one mindanao - march 11, 2012

Cover Story

Regional Police 13 fetes “21st PNP Foundation Day”

Noel B. NajarroCaraga Region

Today’s issue...Sunday, March. 11, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 210

page 4

Korean firm to invest in AgnorJay Vincent Demain, Caraga Region

One Stop Resource Center for youth and migrants launch, receives over-whelming support13Ritchel Molero, Caraga Region

LGU officials urged to enroll short-term courses on legislation, governance 17 Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao

OWWA holds psychosocial counseling for Sendong-affected OFWs21Nestor B. Flores Jr., Northern Mindanao

Japan and Phl’s vulnerability to natural disasters underscores importance of disaster readiness and response programs 9

DAR holds web-based legal case monitoring system seminar in Zam PenAdolfo Lopez, Jr., Western Mindanao

DENR, DILG intensify National Greening Program in NorMin 22Northern Mindanao

12

Mindanao Development Authority asks Congress to discuss Mindanao power issue27Central Mindanao

Regulasyon at pagbabawal ng paggamit ng cellophane, tinututukan sa Kabacan 29Ac Agad , Central Mindanao

Photo CreditPNP Caraga

7 11 15

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES

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

EDITORIAL BOARD

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’Building,AntonioLunaStreetCagayandeOroCity9000TelefaxNo.(08822)72-66-83Telephoneno.(088)856-8178/729-594Cellphoneno.0928-52043050917-3084969E-mail:[email protected][email protected]:www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/FKantoMotorsBldg.,QuimpoBlvd.,NewMatinaDavaoCity8000Telephoneno.(082)297-0991/301-8580Telefaxno.(082)297-0992/304-2044Cellphoneno.0917-7053606/0918-9202950E-mail:[email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.KoronadalCity,SouthCotabato9506Telephoneno.(083)520-0249Telefaxno.(083)228-9736/228-9739/520-0100Cellphoneno.0921-6873373/0928-5204307E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)ViceMayors’LeagueofthePhilippinesBldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephoneno.(085)341-5285/360-1239Telefaxno.(085)341-2370Cellphoneno.0917-7188834Email:[email protected],[email protected],phBlogspot:www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook:PIACaragaUpdates,PIAAgusandelNorte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

20 23 27

4 Sunday, March 11, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

The early morning rain and the threatening thick dark clouds did not

dampen down the festive ambiance as the Police Regional Office 13 feted its “21st PNP Foundation Day” at Camp

Rafael C. Rodriguez , Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City.

Cover Story


by Noel B. Najarro

Sunday, March 11, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5


T h e activities started with a Mass at 6:30 a.m. with PCInsp (Fr.) Marlou N. Labares the PRO 13 regional Chaplain as the celebrant. It was followed with foyer honors an hour later. A wreath-laying rite at the monument of Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez and a 21-gun salute followed, led by Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M.

Amante, Jr. as the guest of honor and speaker of the occasion,

assisted by PRO 13 Regional Director

CSupt. Reynaldo S. Rafal.

Attending the activity were the regional and provincial police dignitaries and personnel. The peak of the celebration was held synchronously with the camp’s traditional Monday flag-raising ceremony highlighted by the recognition and pinning of medals to this year’s celebration awardees. Recipients of this year’s award were the150-strong composite disaster, rescue, retrieval and rehabilitation contingent of the “Task Force Tabang Iligan” which was sent by the police regional office here to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City to assist the residents during the heights of fury and flash floods brought about by Typhoon Sendong on December 2011. The awardees pursuant to General Orders No. 2, dated January 4, 2012 and No. 33 dated January 19, 2012 were pinned the “Medalya Ng Ugnayang Pampulisiya” and “Medalya Ng Pagtulong Sa Nasasalanta” which was awarded to the entire task force and to PSSupt. Eugenio B. Paguirigan, who led the contingent. The awards, Rafal said, are in


l i n e with the CPNP’s policy and ten-point program, part of which is to award the deserving and to duly

sanction the non-performers. In his message, Mayor

Amante congratulated the regional PNP and

c o m m e n d e d t h e m

for their accomplishments and for keeping the city as well as the region peaceful and orderly. He reminded the police force be true always to their vision statement. He pointed out though that act of protecting life and property against bad elements is an obligation which must be shared by every citizen. He said that the LGU cannot do it by itself. The citizenry and the police must also do their share.


ACROSS THE NATIONOchoa cites perseverance of Japanese people as Japan commemorates 2011 earthquake

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. cited the Japanese peoples’ perseverance, resolve and dignity as they struggled to rise above the tragedy wrought by the magnitude 9.1 earthquake, and accompanying tsunami,

that struck their country a year ago today.

In his speech commemorating the first year anniversary of what is now called the Great East Japan Earthquake 2011 held

at the University of the Philippines campus in Quezon City on Sunday, O c h o a recalled a

Japanese proverb that aptly describes the indomitable Japanese spirit: “keizoku wa chikara nari.”

“Literally translated,

8 Sunday, March 11, 2012ONE MINDANAO

this phrase means “perseverance is strength;” and this tragedy has taught us and those in international community that the Japanese are a strong people whose capacity to persevere and triumph over adversity serves as an inspiration to us Filipinos who, like our Japanese friends, live in areas that are particularly prone to devastation from severe weather events and geological hazards,” Ochoa said.

“One can only admire the dignity in which the Japanese people conducted themselves

in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake, and marvel at the selflessness of Japanese citizens who were willing to sacrifice their own lives to contribute to efforts to restore control over Fukushima Daiichi, as well as efforts to contain radiation releases in areas badly hit by the earthquake,” he added.

Ochoa also reiterated the Philippine government’s pledge to extend any form of assistance to the Japanese people as they continue their quest to rebuild their country.

“On

behalf of the President, I wish Japan success as it undertakes the reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected areas. We continue to be in solidarity with Japan as it undertakes relief, reconstruction, and rebuilding,” he said.

“I likewise reiterate President Aquino’s pledge of our readiness to extend assistance to Japan, a pledge made by the President during his official visit to Japan, where it is hoped that the funds he donated on behalf of our government to Ishinomaki City contributed in helping the local government reconstruct government and public facilities in that area,” he said.

Ochoa was joined by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, UP President Alfredo Pascual and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe. (RCK)


Ochoa made the statement in his speech keynoting the commemoration of the first year of the magnitude 9.1 earthquake that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.

“The March 11

earthquake and tsunami in Japan and Typhoon Sendong in our country underscore the particular vulnerability of our two

countries, and stress the importance of disaster readiness and response programs to address such vulnerabilities,” Ochoa said.

He thanked the Japanese government for working with

Japan and Phl’s vulnerability to natural disasters underscores importance of disaster readiness and response programs

The vulnerability of Japan and the Philippines to the onslaught of severe weather disturbances underscore the importance of always being prepared and having quick response programs in place in order to minimize human casualties and property

damage, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. said on Sunday.


the Philippine government, through its overseas development assistance (ODA), to address these vulnerabilities “to improve our disaster prevention and response capabilities.”

The Executive Secretary said that through the Japanese ODA, the country has been able to upgrade its radar systems, flood warning systems, emergency shelters, and river channel improvement projects.

“Next month, in fact, we will be inaugurating a new radar station in Virac, Catanduanes that was built from the funding provided by the Japan International

Cooperation Agency,” Ochoa said.

“The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) believes that the completion of this radar station will substantially improve the accuracy of weather forecasts, thus resulting in more timely warnings for our people and helping minimize human casualties and property damage as a result of the severe weather disturbances that constantly batter the country,” he added.

Ochoa commended the Japanese

government for further extending assistance to other countries in the region such as the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“We commend Japan for its support for the establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management and of an ASEAN-wide information-sharing network regarding Disaster Management,” Ochoa said.

“It is hoped that collaborations such as these will help countries such as ourselves replicate the level of disaster response readiness that Japan showed last year,” he said.

“In leading the way to find means to mitigate the effects of the natural disasters that will inevitably plague us, Japan has shown us the best strategy in dealing with natural calamities—and that is to work amongst ourselves to implement programs and projects that will help ensure that natural disasters do not become greater tragedies by needlessly claiming more lives,” Ochoa said. (RCK)


www.piacaraga.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

[email protected][email protected]

Canadian Embassy holds environment forum in Surigao City

Carlo Figueroa, public affairs officer of the Embassy of Canada, said the forum is part of the Embassy’s Corporate Social Responsibility

(CSR) Strategy for the Extractive Sector aimed at supporting the Philippines’ management of its natural resources.

Figueroa said the

forum will be conducted for Caraga-based local government officials and leaders of communities hosting mining projects with a view on achieving an

The Embassy of Canada in Manila, in partnership with the Chamber of Mines of Caraga Region Inc. (CMCRI), will be holding an Environmental Forum on Friday, March 9, 2012 at the Tavern Hotel, this city.


improved understanding of the various environmental laws governing mining; fit between local e n v i r o n m e n t - r e l a t e d ordinances and national and customary laws; and increased involvement in the implementation

of these laws and local ordinances.

Among those who are expected to attend are Mines and Geosciences Bureau-13 Regional Dir. Engr. Alilo Ensomo, Chamber of Mines Vice Pres. for Environment Jay

Nelson, Environmental Management Bureau Division Chief Cesar Siador Jr., Chamber of Mines Caraga Region Inc. Pres. Dulmar Raagas and Embassy of Canada Senior Trade Commissioner Karra-Lee Gerrits.

Korean firm to invest in Agnorby Jay Vincent Demain

BUTUAN CITY -- At least seven municipalities in the province will benefit from a Korean company when its starts operating here in Agusan del Norte.

This is the intent of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that is set to be signed by Governor Erlpe John M. Amante, in behalf of the province,

and the International Agricultural Development Institute (IADI), based in Seoul, Korea.

“Our company is very much interested on cassava, palm oil, and

the processing of wood pellets, which are highly in-demand abroad,” Nam Kyu Park, the Philippine Branch Manager said in a letter sent to the provincial governor.


BUTUAN CITY-- The provincial government of Agusan del Sur, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), launched the Datu Lipus Makapandong Youth Employment and Migrant Center on February 24, 2012.

One Stop Resource Center for youth and migrants launch, receives overwhelming supportby Ritchel Molero

IADI wants to occupy 5,000 – 15,000 hectares of land for a period of 25 years at the LASBUENASCAR area (composed of Las Nieves, Buenavista, and Carmen), inclucing the towns of Tubay, Santiago, Jabonga, and Kitcharao.

Provincial officials are ecstatic over this development since this is a fruition of their efforts over the years in trying to attract investors to pour their investments here.

Since 2010, numerous foreign and local investors have already forged ties with the province. The LASBUENASCAR Agro-Forestry Project area has been their favorite investment spot

because of its vast area and its soil suitability perfect for crops.

The latest of which was in March 2011, when a MOA was signed between the province and a Korean-based firm, Newphilcorn Corporation for the establishment of a yellow corn plantation and processing plant consisting of 1,000-5,000 hectares of land.

Last January of 2011, a ground-breaking ceremony was held for the establishment of a banana plantation by La Agusana Fresh International, Inc., a local investor based in Davao City.

And in 2010, a MOU was inked with Shine Art

Valley, another Korean company for a banana and oil plantation.

The province is expecting a significant turnaround of its economy in the coming years vis-à-vis the surge of employment in the affected areas.

“The memorandum of understanding serves to establish cooperation between the two parties and define their respective roles and responsibilities for the effective and sustainable implementation of the proposed plantation project,” a resolution of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan said.


It received overwhelming support from various government agencies, NGOs, faith-based organizations, youth and migrant organizations, and private sector. The ceremonial cutting of ribbon was spearheaded by Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward G. Plaza and IOM Philippines National Programme Organizer Mr. Ricardo Casco. They were also joined by Department of Labor and Employment Caraga Regional Dir. Ofelia B. Domingo, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Caraga Regional Dir. Marieta A. Lumawag, and Philippine Overseas Employment Agency Caraga Regional Dir. Marieta Bellotindos, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will signify their support in providing social and economic programs

and services for the youth and migrants. P l a z a expressed his heartfelt gratitude to IOM and other s t a k e h o l d e r s for the timely

realization of the One Stop Resource Center. He also took pride for its establishment as it is the first OSRC built in the entire country through local government units and IOM collaboration. Mean while, Ric Casco of IOM warmly all the people who persevered to realize the project, especially the DOLE Province, headed by Naomilyn Abellana and Province’s PESO, headed by Divina Lagumbay. “This turnover goes with the capacity-building investments poured into your service staff and partners who shall help your local government provide an improved employment, training, counseling and migration related services to your constituencies, particularly sensitive to the needs of the youth,” Casco added.

The Datu Lipus Makapandong Youth Employment and Migrant Center will serve as information hub and venue for discussions of issues on youth, employment, migration, psychosocial services and trainings, YEM programs and services. It will also provide economic opportunities by creating and/or expanding livelihoods and community enterprises through investments, job matching and incubation center for micro-enterprise development. The establishment of the Datu Makapandong Youth Employment and Migrant Center was initiated in 2011 by the International Organization for Migration and ATIKHA under the Project “Establishment of One Stop Resource Center” and as a part of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Joint Programme on Youth, Employment and Migration (YEM) Alternatives to Migration: Decent Jobs for Filipino Youth funded by the MDG Achievement Fund.


piazampen.blogspot.comhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-WesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310 [email protected]

Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email

By Rene V. Carbayas

The Provincial Government of Basilan held the first, ever earthquake drill in the province, joining the rest of the country in the National Simultaneous

Earthquake Drill last March 1, 2012.

Basilan holds earthquake drill


Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-Basi lan/Sulu/Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) officer in charge Jenner Pandan said that based on his observation the province is about 80 percent prepared and ready to respond to disasters. “The 80 percent is already high for a first time drill,” because usually in a first time drill, employees do not participate well in this kind of activity. “But we were impressed at the pro-active stand of the provincial government employees to this earthquake drill,” he said. Three reasons why the drill is held according to Pandan. First, the drill are usually conducted on the first quarter of every year. Second, the drill is triggered out of the recent tremor that hit the country, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao. And third, BaSulTa area and the Sulu Sea is very vulnerable to earthquake and tsunami because of the existing Sulu trench and tectonic plates.

“Let us not wait for earthquakes to happen. This drill is also an opportunity to make people aware of the need to prepare for any disaster and our children in Basilan will benefit from this,” he stressed. Designated officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Anwary Akalon expressed his gratitude to the provincial government employees and the different participating agencies. “This is purely public awareness to improve our preparedness and mitigation on the adverse effect of earthquake in our communities,” he said. He added that series of meetings were conducted to prepare for the drill The earthquake drill forms part of the opening salvo of the week-long observance of the 38th Founding Anniversary of Basilan province on March 7. (JPA/RVC/PIA-9 ZBST)


LGU officials urged to enroll short-term courses on legislation, governanceby Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY - To keep the local government officials updated on the latest approaches to legislation and governance, Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has encouraged them to enroll in short-term technical courses offered by the Philippine Councilors League-Legislative Academy (PCL-LA).

DAR holds web-based legal case monitoring system seminar in Zam Pen

Interested elective and appointive officials of the different local government units (LGUs) in the country are qualified to enroll in the program, which will provide them with new knowledge and skills in legislation and governance. It was also learned that these courses are made available starting

calendar year 2012. The LGUs to which they belong would be the one to shoulder their tuition fees for the said training. This training is part of the capability building programs for local government officials as stipulated under the PCL Constitution and By-Laws. (FPG/PIA-ZamboNorte)

By Adolfo Lopez, Jr.

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – To ensure faster resolution and close monitoring of agrarian-related cases, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Office, recently conducted an orientation seminar on web-based Legal Case Monitoring System (LCMS) among Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers (PARO), DAR legal officers and DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB) staff of Region IX at Dakak Park and Beach Resort, Taguilon, Dapitan City.


Participants from Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur attended the seminar headed by PAROs Rizzel Villanueva, Virgilio Alcomendras, and Engr. Raymundo Bernardo of the respective provinces. Legal Assistance Division from the said provinces, paralegal officers, LCMS focal persons, and officers from DARAB were in full force. DAR IX Regional Director Julita Ragandang supported the event along with its officials and employees. Facilitated by the Management Information Service (MIS) of DAR Central Office, the participants were oriented on the use of web-based LCMS and were also asked for suggestions for the improvement of the system. Under LCMS, all agrarian-related cases whether filed at the DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB) or at the Legal Division in all DAR


offices nationwide would be entered into this web-based system for easy monitoring and tracking on the development of these cases. The LCMS will enable DAR officers to track the progress of legal cases pending with the DAR. The said system was pilot-tested in selected regions and provinces and will be fully operational within this year. DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Anthony Parungao graced the event and expressed his optimism for the actual and successful operation of the monitoring system which would be a great help to the department in the speedy resolution of cases affecting land acquisition and distribution and other related cases. USec. Parungao said that the web-based LCMS is just one of

the various reforms and strategies initiated by the DAR Central Office to pick up the pace of land acquisition and distribution in the country. He also mentioned about the web-based DAR Legal Information System (LIS) which was launched last November 2011. This system will enable field personnel, agrarian reform advocates and researchers to access information related to agrarian reform (laws, issuances, court decisions, etc.) through the Internet. Templates for Agrarian Law Implementation (ALI) and cancellation cases were also prepared for DAR lawyers and legal officers to speed up and improve the quality of decisions which were made available by just visiting the DAR website.(JPA/DAR9/ATL/PIA/CAL)


Philippine Army supports peace process in Mindanao by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

The Philippine Army (PA) fully supports the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and hopes for its success to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.

This was expressed by Major General Emmanuel Bautista, commanding general of the PA, during his recent visit to the 103rd Infantry

(Haribon) Brigade. He said the intention is to abandon the armed struggle in Southern Philippines and reach a negotiated political settlement because the people in Mindanao are longing for peace and for development. He added that when internal security issues are finally resolved the army can go back to its traditional role of preparing for the defense of the country against external threats.

Bautista arrived in Kampo Ranao on Tuesday to personally check the conditions of the Haribon troopers and find out how they can be supported in


Philippine Army supports peace process in Mindanao by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

OWWA holds psychosocial counseling for Sendong-affected OFWsby Nestor B. Flores Jr.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - As part of the psychosocial intervention for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) initiated the conduct of stress debriefing seminars for members of the Iligan Overseas Workers Association.

The group-beneficiary is an OFW family circle organized by OWWA in Hinaplanon, Iligan City, one of the areas hardest hit by typhoon Sendong. It has an active membership of 50 OFW families, many of whom went through harrowing e x p e r i e n c e s when floodwaters swamped their homes towards midnight of December 16, 2011. Two separate counseling sessions for 24 adults and 15 children were held simultaneously on Feb. 25, at the Celadon Inn along Ubaldo Laya Avenue, Iligan City. The session for the adult participants was handled by Dr.

Alma Maranda from the Psychology Department of the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. Meanwhile, 15 children went through a separate activity led by Cristina Lomoljo of Balay Integrated Rehabilitation Center for Human Development Incorporated. The first session will also serve as

pursuit to the campaign on Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP). The IPSP or “Oplan Bayanihan” is the counter-insurgency strategy

that emphasizes winning the peace, not just defeating the enemy, as the primary focus in the conduct of military operations.


basis in the assessment whether there is need for participants to undergo follow-up sessions to help them cope with the effects of the disaster. Psychological intervention is one of the approaches used by OWWA is assisting returning OFWs to effectively

reintegrate into mainstream society, one of the development strategies adopted by the agency in empowering OFWs under its community organizing program, said Director Petrona M. Bergado of OWWA-10. (OWWA)

DENR, DILG intensify National Greening Program in NorMinCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 10, together with the University of the Philippines-Los Baños Project Advisory Group for the National Greening Program (NGP), conducted a barangay-level conference workshop on disaster-mitigation through NGP on March 6.

Participants were barangays along the Cagayan de Oro city river basin and watersheds consisting of 47 barangays, this city and 16 barangays in Baungon town in Bukidnon. Hence, the Department of Interior and Local Government in Northern Mindanao, through Director Nilo P. Castañares, has enjoined all the punong barangays of the identified areas to participate to the said activity in order for them to understand how the NGP can help mitigate the effects of disaster. Further, Director Castañares said the activity provided a deeper understanding of the geo-hazards maps and their use,

among others. President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Executive Order 26, declaring NGP implementation as a government priority program to reduce poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.


The Inland beauty of this is-land city now becomes the

focus of tourism development of the city government while it also sustains its beaches as major tour-ist attractions. In an interview, City Tourism Officer Jennifer Cariaga revealed plans of sprucing up the barangays, creating pathways to the city’s caves and mountain peaks, and developing

a botanical garden to provide tourists with options to go during their visit to Island Garden City of Samal. Aside from the Guinness Book of World Record-known Monfort Bat Cave, part of the city’s tourism development plan is to establish pathways leading to entrances of caves. She said the island city has about 70 caves, and that four of which already have trails. The city can also be a good place to spend mountain climbing especially at its White Peak where the city government is spending efforts on environmental protection activity such as tree planting at the peak’s area. Cariaga also revealed the city’s on-going development of its botanical garden located in Bandera, Kaputian District where the city government is giving each department of the city government a 1,000-square-meter

IGACOS eyes developing more in-land tourism sites by Jean Abangan


to cultivate a particular type of plant or tree. Meanwhile, the plan to spruce up barangays is integrated in the “Barangays in Bloom” project which is part of the “Islang Maanyag” (A Beautiful City) program aimed at projecting the city as a garden city, indeed. “We are encouraging every barangay to make their respective place beautiful,” Cariaga said as she revealed that every barangay will be massively planting a particular type

of flower through which it will be identified. On the other hand, Cariaga was looking forward for people to participate in realizing plans of providing tourists more places to see in the island city other than beaches, and for them to also benefit from the growth of the city’s tourism industry. Along this line, there are plans of training community folks to enter into souvenir-making as an enterprising activity of community folks, she said.

regional gallery

DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo poses with LGU officials of the Compostela Valley province during the 8th Bulawan Festival and 14th founding anni-versary of the province.


MSMEs urged to avail of DOST fundingBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Soccsksargen Region’s Department of Science and Technology (DOST-12) is calling on managers and owners of micro small and medium enterprises to submit proposals for financial and other assistance deemed necessary to boost their enterprises.

In a press statement sent to the Philippine Information Agency on Friday, DOST 12 Regional Director Zenaida P. Hadji Raof-Laidan said the regional office and its provincial science and technology centers are now accepting proposals from MSMEs for funding and assistance under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

SETUP, according to Dr. Laidan, is a flagship program of the agency geared toward assisting MSMEs to adopt technological innovations to improve

their operations and boost their productivity and competitiveness.

DOST helps these MSMEs improve productivity by product


quality improvement, human resources development, cost minimization and waste management, and other operation-related activities.

Support that can be availed from the program include new technologies, manpower training, access to capital ad market, use of product standards and testing facilities, appropriate packaging and product labeling, supply of raw materials, access to information and efficient transport facilities.

MSMEs that may avail of assistance should be involved in the following priority sectors food processing; furniture and Home Furnishings; gifts, holiday decors and fashion accessories; marine and aquatic resources; horticulture; metals and engineering; information and c o m m u n i c a t i o n s technology; and halal, she said.

For more information, interested individuals and group may see the nearest provincial S& T center: Door 4, R&E Bldg., Alim St., Kidapawan City in North Cotabato;

Door 2-A, 2Flr, Mervic N Egrillo Bldg., Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat; Brgy. Hall Compound, Calumpang in General Santos City for Gensan and Sarangani Province; and K/F Avenue Arcade, Alunan Avenue, Koronadal City in South Cotabato.

A staff of North Cotabato S& T Center, explained they have been directed to accept proposal until June this year.

He said, proposals will be submitted to the regional office in Cotabato City for evaluation before approved projects will be submitted to the National Program Management Office (NPMO) for final evaluation and approval.

In 2010, DOST poured P56.9 million as assistance to at least 415 MSMEs.

Laidan said, these resulted in improved productivity of local enterprises and gave jobs to at least 34,380 individuals.

In 2011, DOST 12 endorsed 10proposals to the NPMO. Of these three were approved, namely: Upgrading of Handmade Paper

Production of General Santos City Gardeners Cooperative, Inc., Technology Upgrading of BACAS Production” and “Upgrading of Banana Chips and Dehydrated Fruits of Vmotril Food Products” in South Cotabato.

To further boost competitiveness of local MSMEs for both domestic and foreign markets, DOST 12 launched early this year a program that shall provide consultancy services to MSMEs in agriculture and manufacturing sectors supported by SETUP.

The program, called Consultancy For Agricultural and Manufacturing Improvement (CAMPI), has two components: C o n s u l t a n c y for Agricultural E n h a n c e m e n t Program (CAPE) and the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program(MPEX).

MSMEs, who would avail of these consultancy projects, are assured of attaining higher productivity that will be favorable to their businesses, Dr. Laidan said. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Mindanao Development Authority asks Congress to discuss Mindanao power issueKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato– The Mindanao Development Author-ity (MinDA) expects the Congress to discuss on Tuesday, March 13, issues and possible immediate actions to address rotating brownouts in sev-eral areas of Mindanao due to supply shortages.

According to its press statement, MinDA recently requested the House of Representative, through the Committee on Energy and House Special Committee on Mindanao Affairs to conduct an inquiry into the Mindanao power situation and curtailment scheme implemented by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

“We understand that NGCP’s action prompted distributors (mostly rural electric cooperatives) to implement two to four hours daily brownout,” said Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino, MinDA chairperson.

Antonino cited that South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City (SOCKSARGEN) area, brownouts would sometimes last for 10

hours.Antonino, however,

believed that both the Agus 2 and Pulangi hydropower plants have a combined 65 MW or more untapped capacity that could sustain demand within few yours during peak loads.

She said Agus has an installed capacity of 180 MW but only 90 MW is being transmitted to

the Mindanao grid. On the other hand, Pulangi has an installed capacity of 255 MW but only 180-200 MW is being dispatched.

Antonino said Pulangi’s installed capacity can still be increased if dredging is done to optimize its operation.

Likewise, Agus 2’s output could be further stretched to a level


that will not violate environmental policy on the operation of the plant or a level that will not cause flooding at Balo-i area.

Although it is not yet clear if the 65 MW is the reserved power for Mindanao, Antonino said this can be utilized during peak hours when demand surges.

“Bakit hindi ito ginagamit samantalang ang dami sa ating mga taga-Mindanao ang napeperwisyo dahil sa araw-araw na brownout (Why isn’t it being used when a lot of Mindanawons are suffering from the daily brownout?),” she said.

The congressional inquiry being firmed up in both the House and Senate is hoped to shed light on this issue, according to Antonino.

In January, the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives reported that the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation is withholding the appropriation for the maintenance of Agus and Pulangi because the plants are due for sale

as provided for by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) law.

AMRECO said that this contributed to the poor performance of the hydro plants.

Last year, the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) reported that at least Php3-billion is needed to rehabilitate the hydropower facilities in Mindanao which can contribute to an additional combined power ranging from 100 to 200 MW if realized.

Power generation in Mindanao has been steadily increasing at an average annual growth rate of 4.7% from 2002-2009. In the second quarter of 2010, the average and peaking capabilities of the hydro power plants dropped to 771 MW and 860 MW, respectively, resulting to brownouts reaching 4-6 hours daily in several areas during that period.

Today, Mindanao is again confronted with “red alert” status since the start of the year, with around 80-100 MW deficiency as reported by NGCP.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has

projected that demand for power in Mindanao would increase by an average of 4.6% annually over the next 10 years.

“To meet and sustain this demand, at least 1,000MW new capacities must be installed over the next decade and still another 1,500MW from 2021 to 2030”, said Antonino.

She said that installation of new capacities on a progressive basis is becoming highly imperative.

However, Antonino said that through the years, energy and power infrastructure plans, programs and projects were largely prepared and decided upon in the national capital.

“Hence, strong collaboration of the Mindanao Local Government Units (LGU), private sector and industry stakeholders, emerged immensely crucial in leveraging Mindanao’s reasonable interests”, she said.

Antonino said that under the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan (Mindanao 2020), the island-region’s


peace and development roadmap for 2010-2030, MinDA is working closely with Mindanao power stakeholders, such as AMRECO and the Mindanao Electric Power Alliance (MEPA) to advance the goals of

sustainable development through cost-effective, e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y sound and reliable power generation and distribution in the island-region.

The Mindanao 2020 endeavors to formulate

a Mindanao power and energy development and sustainability plan that sets forth clear policies and strategies that would set the stage for long-term reliability of power in the island-region.

Regulasyon at pagbabawal ng paggamit ng cellophane, tinututukan sa KabacanKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Mahigpit ngayon ang ginagawang pag-babantay ng mga kawani ng Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) ng bayan ng Kabacan sa lalawigan ng Cotabato sa mga es-tablisimyentong patuloy pa ring gumagamit ng cellophane, plastic o styro-foam, subalit walang maayos na pamamaraan sa pagtapon ng kanilang ba-sura.

Binalaan na ni Kabacan MENRO Jerry Laoagan ang tatlong nahuling establisimyento na ipapasara kung magpapatuloy pa rin ang mga ito sa paglabag sa Municipal Ordinance No. 2011-008.

Matapos ang ginawang sorpresang inspeksiyon ng MENRO sa lahat ng mga tindahan sa bayan, tatlong tindahan ang pinatawan ng multang P1,000.

Dalawang beses ng nahuli sa kaparehong paglabag ang mga ito

ayon kay Laogan.Kaugnay nito,

binalaan din ng MENRO ang lahat ng mga establisimento na papatawan ng karampatang parusa ang may-ari ng e s t a b l i s i m e n t o n g patuloy na lalabag sa nasabing ordinansa.

Ang bayan ng Kabacan ang kauna-unahang nagpasa ng batas sa buong Rehiyon Dose na hango sa Republic Act 9003 o ang Ecological Solid Waste Mangement Act of 2000 at ng Republic

Act 7160 o ang Local Government Code of the Philippines.

Ang nasabing ordinansa ay hinggil sa regulation, pagbabawal ng paggamit ng cellophane, plastic o styrofoam at pagkalat ng basurang ito.

Layon din ng nasabing lokal na batas na mapababa ang dami ng basura sa bayan at maiwasan ang pagbara ng mga ito sa mga drainage canal na maaaring maging dahilan ng pagbaha. (ac agad PIA12)

one mindanao - march 11, 2012

Documents

pia caraga region nora

pia caraga region richard

pia caraga region officer

pia region ximanaging

pia caraga regioncopy

pia region x rudolph

caraga regionone

caraga regionlgu officials