one mindanao - march 26, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

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

COPY EDITORS

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

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

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

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

MARY MAY A. ABELLON, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

CONTENTS

LGU Gensan brings gov’t services to Brgy Bawing

Preparations for SK elections continue

Agnor guv extends P100K assistance to Brgy. Balungagan, Las Nieves

1st Cavalry supports Women’s Month celebration

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TESDA to youth: Shoot for your dream

DOLE: New PH labor quota of 4,600 shows S.Korea’s continued preference for OFWs

MinDA Secretary inspects Panguil Bay Bridge site

Team Capitol benchmarks Thailand’s agricultural innovations

Panaon police station lauded for arrest of most wanted person

RDC-X Advisory Committee supports NorMin 2016 budgets

By: Aimee B. Sienes

By: John Glenn A. Platil

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By: GHimbing

By: Perlits B. Changco

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By: Gideon C. Corgue

By: VNL

By: Catherine T. Apelacio

By: Peleta B. AbejoBy: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: JAT Garcia

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

35 Davao City LGU monitors effects of El Nino By: Rudolph Ian Alama

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4 MARCH 26, 2015One Mindanao

TESDA to youth: Shoot for your dreamBy: Catherine T. Apelacio

5MARCH 26, 2015 One Mindanao

Shoot for your dream!

TESDA to youth: Shoot for your dream


This is how the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) rallies to urge young Filipinos to achieve their dream.

“We’re advocating especially to the youth na huwag bitawan ang kanilang pangarap (do not lose hold of your dream),” Secretary Joel Villanueva told some 4,000 crowd attending the basketball exhibition game dubbed “Shoot for your Dream.”

He said the activity is aimed to encourage everyone especially the youth to reach for their dream by taking advantage of the many short courses under the scholarship programs of TESDA.“Sa TESDA, may choice ka,” he said.

In order to reach out to majority of people, Secretary Villanueva visited different areas in the country and carried out a basketball exhibition game to bolster people’s understanding of the agency’s various scholarship programs.

In General Santos City, the secretary teamed up last Wednesday (March 18) with PBA legends Alvin “The Captain” Patrimonio, Marlou Aquino, Jerry

Codiñera, Rodney Santos, Bal David, Bobby Jose, and Kenneth Duremdes. He called themselves Team Trabaho.

They played against Team TESDA-Specialista which was composed of technical vocational students from the different schools here.

Before getting here, Team Trabaho headed by Mr. Trabaho himself also did a healthy and friendly showdown with other TESDA scholars in Panabo and Pangasinan.

Villanueva, who once played for the varsity team of University of Santo Tomas, believes basketball is an effective tool in promoting TESDA’s advocacy since Filipinos are fond of the game.

“Shoot for your Dream is our way to convey the many opportunities in TESDA’s Training Trabaho Program and to inform the youth na masama ang tumambay, masama ang walang trabaho at may TESDA na handing tumulong at kaagapay nila (It’s bad to hang around unemployed and there is TESDA ready to help and to stand by them),” Villanueva said.


Training Trabaho Program aims to inspire youth about technical vocational courses being an alternative choice to pursue their aspirations in life.

According to him, gone is the notion that to be considered successful in life one must complete a 4-year degree course. He admitted that the stereotyping has become a challenge.

“It’s not the case anymore these days,” Villanueva pointed out adding that anyone can be successful even if he only completed high school provided that he is trained, skilled, and certified by duly authority.

He said that it is TESDA’s mission to fulfill. “We want to train, we want to certify, and we want to help the people land jobs; they have opportunity also to whether not become a wage employee or a self-employed citizen.”

Meanwhile, TESDA Region 12 said that last year they have issued 56,000 national certificates and is expecting some 93,000 Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) graduates this year.

With that, it is optimistic that Region XII will attain a certification rate of 81% toward the end of the year.

On March 19, TESDA through Secretary Villanueva signed a


memorandum of agreement with Mindanao Technical Vocational Education and Training (MinTVET) entrusting the amount of P30 million to the organization for training scholarship program in the entire region.

“This is the biggest MOA that TESDA is giving directly to MinTVET,” he said.

Asked why the agency entrusted the fund to MinTVET, Villanueva said that despite the accolades “we don’t pretend to know everything. We still need this partnership.”

He explained that “TESDA is about jobs.” “And with the P30-M, we are also expecting the organization to police among their ranks,” he added, saying further that if TESDA can reach the scholarship potentials under the TWSP or the Training for Work Scholarship “we might be able to reach the P300 million mark for this year alone.”

Rey Albano, president of MinTVET assured the fund allocation will be distributed among the six regions of Mindanao which includes the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Aside from TWSP, TESDA also covers for scholarship grants under the Private Education Student Financial


Assistance (PESFA) and the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP). PESFA “offers educational grants to qualified and deserving college freshmen both in degree and non-degree courses” while STEP is a community-based mode of “addressing the specific skills needs of the communities and promote employment.”

Of the Php5.3 billion pesos budget of TESDA this year, Secretary Villanueva said Php3.2 billion has been allocated for scholarship programs.


MANILA - Strengthening its commitment for a national budget that is more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the Filipino, the government is further institutionalizing the implementation of Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) in FY 2016.

Bottom-up Budgeting gets boost in FY 2016 budget call

In the FY 2016 Budget Call of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the implementation of BuB will be scaled up via greater involvement and responsibility of local government units (LGUS) in anti-poverty and basic public projects in their localities. Meanwhile, national agencies will focus on accelerating the overall execution

of programs and projects that will reduce poverty and promote economic growth in more regions in the country.

“Ultimately, the objective of BuB is to develop the overall capacity of LGUs. Aside from delivering basic social services, they will also become income-generating hubs for growth that


develop industries to provide jobs and livelihood for their people,” Secretary of Budget Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

DBM BuB Focal Person Patrick Lim said, “We want to realize a legacy of transforming a culture of patronage into a culture of empowerment, where people have a stake in the budget process. LGUs and communities have a better grasp of local needs and BuB provides them an opportunity to propose projects that are oriented towards filling these gaps at the community level.”

The program has shown concrete results in communities’ relationship with their LGUs, especially in the poorer and less privileged municipalities of the country. One of the projects that illustrates this is the coco coir twining project in Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

Through the BuB, this project was able to develop the industry so as to contribute to the livelihood and employment of the people in the area. With an approved budget of P621, 500 coursed through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the LGU was able to consult with

stakeholders, conduct trainings, and carry out monitoring and evaluation activities for the whole project.

Through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the municipality of Asuncion has also implemented a water supply project that transformed the lives of its people by improving the health and sanitation of communities. Before the project, people were forced to fetch water from far and secluded areas. Now, water is accessible in their community.

DILG Mar Roxas said, “BuB is the concrete evidence of ‘Kayo ang boss ko.’ It is the people who tell the National Government what they need and when they need it. Our role is to empower them and encourage their active participation in this form of good governance.”

Anchored on the principle that LGUs and communities should take a more participatory role in the budget process, BuB has expanded this year to include 14,300 poverty-reduction projects to cover for different social services in 1,590 cities and municipalities nationwide in the 2015 National Budget. (DBM)


The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) of South Korea has set this year’s ceiling of 4,600 for the Philippines in terms of new workers who will be allowed to work in South Korea’s manufacturing sector under the Employment Permit System, Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said. It should be noted that there is no ceiling for newcomer-workers for all industries in South Korea other than manufacturing.

Citing Labor Attaché Felicitas Q. Bay’s report, Baldoz said South Korea’s overall foreign workers quota in the manufacturing sector this 2015 is set at 42,400. Of this number, 32,890 are apportioned for new entrants,

while 9,510 are allocated to returning foreign workers. The total quota is divided among the sending countries based on employers’ preference, the rate of undocumented workers, and the country’s level of efficiency in managing the workforce.

The Philippines captured the 13.98 percent of the quota for new entrants allocated by the MOEL in the manufacturing sector.

“If we go by the total number, there was an increase in demand for OFWs. Last year, the quota for the Philippines was at 12.71 percent. In 2013, out of the 42,600 quota, we were given a total of 4,400 slots, or at 9.86 percent of the workforce allowed in the manufacturing industry,”

DOLE: New PH labor quota of 4,600 shows S.Korea’s continued preference for OFWsMANILA - The Philippines still cornered a good share of the number of new foreign workers permitted to work in South Korea’s manufacturing industry, despite the over-all reduction in the number of newcomers allowed in the manufacturing sector, the Department of Labor and Employment said.


Labatt Bay further reported. “This 2015 quota shows sustained demand for OFWs in the last three years in the Korean manufacturing sector. We expect that this will become the trend that will harmonize with our efforts in continually advancing the credence of the Filipino workforce as globally competitive and respects both the Philippines and the host country’s labor rules and regulations” Baldoz said.

Ma Sung-kyun, director of the MOEL Foreign Workforce Division of the South Korea Ministry of Employment and Labor conveyed to Labor Attaché Bay her gratitude for to the Philippine Government’s keen interest and continued cooperation in the sound implementation of the Employment Permit System.

Secretary Baldoz likewise extended her appreciation for the valuable employment opportunity given by South Korea to Filipino workers. She also commended the POLO South Korea for ensuring the steady improvement of the Philippines’ credence in the international labor market.

The country’s good standing

in the EPS can be attributed to the Philippine government’s efforts in advocating the prevention of illegal stay in South Korea as can be seen on the decreasing incidence of undocumented OFWs.

In 2013, the total Filipino EPS workers was at 20,632. Of this number, 6,548, or 32 percent, were undocumented. The total number of EPS workers rose to 23,948 in 2014, but the number of undocumented went down, by seven percent to 6,005.

The POLO, according to Baldoz, is active in promoting workers’ return through its post-arrival orientation briefings, labor education sessions, and reintegration preparedness seminars for EPS workers.

Labor Attaché Bay said that the refinements in the EPS law, such as the EPS re-entry program, which implements the sincere workers’ law and the special EPS Test on Proficiency in Korean for returnees, encouraged EPS workers to leave Korea as they finished their sojourn since they will have the chance to re-enter or return to Korea subject to the re-entry requirements. (dole.gov.ph)


MinDA Secretary inspects Panguil Bay Bridge site

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE - Secretary Luwalhati Antonino of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) visited the capital town of Tubod, this province, to personally inspect the site of the Panguil Bay Bridge (PBB) major infrastructure project.


Her visit last March 12 was barely a month after the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approved this P5.1-billion PBB project.

This mega project involves the construction of a 3.6-kilometer two-lane bridge across Panguil Bay to connect the City of Tangub in Misamis Occidental and the municipality of Tubod in Lanao del Norte.

“Being actually here, you realize really the need for it--the Panguil Bay bridge. The ball is now rolling, the first step is the on-going engineering studies and doing the detailed engineering plan, masaya na tayo doon (we’re happy for this already),” expressed Antonino during an interview.

The project is aimed at a c c e l e r a t i n g economic growth in Northern and Western Mindanao by increasing the flow of goods and services in the cities and municipalities s u r r o u n d i n g Panguil Bay.

O n c e completed, the Panguil Bay bridge is also expected to significantly improve local tourism in this part of Mindanao.

“The tourism potential of Lanao del Norte is very promising. There is so much of nature and we can also highlight the culture of the people,” added Antonino.

The Panguil Bay bridge project is scheduled to be completed in the year 2018. (VNL)


BIR Butuan optimistic in reaching its P4.9B goal, launches 2015 “Angat Pa, Pinas” Tax CampaignBy: BIR Caraga

BUTUAN CITY - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region (RR) No. 17, Butuan City officially launched its 2015 Tax Campaign at the Robinsons Place, here.


BIR Caraga regional director Norberto D. Vitug welcomed all the guests and partners from the local government units (LGUs), civic and professional organizations, media, officials from the Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P), national, regional and district officials and employees. He said that Caraga region is well-known to have the second fastest growing economy in Mindanao and it is endowed with beautiful beaches and tourist spots. Its recorded collection growth from CYs 2012 to 2014 were 21 percent, 4.5 percent, and 11.4 percent, respectively. He also mentioned that this 2015, the region’s collection goal is P4.9 billion, up by 17.9 percent as compared to its 2014 target. He told the audience that last 2014, the region collected P3.8 billion including tax collections credited to the Large Taxpayer Service (LTS) amounting to P558

million. Thus, actual collections in the region including those of the LTS would have totaled P4.3 Billion, exceeding the collection target by 4.11 percent. Vitug also observed that Butuan’s 2015 Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) by province, cities and municipalities amounts to about P13.2 billion. With the benefits derived from this IRA, he hopes that one day taxpayers in the region shall outdo each other in paying the correct taxes which will eventually benefit the Filipino people. He then presented the various projects and sources of collection for the region, namely: monitoring of the withholding tax of IRA utilizations; strict implementation of audit threshold; monitoring of resorts or beaches through tourist arrivals which are increasing since CY 2014 by 15.73 percent; monitoring of log production and manufactured products which amounted to P3,128,389,000.00 (veneer, plywood, blackboard, fiber board, etc.); monitoring of top 50 professionals; monitoring of top 100 self-employed; strict implementation of benchmarking; improve audit efficiency; enhanced Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program; a revitalized Oplan Kandando and


a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the barangay heads to report on new businesses in the area. Taxpayer Service Programs & Monitoring Division chief Marivic A. Galban gave the audience a briefer on the Public Awareness Campaign (PAC) program of the BIR, showcasing the PAC through an audio-visual presentation on its milestones and plans, including the rationale of this year’s tax campaign theme and logo. She was assisted by Public Information and Education assistant division chief Maria Lourdes D. Narvaez and Mina Villamor of the Client Support Service.

Deputy commissioner of Internal Revenue Lilia C. Guillermo, director Vitug, assistant regional director Christine Juliet R. Chua, revenue district officers Bagro S. Saransamun (RDO 103-Butuan City), Noel B. Gonzales (RDO

105-Surigao City), and OIC-assistant revenue district officer Ma. Jonelle S. Faune (RDO 104-Bayugan City), chief Marivic A. Galban and MCA-P managing director and chief executive officer, Ma. Victoria E. Añonuevo unveiled the 2015 Tax Campaign Theme and Logo.

The 2015 tax campaign theme “Angat Pa, Pinas” calls for greater cooperation among Filipinos to pay their taxes as their contribution to nation-building. The campaign logo takes cues from the colors of the Philippine Flag, using arrows that show an upward movement


to denote greater progress and positive change for the country. The campaign jingle provides a battle cry for Filipinos to work for a better tomorrow.

A ceremonial electronic income tax filing and payment of a 1702 RT return for CY 2014 was done by Royce Food Corporation head accountant Noeme B. Garces amounting to P598,707.00 shortly followed. Guillermo, for her part, congratulated Royce Food Corporation for filing its income tax return and paying the tax due thereon. She further appealed to the audience to help the BIR in sustaining economic growth and thanked them in advance for supporting the collection efforts of the region. She also mentioned that the BIR is busy nowadays in conducting tax briefings on electronic filing and payment in order to achieve the BIR’s collection goal of P1.704 trillion. She took the opportunity

to remind the region’s taxpayers of the forthcoming April 15, 2015 Income Tax filing deadline, saying that there will be no extensions. Eighteen top taxpayers from the districts of Butuan City (RDO 103), Bayugan City (RDO 104), Surigao City (RDO 105) and Tandag City (RDO 106), with the assistance of their respective RDOs, dir. Vitug, ARD Chua and Dep. Comm. Guillermo, pledged their support through 24 building blocks of various infrastructure projects like a sports complex, agriculture/irrigation, schools, library, museum and airport, topped with the “Angat Pa, Pinas” emblem. ARD Chua official closed the kickoff with a reminder and appeal to all taxpayers to file early and take advantage of the easy and convenient electronic filing in order to avoid the long queues and the last hour inconvenience in filing on or before April 15, 2015.


Agnor guv extends P100K assistance to Brgy. Balungagan, Las Nieves

BUTUAN CITY - A barangay in the municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte will receive P100,000.00 from Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell “Angel” M. Amante-Matba as support to its water system.

By: Aimee B. Sienes

Gov. Matba recently requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for an authority to transfer the said amount to Barangay Balungagan to purchase one unit Submersible Water Pump for its barangay water system. This is one of the priority programs of the said barangay that was included in its Annual Investment Plan CY 2015, however, the barangay lacked the necessary funds and requested the lady governor through Barangay Development Council

Resolution No. 05, series 2015 that the project be implemented to promote the water system development in the said barangay as well as cater the needs of the constituents for clean water supply. Through the efforts of Vice Governor Ramon “Rambu” AG. Bungabong, the SP approved the request of the governor and authorized her to transfer the funds from the province’s account to Barangay Balungagan through Sanggunian Resolution No. 074-2015.


The province of Surigao del Norte officially represents the Philippine Delegation in the prestigious international workshop and study tour which gave more meaning and life on world-class, ultra-modern and state-of-the art agricultural innovations. This remarkable development harmonized the International Innovative Craft Fair 2015 wherein beautifully grown and uniquely propagated agricultural products were nicely presented and delightfully put together on display. This would complement with the sincere desire of the lady governor to apply the landmark, historic and life-saving action plans on how to set an example, light the way and make sure that

the drinks, fruits, veggies, and food that are being prepared on the table are generally organic. It can be recalled that Governor Matugas expressed her intent “to replicate the modern techniques and highly developed courses of action” which she gained early on from the Costales Nature Farm in Majayahay, Laguna through the province’s flagship advocacy dubbed “Marajaw Agrikultura and Marajaw Pananom (Good Agriculture and Good Farming).” The team capitol who joined with the governor were board member Margarito Longos, Provincial Planning Coordinator Ivonnie B. Dumadag, Provincial Agriculturist Rebecca Bagnol, and Dr. Elvira Egay, among others.

Team Capitol benchmarks Thailand’s agricultural innovationsBy: John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY - The team capitol of the province together with Governor Sol Matugas journeyed for an international study and technology workshop and learn the best practices on Effective Micro-organisms Technology at the Kyusei Nature Farming Center in Sarabauri, Thailand

from March 15 to 20, this year.


Bizwomen to fellow women: Take lead role in business like male counterparts

By: Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Successful businesswomen from different cities in the region encouraged other women to start up their own business and take lead roles like the male counterparts.

Five women-en-trepreneurs were on Tuesday (March 24) gathered by the De-partment of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the

Garden Orchid Hotel here to share with the media, and with the public their experienc-es as businesswomen and how they were able to


succeed in their fields. “Women are now in the same footing as men, and this opens up more opportunities for us to achieve,” shared Jocelyn Gaso, a bottled sardines manufacturer and exporter from Dipolog City. “We should not allow ourselves to always remain behind the shadow of the men.” Gaso has been supplying “Spanish” sardines in 17 Robin-sons branches nationwide and has been a recipient of many trainings. “I’m a nurse by profes-sion and I knew nothing of sar-dines manufacturing,” she said. “However, I encouraged myself to learn.” She is confident that if ever the time comes when her employees would leave, she would still be able to continue the business. The other women attending the said gathering were Mercedes Lourdes Quisumbing, president of the Pagadian Chamber of Com-merce and Industry Foundation, Inc., Ma. Theresa Alano of Basi-lan Estates, Inc., Angelita Ilul of Angie’s Yakan Cloth-Zamboanga City and Maricel De Leon, a real estate developer in Ipil, Zambo-anga Sibugay. Ilul, on the other hand, said that she is grateful for the train-

ings conducted by DTI. Ilul has been attending free DTI trade fairs yearly to promote her Yakan products, and more and more customers have been enticed by the beauty of the products espe-cially those coming from the ho-tel and interior design industries. Like Ilul, Gaso also shared her gratitude to DTI for help-ing her promote her business. “Whenever they invite me for a training, I find no reason to pass,” she said, adding that she owes much of her success to said trainings and trade fairs. Gaso emphasized that wom-en should see themselves as men’s equal. For her part, she and her husband have continu-ously and successfully manage their business together. “We are equal,” she said. Basilan Estate’s Ma. Theresa Alano likewise said she did not see men as threat in business, but rather as partners. Alano has been a successful dealer of man-go and copra products. Alano shared that she ob-serves many women are still ex-ploited. “We have the laws, but the challenge is ensuring that these laws are implemented,” she said.


1st Cavalry supports Women’s Month celebration By: Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur– The 1st Cavalry Squadron (Tagpanguna) Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Division joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the nation in observing the women’s month.

Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batay-ola Jr. said in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA9) the unit conducted a sem-inar on Gender Awareness and Development (GAD) and Violence against Women and Children in collaboration with the Philippine

National Police (PNP) to increase awareness among 1st Cavalry personnel on the rights of wom-en, giving them knowledge to in-tegrate women issues into their work. Batayola said the same sem-inar was also conducted in


the line units in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan and Sulu prov-inces. “In the camp, we are extra careful with our words for we may commit verbal abuse with women. We are treating them with utmost respect,” Batayola declared. Currently, there are three women soldiers in the unit - a lady officer and two enlisted women, he added. Before, Batayola said, Fili-pino women were denied of their rights hindering their full partici-pation in society. “But with the Republic Act 9710 or Magna Car-

ta of Women, it encouraged them to actively participate in almost all activities for national develop-ment,” he pointed out. The said law promotes the full participation and equitable representation of women in all spheres of society particularly in the decision-making and policy-making processes in government and private entities in order to fully realize their role as agents and beneficiaries of develop-ment. The Philippines has been ob-serving the month of March as the national Women’s Month for 25 years now since 1990.

DTI Bukidnon conducts consumer education for Barangay Day Care WorkersKALILANGAN, Bukidnon - Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) Bukidnon and the local government unit of Kalilangan, through its Municipal Social Welfare Development Office, conducted recently a consumer education for barangay Day Care Workers (DCW).

By: DTI

DTI Provincial Director Ermedio Abang said, “We must uphold the rights and welfare of consumers so the public must know their basic rights and responsibilities as consumers.” During the presentation, Eriberto Taban-ud Jr., Chief Trade & Industry Development


Specialist (CTIDS) of DTI Bukidnon explained the consumer rights of information, choice, representation, redress, and consumer education, right to basic needs, safety, and healthy environment. He also talked on the consumer responsibilities of critical awareness, action, social concern, environmental awareness and solidarity. During the discussion, questions on “No return, No exchange” policy of some business establishments were also asked. Hence, DTI clarified that by provision of law, sellers are obliged to honor implied warranties and grant corresponding remedies to consumers in case of defective or imperfect service—upon submission of sales invoice or receipts or as provided by law under Republic Act 7394. Assistant Social Welfare Development Officer Alma Tura and Trade & Industry Development Specialist Christopher Diaz also facilitated and answered some questions from the 43 DCWs coming from different barangays of Kalilangan town. The activity dubbed

“Consumer Education and Advocacy” is part of the nationwide consumer welfare program of DTI in accordance with the “right to education” of consumers. The DCW participants also requested for presentations on entrepreneurial and skills trainings, packaging and labelling, marketing, and financing for micro-small and medium enterprises during their next meeting. Taban-ud suggested that the MSWDO has to send a letter requesting DTI Bukidnon to conduct such activity so that a representative from the Business Development Division will be working on it next month.


“The fast action of the JTCO conducted by the Panaon Municipal Police Station (MPS) resulted in the arrest of Abdul Malik Serapica Sali, allegedly a member of Alkhobar Terrorist Group under the umbrella of Zulkipfli Bin Hir, also known as (a.k.a.) Marwan,” Police Sr. Supt. Archival Diokno Macala, Provincial Director of MOPPO, said. The JTCO was led by P/Insp. Mohammad Ridwan Arumpac Ombawa, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the MOPPO Provincial Intelligence Branch, upon the request and proper coordination of SPO4 Albert L. Erese. Erese was accompanied by PO3 Yusop U. Guiamadil, under the direct supervision of Police Sr. Supt. Manolo N. Ozeta, OIC of the Regional Intelligence Division, Police Regional Office (RID, PRO) of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Meanwhile, 30 yr. old Malik a.k.a. “Dindo,” married, and a

resident of Purok 3, Barangay Villalen, Panaon, this province, is a suspect of the Kidapawan and Digos City bombing incidents last 2006 and 2007, wherein numerous lives were lost. Malik tried to evade the JTCO and hurdled the checkpoint in Panaon towards Jimenez town on his motorcycle at a fast speed, prompting the JTCO, on board the Police Patrol Car, to conduct hot pursuit operation, and arrested him along the national highway in Barangay Sumasap, in Panaon. He was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest (WOA) docketed under CC# 282(08) for the crime of Multiple Murder with Multiple Frustrated Murder and Multiple Attempted Murder, issued by the RTC 11th Judicial Region Branch 19, Digos City, Davao del Sur duly signed by Judge Carmelita Sarno-Davin, last December 12, 2008, with no bail bond recommended, Macala said.

Panaon police station lauded for arrest of most wanted personOROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (MOPPO) has lauded the personnel of the Joint Teams Checkpoint Operation (JTCO) for the arrest of a national level most wanted person (MWP) in Panaon, last March 21.

By: JAT Garcia


In his opening message, Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez of the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro City, the lead convenor of the committee meeting, urged everyone to work together in ensuring that the proposed budgets requested shall redound to the development of Region X as it positions itself as the number one region in the country. Presided over by RDC-X Chair and Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, the RAC expressed support to the RDC-endorsed budgets. The agency budgets with an aggregate total of P94.334 billion were presented by the RDC Sectoral Committee Chairs/Co-chairs. Mayor Maria Luisa D. Romualdo presented the requirement of the Macro and Development Administration Sector amounting to P1.393 billion (1.5% share); Ms. Emma A. Nieva for the

Economic Development Sector’s P4.315 billion (4.6% share); Mayor Philip T. Tan for the Infrastructure Sector agencies’ P39.868 billion (42.3% share); and Mayor Nelieta Q. Noval for the Social Development Sector’ requirement of P48.757 billion (51.7% share). Some amendments/additional projects were also proposed for consideration by the concerned agencies for FY 2016. The DPWH-X was asked to consider the following projects: the esplanade along Cagayan de Oro River, Macabalan-Puntod-Carmen and Cathedral City Hall; reconstruction and widening of Cagayan de Oro port road; Balulang-Macasandig Bridge and Access Road; Macabalan-Bonbon Bridge and Access Road; Widening of Butuan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road (Binuangan, Sugbongcogon, Kinoguitan and Medina in Misamis Oriental); and

RDC-X Advisory Committee supports NorMin 2016 budgetsCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Congressional representatives of Northern Mindanao expressed support to the Regional Development Council (RDC-X)-endorsed budget proposals of 24 government agencies and eight (8) state universities and colleges in the region during the RDC-X Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting on Monday, March 23, this city.

By: Peleta B. Abejo


the preparation of a master plan to mitigate flooding in Gingoog City. Various projects were also proposed for the Misamis Occidental including among others the Construction of the Clarin Drainage System; construction of the Ozamiz-Clarin-Tangub-Bonifacio-Don Victorinao (OCTBDV) Agro-Eco Tourism Hinterland Road; completion of Bagacay-Gala-Ozamiz City Road leading to Hoyohoy Highland Park, Ozamiz City; and construction of the Oroquieta-Sebucal-Don Victoriano-Molave Road for funding from the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program. The body also required all projects under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) to be implemented in consultation with the congressional representatives concerned. It asked DOH-X to allocate funds for the improvement/upgrading of the Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Regional and Teaching Hospital; NHA-X to allocate funds for the right of way acquisition for the expansion of Ozamiz City’s Labo airport and to consider housing assistance for Sendong victims from the formal sector (teachers, policemen and other national government employees) as well

as additional funds to finish the housing projects for the informal sector; DSWD-X to increase the Conditional Cash Assistance (CCA) under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps); DA-X to appropriate bigger budget for cloud seeding; and for DOT and DWPH regional offices to consider improvement/ rehabilitation of roads leading to tourist destinations. The body also endorsed the following proposals: 1) rehabilitation works of the Pulangui IV hydroelectric plant reservoir; and 2) port development programs and projects of the Philippine Ports Authority Port, Management Offices in Region X. Personally present among the congressional representatives were Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez; Rep. Peter M. Unabia of the 1ST District of Misamis Oriental; Rep. Henry S. Oaminal of the 2nd District of Misamis Occidental; and Rep. Jorge T. Almonte of the 1ST District of Misamis Occidental. Rep. Jose Maria F. Zubiri III (3rd District of Bukidnon), Rep. Abdullah D. Dimaporo (2nd district of Lanao del Norte), and Rep. Juliette T. Uy (2nd District of Misamis Oriental) were represented by their respective staff.

All set for National S Earth-quake Drill

DAVAO CITY-All sys-tems go for the Nation-al Simultaneous Earth-quake Drill set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Manage-ment Council in Davao Region. Retired Brig. Gen-eral Loreto Rirao, direc-tor of the Office of Civil Defense 11 and chair of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Man-agement Council said the NSED is set at 9:00 am, March 27 aimed at determining the level of awareness among the residents in coping with the tremor. He said participants of the NSED must ob-serve the duck, cover, hold at the exact mo-ment when the “earth-quake simulation drill” occurs. “You must what-ever you are doing and observe the duck, cover and hold with primary consideration of your safety whenever there is an earthquake,” Rirao said.

He said that in Davao Region that cen-ter of the drill will be the public transport termi-nals. Rirao said the lo-cal governments of the cities of Davao, Panabo and Tagum, in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental. “Evaluators will be sent in these areas to determine the level of awareness of the par-ticipants in handling the situation during earth-quakes. From there, we will know which areas to improve and eventually promote through our ad-vocacy,” Rirao said. He explained many schools under the De-partment of Education begged off to participate in the NSED since many of them still have to un-dertake their final ex-ams. Rirao said the DepEd 11 still sets to conduct their separate earthquake drill at a later time. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines) DAVAO


Davao City LGU monitors effects of El Nino

DAVAO CITY- The City Agricultur-ist Office of the local government of Davao is monitoring the effects of El Nino among the agricultural sector. Rocelio Tabay, City Agriculturist says that El Nino is already being felt particularly among farmers of annual crops (rice corn, vegetables) who have planted in the months of Janu-ary and February. He says farmers farther away from sources of water is more affected than those whose farms are near water. He says they have formally re-quested the Department of Agricul-ture for cloud seeding and based on his follow-up the department is vali-dating the request. Though grazing livestock are

not yet affected, Tabay said the dry spell will eventually dry out the grasses which the animals will forage. He bared that field workers has moni-tored decreasing water levels in the creeks of Los Amigos which is the home of the City’s catfish (pantat) industry. Tabay said the CAO can assist the affected farmers by packaging project propos-als where they can submit to concerned agencies for assis-tance. Tabay has encouraged

farmers now that farmers can plant root crops such as camote, cas-sava and gabi which can withstand drought. Engineer Gerry Pedrico of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Admin-istration- XI (PAGASA-XI) has con-firmed the onset of a weak El Nino which has contributed to the dry spell. (PIA/RG Alama)

Sultan Kudarat town gets 6.5 km farm-to-market road projectBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

COTABATO CITY, Mar 26 –Farmers from the municipality of Sultan Kudarat in Maguin-danao will soon benefit from farm-to-market road project courtesy of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) govern-ment and the local government unit of Sul-tan Kudarat in Maguindanao.

According to DPWH ARMM Secretary Emil Sadain, the ARMM government has allotted P70 million for the FMR network.

The fund will build and improve 6.5 kilo-meters of farm-to-market roads connecting the barangays of Pinaring, Ibotigen and Pan-atan.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, Sultan Kudarat Mayor Shameem Mastura and local officials led the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, March 24.

Mayor Mastura thanked the regional gov-ernment for the project and said it will be a big help to the residents especially the farm-ers of Sultan Kudarat.

The farm-to-market roads are very bene-ficial to the farmers because it will be easier for them to transport their good from the barangays to the markets and also lessen damage on their goods while traveling on rough roads, he said. (ORVRivera-PIA12)


LGU Gensan brings gov’t services to Brgy BawingGENERAL SANTOS CITY, Mar. 26 - In line with its con-tinuing efforts to bring basic services closer to its resi-dents, the city government here led by Mayor Ronnel Ri-vera has recently held Barangayan in Barangay Bawing.

At the Barangayan in Bawing, local government officials in-cluding heads and staff of the city LGU’s departments, as well as barangay officials have set up offices at the subject vil-lage to consult with resi-dents, address community prob-lems and concerns and bring basic services.

The City Civil Registrar, for example, offered free pro-cessing of birth certificates to

solve the community’s prob-lem over increasing number of children in the area without na-tal registration document.

Meanwhile, the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) assured Barangay Chairperson Jerry Jugarap that it will act on the latter’s request to repair damaged roads in Bawing.

“We have three dump trucks as promised to the barangay. The repair will start by the second week of March,” said Engr. Kits


Provido, CEO head.Provido also announced that

the LED street lighting from air-port to Bawing is expected to be installed on the third quarter of the year.

He added that the street light-ing of the inner roads of the ba-rangay is now being proposed through the Barangay Electrifi-cation Program amounting to P5 million.

Other concerns such as electri-fication, drainage, and additional livelihood programs are being

taken into account by the depart-ment heads.

Immediate government ser-vices were also rendered to the residents of Bawing during the Barangayan such as free medical checkup and feeding program for malnourished children.

Barangayan is a program initi-ated by the Integrated Barangay Affairs to bring government ser-vices closer to the constituents of the city. (GHimbing-Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Preparations for SK elections continueBy: Perlits B. Changco

COTABATO CITY, March 26—For the local business community, the coming in of a multi-mllion investment company Iron Blaze Corpo-ration in Maguindanao is a welcome development.

Early 2014, Iron Blaze Corpo-ration was one of the multi-mil-lion investors that committed and pledged to invest in the Autono-mous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), specifically in Maguin-danao.

Iron Blaze Corp, engaged in importation and distribution of oil products has made true its com-mitment with the ground break-ing ceremony last March 13, this year of its multi-million oil depot at the Polloc Freeport, Parang,

Maguindanao.Assuring full support to inves-

tors, ARMM Regional Board of Investments Chair Ishak Mastura said Iron Blaza Corp is a pioneer locator first to respond to calls to invest in the region a year or so ago, manifesting investors’ high confidence in the area.

Mastura said, the January 25, 2015 Mamasapano incident has insignificant impact to the in-vestment prospects in the region negating forecast of a slowdown following the unfortunate event


putting the province of Magu-indanao in the limelight.

Aside from fresh investments, there are projects of RBOI-reg-istered firms that are already in the pipeline this year among these are the expansion of the capacity of a biomass power plant, rehabilitation of a starch factory, banana plantation expan-sion program and the oil depot of Iron Blaze Corp., Mastura said.

For his part, Ramon dela Cues-ta of Iron Blaze Corp. said the company makes good its com-mitment to infuse capital and do business and contribute to the region’s economic and invest-ment growth.

Being formerly with Caltex, Philippines for quite some time, gave him the opportunity to visit Polloc Freeport in Parang town regularly and having familiarized the company saw the potential of the area as an investment site, dela Cuesta said.

From a small-scale, the compa-ny is investing in a multi-million oil depot facility and with the po-tential the area offers, the com-pany will eventually expand its business investment, he said.

“In the next 2 or 3 weeks time, construction of the oil depot will commence,” he said.

Meanwhile, LAMSAN Holding Corp. CEO and PTC (port cargo handling services) president Christopher Lu expressed strong

commitment and support to the region’s investment expansion program even with the coming of the Bangsamoro entity.

Having started the family busi-ness in the late 60s in the mu-nicipality of Sultan Kudarat, then very sparsely populated, they have developed strong bonding with the people and the commu-nity at large despite having expe-rienced almost 50 years of alter-nating landscape of wars, spate of kidnappings and sporadic fire-fights, Lu said.

“These experiences the fam-ily endured allowed us to under-stand the Bangsamoro aspiration for self-determination – this bond also serves as a driving force to continue our investment within the Bangsamoro territory be-cause we believe a strong local economy serves as a bed rock for the government and the people,” Lu stressed.

Expressing gratitude to Pol-loc Freeport OIC Administra-tor Barok Mangutara, Jr., and other officialsfor the opportunity given them to expand the LAM-SAN Holding Corp. investment and business, Lu is hopeful that one day Polloc Freeport shall be known and called the “gateway to the Bangsamoro heart land”.(PBChangco/PIA Cotabato City)

one mindanao - march 26, 2015

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