one mindanao - march 6, 2014

23rd MinBizCon to highlight importance of ASEAN integrationCatherine ApelacioCENTRAL MINDANAO

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 134

Palace: Government works to ensure stable power supply; asks for stakeholders’ cooperation

NATIONAL

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CARAGA REGION

NORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

DOLE-Zambo. Norte distributes computer set to LGUs

DavNor steps up fire prevention drive

BFP AgSur intensifies campaign vs fire incidents

SSS advises OFWs, self-employed and voluntary members to settle contribution underpayments

Tacurong City’s bird sanctuary featured in bird festival

OWWA-ARMM plans out activities for women’s month

Ozamiz women’s groups celebrate Women’s Month with a cultural festival

‘Maternal care package’ launched in 3 health centers

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Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CIO

Alfonso T. Ruda

Noel Baguio

Danilo E. Doguiles

Oliver Ross Rivera

Melody E. de Vera

Information to Empower Filipinos

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23rd MinBizCon to highlight importance of ASEAN integration

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23rd MinBizCon to highlight importance of ASEAN integration

The organizers of the 23rd Mindanao Business Conference

(MinBizCon) has assured the public and its business following that this year’s event shall have a “Taste of ASEAN Integration.”

At a press conference Friday last week, Rey Billena, conference director told media that this year’s event will be a “preparatory” in anticipation of the ASEAN integration by 2015. MinBizCon is hosted jointly by the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc (GSCCCII) and Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc (SCCII). The 23rd MinBizCon is slated on September 1-3 at the KCC and Veranza Malls here. Billena said they are expecting some 1,500 delegates from the national and international communities

to attend and also participate in the trade exhibits and matching. Of the total targeted participants, 100 of which will come from national and the 200 from international.Dubbed as “Growth Beyond Convergence,” the event is touted to be huge not only for business sectors but also for the academe, professionals, and government agencies. “The big difference from the previous events is that before they only focused on the attendance of business sector but this year we have already targeted the four areas,” said the confab director.

By Catherine Apelacio

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Billena also explained why the event is geared toward ASEAN integration. “Since we are into integration, where there will be free flow of goods and services… what better way to prepare our farmers than to start preparing them now by having a taste of it.” Organizers believe that the scheduled conference would be a venue where farmers and other development partners could be taught “not to be dependent on corn or copra alone.” He said that local farmers can get out of their comfort zone and venture

into some other crops and services which are acceptable and competitive in ASEAN or global market. The organizers have also promised to invite the “best speakers” who will discuss in handy about

ASEAN integration, among other things. Giving a glimpse on the conference topics, Billena cited some which include the Mindanao in the ASEAN Market, ASEAN Trade Agreements, ASEAN Market, ASEAN Connectivity, Energy Efficiency, Financing Growth, Intellectual Property and Standards and Conformance. Meanwhile, SCCII president Ed Cejar articulated that there are three pillars of integration, namely: economic, the first phase which is the focal point in MinBizCon; socio-cultural; and political. The ASEAN region is comprised of the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore,

Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. The country’s trading partners also include the United States of America, China, India, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. According to Philippine Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (PCCI) area vice president Annie Ty, also the conference chairperson, the event which she described “special” will serve as proper venue to air out what business leaders want and need in the future. “This would directly show business sector in other areas what we are doing here in Mindanao,” she said. As a way of promoting the event, “One Mindanao Roadshow” is set to roll off in the cities of General Santos, Cotabato, Kidapawan, Davao, Surigao, Zamboanga, and Cagayan de Oro. “All concerted efforts will be done to promote this year’s MinBizCon,” Ty said.

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Palace renews commitment to reducing poverty

The government remains focused on attaining inclusive growth and bringing poor Filipinos out of poverty, the

Palace said on Wednesday.

Across the Nation

“Ang thrust ng ating pamahalaan is for inclusive growth. We want to bring people out of poverty. Ang thrust ng ating Philippine Development Plan is really to emphasize inclusive growth and the reduction of poverty,”

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang.

The administration has set goals on the government’s anti-poverty action plans, he said noting this will be carried out on a specific and targeted approach.

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For instance if a province belongs to a certain category, the government will carry out a particular strategy in addressing poverty in that area.

“The thrust of government is to make sure that we reduce poverty at a certain percentage. That plan is in place and we will continue to do that until the end of our term,” he said.

Asked about the government’s initiative so that such economic growth will be felt by the poor, Lacierda said they are looking at the strategies of other countries that have implemented

similar anti-poverty initiatives.In China for example, its poverty

reduction strategies took several decades to bear fruit, he said.

“It took more than several decades,” he said of the Chinese strategy. “That is the kind of poverty strategies that we will have to address. Certainly, it will not be finished by 2016.”

While it can’t be done within six years, Lacierda said they hope it could reduce poverty while the Aquino administration is in power. PND


The government had said it is committed to provide stable power supply for the country and asked the public, power

producers and distributors to work together to resolve the power shortage especially in Mindanao.

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“I think what is apparent here is that kailangan talaga iyong tulung-tulong. Mas maraming maa-accomplish kung magtutulungan sila both the users and the distributers, the generators,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a press briefing in Malacanang Thursday.

“This is a systemic problem that requires a systemic solution to be provided by all of the stakeholders.”

In a statement, Coloma reported that according to the Department of Energy the current supply in Mindanao is 1,064 megawatts compared to the peak demand estimated at 1,222 megawatts, which means a shortfall of 158 megawatts.

This results to rotating brownouts at an average of two to three hours, except in Maguindanao province that is currently experiencing up to more than 10 hours of power interruption daily, he said.

To address this shortfall, the DOE and the power industry are implementing several measures such as the use of embedded generators by distribution utilities, adoption of the interruptible load program involving the voluntary use of generator sets by consumers; continuing repair and rehabilitation of the 210-megawatt STEAG coal-fired power plant in Misamis Oriental; and the repair and

rehabilitation of existing hydroelectric power plants.

The Communications Secretary said the rehabilitation of the 210-megawatt STEAG coal-fired power plant in Misamis Oriental will be done from two to three months.

At the same time, Coloma said the government is closely monitoring ongoing projects that will increase power supply in Mindanao by up to 900 megawatts.

These new projects include the 200-megawatt coal-fired plant of the Alsons’ group and the 300-megawatt Aboitiz-owned coal-fired plant, which will both come online by 2015.

Another 400 megawatts coal-fired plant owned by Filinvest will become operational in 2016, he said.

With the expected 500 (MW) in 2015, and 400 (MW) in 2016, the additional energy of 900 (MW) will address the current need which is around 1,200 (MW).

“The DOE continues to undertake reforms that power sector including actively pursuing a 50/50 energy makes between traditional and renewable energy with increased private sector investments in hydroelectric, biomass, and solar power,” Coloma added.

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ARMM agri-project improves farmers’ income

Officials in Maguindanao are seeing the success of a government project constructed with the active participation by the community-

beneficiary.In an impoverished town due to

armed conflict and natural and man-made calamities, the government-built agricultural facility has improved

the productivity of its beneficiary farmers and pushed solidarity with fragmented Moro families sharing the labor in its construction.


Two communal solar dryers and a warehouse project in Pagalungan, Maguindanao have been a living testimony to the Filipino culture of “bayanihan.”

Located beside a highway in Barangay Galakit, the project was a joint venture of village people, many of them relatives and families of combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Social Fund Project (ASFP), a World Bank’s conduit for its socio-economic interventions in underdeveloped areas in ARMM.

Anwar Matalam, village chair of Barangay Galakit, Badrodin Mamendig, president of the local People’s and Organization (PO), said the project has multiple effects on the people and their productivity.

Built through “bayanihan spirit,” Matalam said the project gave an opportunity for the village farmers to reduce expenses in drying farm products.

“Besides, people share time in using the project and they no longer compete with each other but share,” Matalam said.

“May savings kami sa pagpapatuyo ng produkto at iyon ay dagdag income naming (We save in drying palay and corn and that means additional income for us),” Mamendig said.

To compliment the project, the ASFP also constructed a barangay health station beside the post harvest facility, also constructed by the village people, making it an instrument for them to unite as a community.

“We expect it to be completed by May and it will serve the locals on 24-hour basis, catering to the needs of pregnant mothers and emergency cases,” said midwife Sofia Mangadad.

Mamendig said the ASFP has planted the spirit of camaraderie in Barangay Galakit and that the community’s active participation cements their unity.

He also lauded the local government unit of Pagalungan for extending its utmost support to the peoples’ organization during the project construction.

More than 100 farmer-beneficiaries are now using the solar dryer on scheduled basis.For maintenance, the farmers’ organization is collecting minimal payments.

In most of Maguindanao highways, farmers are forced to use the sides of the national highway to dry their palay, making the road network accident-prone.

Because of this practice, Maguindanao has earned the moniker as having the “longest solar drier in the country.” (PNA)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Koronadal City was among the 22 local government units that received a world-class fire truck from the Department of the Interior and Local Government Unit Monday, an official of the Bureau of Fire and Protection here confirmed.

Koronadal City gets world-class fire truck from DILGBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- Tacurong City’s Baras Bird Sanctuary was showcased in the recently concluded 1st Ecotourism Fair for the 9th Philippine Bird Festival in Zamboanga City.

City Fire Marshall SInsp. Milo Manlabao said the city LGU was among the participants of the kick off ceremonies of the Fire Protection Month celebration at the Quezon Memorial Circle where the turnover of the 38 fire trucks was held.

“We are very lucky to be included among the local government units given this modern fire truck,” Manlabao said.

From Quezon City, the vehicle will be transported to Koronadal and is expected to arrive here in few days, he added.

“This state-of-art fire truck will be a boost our firefighting capacity. It is capable of reaching up to the 8th floor of a building, “ he added.

The fire truck is a Rosenbauer TLF 4000, which Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas

described as the Mercedez Benz of fire fighting vehicles.

The 1,000-gallon capacity fire truck has a 240 horsepower water cooled main engine and connected to the water pump via power-take-off (PTO).

It has a seven-passenger seating capacity and can discharge 2,400 liters of water per minute. Its water cannon can push water up to 62 meters horizontally and 24 meters vertically.

Each unit, according to Sec. Roxas, costs more or less P7 million and is part of the 76 units the national government has acquired through a credit grant from the Austrian government. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Tacurong City’s bird sanctuary featured in bird festivalBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Photos of migratory birds inhabiting Tacurong City’s one and three-fourths hectare bird sanctuary were displayed at the fair on February 27 to March 2 for local and international bird watchers, students, and locals to view.

These migratory birds include great

egrets, intermediate egrets, little egrets, cattle egrets, rufous night heron, black-crowned night heron, and Javan pond.

The exhibit also included the Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines’ sightings of the variable dwarf kingfisher and rusty-breasted


cuckoo.The Philippine Bird Festival is an

annual event organized by the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) in different regions.

It is carried in coordination with local government units, Department of Tourism, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

This year’s festival theme was “Birds: Fly Without Fear, Without Worry.” In Chavacano, “Pajaros: Bula sin Miedo, Sin Lingasa.”

Local and international bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and government and non-government organizations participated in the event.

Among the list were: Wild Bird Society of Taipei, Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network, Bird Watch Palawan, Haribon Foundation, Malaysian Nature Society, Polillo Islands Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc..

Katala Foundation (Palawan), Save Freedom Island Movement, Earth Island Institute, Philippine Native

Plant Society, Borneo Bird Club, Swarovski Optik, PENAGMANNAKI (Negros), DOT-CARAGA, Balanga City, and Bataan Province.

Delegates were treated with a pre-festival tour to Victoria wetlands and Mt. Baluno, two of the popular bird-watching sites in Zamboanga City.

During these visits, bird watchers spotted the Philippine woodpecker, whiskered tree-swift,

sunbirds, serpent eagles, the endemic Zamboanga bulbul, among others. Bird watchers also had a glimpse of the rufous hornbill, one of the most threatened birds in the Philippines.

WBCP also engaged college, high school and elementary students in the festival through lecture series on biodiversity and birding. Students also enjoyed guided bird watching trips and nature walks with the WBCP in the Intake watershed, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) fishponds/bird sanctuary, and Bog Lake.

The ZSCMST opened its gates to the public to showcase their bird sanctuary in their fisheries campus at the heart of the city. Mangroves serve as habitat and breeding grounds to migratory birds such as egrets and herons.

After this year’s festival, WBCP identified 10 bird species in the sanctuary, in addition to the 31 previously identified species.

WBCP donated a spotting scope and four binoculars to ZSCMST for


COTABATO CITY – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in the Au-tonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OWWA-ARMM), has laid down activi-ties for the celebration of the women’s month this March.

the school to continue to educate the public about bird conservation through their sanctuary.

LGU Tacurong City plans to work with WBCP to further develop and protect the Baras Bird Sanctuary.

This sanctuary serves as habitat and breeding ground for more than

20,000 egrets and herons.“There could still be more bird

species that we can discover with the help of the wild bird club,” said Mayor Lina O. Montilla. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU-Tacurong City) Information)

OWWA-ARMM plans out activities for women’s monthBy Oliver Ross Rivera

OWWA-ARMM OIC Habib Malik said they prepared a series of activities to honor the contributions of women in nation-building as well as to equip them with much needed trainings to further improve their skills and com-petencies.

Malik said that on March 25 to 27, they will provide a free training on ba-sic cosmetology to some thirty Over-seas Filipino Workers.

“The training dubbed as “Ganda mo, kinabukasan ko!” aims to give our OFWs more skills which they can use to earn extra income when they are deployed abroad,” Malik added.

During the three-day course, par-ticipants will be taught basic tech-niques on hair cutting styles, hair col-oring, make-up, hot oil application, manicure/pedicure, permanent hair winding and foot spa.

Other activities of the office includes a one-day training on psychosocial

counseling and gender sensitivity and responsiveness module on March 18 to be participated by OWWA-ARMM employees and a film showing every Friday featuring movies focusing on women empowerment.

OWWA-ARMM’s celebration of the women’s month started on Monday, March 3 with the giving of roses to women employees and to 100 office clients.

The office also joined officials and employees of ARMM for the opening ceremonies of the Women’s month held at the regional compound.

These activities are also in rela-tion to the Gender and Development (GAD) advocacies of the office.

The 2014 Women’s Month celebra-tion is centered on the theme “Babae, ang tatag mo ay tatag natin sa pag-bangon at pagsulong,” (ORVRivera-PIA12)


DepEd Caraga settles on earlier implementation of senior highBy Venus L. GarciaBUTUAN CITY - Through the headship of Sec. Armin Luistro in the Department of Education (DepEd), the senior high school (SHS) will be implemented by school year (SY) 2015-1016, a year earlier than originally timetabled.


As mandated by Republic Act 10533 or “the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013,” the implementation of the additional two years in secondary education is scheduled SY 2016-2017 for Grade 11 and SY 2017-2018 for Grade 12.

The policy on enhanced basic education program, the K to 12 (Kindergarten to Grade 12), encompasses at least one year of kindergarten education, six years of elementary education, and six years of secondary education which includes four years of junior high school and two years of senior high school education.

Accordingly, after the internal and external assessment made

by the schools divisions as well as consultations with the different stakeholders, and after thorough planning during the special national Mancom, DepEd Caraga has chosen a total of 40 schools in the region to move ahead in the implementation of the SHS.

Escobarte added, the 40 schools are distributed in the 12 divisions of the region of which the distribution depends on the size of the division.

There are four tracks in the SHS program, namely: the Technical-Vocational and Livelihood (TVL); Academic; Sports; and Arts and Designs. Of these 40 schools, 39 will offer the TVL track while only one will offer the academic track.

“Each track has strands and each strand is composed of the subjects to be offered which are all leading to a degree course in college,” explained Escobarte.

He further said that DepEd Caraga hopes to have constant support from all stakeholders as the department embarks on another initiative for better Filipino learners and most of all the attainment of quality education for all.


BFP AgSur intensifies campaign vs fire incidentsBy Melody E. de Vera

BUTUAN CITY -- In line with this year’s theme: “Isulong ang Kaunlaran, Sunog ay Iwasan, Kaalaman at Pag-iingat ang kailangan,” the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) intensifies its campaign against fire incidents in the province in observance with the nationwide Fire Prevention Month in the month of March of every year.

According to Inspector Danilo Castor, acting Provincial Fire Marshall of BFP-Agusan del Sur, their office recorded 132 percent increase of fire incidents on 2013 where 43 cases with 7 casualties and P14-million pesos total damaged compared on year 2012 where only 26 cases of fire incidents recorded and P10-million worth of total damages.

He said, the main cause is the faulty electrical wiring and to avoid fire incidents, BFP reminded everyone

to unplug electrical appliances when not in use. Castor added that aside from avoiding fire incidents, we can save money and energy.

To ignite awareness to the people, BFP-Agusan del Sur has lined-up activities such as Fire Fighting Training on Mach 10-14 to be participated by the members of Search and Rescue Agusan Sur (SARAS); Refreshing course to be participated by 2 batches of SARAS team on March 20-21;


SSS advises OFWs, self-employed and voluntary members to settle contribution underpayments MANILA -- The Social Security System (SSS) called on self-employed and voluntary members, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), to settle any contribution underpayments to ensure that their monthly premiums for January 2014 onwards are aligned with the new SSS Contribution Schedule.

Underpayments are caused by monthly contributions that were paid in advance and based on the old SSS contribution rate of 10.4 percent and maximum monthly salary credit (MSC) of P15,000. Starting January 2014, the contribution rate has increased by 0.6 percent to 11 percent, while the maximum MSC is now P16,000. Affected members include those who made advance payments prior to the announcement of the new SSS Contribution Schedule

– such as self-employed and voluntary members –as well as members unaware of changes in the amount of contributions that took effect starting this year.

Self-employed and voluntary members who paid at the minimum MSC of P1,000 would have an underpayment of P6.00 per month. As for affected OFW-members who paid contributions based on their minimum MSC of P5,000, their underpayment would amount to P30.00 per month.

Fire Drill to be conducted in all the municipalities provincewide and; Fire Brigade Training in all barangays.

Other activities lined-up for the hottest month as mandated by the National Government are: Drawing Contest for Elementary category, Poster Making Contest for secondary category, Photo contest that is open to all, Essay Writing Contest and Painting contest for

secondary schools, Quiz bee and Pre-Olympics for Barangay Fire Brigades.

BFP Agusan del Sur opened the celebration of National Fire Prevention Month by a Walk for a Fire Free in every municipality along with the fire fighters and non-government organizations.

The BFP is also continuously conducting its regular inspection specially to residential areas and establishments.


“Members can settle their underpayments at any SSS branch with tellering facilities, which are open from Mondays to Saturdays, or in any of our accredited local banks. They must use the SSS Form RS-5 and indicate that the amount paid is intended for settling their underpayment for the specified applicable months,” said Judy Frances See, SSS Senior Vice President for Account Management.

Meanwhile, affected self-employed, voluntary and OFW members with payments above the minimum MSC may opt to pay the corresponding increase in contributions to retain the posting of their payments at the same MSC. Otherwise, their contributions will be posted at the applicable lower MSC.

“We advise members to settle their underpayments and put their contribution records in order as early as now to avoid issues arising from ‘out-of-bracket’ p a y m e n t s . M e m b e r s paying at the minimum MSC, in particular, will have

their contributions deemed ‘ineffective’ if they fail to settle the corresponding underpayment that will complete the full amount of the minimum monthly contribution,” See added.

She urged members to strive to pay contributions at higher MSCs to benefit from bigger SSS benefits and salary loans. The MSC, which relates to the amount of the member’s monthly income covered by contributions, serves as a major basis for computation of benefits and loanable amounts.

Members can view the new SSS Contribution Schedule and the SSS Advisory showing the list of underpayment amounts per MSC at the SSS Website (www.sss.gov.ph). Various SSS forms, including the RS-5 Form needed for settling contribution underpayments, are also downloadable from the SSS Website.


Training and Perseverance: Strong keys for a successful business by Oliver Badel Inodeo

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Everyday is a chance to fulfill and achieve one’s dream.


This holds true to a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) beneficiary here as she tries to realize her dream business. Georgy Sosobrado, 39, of Phase 3 Macanhan, Carmen this city, said she complements the meager income of her husband, Anecito, who is a multicab driver, through her tailoring shop. Despite operating for only four months now, Georgy is not new to the business as she earned her skills in cutting, designing and sewing from her mother who is also helping her at the shop. Out of the nine siblings, only Georgy followed the footsteps of her mother who is always at the shop to help carry-out her dream business.Georgy started to establish her tailoring shop specializing on curtains, pillow, eco-bag, bead works, gowns, among others October last year when she and the other 14 members of Faithfulness Macanhan Pantawid Pamilya SEA (Self-Employment Assistance) Kaunlaran Association (SKA) availed of the P150,000 loan from the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).On enhancing skills Georgy, who is blessed with six children, can still manage to do some household chores and care for her family after a hard day’s work. She disclosed that she learned how to manage her time after she underwent trainings on management with the SLP when her group availed of the benefits of the program. Aside from this, she also learned

business management from the Family Development Sessions of Pantawid Pamilya. Georgy serves as a leader of the SKA of SLP and she is also the Parent Leader of Cluster 3 of Carmen this city. Georgy also pointed out the importance of her learning from her trainings under SLP and Department of Trade and Industry. She stressed that her group has to earn well in order to pay the P5,000 monthly rental of space of her shop located along the bustling Vamenta Boulevard, Barangay Carmen here. DTI taught Georgy’s group and other SKAs of SLP in packaging their products, ensuring quality and durability so that they can earn patronage of their customers.However, she quickly added that it is the informal training she got from her mother, who taught her perseverance and determination in all circumstances at young age, inspired her to continue to look for other effective in rearing her children.Creations and innovations Since not all 25 members of her group know how to sew, design, and cut textiles for clothing, Georgy assigned 21 of them to canvass and promote the tailoring shops to prospect customers in schools and other agencies of the government. This strategy, she said, can attract prospected customers to avail of their services. She found it as an effective way of luring customers that resulted growing income of their business.However, Georgy lamented that only


eight members of her group are religiously looking for orders from customers. Lately this month, the city government of Cagayan de Oro brought samples of their eco-bags during the CDO Business Forum in Makati City. The Field Office of DSWD, through SLP, has also linked them to the Department of Tourism for possible market of their bead works as they serve as good pasalubong (token).For now, she continues to manage and operate the business with unceasing determination to boost everyone’s income of her group. SLP is a community-based capacity building program of DSWD that

seeks to improve the socio-economic status of program participants. It is implemented through the Community-Driven Enterprise Development (CDED) approach, which equips the program participants to actively contribute to production and labor markets by making use of available resources and accessible markets. On the other hand, Pantawid Pamilya is the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program of government implemented by the DSWD so that families are able to get financial assistance, provided they comply with certain conditions imposed by Pantawid Pamilya, which include seeing to the health and education needs of their children.

Ozamiz women’s groups celebrate Women’s Month with a cultural festival by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - About 5,000 women from the city’s 51 barangays gathered, for a cultural festival of sort, to celebrate the Women’s Month of March, at the City Gym, here, March 4.

Celebrating along the theme: “Juana, Ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbabangon at Pagsulong,” the women who came from their respective barangay women’s organizations showed their dancing skills with their presentations and in the “Zumba For All” mass dance, as a

way of bonding. They also lighted candles while singing the inspirational song “If We Hold On Together,” held parlor games and displayed their talents to choose a “Women’s Month Queen For 2014,” complete with the trimmings and entourage of four princesses for the


enjoyment of everyone. Presidential Proclamation Nos. 224 and 227, both series of 1998, and Republic Act No. 6949 s. 1990, declare the month of March as National Women’s Month. This year’s theme is aimed to pay tribute to the strong and resilient “Juanas” who brought inspiring

changes in the country, and across the globe, Mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., said. Meanwhile, advocacy activities to support the activities of the Women’s Month started with the hanging of streamers announcing the celebration in strategic areas of the city, last Feb. 28. As the first activity of the month, the Local Council for Women, headed by Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) Member Irene E. Luansing, Jr., Chairperson of the Committee on Women, hoisted the Filipino Flag at the City Hall, on March 3. On the other hand, Ludie Salud A. Raras, City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Officer said the Women Resource Center Family Day at the City Gym, have been set on

March 6, and Advocacy on Disaster Preparedness at Bethany Gardens, on March 20. She said Barangay NOVA Medical Outreach Exclusively for Women at the City Gym is also set on March 21, and the Culmination Program at the Provincial Capitol, Oroquieta City on March 25.


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‘Maternal care package’ launched in 3 health centersby CIO

CAGAYAN DE ORO - Starting March 4, 2014, barangay health centers in Lumbia, Canitoan and Carmen can now offer free normal birth delivery services for Philhealth members or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recipients.

This after City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno today formally launched “Maternal Care Package” in said barangays. He was joined by City Health Officer Dr. Fe Bongcas, Dr. Malou Gaane of City Philhealth Office, Consultant Dr. Ramon Moreno, Marlon Arrabaca of Philhealth 10 regional office, barangay officials and workers. Under the MCP, Mayor Moreno said no payment will be charged against Philhealth or 4Ps members when giving birth in a Philhealth-accredited barangay health center. He plans to expand the MCP to other 18 barangay health centers all over the

city. While one of his administration’s thrusts focus on improving hospital and public health services, Mayor Moreno stressed that barangay health centers should be given top priority and concern, pointing out that the center’s management and supervision is an obligation and responsibility of the city government, and not by the barangay governments. At the same time, Mayor Moreno and party handed over initial assorted medical supplies and equipment for the Philhealth-accredited barangay health centers in Lumbia, Canitoan and Carmen.


Zambo City mayor calls for intensified security efforts By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar here called on all sectors to help intensify security efforts to deter criminal elements from operating in the city.


“Security is the concern of all residents not only of the police, military, and the local government,” Mayor Climaco-Salazar urged the public in a press briefing. The lady chief executive instructed the police and military to tighten efforts through police visibility and bit patrols to deter crimes in the city. She requested a fusion of different police and military units to address threats in the city’s security. In a recent statement from the City Hall, Climaco-Salazar also issued an urgent call for all barangays to activate the “tanods” or civilian volunteer organizations and strengthen security patrols in

their respective areas. She said: “A reinforced barangay defensive system is very crucial in the drive against lawless elements.” Mayor Climaco-Salazar, in turn, assured her constituents of continuous support to peace keeping efforts. Recently, the city council approved a request for appropriate funds for the purchase of vital equipment for security. She is also closely coordinating and monitoring the implementation of other peace-keeping measures. Climaco-Salazar also urged the public to be vigilant and inform authorities of suspicious activities in their area by calling PNP hotlines 166 or 117.


DOLE-Zambo. Norte distributes computer set to LGUs By Mary May A. Abellon

NSRS is a program which aims to create a readily available database that shall aid in addressing the country’s growing problem on talents mismatch. “This is for job facilitation by registering people with ages 15-60 years old stating their personal identification, contact number, educational background, job experience and their preferred occupation,” Butch Jayson Tormis, NSRS focal person said in an interview. The cities of Dapitan and Dipolog were the first wave recipients while the municipalities of Liloy and Sindangan were the recipients for the second wave and the third batch of beneficiaries were the municipalities of Polanco, Piñan, Labason and Manukan. Recipients for the fourth wave are the municipalities of Osmeña, Gutalac, Salug, Jose Dalman, Katipunan, Siayan, Tampilisan and Rizal.

Salug town received said computer last March 3. The entire computer set is worth P23,300. Tormis explained that the NSRS is important in the aspect of skills mapping. “The Bureau of Labor and Employment (BLE) provided us with software for the registration of the workers within the LGU. The website of philjob.net will be the main repository of all the data being gathered from all LGUs in the country,” Tormis added. Tianero also made it clear that this program is intended to create a pool of workers registered from each barangay of every municipality/city. “You will see how many unemployed in barangays. With this system of registration it would be easier for employers to access qualified workers to particular job,” Tianero stressed.

DIPOLOG CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Zamboanga del Norte through Provincial Director Henry P. Tianero has distributed computer sets to local government units (LGUs) in the province for the National Skills Registry System (NSRS).


DOLE-Zambo. Norte distributes computer set to LGUs

Efforts to sustain peace in DavOr pushed

MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL – The Davao Oriental Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) recently agreed to create an Oversight and Advisory Committee poised tobo-lster the ongoing implementation of the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) of the Philippine Army in partnership with the provincial government. Touted as the first in the entire country, the PDOP Oversight and Advisory Committee is an effective venue to constantly update and monitor government projects and programs in target areas, explains

Col. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., Battalion Commander of the 701st Brigade of the Philippine Army. While addressing the gaps and concerns in communities, Col. Madrigal adds that the said committee will also promote complementation of efforts between the Philippine Army and the Provincial Government and its LGUs. This strategy, thus, ensures continuity of peace and development undertakings, especially in far-flung areas that are often considered vulnerable for wayward influences. Aside from tapping different government agencies as stakeholders, members of the committee also include the non-government sector that consists of civic society, the religious sector, Indigenous Peoples, the media, and the youth. Meanwhile, through the effective military strategy, Col. Madrigal reported that the enemy forces had significantly dropped. Just last month, the Philippine

byJoey Dalumpines


Army ended a short-lived terror in the remote village of Taocanga in the town of Manay, which led to the recovery of high-powered firearms. “We will continue on with our efforts to deny the enemies of resurfacing in our territory so that we will be able to continue enjoying the relative peace that we are now experiencing,” Col. Madrigal assured. To further counter insurgencies, military forces are also spreading out beyond the borders. Col. Madrigal said that aside from all 183 barangays that the brigade covers in the whole province, they are also extending their reach outside the province’s territory. “As of now, we are covering a total of 234 barangays,” he said. Since the military has expanded areas to be covered, the 28th Infantry Battalion,led by LTC Francisco Lorenzoare now covering part of the first district in the towns of Tarragona and Manay, apart from covering alltowns in the Gulf areas. The 67th IB, on the other hand, under LTC Krishnamurti Mortela, is now covering the rest of the East Coast towns plus additional areas outside the province’s territory. The Philippine Army also said they are giving focus on community development such as implementation of PAMANA projects, especially on hard-to-reach areas as they are the ones usually far from the reach of government services.

“Government services that would be felt by the people would really help in our peace and development efforts,” said Col. Madrigal. During the PPOC meeting, he listed several urgently needed services such as the repairs of damaged infrastructures, identification of projects that would reconnect isolated barangays, development of new barangay centers away from danger areas, and development of alternate routes. Col. Madrigal also suggested the development of a radio communication system especially on vulnerable areas for the speedy reporting of incidents that would enable authorities to respond immediately. “This is needed to supplement our monitoring,” he said. As the Philippine Army is stepping up its efforts on civil-military operations, they are also keen in the promotion of cultural sensitivity and active support to community-initiated activities as part of the PDOP. The Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) is a strategy of winning peace through development means. This recognizes convergence of services and actions among peace and development stakeholders and institutionalizes civilian and military partnership in the implementation of programs that are aligned within the provincial government’s thrusts.(Karen Lou Deloso)


DavNor steps up fire prevention driveDAVAO DEL NORTE – The pro-vincial government of Davao del Norte has intensified its fire pre-vention campaign in order to save lives and properties and mitigate the impact of destructive confla-gration. Through Oplan A.N.D.A.M. (Advocacy on Natural Disaster Awareness and Management) program, the province has been equipping communities, including school children, the invaluable knowledge of preventing fires, as well as, the proper techniques in controlling fire. Fire drills and seminars were conducted during ANDAM’s visit to disaster-prone barangays, along with orientation on basic life-saving techniques, water sanitation and hygiene, bio-gas technology and botanical concoction, and earthquake drill. Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said the effort of the province complements this year’s observance of the Fire Prevention Month, with the theme “Isulong ang Kaunlaran, Sunog ay Iwasan, Kaalaman at Pag-iingat ang Kailangan.” The governor stressed the importance of fire safety, which, he said, must be given equal attention along with the preparation and mitigation efforts against typhoon, earthquake and other calamities.

“Dapat maging mas handa tayo sa sunog dahil maaari itong mangyari sa araw-araw,” he said during the March Convocation program at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan. “The key is awareness and preparedness.” Provincial Fire Marshall F/Supt. Sedney Besana asked the public to be always aware of the potential hazards in their homes and offices. He said the best way to practice fire safety is to make sure a fire doesn’t break out in the first place, by checking their electrical connections and proper handling and storage of hazardous materials and potential ignition sources. He also asked the constituents to be aware of using available fire protection equipment necessary to control fire. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-XI reported a 46.4-percent increase in the number of fire incidents in the Davao Region in January 2014 as compared to the same period last year. It said Davao del Norte ranked second, with Davao City leading the number of incidence among the local government units in the region.(Noel Baguio_PIO DavNor)

one mindanao - march 6, 2014

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