one mindanao - march 22, 2013

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

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)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]

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

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

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 & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

Gensan strengthens Computer Literacy Program through SHEEP mobile laboratory

Pops Gumana-FruylanCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Friday, March 22, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 151

page 4

Aquino says government helping Camarines Sur harness its tourism, trade potentials 8

Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

Php285-M in pension adjustmentsreleased by GSIS16

Women and men should work together towards “Matuwid na Daan,” urges NGO chief

Bayani Challenge to take place in 3 sites of region 10

PAAC kicks off 3-day surgical mission

14

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Recthie T. Paculba, Northern Mindanao

Shutdown of power barges cause longer brownouts in N. Cotabato

UNFPA official hopes for full implemen-tation of Sultan Kudarat province’s RH Central Mindanao

Shahana Joy E. Duerme, Central Mindanao

1920

DOLE Caraga conducts HR Competency Mapping and Assessment Orientation

PRO 13 to hold in-camp Holy Week observance Caraga Region

Caraga Region2830

Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western Mindanao 2624

6 10 12 18 22 27

Friday, March 22, 20134

Gensan strengthens Computer Literacy Program through SHEEP mobile

The local government here has embarked on another

strategy to strengthen its Computer Literacy Program (CLP) through the procurement of a state-of-the art “SHEEP mobile laboratory” to reach out even to the farthest areas in the city.

CoVer StoRy

Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio in her State of the City Address (SOCA) last week disclosed that the mobile CLP “is expected to wheel in by the second half of 2013” where 12 computer workstations will be housed in a medium-sized truck to bring computer literacy to distant communities. “As the global market dictates increasing demand for IT skills our SHEEP-CLP’s ultimate goal is to equip every general (resident of Gensan) with ICT know-how and expertise to meet global standards,” the mayor emphasized.SHEEP

stands for Social Transformation, Human Empowerment, Economic Diversification, Environment Security and Regeneration, and Participatory Governance and Transparency. SHEEP-CL head Percival Pasuelo pointed out that by “going on wheels” more trainings will be extended to far-flung barangays especially to those who are incapable to avail of the free services because of transportation cost. “We want to maximize the utilization of trainings to reach the grassroots and make them competitive,” Pasuelo opined.

By Catherine Apelacio

Friday, March 22, 2013 5

The city government has been working

on the empowerment of its people through the use of ICT as a tool to uplift their lives. Pasuelo revealed that just this month the city government has completed the computerization of all 26 public high schools in all barangays of the city which started since 2011. He said PaoPao High School in Brgy. Sinawal, which is situated 22 kilometers away from downtown General Santos City, was the latest recipient of a speech and computer laboratory from the SHEEP-CLP. “We have installed 58 computer laboratories across all barangays of Gensan including in 28 elementary schools, and computer lab for out-of-school youths, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs),”

he explained. Meanwhile, Mabuhay Barangay Chairman Wilfredo Parreñas expressed happiness over the procurement of the SHEEP mobile laboratory as it would unload them of the hassle of sending interested beneficiaries, who could not afford to pay for their fare, to avail of the free trainings. “We have sent eight PWDs in the past to take advantage of the training, but now we will no longer bring them there anymore; instead it’s the city government that will be coming over to serve us,” he enthused. Pasuelo said thousands of beneficiaries have already availed of the free services of the SHEEP-CLP starting from basic courses to level-up trainings and most of them have landed with a livelihood because of the trainings.

Gensan strengthens Computer Literacy Program through SHEEP mobile

6Friday, March 22, 2013

ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino leads groundbreaking for Robredo Museum in Naga City

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the groundbreaking for the proposed Jesse Robredo Museum in the city on Thursday.

“Inilulunsad natin ang simula ng pagpapatayo ng monumento at museo ni Jesse Manalastas Robredo,” the President said in his speech following the groundbreaking ceremony.

“Hindi lamang upang magbalik-tanaw at gunitain ang kanyang buhay kundi upang maisakonkreto rin ang paninindigang ipagpatuloy ang mga adbokasiyang kanyang napasimulan upang bigyang-


inspirasyon at lakas ang karaniwang mamamayan na makiisa sa pagtataguyod ng bayan.”

The government is also building a monument in honor of Robredo at the middle of Concepcion-Panganiban Rotonda in Naga City, the President said.

The museum, which will be part of the Naga City Civic Center, will showcase the life and legacy of the late Naga City mayor and former interior and local government secretary.

The President said that through the building of the museum, present leaders would be more innovative in governance and it will also encourage the people to participate on government initiatives.

The President expressed hope that more and more people will follow the footsteps of Jesse Robredo noting that his legacies will benefit the next generation of Filipinos who’ll fight for what is right.

Museum designers took the opportunity to create the edifice without cutting down trees in the area. The trees would be complementing elements to the architecture, creating a space that integrates the outdoor garden with the interiors.

The proposed museum is a two-storey building that will have cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries for contemporary exhibits.

The second floor will feature the Jesse Robredo gallery, depicting his story as a boy growing up in Naga City, a local public servant, a national leader and a family man. An audio-visual room which introduces the exhibits can also function as a venue for lectures, seminars and book launches.

Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, the President visited the tomb of the former Naga City mayor and late interior and local government secretary at the Eternal Gardens in this city. He was joined by some of his Cabinet Secretaries, Robredo’s widow, Atty. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and other members of the family.

Robredo, who served as Naga City mayor for several years and then interior and local government secretary, died in a plane crash seven months ago.

The private plane carrying the late mayor and secretary, who was returning home from a Cebu trip, crashed off Masbate killing him and two of his companions. PND (as)

8Friday, March 22, 2013

Aquino says government helping Camarines Sur harness its tourism, trade potentials

President Benigno S. Aquino III said his administration is focusing on developing the Bicol region to further

enhance its potential for trade and tourism.In his speech during a meeting with

local leaders and Naga City residents on Thursday here, the President said that the government has started rehabilitating the 34-kilometer railroad tracks that will connect Camarines Sur to Metro Manila, noting that the national government is also rehabilitating several bridges for the Bicol Commuter Train Service, the President said.

Once these projects are completed,

tourists could easily reach and enjoy the beaches of Caramoan and join the festivities of Peñafrancia.

“Oras na matapos ito, makikinabang at magkakaroon ng mas murang alternatibo ang 2,200 na pasahero ng tren. Alam naman po natin ang magiging epekto nito ---lalago ang inyong turismo, dagdag na trabaho sa mga Bicolano, mas maraming pinto ng oportunidad na magbubukas para sa Camarines Sur,” he said.


The President noted that the other projects of the government in the area also include the widening of the five-kilometer Maharlika Highway in Naga City, which he said is in addition to asphalt overlaying works being done in other areas in the area.

While ensuring that these projects are well-done, the government is also making sure that there’s no money being wasted in those projects, he added.

In this connection, the President said that the government saved around P3 million for the repair of the Almeda Highway: from the original project cost of 90 million pesos, after assessing and redesigning the project, the government was able to lower it to P87 million.

“Pagkatapos naman ng competitive bidding, halos nakalahati na ang presyo sa 46 million pesos. Ang laking diperensya, di po ba? At hindi lamang ang natipid nating pondo ang maghahatid ng ginhawa sa inyo,” the President said.

“Oras na makumpleto ang Almeda Highway sa darating na Setyembre, luluwag ang kalsada, at maiibsan ang traffic papunta sa mga kilalang destinasyon ninyo rito sa Naga.”

The government also completed six farm-to-market roads in Naga City that

are expected to benefit 640 farmers in Barangay Panicuason, San Isidro, Carolina, at Cararayan.

The President also mentioned an upgrading of the Naga City Hospital that will be completed next month.

He added that the administration is also aggressively connecting Camarines Sur sitios without power to the major grid. Just recently, there are 125 sitios energized as part of the government’s electrification program.

“Lahat po ng proyektong ito ay bunga ng pakiki-ambag ng mga Nagueño sa tuwid na daan; lahat po nang ito ay nagbukal sa suporta’t tiwala ninyo sa pamahalaan. Kayo po ang gumawa nito,” the President said.

President Aquino arrived here to visit the tomb of the late Naga City mayor and former interior and local government secretary Jesse Robredo and lead the groundbreaking for a proposed museum to be built in his honor.

The government is likewise erecting a monument here as a tribute to the late mayor and former DILG secretary hoping that it will inspire young people to follow in his footsteps.

The President also met local leaders and residents here to ask support for the coalition’s senatorial slate. PND (as)


Government to impose stopgap measure to resolve Mindanao power shortage

The Department of Energy (DOE) will be presenting an immediate solution to the Mindanao power problem to relieve businesses from frequent power outages, President Benigno S. Aquino III said

on Thursday.It was reported that Mindanao

businessmen have called on the President to use his emergency power to solve the power crisis in the region, which may affect trade as well as the upcoming elections in May.

The Chief Executive noted that the DOE made an assurance that major dams will have enough supply of water to ensure that there’s electricity particularly during the elections.

The problem in the hydroelectric


system is siltation because of river waste in addition to illegal logging that destroys the region’s watershed, thus affecting the ability to generate electricity.

According to the President, the immediate solution will probably be diesel-powered generators, adding that diesel-powered plants of barges could be assembled immediately.

“May kailangan ng aksyon from Congress—joint resolution, I understand, to authorize us to purchase. Under EPIRA [Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001], hindi na kasi puwedeng bumili ng generating capacity ulit ang gobyerno,” he explained.

But once that is done, it will serve as a stopgap measure of the government, he added.

The President cited two schemes, he explained. One is either government buys it, or we will be renting from those that have the generating capacity to remedy power shortages in Mindanao, he said.

The government could also opt to cease using electricity from diesel-powered plants because of the high cost of electricity.

Private companies will start generating cheaper power by 2014 and 2015 and diesel-powered generators will be towed to missionary areas or Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) areas, the President said.

He pointed out that the government is also imposing penalties and fines on those overdrawing beyond their stated use limits, he said.

For instance, the President said that Zamboanga City, located at the end of the grid, is getting less power because other areas closer to the grid are getting too much energy.

“Nakakawawa ang Zamboanga City, in particular, naubos na lahat bago umabot sa kanila, so sila ang pinakakawawa,” he noted. PND (as)


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Dipolog CDRRMC conducts earthquake drillBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Dipolog City Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has successfully conducted an earthquake drill at Dipolog City National High School (DCNHS) in Barangay Barra this city.


Mr. Felipe T. Mangila Jr., Dipolog City CDRRMC Officer-in-Charge said the drill was in compliance with the directive from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), urging all DRRMCs throughout the country to conduct the First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on March 18, 2013. During the post-evaluation conference, evaluators noted the lack of seriousness among the participants during the conduct of the drill. Dipolog City Councilor Cyril Ruiz, CDRRMC adviser, cited the importance of the earthquake drill in strengthening the capability of the

people to respond during emergency situation. DCNNHS Principal Joselito Tizon, on the other hand, vowed to equip his school with the gadgets needed in times of calamity to minimize the impact of any disaster particularly the loss of human lives. Aside from the CDRRMC, other members of the evaluation team include the representatives of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepED) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA).


Women and men should work together towards “Matuwid na Daan,” urges NGO chiefBy Michael Vincent D. CajulaoZAMBOANGA CITY – For women to be the “guide” towards development, there should be mainstreaming of their participation and equality with men in all aspect of life and not be marginalized, said Ms. Maisie Faith Dagapioso of the “Katilingban Para sa Kalambuan” (Society for Progress) in yesterday’s forum held by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on women’s concerns.

Ms. Dagapioso further said “it is not enough that women serve as guide towards development but that they should work hand in hand with men, and be given more opportunity to participate in nation building.” “We should not be on the sidelines watching while men do almost everything, for example, in state matters. We have 24 senators but only three are women. Majority of the heads of offices are still men. What we are saying is there should

be equal opportunities for both men and women. This way we can be more productive and effective as guide to development,” pointed out Dagapioso, the program coordinator of the Katilingban Para sa Kalambuan, a non-government organization affiliated with the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc. Ms. Kates Allas of zambotimes.com, an online media outfit, also said that while women may be less


physically than men, women are at par with men in other aspects. “Admittedly, we are not as strong as men physically. But when it comes to mental strength and key aspects in everyday life, we are equal with men. That’s why we should be given opportunities to show what we are capable of,” Ms. Allas emphatically said. Dagapioso also stressed the need for media to change its portrayal of women. “Media plays a big role in influencing the public. Unfortunately, even in media, there are prejudices against women. Take for example, detergent soaps advertisements. Women are always portrayed as housewives, whose image is just to do the laundry, make things in order inside the house. In some liquor advertisements, women are used to attract men to buy such products, which is demeaning to us women. We are not empowered through media but it’s the other way around,” she rued. The different perceptions on men and women, according to most forum participants, are cultural in nature. One participant summed it up in one simple statement when she said: “Both men and women are victims of culture”. Filipino culture has taught us, especially those of the old times, that men should do the work, while women should stay home and tend her family’s needs. This belief has assigned roles to Filipinos based on gender which leans toward the empowerment of men, but has

limited women’s role in the family and society in general. Dagapioso emphasized that this should not be the case now, as she talked about this year’s women’s month’s theme, “Kababaihan: Gabay Tungo sa Matuwid Na Daan”. “How can we help guide in achieving development when we are marginalized? When we are not empowered? We believe that for us to be effective, we should be empowered, be in the mainstream, and participate in decision-making, policy formulation and everything concerning our community or country. We should be working side by side with men,” she espoused.


Php285-M in pension adjustments released by GSISBy Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - A total of P285 million intended for pension adjustments has been released by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to its 45,000 retirees as of February 2013 after reviving its policy in recomputing their pension based on their first day of retirement. Pensioners who retired on or after September 2009 and are in active status as of payment date.are covered by the new policy. In a press statement, GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara said, “the decision to adopt the payment of proportionate pension in 2011 was based on the principle that pension is not a privilege but an earned right.” Engr. Leoncito S. Manuel, GSIS branch head here said pensioners were informed of their adjusted pension through a letter and received the amount through their eCards. “We have 53 pensioners covered by GSIS Pagadian Branch,” Manuel quoted. Under the new policy, a government employee who retired from the service effective February 15, for instance, will be paid a portion or fraction of his or her pension covering February 15-28 apart from the monthly pension thereafter. Previously, a retiree would start receiving his or her pension only in March, which means losing a proportionate pension in February. GSIS started crediting Php212

million in pension adjustments to 33,000 eligible pensioners last December 2011. The second tranche, amounting to Php50 million, was credited to 8,000 retirees in May 2012; while the third tranche of Php23 million covering 4,200 retirees was credited from December 2012 to February 2013. The crediting of adjustments for the remaining 1,870 pensioners is scheduled this month.


Php285-M in pension adjustments released by GSIS


COWD, NorMin-NRMC to spearhead local world water day celebrationby Ladele Sagrado

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Local officials, heads of both government and private agencies and representatives from the various sectors including the archdiocese and local media are expected to gather this afternoon at the Limketkai Mall Rotunda to join in the local celebration of World Water Day hosted by the Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD) and the NorMin-Natural Resources Management Council, Inc.


COWD is among the water districts all over the Philippines chosen by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) as local convergence points for this simultaneous national observance of World Water Day. The theme of this national celebration is “Tubig Para Sa Lahat, Lahat Para Sa Tubig.” Incidentally, World Water Day is one of the key events identified by the United Nations when it declared 2013 as International Year of Water Cooperation. The goal of this activity is to

enhance the awareness of all water stakeholders on the importance of water as a finite resource which needs to be judiciously used and conserved to attain sustainability for the future generations. Engr. Edgardo C. Demayo, OIC of the Office of the Senior Deputy Administrator of LWUA, will be turning over a commemorative World Water Day Plaque to COWD and NorMin-NRMC during the short program in recognition of their active participation in this campaign.

Bayani Challenge to take place in 3 sites of region 10by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - At least three of the 37 sites in the country that have been identified for the conduct of the 8th Bayanihan Challenge, from March 23-27, this year, are located in region 10.

These sites are Barangay Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City, where most of the victims of 2011 Typhoon Sendong are relocated, as well as Barangay Kisolon in Sumilao, Bukidnon, and Purok V, Barangay Poblacion in Sapad, Lanao del Norte. Thus, the organizers are inviting volunteers to join the activity to compose the “Army of Hope Builders who will work together to rebuild schools and homes,” in the aforementioned areas, on the said dates. Described as a new version of the EDSA People Power, “the event is

a challenge to every Filipino to put a halt to bickering and complaining and grab the opportunity to be part of the solution and become a modern day hero.” Focused on this year’s theme of “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan!” (One Community, One Team),”the volunteers will be grouped by 15 for a 5-day test of courage, endurance and love for country, who will engage in varied nation-building activities that include the construction and refurbishment of homes and schools, education sessions for children, tree-planting, clean-up drives, and health


missions.” It also include marathons, a Master Kusinero cooking competition, sports competitions and Laro ng Lahi games aimed to foster nurturing relationships between volunteers and the members of the empowered communities. A multi-sectoral partnership spearheaded by Pilipinas Natin, the flagship volunteer program of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Bayani Challenge is participated in by a vast network that includes the following government agencies and non-government agencies, among many others: Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Radyo ng Bayan, People’s Television, Department of Education (DepEd), National Youth Commission (NYC), Commission on Higher

Education (CHED), Department of Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), League of Provinces, EDSA People Power Commission, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), Gawad Kalinga, LBC Foundation, BERJAYA Corporation Berhad, Globe Telecom. For more information, interested volunteers may sign-up either individually or in groups of 15 by visiting the official Facebook page of Bayani Challenge: www.facebook.com/bayanichallenge.

PAAC kicks off 3-day surgical mission

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Philippine-American Association of Connecticut (PAAC) in partnership with Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, Inc. (OB Philippines) and Capitol University Medical City started their three-day Tulong sa Kapwa 2013 Surgical Mission for Filipinos with serious health problems during a recent press conference.

by Recthie T. Paculba

Dr. Gino Ang, M.D., PAAC president; Dr. Kim April Pascual, chief operating officer OB Philippines; Dr. Rosalinda R. Deleste, CUMC president; and Dr. Jesus Jardin, CUMC mentor

served as the key speakers of the said conference. Dr. Ang, an anesthesiology specialist from New Haven, Connecticut, said that Tulong sa


Kapwa came from the passion of various medical professionals from the US to help underprivileged Filipinos in fostering good health. “The objective of this mission this year is to do something that’s really more gratifying. I’ve never done a mission such as this where we actually do major surgical procedures,” Dr. Ang shared. After a video presentation shown during the conference, Ang expressed his gratitude to their partner organizations who are helping those in need and he also added, “The challenge is to motivate others who have never seen the Operation Blessing video and for them to see, to get them to act, to get them to do something.” Kim April Pascual, OB Philippines chief operating officer, also mentioned that their “Partnership with PAAC and Capitol University Medical City will

surely give hope to our kababayans who have life-threatening medical conditions. They are desperate for surgeries that can help them live better lives.” Dr. Deleste, on the other hand, mentioned that although CUMC is a private entity, they grabbed the chance to be of help to PAAC and OB Philippines. OB Philippines is a non-profit organization and the humanitarian arm of CBN Asia Inc., producer of the 700 Club Asia. PAAC started its partnership with OB Philippines through a shared mission of facilitating and coordinating humanitarian efforts to and in the country. The Tulong sa Kapwa 2013 surgical mission is the first partnership of the said organizations that promotes and facilitates the leveraging of medical and surgical missions to the Philippines.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Police Senior Superintendent Randolph R. Delfin on Monday assumed his new post Police Regional Office (PRO) – 12’s regional chief directorial staff (RCDS), the fourth highest position in the police’s regional hierarchy.

PRO 12 has new RCDSBy Danilo E. Doguiles


His assumption into office was formalized Monday, March 18, in a ceremony at the PRO 12 headquarters in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City.

Police regional director PCSupt. Charles Calima Jr.expressed trust and confidence in Delfin particularly in the upcoming midterm elections.

Prior to this designation, Delfin served for 17 months and 12 days as provincial director of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCCPO)where he was recognized for unprecedented a c comp l i shmen t s , including reducing the province’s crime rate and improving the crime resolution rate as well as garnering recognitions for the provincial police.

Under his command, SCPPO’s Provincial Public Safety Company under the direct supervision of PSupt. James Gulmatico was adjudged the country’s

Best Police Provincial Public Safety Company in 2012.

SPO4 Diogenes Hare of Sto. Niño Police Station was declared Most Outstanding Family of the PNP in 2012 by the National Police Commission.

Moreover, SPO3 Renjun Bagaman, assigned at the SCPPO was also honored as one the 2012 Country’s Outstanding Police in Service (COPS) by the Metrobank Foundation Inc. and its partners Rotary Club of New Manila East and PSBank.

Delfin was also known for enforcing discipline among police officers in his area of responsibility.

One of the very first moves in South Cotabato was to visit police stations even at wee hours to check on his men on duty and ensuring that no police officer is asleep and on civilian clothes on his or her post.

In an interview with the local media here yesterday, Delfin said

that he has been in service for 31 years yet assures that he remains vibrant and passionate in serving and protecting the public.

“South Cotabato is the most peaceful of all the provinces that I have been assigned to,” he said.

“With the support of our police officers, commissioned and n on c omm i s s i o n ed officers, local officials, the residents and the local media, I believe the peace and order condition of South Cotabato will be sustained.”

At the ceremony last Friday, PCSupt Calima awarded Delfin an interim Medalya ng Kasanayan for serving the people of South Cotabato and for supervising the SCPPO with utmost integrity and sincerity.

Calima explained, the medal is only temporary as Delfin is being recommended for a better recognition.

On Monday, March 25, the provincial


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, -- One of the power barges owned by Therma Marine, Inc (TMI) in Maco, Compostela Valley shut down recently causing longer brownouts in towns of North Cotabato, an official of the Co-tabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) said.

government will host a luncheon to honor PSSupt Delfin.

In his radio program last Saturday, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., that he did not personally know Delfin but requested that he be

transferred to lead the police force in South Cotabato.

“With what he has achieved, we have not been wrong with our decision to ask for his assignment here,” Gov. Pingoy said.

“Anybody who will replace him as the police provincial director here will have a major challenge to surpass or at least measure up with what PD Delfin has achieved,” he continued. (DED-PIA 12)

Shutdown of power barges cause longer brownouts in N. CotabatoBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- An official of a United Nations group expressed hope for the full implementation of the Reproductive Health (RH) Code in the province of Sultan Kudarat.

Cotelco spokesperson Vicente Baguio said that the diesel-fired power plants underwent repairs after the engine bogged down due to prolonged usage.

Baguio announced this after their office received complaints from businessmen and other power consumers in the province.

In connection, from four hours, power consumers in North Cotabato are experiencing up to seven hours of rotational brown-outs.

According to TMI corporate communications head Wilfredo Rodolfo, TMI’s diesel-fired power plants are designed only as “peaking plants,” meaning,

these power plants should only be used whenever the Mindanao grid needs additional power during peak hours.

However, since 2010, these power plants have been in 24-hour operation which is beyond their capacity, causing them to shut down, Baguio said.

TMI is a subsidiary of the Aboitiz Power Corporation which provides 200 megawatts through its power barges in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte and Maco, Compostela Valley.

The two barges provide power to 23 electric cooperatives in Mindanao in addition to the power supplied by the National Power Corporation-Power

Sector Assets Liabilities and Management (NPC-PSALM).

On the other hand, Cotelco which supplies power to 12 municipalities and one city in North Cotabato, used to purchase additional 8 megawatts to TMI.

But since last week, the electric co-op was only given 6 megawatts.

Meanwhile, at least 10 hours a day of rotational brown-out is being experienced by consumers of Cotelco’s sub-station in Pigcawayan-Pikit-Alamada-L i b u n g a n - M i d s a y a p -Alesosan area. (SJD-PIA12)

UNFPA official hopes for full implementation of Sultan Kudarat province’s RH Code

Florence Tayzon, Philippine assistant representative of United Nations Fund for Population Assistance (UNFPA) said this during the the policy review and strengthening meeting of the Sultan Kudarat Reproductive Health and

Population Management Council (SKRHPMC) on Tuesday at a hotel in Koronadal City.

She said that the review of the functionality of the SKRHPM Council is very timely especially that the Reproductive Health has

been passed into law.She added the review of

functions of the members will guide the council on how to fully implement the Code and harmonize it with the RH law.

Tayzon said that she is looking forward and hoping


for the full implementation of the RH Code in the province.

Tayzon along with Caroline Nettleingham, operations manager of UNFPA Asia Pacific Regional Office, and Mylene Pe, desk officer and executive assistant of the Regional Director, UNFPA Bangkok, Thailand dropped by at the venue to extend their support to the RH team while on their way to Cotabato City for a meeting on the status of 7th Country Programme of the UNFPA.

On the other hand, Arnel Kasan, area programme officer of UNFPA for SK and Saranggani said that Sultan Kudarat province RH team is in the forefront in terms of the initiatives on reproductive health.

“Implementation is fast and the support of the LGU not only on the manpower requirements but also on the allocation of budget for the RH Code is strong.

These are the contributory factors why SK is now in the sustainability status in

terms of implementing all initiatives in placed during the previous Country Programmes of UNFPA,” Kasan said.

He added that it is understandable that the SKRHPMC will encounter difficulties along the way but he is confident that the SK Reproductive Health and Population Management Council will succeed. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/ with reports from Jose Jemuel Dael)


Agusan Sur shores up public safety

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Su-- Local leaders held a meeting with police and military officers and other stakeholders to bolster public safety.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

Initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council chaired by Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza spent a day planning workshop on Public Safety.

DILG provincial director Arleen Ann Sanchez said the forum aimed on assessing the current peace and order condition of the entire province of Agusan del Sur while strengthening the councils down to


the municipal and barangay levels by coming up with new strategies.

Thirteen municipal and one city mayors were also on hand to help craft new measures in reducing criminality especially in their respective towns.

On the part of the province, Gov. Plaza challenged the Philippine National Police and also the Philippine Army to ensure public safety by being

vigilant all the time and thwart any criminality the may occur especially with the onset of the political season later this month.

Gov. Plaza also renewed his commitment to the law enforcers of his continued support to their campaign in ensuring that the people of Agusan del Sur of a relatively peaceful environment.

“This is the first HR Competency Mapping and Assessment Orientation in Caraga”, says Ms. Fe Jennifer B. Perez, Chief

Personnel Specialist of the CSC-Caraga.

The orientation aimed to assess and determine one’s

DOLE Caraga conducts HR Competency Mapping and Assessment Orientation

BUTUAN CITY-- the Department of Labor and Employment Caraga Region in cooperation with Civil Service Commission –Caraga (CSC-Caraga) successfully conducted the Orientation on Human Resource Competency Mapping and Assessment on March 18, 2013 at the DOLE Conference Room, this city.


strength as an individual worker in areas like team structure, leadership and decision making. Likewise to identify the training needs of personnel that will link to achievement of organizational goal.

DOLE Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo, on her opening remarks pointed out that the orientation will help DOLE-Caraga workforce further improve their competence level that is necessary in providing quality services to the customers of the department.

DOLE-Caraga being one of the ISO Certified agencies, aims to continually improve its package of services with the given competent on human resource that will conform to ISO product requirements (6.2.2 A).

Ms. Perez extensively discussed the steps in strategic HR planning and the HR plan toolkit. The DOLE personnel were required to submit the Job Analysis Questionnaire to proceed to Stage 2 or the Competency Mapping. Through this, the HR Planning Committee will be able to identify competencies of each personnel as well as analyze the gap in terms of human resource development.

Overall, the orientation provided better appreciation and commitment to ensure that the plan will be materialized to address gaps on their performance. So as to raise the bar in the agencies pronouncement of public service related to Labor and Employment. It was reiterated that “Gawing Lingkod-Bayani and Bawat Kawani”


PRO 13 to hold in-camp Holy Week observance

BUTUAN CITY-- the Department of Labor and Employment Caraga Region in cooperation with Civil Service Commission –Caraga (CSC-Caraga) successfully conducted the Orientation on Human Resource Competency Mapping and Assessment on March 18, 2013 at the DOLE Conference Room, this city.

The Regional Chaplain Service, led by Chaplain Chief Insp. (Rev. Fr.) Joselito D. Borja, will conduct the Holy Week activities from March 24 until March 31.

The observance will commence with a holy mass on Palm Sunday, March 24, at the St. Ignatius Loyola Chapel.

On Holy Thursday, March 28, a holy mass for the “Last Supper of the Lord” and washing of the feet of the apostles will be held at the same venue.

On Good Friday, March 29, the procession for the “Station of the Cross” will be held around the regional camp. The liturgy of the word, veneration of the cross and a holy communion will follow.

The 14 stations of the cross will be established starting in front of the Regional Health Support Office and culminates at the 14th station in front of the Regional Headquarters Building.

The Holy Saturday celebration on March 30 will be highlighted with the blessings of fire and water and an Easter vigil mass.

On March 31, Sunday, the Holy Week celebration will culminate with the “Salubong” at 4:00 a.m. and a holy mass at 5:00 a.m.

Borja said “all officers and personnel are highly encouraged to actively participate in all the activities for their moral and spiritual sanctification.”


Peaceful settlement on framework agreement and Sabah claims urged

DAVAO CITY- Peace advocates supporting the peace process urged the government to pursue the peacetalks with the Moro Is-lamic Liberation Front anchored on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and not to be distracted by the Sabah claim es-poused by certain sector. Speaking to reporters prior to the holding a peace rally supporting the government-MILF peace talks

last March 21, Atty. Mary Ann Arnado, convenor of the Mindanao People’s Caucus said the peace talks between the government and the MILF must continue especially that the peace panels of both parties are almost near the finish line, with the crafting of the contents of the

FAB resuming on March 25 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She observed that recent developments in Sabah sidetracked the peace process with the MILF. “Regardless of the merits and demerits of the Sabah issue, let us not lose sight of our main struggle for peace in Mindanao. Mindanaoans are the most benefitted once the talks bring a lasting peace, so

by Joey Dalumpines


pursue the negotiations,” Arnado said. She said the current state of the peace talks is similar to the last stretch of a marathon where the finish line can be seen and almost near.Arnado said any attempt to disrupt and derail the talks is deplorable.She said calls like going to war with Malaysia are not well thought of, especially that the Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy. “The Philippines adheres to peaceful dialogue and resolution of conflicts and does not support people who stick on to violent means,” Arnado said. She said individuals who have claims on Sabah must bring this issue to the proper forum peacefully and not to call for bloodshed in these areas. Arnado chided groups whose agenda is to derail the talks using the Sabah claim. She also lauded President

Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s stance to pursue the peace talks despite calls to focus also on the Sabah claim.“We need to finish the framework agreement so that within Mindanao itself we can establish the kind of governance for the Bangsamoro before entertaining at looking at other areas, Arnado said. She said while there may be historical basis for the Sabah claim, any petitioner must establish first the location of its leadership. Arnado said claimants must not lose the opportunity offered by the framework agreement which invites them to govern themselves first as Bangsamoro instead of making claims on Sabah. Jehan Abubakar, chair of the Muslim Youth said even with the FAB alone, peace is already felt in many areas in Mindanao. She hoped that any effort to sabotage the talks through the Sabah claim will not derail the peace process. (RGA/JSD/PIA-XI)

Facts and Figures

P1.4 billion

budget allocated forRegion XI for the Tourism Roads Infratructure Pro-gram (TRIP) covering 16 road proj-ects all over the region.


Rabies in IGaCoS: A Public Health Concern

ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL- More than 200 hundred under-graduate students of Holy Cross of Babak Inc.(HCBI) gathered for the Rabies symposium as part of Ra-bies Awareness Month Celebration at Babak school campus, Babak District, Island Garden City of Sa-mal last March 15, 2013. For a better grasp of rabies virus contamination, a film showing on Rabies Case at HCBI social hall and actual rabies vaccination was made by the staff of the City Veterinary Office at their campus. The symposium was facilitated by the city government through the City Veterinary Office, Rabies Control Committeein partnership with the Department of Education, Davao del Norte Hospital Samal Zone andin coordination with themanagement

of HCBI. Dr. Catherine Mancio Valera, Davao del Norte Hospital- Samal Zone Head present during the occasion emphasized control and prevention of rabies and urged students to become responsible pet owners in order for Samal to achieve the rabies free IGaCoS in 2015. “Ang tao ang pinaka- smart sa tanan animals , so kailangan we are responsible for our pets, atong pabakunahan

ang atong iro, liguan ug talian para dili makapaak”(The humans are smartest among animals, so let us be responsible with our pets, submit them for vaccination, bath and leashed them so they cannot bite), Renz Allan S. Lacorte, Grade 7 (First year) of HCBI urged his fellow students. The students assured cooperation to disseminate information to others as responsible pet owners and help the city government’s campaign for free rabies IGaCoS. As per report from Davao del Norte Hospital Samal Zone, Samal got zero canine and human rabies case and 294 cases of animal bite cases from January to December 2012. In 2011 data, IGaCoS had


zero rabies case but registered 226 animal bite victims, a difference of 68 cases compared to 2012. “An increase in animal bite was observed but this was probably due to the intensified advocacy campaign regularly made in the barangays with the help of the BRAVES Team wherein the people became knowledgeable of the program and readily report cases to the concerned authorities”, Dr. Edunel Sala, IGaCoS Veterinary Officer said. “Our target on dog vaccination for this year is 10,000 dogs and we are glad to say that in the first quarter (January 2013 – present), we were able to vaccinate a total of 2,723 heads of dogs, an excess of 223 to our 2,500 target in the first quarter,” Sala added. Rabies vaccination was regularly conducted in the barangays by Barangay Rabies Control Team known as BRAVES. The BRAVES Team was organized by the City Veterinary Office after a Barangay Rabies Awareness and Vaccination Enhancement Seminar was conducted in the Barangay. The Team was trained on proper rabies vaccination, given pre-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies protection and to also perform other tasks in eliminating rabies in their respected areas. One rabies case was reported but as per investigation the puppy containing the rabies virus was

purchased in Davao City coming from an unknown source. The puppy died due to rabies in three days after biting the owner fortunately the owner was safe after he underwent complete anti-rabies vaccination. The City Veterinary Office continuously conducts dog registration, vaccination and information campaign in the barangays. They also impound stray dogs in major thoroughfares though sometime they were restrained by necessary resources needed to conduct the activities. Sala appealed for a concerted effort in attaining rabies free city. He urged the cooperation and participation of all the stakeholders here in Samal which is known to be a tourism destination in Mindanao.City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan persistently asked for cooperation and support to the program emphasizing its enormous effect on tourism and its great impact to the economic development of the city. Samal City is aiming for a free rabies city by 2013 in close coordination with the Department of Health –Center for Health Development, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education and other national and local agencies in intensifying the campaign and implementation. (Melrose SAMAL CIO)

one mindanao - march 22, 2013

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