one mindanao - march 12, 2014

Habitat for Humanity, LGU-Butuan to build houses for low-income gov’t workers Jennifer P. GaitanoCaraga Region

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 138

Malacañang wants public to exert pressure on elected lawmakers to pass FOI Bill

NATIONAL

7

Page 4

NORTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Camiguin milk feeding program kicks off

Corn farmers enroll in School-on-the-Air program

Disaster Preparedness and Prevention seminar for volunteers set in Surigao City

60 Caraga LGUs get P82M PCF 13

Women’s Day in DavNor to tackle personality dev’t

Zambo studes complete USAID, city-gov’t-sponsored peace journalism training

20 21

12 13

23

26Jeanevive D. Abangan

Dominic I. Sanchez

Susil Ragas & Annette P. Villaces

Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

Jorie C. Valcorza

Information to Empower Filipinos

9 6 11

Vanessa Mae S. Siano

CENTRAL MINDANAO

RPN-DXDX GenSan’s winning duo vie for Boses Tinig Pinoy grand finals 29Catherine T. Apelacio

SouthCot town conducts massive info campaign for Fire Prevention Month 31Shahana Joy Duerme

Habitat for Humanity, LGU-Butuan to build houses for low-income gov’t workers

Page 4

Habitat for Humanity, LGU-Butuan to build houses for low-income gov’t workers

Habitat for Humanity Philippines through Program Manager for Davao and Caraga region Atty.

Abdussabor Sawadjaan Jr, together with Resource Development Manager Dolly Santos-Serranillo and Butuan City government through Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. have agreed to build houses for the low-income government workers which include the public teachers, during its meeting on Wednesday held in one of the convention centers here. “We prefer to have a joint development project on socialized housing with the land owners instead of purchasing a land, to cut down procedures and the cost,” suggested Sawadjaan to the mayor. Sawadjaan added that the Habitat is establishing partnership with real estate developers and financing institutions in building houses for those who do not

have a house but are willing to pay the monthly due. “Habitat provides houses to the Filipino people but only to those who are also willing to pay the monthly amortization. This is to allow us also to help more people by providing them decent houses. That’s the Habitat way,” explained Sawadjaan. Citing the incident in eastern

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

5

Visayas where most of the houses even those cemented ones were destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda, Amante raised that houses to be built for its beneficiaries in the city should really be safe and disaster-resilient. “The low-income government employees and teachers who are also PAGIBIG members will be the first target beneficiaries of this housing project with the Habitat for Humanity Philippines,” said Amante. Sawadjaan also emphasized that another housing project with the poorest of the poor as beneficiaries will follow. “Our next target beneficiaries for a housing project will be the poorest of the poor but are PAGIBIG members who pay the minimum monthly premium,” he remarked.

“As our next step after this meeting, I will be calling a meeting also with the housing board members of Habitat and we will submit proposal for the housing project intended for Butuan City. Later, the Habitat and LGU-Butuan will sign a Memorandum of Agreement with mayor Amante,” bared Sawadjaan. Meanwhile, Engr. Levita Grana, City Housing and Development Office chief discussed with the Habitat officials the areas in the city that best suit for the housing project for the Butuanons. She also discussed the guidelines and procedures on how they will go about it. “Barangays Dumalagan, Mahay, and Pagatpatan are just among of our target areas where we can build houses for the beneficiaries,” she said.

6 MARCH 2014 | PAGE

Malacanang lauds ERC for deciding against electricity price increase

Malacanang lauded on Tuesday the Energy Regulation Commission for its decision given on March 3 “ruling that

the prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) during the period covering the Malampaya shutdown could not qualify as “reasonable, rational, and competitive.”

Across the Nation

Because of this decision, the ERC has ordered the imposition of regulated prices in lieu of the voided rates. This ruling covers Luzon WESM prices and excludes

MERALCO in view of the Supreme Court’s temporary restraining order.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Communications Secretary Herminio

7 MARCH 2014 | PAGE

Across the NationColoma, Jr. said this ruling shows the government is serious about protecting the people from unjust and undue price increases on basic commodities.

“We affirm government’s commitment to protect the citizens’ welfare by ensuring stable and reasonable electricity prices,” Coloma said.

“We note further that this ruling is the outcome of ERC’s inquiry into the

behavior of market players during the Malampaya shutdown that preceded MERALCO’s imposition of the questioned power rate adjustments,” he added.

He said this is the government exercising its “police power to stop the imposition of “excessive, exorbitant, unreasonable, or very high prices” of electricity in compliance with its mandate under the EPIRA.” PND (

Malacañang wants public to exert pressure on elected lawmakers to pass FOI Bill

Out of respect for the principle of separation of powers, Malacañang on Tuesday said it would rather that the pressure

to have the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill passed by the members of the 16th Congress come from the public than President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. clarified though that this position does not mean the administration is no longer keen on having this legislative measure enacted under President Aquino’s term.

“Sa tingin namin mas magiging epektibo if the pressure will come from the citizens themselves because these are legislators who were elected by the people and they are accountable to their constituents that put them in power,” Coloma explained during a

press conference.The clamor for President Aquino to

have an active role on the ratification of an FOI Bill, that was among his campaign promises, was made prominent again after administration Senator Grace Poe recently passed on third reading the Upper House’s version of the said legislation.

Coloma, however, reiterated that President Aquino is only being ‘circumspect’ in exercising his privilege to certify a bill as urgent. “In fact, the commitment has already been fulfilled

8 MARCH 2014 | PAGE

in actual government practice, at nakikita naman natin ito sa lahat ng larangan,” he said.

The Palace official stressed that even if the FOI Bill is yet to become a law, the Aquino administration has already concretized the principles of openness, transparency, full disclosure, and accountability of public officials, which are also being espoused by the proposed measure.

“Ang concern lang ng stakeholders ay paano na ‘pag nagpalit na ng administrasyon? Kaya nga iginigiit nila na kinakailangang magkaroon ng batas. Kaya kaisa naman kami doon sa pagnanasang magkaroon ng batas dahil gusto rin naman nating maging permanente at ma-institutionalize ‘yung mga repormang ‘yan,” Coloma said.

Malacañang said it will continue to support developments on the FOI Bill at the Senate, while it waits for the action of lawmakers at the House of Representatives on their version, hoping that the elected congressmen would respond positively to this proposed law.

“Kaisa tayo ng mga mamamayan sa pagnanasa na maipasa na ito (FOI Bill) at sana’y matupad na ‘yan sa lalong

madaling panahon. Wala naman pong ginagawa ang pamahalaan para hadlangan ‘ito. Ang gusto lang po nating maganap ay ‘yung mainam na proseso na kung saan ang mga mamamayan mismo ang magpapahiwatig sa kanilang mga kinatawan,” Coloma said.

9MARCH 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

President Aquino praises Cardinal Quevedo’s contribution to Central Mindanao peace, development

President Benigno S. Aquino III attended Tuesday the thanksgiving mass in honor of Orlando Cardinal Quevedo and recognizing his

contribution to Central Mindanao’s peace and development.In his message, the President

particularly expressed his gratitude to the cardinal for his support to the Mindanao peace process that is

expected to be signed late this month.The President said Cardinal Quevedo

became an inspiration for the Christian faith and for those doing volunteer works.


He was admired by the people when he fought the dictatorship of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos, he noted.

Even after several decades of unwavering service, he has not changed his views and continues to persuade others to join and contribute for the benefit of society, the President said.

Cardinal Quevedo has given voice to the oppressed, rallied behind them and asked people to fight abuses, he added.

The administration is lucky to have peace advocates like Cardinal Quevedo that support the Bagngsamoro peace process, the President said. Quevedo advocated the benefits of forging a peace deal between the government and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), knowing the long-term effects of the peace pact.

”Kaisa natin siya sa paniniwalang sa tapat at mapayapang dayalogo, mawawakasan ang deka-dekadang karahasan na umangkin sa maraming buhay at naging mitsa ng paghihirap ng ating mga kababayan,” the President said in his message.

“Sa pagtaas ng antas ng pamumuhay sa mga komunidad, sa pagsusulong ng mapayapang paglalahad ng damdamin at interes at pagpapatupad ng batas upang matiyak ang seguridad, tiwala tayong ang taumbayan na mismo ang sisigurong matatamasa natin ang malawakang kaunlaran.”

“Sinasalamin po ng mga gawain at inisyatiba ni Cardinal Quevedo na iisang direksyon lang ang ating tinatahak — ang higit na paglilingkod sa ating mga kababayan. Lumalakas po ang ating loob na ipagpatuloy ang

agenda ng malawakang reporma dahil sa mga tulad po ninyo,” he added.

With the reforms being initiated in government, the President said the country has started to reap its benefits. And with the unity and cooperation among Filipinos, the nation could overcome whatever challenges that lie ahead.

Cardinal Quevedo, who was born in Laoag, Ilocos Norte on March 11, 1939, was ordained in October 1980 in Kidapawan, Cotabato. He initially started his primary education in Ilocos Norte before transferring to South Cotabato in the 1950s until he graduated from high school.

He was named cardinal by Pope Francis on Jan. 14, 2014 and was elevated as cardinal on Feb. 22 this year.


CSC Caraga issues guidelines for grant of sanggunian member eligibility By Venus L. GarciaBUTUAN CITY - Under the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10156, the Civil Service Commission (CSC)-Caraga now confers upon members of the sangguniang bayan, sangguniang panlungsod, and sangguniang panlalawigan, the appropriate civil service eligibility.


As stipulated, a sanggunian member who has served for an aggregate period of six years and who has at least earned 72 units in any baccalaureate degree shall be granted a sanggunian member first level eligibility equivalent to a Career Service Sub-Professional Eligibility.

A sangguniann member second level eligibility which corresponds to a Career Service Professional Eligibility will also be granted to those who have served for an aggregate period of nine years and has graduated/completed a baccalaureate degree.

CSC-Caraga regional director Resurreccion Pueyo said that the filing period is until May 1, 2018 for sanggunian members who have completed the service requirement on May 1, 2013 or earlier; within four years from the completion of the service requirement for incumbent sanggunian members as of May 2013 and have completed the service requirement in May

2013; and within two years upon meeting the service requirement for those who are elected in May 13, 2013 and thereafter.

Pueyo also emphasized the

services that are excluded from the computation of service rendered as sanggunian member - other positions held in the sanggunian whose functions do not belong to that of the sanggunian member as mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991; supposed election was recalled by appropriate authority; and services which have already been included in the computation of the aggregate years for the grant of the sangguninan member first level eligibility.

Applicants may submit duly accomplished application form and documentary requirements at CSC Caraga regional office, Doongan Road in this city or call Public Assistance Telefax nos. 342-6089, 815-3370, 225-6097 for further inquiries.

Disaster Preparedness and Prevention seminar for volunteers set in Surigao City By Susil Ragas & Annette P. Villaces

SURIGAO CITY -- The city government here will conduct a one-day seminar on Disaster Preparedness and Prevention to Barangay Organization Security Service (BOSS) volunteers on March 12, 2014 at the City Cultural Center, this city.


Disaster Preparedness and Prevention seminar for volunteers set in Surigao City

The activity aims to upgrade the involvement of each barangay during calamities and enhance the knowledge of the BOSS volunteers on community-based disaster risk reduction and management like crime prevention, signals and preparedness measures during typhoon, flooding, earthquake, tsunami, and storm surge.

The activity will highlight Republic

Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and its salient features.

The event is initiated by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and local government unit of Surigao City through the support of City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas.

60 Caraga LGUs get P82M PCFBUTUAN CITY -- A total of 82 Million pesos worth of Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) checks were issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Caraga Regional Office (DILG 13) for 60 Local Government Units (LGUs) distributed during the series of Provincial Validation Activities of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) in the months of January and February 2014.

By Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

The checks were for PCF projects proposed in 2013 for implementation this year, 2014. PCF is an incentive mechanism for LGUs with excellent performance in local governance. The portfolio of projects in the region included 34 projects totaling P42 Million for Local Economic Development; 15 projects totaling P27 Million for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – Climate Change Adaptation (DRRM-CCA); eight projects totaling P10 Million for Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM); and two projects totaling P2 Million for achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

The 60 Caraga LGUs were the second to sixth class provinces, municipalities and cities which attained silver grade during the 2012 Seal of Good Housekeeping

(SGH) assessment. These are broken down into 2 provinces; 5 component cities; and 53 municipalities. Of the provinces, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur were not among the prioritized provinces as they are not second to sixth class provinces. The Province of Dinagat Islands was not included in the 2012 SGH as it has not yet reclaimed its provincial status during the assessment.

The LGUs were those that have: (1) unqualified or qualified opinion rendered by the Commission on Audit on the LGU’s 2011 Financial Statements; (2) full compliance to the Full Disclosure Policy of local budget and finances, bids and public offerings; (3) organized and functional Bids and Awards Committees (BAC) pursuant to the standards set by law; (4) compliance to the on-line


procurement posting requirement through the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS); and (5) excellent or good rating as indicated in the Report Card Survey on the implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Act for 2012.

Under PCF, provinces shall receive P7 Million, cities P3 Million, and municipalities P1 Million each.

Ten Surigao del Sur LGUs received their checks during their LPRAP Provincial Validation on January 30 at the Shacene Grand Ballroom in Tandag City. These were: Tandag City, Barobo, Bayabas, Lanuza, Lianga, Cortes, Bislig City, Cagwait, Carmen and Hinatuan. Of the aggregate amount of P20 Million for the province, P7 Million was for LED (7 projects); P7 Million on ESWM (5 projects); P5 Million DRRM-CCA (3 projects), and P1 Million on MDG (1 project).

Four Agusan del Sur LGUs received their checks on February 5, again during their provincial validation in Mabe’s Savory Place, Barangay 1, San Francisco. These were: Talacogon, Veruela, Santa Josefa and Bayugan City. Of the aggregate amount of P7 Million for the province, P5 Million was for DRRM-CCA (3 projects), and P2 Million on LED (2 projects).

All eleven Agusan del Norte PCF 2013 LGUs got their checks during the LPRAP Validation as well. It was on February 7 at the Capitol Provincial Training Center, Butuan City. These were: the province of Agusan del Norte and the municipalities of Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves,

Magallanes, Nasipit, RTR, Santiago, Tubay and Cabadbaran City. Of the aggregate amount of P19 Million for the province, P1 Million was for DRRM-CCA (1 project), and P18 Million on LED (10 projects).

Four Surigao del Norte LGUs received theirs during the February 12 LPRAP Validation at the Surigao City Cultural Center. These were: Mainit, Bacuag, San Francisco and Gigaquit. Of the aggregate amount of P 28 Million for the province, 14 Million was for DRRM-CCA (6 projects), P13 Million on LED (13 projects), and P1 Million on ESWM (1 project).

Five other Surigao del Norte LGUs received their PCF checks from the DILG Regional Office. Pilar and Alegria received theirs on February 14; San Benito on Feb 18; and Burgos and Sta. Monica on Feb 21.

All seven municipalities of the Province of Dinagat Islands were given their checks during their provincial validation on February 11 at the Surigao City Cultural Center, also during their LPRAP Validation. The seven municipalities are: Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo, Loreto, Tubajon and San Jose. Of the aggregate amount of P7 Million for the province, P2 Million was for LED (2 projects); P2 Million on ESWM (2 projects); P2 Million DRRM-CCA (2 projects), and P1 Million on MDG (1 project).

As of this writing, there are still 19 PCF checks unclaimed in the DILG Regional Office.

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

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


Mangrove reforestation highlighted Women’s Day celebration in LdNby Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – More than 1,000 propagules were planted at the mangrove reforestation site located at Baragay Pikinit, in the coastal town of Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), this province, on March 7, 2014.


This is in celebration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) set on March 8. “Instead of the usual song and dance gathering of the different women groups, this year we opted to shift the focus towards environmental protection and preservation because this is something that we – the women sector feel strongly about”, explained Provincial Population Officer Ananette Daniel. The activity was organized by the Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Committee which is chaired by Governor Khalid Dimaporo. I highlighted the role of women in mitigating disasters.More than 1,000 participants, joined

the event composed of provincial and municipal government employees, provincial board members, AFP personnel, police officers, women organizations, local cooperatives and barangay officials. As part of the women’s month festivities, a raffle draw was also held during the regular flag ceremony at the provincial capitol building on March 10. Other events lined up for the month-long celebration include the 2nd Provincial Women’s Congress on March 20 and an Orientation on the New Guidelines for GAD Planning and Budgeting scheduled on March 24, 2014.

by Jorie C. Valcorza

Camiguin milk feeding program kicks off

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN - Free supply of fresh cow’s milk is now delivered direct to beneficiary school here.

Just few months after the government-owned dairy farm was opened, malnourished children in Binunsaran Elementary School begin to enjoy their daily supply of fresh cow’s milk. The feeding program will run for about four months and will also be expanded to other public schools in the province to help children with nutritional deficiencies. The Pilot Dairy Farm is run and maintained by the Provincial Veterinary

Office (PVO), housing 25 imported cows loaned from the National Dairy Authority (NDA). Twelve of these cows are now pregnant and is currently sustaining the initial release of fresh milk to the priority school with most number of underweight/malnourished children. Dr. Louis S. Bollozos, chief of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said each cow can yield at least 10 liters of milk daily.


Corn farmers enroll in School-on-the-Air programby Vanessa Mae S. Siano

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-10 through the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division will conduct a three-month long School-on-the Air (SOA) Program on Corn Processing and Value-adding this month.

Corn farmers from the municipalities of Misamis Oriental and first district of Bukidnon have joined the orientation for the said program conducted in their respective municipalities. The SOA program is in line with the agency’s effort in its continuous dissemination of relevant information to the grassroots level which is vital in agricultural development and poverty alleviation. It will showcase technologies on corn by-products and its viability. These are essential in generating additional income opportunities among farmers and in encouraging them to venture into agri-business by ensuring the sustainable use of agricultural resources. It will be a thirty-minute radio program which will air

modular discussions and instructions in corn processing and value-adding. It will be aired on a radio station based in Cagayan de Oro City duringMonday and Friday at 5:30-6:00 p.m. Quizzes will also be administered on the air and a post evaluation examination will be conducted towards the end of the program in the respective municipalities to measure the level of learning and the knowledge gained by the participants from the program. Those interested farmers who are not yet enrolled in the SOA program are encouraged to visit the office of the municipal agriculturist in their respective towns on or before March 17, 2014 to signify their interest.


Banana industry stakeholders, for a talk with DA Secretary Alcala

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-----Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala had a consultative dialogue with the banana industry stakeholders in Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte last March 6 held at the social hall of the Davao del Norte provincial capitol in Tagum City. He was warmly welcomed by the

provincial and local officials lead by Compostela Valley Governor Arturo T. Uy. The dialogue was attended by almost 200 banana cooperatives and associations, farmer-leaders, and local government unit representatatives. Issues and concerns regarding the banana industry were presented by the stakeholders to Secretary


DAVAO DEL NORTE- Some 400 wom-en sector leaders and community functionaries from towns and cities in the province will come together on Wednesday (March 12) to tackle “Personality Development” in ob-serving the 2014 Women’s Day. Celebrated after the March 8 International Women’s Day, the event will carry the theme, “The Women of Influence: An Inspiring Change,” from which event guest speaker, Rosalinda C. de Guzman has drawn her topic, “A Woman: The Bejeweled Crown… A Figure of Influence.” In an interview, Provincial Women Council Chairperson Providencia Nunez explained that empowered women of whatever sector they belong, can influence positive actions

to bring about “inspiring changes in the world.” In relation to personality development, a workshop on modelling dubbed as “Women in their Attire for Various Occasions” will be conducted in the afternoon session with gender development (GAD) Davao del Norte lead advocate Norma Pereyras as the facilitator. Other prominent guests during the event will include Milagros “Inday” G. del Rosario known as Davao del Norte “World Mother” to give the keynote address and Provincial Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario to give his inspiration message and to hand over tokens to cooperating offices, agencies and individuals. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive D. Abangan)

Women’s Day in DavNor to tackle personality dev’t

Alcala including how to control the banana threatening diseases such as Bunchy Top, Sigatoka, and Fusarium, repair of roads and irrigation systems, solutions to pole vaulting, marketing, provision of trainings, others. The Secretary noted each of such to immediately address the cited concerns. It can be recalled also that in 2013, President Benigno S. Aquino III gave an assistance to the province

worth about P50 Million through the DA. From such fund, P21.85 Million was allocated for the Small Banana Growers in ComVal where Governor Arturo T. Uy implemented right away the Banana Rehabilitation Program of DA which include the giving of fertilizers for free and cash assistance to Small Banana Growers. (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

facts and figures

12 Total numner of killed during clashes between the NPA, Police and Military personnel in Matanao, Davao del Sur. These included 7 soldiers, 3 policemen and 2 NPA rebels


The kickoff activity started with a Holy Mass at San Jose Parish Church followed by a motorcade around the city’s main thoroughfares and a program at the city covered court.

Quoting Fr. Rene Herrera’s homily, City Vice Mayor Divina Grace Yu, LCW concurrent chairperson, said in her welcome remarks that “women are the source of life.”

LCW convenes for Women’s Month celebration By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – Members of the Local Council of Women (LCW) convened here on Monday to join the kickoff activity for the Women’s month celebration.


LCW convenes for Women’s Month celebration

“All of us have our own parents. We will not come to this world without our mother. This is the very reason why we (women) are called source of life,” stressed Yu. On the other hand, Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones said he was so glad with this year’s theme - “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong,” saying that “it is very meaningful.” He said, I agree with Vice Mayor Yu’s statement that women are the ones who take care of us, men and their children. “If we got ill, our wife will take care of us. If we have an appointment, our wife will prepare our clothes to use. At home, our wife makes ready the food for us [husbands] and the children,” Pulmones explained.“In fact, men are really very much dependent on our wives,” Pulmones pointed out. “I am so grateful to all of you, especially the wives, mothers and even the grandmothers who take care of their grandchildren,” he added. Mayor Pulmones also expressed his all-out support to the programs and undertakings of the women’s group in

the city. Meanwhile, Zamboanga del Sur Rural Improvement Club chairperson Junaflor S. Cerilles, the activity’s guest speaker, said the so-called International Women’s Day is being celebrated every March 8 of each year. “It is also called International Working Women’s Day with the primary reason of remembering all women who rallied, fought - others lost their lives throughout history- so that they can have a place in the society,” Cerilles said. Even today, around the globe there are still women who are fighting for their rights to be accepted by the society, she added. Fortunately, she said, here in the Philippines “we (women) are already being recognized, listened to and given equal rights.” But unfortunately, she continued, there are still several women and children who are suffering from violence. “Being the provincial chairperson, to address this problem, I urged all local government units to put up help and health desks in their respective municipalities,” Cerilles suggested.


The training, which lasted for ten to twenty days, taught the students certain techniques/methods of interviewing as well as conducting research and writing their pieces through the mentoring of veteran local journalists such as Frencie Carreon of the Philippine South Angle, Julie Alipala of Philippine Daily Inquirer and Darwin Wee of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Vanessa Mora, a mass communications major from ADZU, who was assigned to have an on-the-job exposure with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said that seeing how a journalist actually works through immersion in the field made her feel more confident to join the ranks in the future after she graduates. “We covered some activities, and I realized that it is important to be exposed to the realities in the field this early to give us a grasp of what it actually feels like,” she said. During the seminar’s culmination program held at a local restaurant last Friday, Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco-Salazar congratulated the students for completing the training and encouraged the young journalists to be objective in their work in the near future. “There are a lot of negative things that happen to our city especially during

these times, but do not be discouraged. There are a lot of good things that happen here, all we need to do is write about them for our people to be aware. Please be true to your work as journalists,” Mayor Climaco-Salazar said. Meanwhile, Lee Forsythe, General Development Officer for Mindanao of the USAID said that there is something wonderful with peace journalism. “Through writing about peace, you are changing the perspective of those who read your story. If we write about peace, we are inspired to be pro-peace. But if all we see is war, because all we write about is war, then people will probably only always think about war. Let’s write about peace,” Forsythe said. Jules Benitez, seminar facilitator of USAID-Engage explained that the seminar’s objective is to infuse the practice of responsible journalism in the city, especially among the youth through a “peace perspective”. He added that this is a pilot endeavor with the city government, and hopes that there will be more similar activities in the future. Sheila Covarrubias, city information officer emphasized to the participants: “we need a new breed of journalists, and you can do a lot to contribute to build back a better Zamboanga through responsible and sensitive writing.”

Zambo studes complete USAID, city-gov’t-sponsored peace journalism trainingBy Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Fifteen college students from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) have completed a peace journalism training last Friday (March 7), which was made possible by the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Engage Project in partnership with the City Government of Zamboanga.


Being a Cardinal is not about honor but about servanthood bestowed by God to a land that needs to be healed. -- Cardinal Orlando Quevedo.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- In line with their efforts to boost enrolment in agriculture and agriculture-related courses, the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 has carried out a pioneering quiz bee among high school students in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

DA 12 holds quiz bee to spur students to take agri coursesBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Nine contestants representing the schools divisions of Region 12 will arrive here Wednesday for the championship round of the first “Agri-Talino’ quiz bee at the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS).

“Agri-Talino is an initiative of DA 12 to reach out to secondary schools and encourage high school students to take up agriculture or agriculture-related courses in their tertiary

education,” said DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan.

Based on reports from higher education institutions, Datukan explained, enrolment turnout in agriculture courses continues to decline while the population of farmers is continuing to grow older.

At present, she noted, the average of farmers in the Philippines is already between 58 to 60 years old.


These reasons, the lady director said, have led DA 12 to strengthen its campaign to revive interest of the youth on agriculture and related courses.

The Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Labor and Employment has identified agriculture among course with much potential for immediate employment.

Several state-run colleges and universities in region offer agriculture courses, most prominent of these are the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato; Sultan Kudarat State University in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat; and the Mindanao State University –Gensan Campus in General Santos City.

Since February, DA personnel in coordination with the Department of Education have conducted a series of elimination and face-off quiz bees in the different schools divisions in the region,

including the provincial schools divisions of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat as well as the city schools divisions of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos.

Education program supervisors II Norman Valeroso and Gilda Orendai of DepEd 12, said Agri-Talino is the first quiz bee in the region that specifically focuses on the program and projects of the Department of Agiculture and agriculture-related information.

Both officials have already requested DA to make the Agri-Talino quiz be a regular activity of DA and DepEd.

Agri-Talino’s regional champion received cash prize of P5,000 while the 1st and 2nd runners up got P3,000 and P2,000, respectively. Winners also received medals, certificates and other rewards. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with LMSalvo-DA 12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY--- RPN-DXDX GenSan’s bet for duet is up another step as the siblings emerged on top in the recently-concluded RPN’s a cap-pella “Boses Tinig Pinoy” semi-finals at the Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City.

RPN-DXDX GenSan’s winning duo vie for Bo-ses Tinig Pinoy grand finalsBy: Catherine T. Apelacio


I n J a n u a r y this year, RPN-DXDX G e n S a n “ B o s e s T i n i g Pinoy” held its grand finals at SM Event C e n t e r here which n a m e d s i b l i n g s Katherine and Felix Calixton as winners for the duet category to represent in the semi-finals.

The “a cappella” singing contest has two categories, the duet and the trio.

With pride, RPN-DXDX General Santos City station manager James Catalan said that they also vied in the trio but failed. “We didn’t make it in the trio though, but that’s rather okay since we did make it in the duet.”

Catalan noted that the event in Cagayan de Oro was a great success and the experience was very enriching and full of fun as the contestants have gotten to know the other contenders from other areas.

“It was very overwhelming, we have much bigger crowd in CdO and they were very supportive and welcoming,” he said.

According to Catalan, for the

semi-finals RPN management decided to get five winning areas that would represent in the duet and trio categories. “But this is all in random, it all depends on the performances of the respective contestants and that is if they win.”

The winning areas for the duet were General Santos City, Surigao City, Davao City, Cebu City, and Dipolog City.

The cities of Cebu, Dipolog, Zamboanga, Bacolod, and Davao will compete in the trio category.

The winning duos and trios will travel to Manila for the nationwide grand finals on March 18 at SM Aura, Taguig City.

The grand winners for duet and trio will each receive P1-million worth of prizes including a recording contract with PolyEast-Universal records.

Catalan however said that all regions where RPN stations are


TUPI, South Cotabato, March —The local government unit of this town in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting a massive in-formation drive in observance of the Fire Prevention Month this March.

SouthCot town conducts massive info campaign for Fire Prevention MonthBy Shahana Joy Duerme

Fire marshal senior inspector May-sael S. Wenceslao said that they are intensifying their effort to reach out to all sectors in the municipality on how to prevent incidents brought by fire.

“There are many causes of fire like faulty electrical wiring, however, the primary cause of such is negligence.

“The safety of everyone against the effects of it relies on us, thus we have to work together,” Wenceslao stated.

With this, the BFP is intensifying

its efforts through house-to-house information campaign as well as lec-tures on fire safety and prevention to schools.

Further, local fire officials are dis-tributing information materials to schools and villages.

This year’s Fire Prevention Month centers on the theme, “Isulong ang Kaunlaran, Sunog ay Iwasan; Kaala-man at Pag-iingat ang Kailangan”. (SJDuerme-PIA12/Tupi LGU)

strategically based were well represented.

Aside from the cities of General Santos, Cebu, Davao, Dipolog, Surigao, Zamboanga, and Bacolod, other areas that joined also included Baguio, Pagadian, and Batac, Ilocos Norte.

Boses was aired over RPN’s 12 radio stations in the country. It had its first launch in Baguio City in June last year, then in Cagayan de Oro City in July and in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. It was launched here in September at SM City General Santos.

The search was then open to

all interested a cappella duos and trios, who can infuse their musical talent into the song they choose and interpret it with such power of emotions.

Selection and judgment were based on four criteria: quality of voice, 50; interpretation, 25; choreography, 15; and attire 10.

Aside from thanking all contestants and those others that auditioned, Catalan also attributed the success of Boses Tinig Pinoy to all the sponsors, individuals and groups, who have supported the event since its launch. (CT Apelacio/PIA-12 General Santos City)

one mindanao - march 12, 2014

Documents

housing project

building houses

habitat way

decent houses

butuan city government

lowincome government

lowincome govt workers

humanity philippines