthusiasts (ICE) and Ipil Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (IFCCC) spearheaded a community outreach program recently in Sitio Puting Bato, Maasin in Zamboanga Sibugay.

According to Mr.Clave Carl Aenlle, a registered nurse working at the Provincial Health Office and a cycling enthusiast, ICE and IFCCC are geared towards helping others especially the less-privileged families. These two community-oriented organizations went all the way to reach out to the needy in far-flung areas with their bikes and cars through mountainous trails and rocky roads to reach Sitio Puting Bato.


“We will resolve the crisis soon,” says Pagadian mayorBy Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – The city chief executive expressed hope that the city government will be able to resolve the crisis soon. Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones said the massive fire that broke

out on June 1 in barangays San Pedro and Santiago, respectively

They distributed school supplies such as plastic bags, envelops, crayons, pencils and hygiene kits with toothpaste, toothbrush, comb and soap to 40 schoolchildren which was gladly received with warm smiles and happy faces. Free haircut was also given to the kids who were eager to have a new look on the opening of classes. Parents and local folks in

Maasin expressed their gratitude to ICE and IFCCC members for the services and supplies that their children received and for sharing their precious time. ICE and IFCCC are geared towards charity programs and volunteerism with members who are willing to share their time and resources to contribute something good in the community in the spirit of social responsibility.


left 2 dead, 7,000 homeless, and an estimated property loss of P20 million.

In a recent press conference, he said with the interventions of the Crisis Management Committee, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), this crisis would be resolved soon.

The city government gave an initial financial assistance of P1,500 for each family, conducted feeding program and provided relief goods to all fire victims.

Mayor Pulmones said he has

also dispatched a technical team to conduct survey and assessment in the area and to help private lot owners rebuild their houses, as well as provide relocation site for the rest of the fire victims at the soonest.

He said during the tragic fire, victims were immediately brought to the different evacuation centers.

“During the unfortunate incident, the city government immediately brought the victims to the city gymnasium, fish port, covered court in barangay Kawit, San Pedro Elementary School, and at the Pagadian City covered court for their safety,” he added.


“Atong giawhag ang mga katawhan nga motabang pag-ampo sa kahitas-an nga ang mga nasunugan maka-recover sa dakong kadaut nga gidulot sa dakong sunog nga unang nahitabo sa kasaysayan sa dakbayan,” Pulmones urged.

(I am appealing to the public to help pray to the Almighty Father that the fire victims can recover from the damage brought by the huge fire, the first ever that happened in the history of

the city.)

“I also call upon generous and kind-hearted people to help the victims who have lost everything,” Pulmones added.

He said those who want to help can send relief goods, food, water, canned goods, and other basic necessities to the CSWDO at City Hall complex so that their donations will be properly acknowledged.

MOSCAT hosts tour for agriculture appreciation

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - In the aim to further raise awareness and appreciation of the agriculture education and technology, the Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM) Northern Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro Media held a study visit at Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT) last 2 June 2015.

by Gennerah Enterina

The activity was an opportunity of the participants to learn about MOSCAT’s promotion of research, advanced studies and progressive leadership in various disciplines and areas of specialization such as in Dairy management and mushroom growing. MOSCAT President, Dr. Rosalito A. Quirino,


MisOcc volunteer-based organization focal persons confab set this June

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has released the final schedule of the training of “Kalihokang Alerto sa Misamis Occidental (KAMO)” Focal Persons, within this month of June.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob

A volunteer-based organization, KAMO stations will be established, from the provincial down to the barangay level of the different cities

and towns of Mis. Occ., Gain Paul De Barras, PDRRM Officer, said. De Barras said KAMO’s primary task is to assist the government in

toured the participants around the school premises and introduced their facilities where MOSCAT students are trained. He also showed the on-going construction of the soon-to-be Dairy Farm Academy, facilities in the Admin building and mushroom farm among others. The dairy farm training in MOSCAT is the most preferred by New Zealand employers. In fact, MOSCAT is recipient of the New Zealand’s funding to strengthen and boost dairy industry in the country. Meanwhile, MOSCAT has a mushroom production project which has P2.5 million worth of modern equipment imported from Korea. Dr. Quirino showed the participants how organic mushrooms are processed. The mushrooms’

growing process starts from grinding of saw dust, wrapping, storing in sterilizer chamber, mushroom planting and incubation, then lastly, mushroom are left inside the growing house to grow for human consumption. MOSCAT offers courses that center on agriculture: Bachelor in Agricultural Technology, Bachelor of Technology in Horticulture Management, BS in Agro-Forestry and BS in Agriculture, major in Animal Science, Crop Science and Entrepreneurship. MOSCAT also offers Certificate courses like Diary Farm Assistant (6 months), Diploma for Dairy Farm Manager (2 years), Certificate for Dairy Herd Manager (1 year) and Diploma in Agricultural Technology. The tour capped off with a press conference with RAGCOM and media.


disaster preparedness activities, implementation of a provincial unified alert system and other tasks which contribute to the safety of all the “Misamisnons.” A multi-sectoral organization, KAMO consists of alert groups from local government units, and national government and non-government agencies, whose purpose is to provide a systematic, updated, well-timed, and accurate information to all Misamisnons in case of emergencies and disasters. Anchored on the “GO! HERMIE” Program of Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, KAMO also helps to strengthen all the local DRRMC operation centers and coordinates all stakeholders, De Barras said.

Its members include amateur radio clubs, media, mountaineers, cooperatives, fire volunteers, scuba divers, and medical professionals/doctors, among others. Meanwhile, De Barras said the schedule of the trainings in the LGU’s is as follows: June 2, Tudela and Sinacaban; June 5, Don Victoriano; June 8, Clarin; June 9, Ozamiz City; June 10, Tangub City; and June 11, Bonifacio. June 16, Sapang Dalaga; June 17, Calamba; June 18, Baliangao; June 19, Aloran and Panaon; June 23, Lopez-Jaena; June 24, Plaridel; June 25, Oroquieta City; and June 26, Concepcion.

Tech4ED gains support of Lanao Norte townsCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Science and Technology – Information and Communications Technology (DOST-ICT) Office’s maiden project offering has started to gain traction in this part of Northern Mindanao. Provincial Team Leads and Technology for Educational, Employment, Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (Tech4ED) personnel of the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office-Field Operations Office

Mindanao Cluster 2 (DOST ICT Office-FOO MC2) together with the newly-installed Director II of FOO-MC2, Dir. Evamay C. Dela Rosa, visited the municipalities of Kapatagan and Bacolod of Lanao del Norte Province from 20-22 May 2015 to give a briefing on the Tech4ED Project.


Tech4ED (Technology for Educational, Employment, Entrepreneurial and Economic Development), under the eSociety Division of ICT Office, is geared towards providing access points for the unserved and the marginalized sector in the 42,000 barangays in the country. Practically, it means that the goal of each Tech4ED center in a barangay is to enable people to upgrade their digital literacy, increase their knowledge and skill sets for employment, access health professionals for proper healthcare, start a source of livelihood, improve production, become entrepreneurs, and communicate with family members (OFWs). A courtesy call to the local government unit (LGU) of Lanao del Norte was made in the morning of May 20, 2015. Vice-Governor Ma. Cristina N. Atay welcomed the group in behalf of Gov. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo and expressed her full support to the Tech4ED project. Later in the afternoon, Dir. Dela Rosa and the rest of the ICT Office personnel made a courtesy call to Kapatagan town Mayor Benjie Y. Baguio. The mayor likewise gave his full support to the project after hearing the discussion pertaining to the Tech4ED. The following day, May 21, the “Rural ICT MultiStakeholders Forum” started around 9:00 a.m. at Kapatagan. Issues pertaining to

internet connectivity, availment of the content materials from the project, and the establishment of Tech4ED centers in nearby areas were among the issues raised and discussed during the open forum. The afternoon of the same day was spent in visiting the three barangays of Kapatagan, namely, Butadon, Tagitik, and Poblacion. These three barangays were committed by mayor Baguio to be installed with the Tech4ED centers. For Barangays Butadon and Tagitik, the center shall be located at their respective high schools. For Barangay Poblacion, one of the buildings owned by the LGU of Kapatagan shall be the site of the Tech4ED center. Mayor Baguio also added that they are planning to officially launch the Tech4ED centers in Kapatagan during the “Araw ng Kapatagan” on 8 July 2015. On May 22, 2015, the ICT Office personnel schools (with existing PCs) shall be tapped as alternative venues. The three-day visit to the two municipalities was a success, thanks in part to the initiatives of Sanggunina Bayan Member Jhonny Paul H. Lagura, of Kapatagan and the Committee Chairman for Information and Communications Technology. (DOST-ICTO)

City Health urges public to get free OL Traps

DAVAO CITY- The City Health Office is urging the public to get free OL Traps which will be distributed at the main health centers here in Davao City. OL (Ovicidal/Larvi-cidal) Traps is a dengue-controlling contraption developed by the De-partment of Science and

Technology and dis-tributed by the De-partment of Health. The OL Trap Kit that will be given to the public includes 4 containers, 4 la-wanit strips (similar to an ice drop stick) and a sachet of lar-vicide which will last up to four months. The scent of the lar-vicide solution will attract dengue-car-rying Aedes mos-quitoes to lay eggs in the lawanit. Once the eggs hatched, the larva is killed by the solution placed in the container. Elizabeth Ban-

zon of the City Health Of-fice Tropical Disease Con-trol chief said that the OL Trap kit costs around P400 but is given for free as part of the dengue con-trol program of the city. Banzon said the containers can be strate-gically placed in parts of the house where mosqui-toes breed. The solutions

By Rudolph G. Alama


Davao del Norte- To be able to compete in the ASEAN market, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao del Norte Field Office trained recently at their function hall two beneficiary-groups of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) on Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices. Sixteen members of the Rural Improvement Clubs of Brgy. Bala-gunan, Sto. Tomas and Brgy. Kip-alili, San Isidro, who are DTI-funded CARP beneficiaries, participated in the training. Said clubs produce ba-nana chips and processed cacao beans respectively. Judecia Ponio, DTI Davao del Norte information officer, said that their office initiated the program to assist the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), who are in the food business, to acquire registration from the Food and Drugs Administra-

tion (FDA). “We aim that they may acquire FDA registration soon, which is the basic requirement for their products to go mainstream and we also hope that they will get HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), because some companies in the ASEAN market needs this registra-tion,” Ponio added. The training was conducted in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Re-gion XI and the Davao Food Safety Team, Inc. The topics included food safety hazard, personal hygiene, control of raw materials, cross contamination and pest control.

DTI DavNor trains CARP beneficiaries on food safety

can last for a month before the con-tainer is cleaned and replenished. Meanwhile records from the CHO reveal that as of May this year there are about 1,140 cases of den-gue recorded in the city. In the same period last year there were about 1,960 cases. About two recorded cases of dengue-related deaths oc-curred this year (January to May) last year in the same period the CHO

recorded 36 deaths. Banzon credits the reduction to a sustained awareness campaign with the help of the local media and the participation of concerned citizens particularly in its clean-up drives.

By Michael Uy


By Michael Uy

DAVAO CITY-A free cleft pal-ate operation will be conducted from June 12 to 20, 2015 at the Brokenshire Hospital.

1Lt. Isis Achanzar-Gabasa,

public affairs officer of the Task

Force Davao said the operation

will be conducted by doctors and

nurses who belong to the Smiles

Philippines Foundation Incorpo-

rated.

She said patients are re-

quired pre-screening from their

respective barangay health cen-

ters where their vital statistics

will be taken and accounted for.

Achanzar-Gabasa said the

families of patients must take

into consideration that they are

members of the Philippine Health

Insurance Corporation or the

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Pro-

gram of the Department of So-

cial Welfare and Development.

She said the family must

also assign at least one watch-

er per patient who need familial

care after the operation.

“Let us take this opportunity

of a lifetime,” Achanzar-Gabasa

said.

She said interested fami-

lies may submit the names of

the patients before June 6 for

consolidation at the Task Force

Davao through telephone num-

ber 224-0911 or the cellular

phone numbers 09283760672

or 09165801575 or any military

units nearby your area.

Free cleft palate operation set on Indepen-dence Day By Joey Sem. G. Dalumpines


ARMM passes good governance tests

For the first time in the region’s history, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has passed the national government’s Good Governance Conditions (GGC) reflecting a revitalized and

reformed autonomous region.

Laisa Alamia, ARMM executive secretary, said passing the GCC under the Results-Based Performance Management System is proof that the reforms in the ARMM are working. “We have the autonomous region that was touted to be a failed

experiment, additional to that is the people’s hopeless mindset of its progressive change. But with this perfect compliance with the six GGC criteria, it shows our reforms work,” Alamia said. The Results-Based Performance


Management System monitors the performance of government agencies, in line with the Aquino administration’s commitment to good governance by encouraging exemplary performance and effective service delivery to the people. The six criteria under the GGC are Performance-Based Bonus Targets, Transparency Seal, Philippine General Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) Posting, Liquidation of All Cash Advances, Citizen’s Charter, and Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). Despite the challenges of complying with the requirements because of ARMM’s unique government structure, Alamia said the regional government managed to pass the conditions because of the hard work of the region’s officials and employees. Alamia added that the efforts for the ARMM’s success started with the leadership of Governor Mujiv Hataman even when he was still an officer-in-charge governor on December 2011. Hataman was later elected as governor on May 2013. “When Hataman came in as an OIC Governor, a series of assessments about the region’s problems and issues were conducted. When he was elected, development plans like the Regional Development Plan (RDP) and the three-year Strategic Convergence Plan for 2013-2015 that serve as a transition plan for the Bangsamoro were drafted,” Alamia said. She said hands-on management of ARMM’s different line agencies was conducted and they were directed to stick with their plans and targets for the Performance-Based Bonus Targets.

“We have strengthened our database management system for all ARMM line agencies, and the monitoring and evaluation of our projects and programsas well as required all agencies to create websites and post their financial transactions and budget expenses beginning 2012 for the Transparency Seal that would signify the message of open governance,” Alamia further said. In addition, all agencies of ARMM are registered in the PhilGEPS, which requires the agencies to post public procurements in the PhilGEPS website as a government’s tool for procurement reforms and transparency. Offices in the region have also complied with the Citizen’s Charter – a government’s tool to present systematic commitment to the people. “Once we transition to the Bangsamoro, we will be turning-over a government that has leveled-up when it comes to good governance,” Alamia said. According to her, the professionalism of officials and employees of the region brought about by good governance compliance will be a challenge for the Bangsamoro. “It’s either the Bangsamoro government will maintain or exceed the level of professionalism of the present bureaucracy,” Alamia said Having passed the GGC, the ARMM is 100% ready for the transition to the Bangsamoro. This compliance is first in the 25-year history of ARMM (Bureau of Public Information/APB/PIA-10)


NFA guarantees no rice shortage in ARMMMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The National Food Authority in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (NFA-ARMM) assured the public there would be no rice shortage despite adverse weather conditions that hit the region’s rice and corn areas.

Pangalian B. Busran, regional manager of NFA-ARMM said this would mean that the region will have a stable supply and prices of rice both farm and consumer levels in the near term. He said the NFA is ready for the onset of the lean season for rice, which is from June to September. The grains agency also issued a guarantee that there would be enough and ready supply of the prime staple even during natural and man-made calamities. “We supervise our supply and retail prices in the market and rice dealers selling NFA rice,” Busran said. The region has a current total

industry inventory of 118,000 bags of rice for the five provinces in the region. The agency is selling rice at P27 per kilo for 25% broken grain and P32 per kilo for 15% broken grain through roughly a thousand registered NFA outlets across the region. Busran said the NFA will file charges against traders who would be engaged in unfair business practices.

Iskak Paguital, chief of staff of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries-ARMM, said the department is expecting to procure a total of 214,348 metric tons of palay for the second quarter of the year. Paguital said the DAF-ARMM distributed P1.8 million worth of farm machineries to pre-identified farmer cooperatives in Maguindanao, as well as hybrid palay seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to 2,461 farmers. The Agriculture department also distributed recently 1,500 kilos of seaweeds to five fisheries cooperatives. (Bureau of Public Information)


ARMM-wide caravan on youth empowerment set this JuneMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - More than a thousand youth leaders in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are expected to join in a region-wide caravan this month meant to promote youth empowerment and advance their involvement on various social issues.

The youth caravan, which carries the theme “Kabataan, Now Na,” is organized by the Health Organization of Mindanao (HOM) in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The ARMM government is supporting the activity through its different regional line agencies. According to HOM, the caravan “aims to reach 10,000 adolescent and youth (both in-school and out-of-school) through fun and creative exercise” that will help participants “have a common understating on social issues, create a common voice in co-owning their role today, and contribute to a bigger vision of creating a better society for all.” The youth caravan is scheduled on June 10 in Lamitan, Basilan; June 12 in Jolo, Sulu, June 14 in Bonggao, Tawi-Tawi; June 16 in Marawi City; and June 18 in Buluan, Maguindanao. It will feature various interactive and educational booths. Participating government agencies will impart respective advocacies centered on youth development through interactive discussions, distribution of information and education campaign (IEC) materials and scholarship grants.

The caravan will also mark the culmination of the first phase of the Creating Connection Project supported by UNICEF. HOM Executive Director Selahuddin Yu Hashim said the caravan will encourage youths to develop a positive change in their outlook and empower them with sound and life-changing principles. “It is imperative that our youth be equipped with essential, timely and accurate information about their role as responsible citizen of the country or simply as valuable peace builder, leader, and humanitarian, actor in their own ways,” he said. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)


2015 Oplan Balik Eskwela kicks off in Butuan City

BUTUAN CITY -- The Division of Butuan City recently joined the whole nation in the conduct of the 2015 Oplan Balik Eskwela with the highlight of the Inter-Agency Convergence Meeting on May 29, 2015 at Roldan’s Eat All You Can Convention Hall here.

Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong


The said convergence was presided by the no less than the schools division superintendent Arsenio Cornites Jr. and was graced by the participating agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC), Radyo ng Bayan and the City Councilor Ramon P. Carampatana.

The said activity aims to facilitate comprehensive dissemination and discussion on the details of the Oplan Balik Eskwela.

In a larger sense, Oplan Balik Eskwela was cascaded to all public elementary and secondary schools as its implementing arms to make the necessary preparations for the opening of classes.

In line with this, Bit-os

Elementary School has activated the said endeavor in all grade levels concern making it sure that all pupils are already enrolled and are able to attend the first day of classes on June 1.

Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) Action Center was very visible in the school that will cater immediate concerns of parents and pupils most specially those who are transferred in as well and facilitate them on what to do and what they need to know on K to 12 as part the school’s advocacy campaign.

In addition, the “No Collection Policy” was given emphasis by the school admnistration which means that parents and pupils need not to worry on school fees for they are made to know that no single amount will be collected and paid for all other fees.

It is indeed very essential for anyone especially the classroom teachers to be open in all possibilities in order for them not to be taken by surprise if ever there are monitoring teams


to visit the school anytime.

This is in line with the Oplan Balik Eskwela which aims to address the problems commonly encountered at the start of

the school year to ensure that pupils/students are already properly enrolled and able to attend school by the first day of classes.

148 HS grads qualify for 2015 DOST scholarship By: Mary Grace Tambis

BUTUAN CITY -- A total of 148 graduating students from Caraga have qualified for the 2015 Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) undergraduate scholarship.

According to DOST Caraga scholarship coordinator Meriam B. Bouquia, 1,227 graduating high school students from different private and public institutions regionwide applied and took

the challenge of the qualifying examination last September 26, 2014 and only 12.06 percent of them surpassed. Said result was posted by SEI on March 8, 2015 wherein


30 passers came from Agusan del Norte (ADN), 39 from Agusan del Sur (ADS), 36 from Surigao del Norte (SDN), 34 from Surigao del Sur (SDS), and 9 from the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI). They shall enroll to courses under engineering, natural, physical, and applied sciences based on the priority courses enumerated by the scholarship program. Moreover, such grant is allowed only in universities and other higher education institutions which are recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to be centers of excellence or centers of development. This allows them to pursue their desired fields in science in leading institutions countrywide. Scholars are now entitled to receive an increased amount of monthly stipend and other allowances starting academic year 2015-2016. Students who will be taking up Physics, Geology,

Mining Engineering, Agriculture, and Fisheries will be given a P6,000.00 monthly stipend while those who will enroll in other priority courses are entitled to P5,000.00 monthly. The program will also provide P1,000.00 book allowance per academic year, P10,000.00 tuition fee subsidy per semester, and P1,000.00 MS/PE clothing allowance. In return, they are expected to maintain high scholastic grades, based on DOST standards, and moral behaviors so as to continually enjoy the benefits offered by the program. The said DOST scholarship provides students the opportunity to become key players in the country’s development and will help in creating science and technology-based solutions to contribute to the country’s economic growth.


This year, it ran from May 18 to 23 under the theme “Tayo para sa Kalinisan, Kaligtasan, at Kahandaan ng Ating mga Paaralan (Stand for the Cleanliness, Safety, and Preparedness of our Schools).” “Our vision is transforming lives. And I feel together with my councilmen that the best way to transform lives is through our advocacy which is education. That is why, I as a father of this community is active in activities relating to education,” said Florida brgy.

captain Danilo E. Tuso during the Brigada Eskwela’s opening program. Through the initiative of Ma. Aurora A. Ecoben, the school principal, several private partners such as One Network Bank and Eastwest Bank are given the opportunity to contribute resources for the effort. Local government units and community members provide manpower and volunteer services during this week-long activity.

BUTUAN CITY – Stakeholders from Mariana L. Pineda Elementary School in Barangay Florida continue its support to the government-initiated “Brigada Eskwela” by repainting walls and blackboards, cleaning windows and doors, or repairing fences to the annual “school maintenance week” project.

By Marie Angela A. CondeButuan villagers join Brigada Eskwela

one mindanao - june 8, 2015

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