one mindanao - october 10, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, 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 Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Adviser :

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

Western 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

Cover Story

Rizal’s living legacies in Dapitan

Frank P. GumaponWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, October 10, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 40

page 4

Malacañang says government remains committed in pushing for accountability in governance 8

Aida Agad, Central Mindanao

Lechon Festival caps Koronadal City’s 12th Charter Anniversary19Soccsksargen holds 1st regional pet show20 Shahana Joy Duerme & Pamela Dee Rana, Central Mindanao

14 Camiguin is rabies free zone

DA chief grants P23-M agri projects on farmers’ field day

Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

16

Surigao Norte launches Search for Outstanding Teachers 23 Arturo M. Cruje, Caraga Region

Caraga-made seaweed pickles wow buyers in national fair; “kalakat” basket cited for innovation24 DTI-13, Caraga Region

Malaria-free Davao del Norte eyed by 2020Lovely Carillo, Southern Mindanao27

Mae Odimyrl A. Morales, Northern Mindanao

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Gov. Dimaporo accorded military honors for IPSP support Gideon C. Corgue, Western Mindanao31“Gangnam Style” popularized by Cebu inmates Noemi G. Bernardino-Edaga, Western Mindanao32

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 4 ONE MINDANAO

Rizal’s living legacies in Dapitan

When Rizal was exiled by the Spanish colonizers in this secluded and quiet place in 1892-1894, the old folks had no inkling that this petite man would put Dapitan in the annals of Philippine history, juxtaposing it in the map of the country’s historical places. Thenationalhero’sinfluenceisveryevidentinthecharacteroftheDapitanonswho are known for their hospitality, industry, honesty and, above all, fortakingcareoftheenvironment.Withthis,the place earns the moniker as the eco-tourism paradise in southern Philippines.

Rizal Shrine

One of the major attractions in the city is the Rizal Shrine located on a 16-hectare lot acquired by Rizal at Barangay Talisaywherehebuiltseveralstructureslikethe Casa Cuadrada, Casa Redonda, Casa

Redonda Pequeña, Casistas Hospitales. Aquaduct, Mi Retiro Rock, Amphitheater and the Rizalina. Rizal also set up the Relief Map of Mindanao on the ground across the St. James Church near the public plaza to help the town folks learn history and geography. In Dapitan, the guests and visitorscould feel the footprints of yester years.

Who would think that Dr. Jose Rizal’s banishment

to this city more than a century ago would make this place a favorite tourist destination today?

by Frank P. Gumapon

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 5ONE MINDANAO

Hospitable folks

Regional Director Ronaldo P. Tiotuico of the Department of Tourism (DOT)-III, who attended the recently concluded 13th national conventionof theAssociationofTourismOfficersofthePhilippines(ATOP),saidhewas so impressed with the hospitality shown by the Dapitanons. “People I met on the streets were courteous, warm and polite,” he declared. Tiotuico even told Mayor Patri B.Chan: “You don’t need a help from DOT topromoteyourplaceforyouhaveaverybeautiful,cleanandsafeplace,andveryhospitable people. Tourists go to a place where it is safe and clean.”

Tourist arrival

Mayor Patri B. Chan disclosed that the influx of tourists in Dapitan hadtremendously increased for the last few years.“Foreignanddomestictouristsflockto Dapitan not only because of its being a

historical city but it is home to the famous Dakak Park and Beach Resort and the Fantasyland theme park,” the lady mayor said.

T h i s observation wasalso supported by a study conducted by Prof. Teresita Sanchez of the College of Hotel and Restaurant M a n a g e m e n t (CHARM) of the

Mindanao State University (MSU)which found that in recent years more tourists are coming to the cities of Dapitan and Dipolog than those cities in Region X.

Not an ordinary city

Although Dapitan City is small and quiet, it is incomparable in terms of beauty, tranquilityandhistoricalsignificancefromother cities in the country. As a historical city, it prides itself asagemof thecountry’shistoryhavingservedasasecondhometothenationalhero.

6 Wednesday, October 10, 2012

ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino leads conferment of UNDP-facilitated peace awards

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the conferment of Engage for Peace, Equality, Access, Community and Empowerment or N-PEACE awards to nine individuals from the Asia Pacific region, including

the Philippines, in honor of their relentless efforts to build peace in the midst of chaos despite real and hostile threats to their lives, in ceremonies held at the New World Hotel in Makati City on Tuesday.

This year’s N-PEACE awardees (8 women; 1man)include:PresidentialAdviseronthePeace Process Teresita Deles (Philippines); Quhramaana Kakar and Farkhunda Zahra Naderi (Afghanistan); Suraiya Kamaruzzaman (Indonesia); Radha Paudel (Nepal);RupikaDeSilva(SriLanka);Sister

Lourdes(Timor-Leste);SadhuRamSapkota(Nepal); and Amina Azimi (Afghanistan).Inhisspeechkeynotingtheevent,the

President cited the N-PEACE awardees for being “catalysts to achieve andnurture peace” despite seemingly

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 7

insurmountable obstacles to its completion and development.“In communities marred by conflict,

women and children are often forced to bear a disproportionate amount of hardship.Yet,insteadofremainingvictimsor bystanders, the people we honor today have displayed an extraordinarystrengthinbecomingcatalyststoachieveand nurture peace,” the President said.

“Instead of letting pride and aggression cloud your judgment, as men may sometimesdo,youhavealwaysseentheurgency of suffering. You will always tend to think of children, of families, of all those whostandvulnerableandhelplessinthefaceofviolence.Anditiswiththisdesireto bring an end to conflict, to alleviatesuffering, and to bring about sustainable and lasting peace for all, that you havededicated your lives to the pursuitof peace, equality and developmentin your communities,” he added.

The President pointed out that it was an honor for him to present them with the N-PEACE awards as it recognizes their achievements which “you have notclaimed for yourself or for personal fame, but for the thousands you have aided.”

“On behalf of them all, allow me to

offer you my congratulations, and more importantly, the collective gratitudeof all gathered in this room, and of all our peoples,” the President said.

“Today’s ceremonies are as much a tribute as they are an expression of solidarity.Ourcountrieshavenothadthemost peaceful histories: insurgencies, the polarization and misuse of political systems and governance, and a lack of inclusivegrowthhave, inonewayoranother, lefttheir mark on our peoples,” he added.

The N-PEACE award is a multi-country initiativemanagedbytheUnitedNations Development Program acrossIndonesia, Sri Lanka,Timor-Leste,Nepaland more recently Afghanistan and the Philippines, in partnership with Search for Common Ground, the Institute InclusiveSecurity and supported by Australian Agency for International Development.Itisanadvocacycampaigntoidentify,

recognize and showcase leadership roles that women play and the contributions that they makeinpeacebuildingatdifferentlevels.

The N-PEACE award winners were selected from 100 nominations through an on-line voting campaign thatincluded more than 55,0000 votersfrom around the globe. PND (rck)

8 Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Malacañang says government remains committed in pushing for accountability in governance

Malacañang stressed that the Aquino government remains

resolute in pushing for transparency and accountability in governance as well as in pursuing programs that will uplift the standards of living of the Filipino citizenry.

In a regular press briefing inMalacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the governmentcontinues to uphold its principle of transparency especially concerning the public funds that are being used in various developmental,pro-people programs such as the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program

(4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).“We have always been transparent

when it comes to the funds that are being used for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program,” Valte said.

Valte’s statement came in reaction to the concerns of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakayang Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) asking the Aquino administration to explain

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 9

and account for the P3.77 billion CCT funds that were allegedly found by the Commission on Audit (COA) to be missing or unaccounted for in the year 2011.

Valte said that the DSWD is always open to answer questions regarding the CCT funds and the incident was just a miscommunication that stemmed from the process of document flow fromtheregionalleveltothenationallevel.

“I understand that the DSWD cooperates with the Commission on Auditwheneveritcomestotheauditingof public funds. I remember in the last two months there was an issue when it came to the disbursements that werebeingmade to thebeneficiariesand it turns out that there was just a miscommunication in the sense that yung disbursement kasi ng funding forthegrantsforthebeneficiariesaredownattheregionallevelandnotatthelevelofthenationaloffice,”Valtesaid.

“So what happened was, nang hinahanap ang documents at the national level,hindipanaita-transmitfromtheregionaloffices,soasfarasthat incident was concerned it was just incomplete documentation and

from what I understand Secretary Solimandidgive thatparticularorderto make the documentation complete when it comes to the CCT,” she added.

“The particular issue that is being raised by the Pamalakaya, I’m not familiar with the details of the entire amount that they are saying that is allegedly been missing or misspent, but we’re always open to answering these questions and in fact, evenin the Congressional OversightCommittee the DSWD has always been there to present the expenses, what the program entails, and has always been willing to answer these questions,” Valte further explained.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a human developmentprogram of the national governmentthatinvestsonthehealthandeducationof poor households, particularly of children aged 0-14 years old.

Patterned after the conditional cash transfer scheme implemented in other developingcountries,the4Psprovidescashgrantstobeneficiariesprovidedthatthey comply with the set of conditions required by the program. PND (jcl)

Wednesday, October 10, 2012ONE MINDANAO 10

Peace advocates in Mindanao applaud GPH-MILF framework agreement

Peace advocates from the Church, academe and youth sectors in Mindanao commended the members of the

Philippine Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for succeeding in forging a draft framework peace agreement that will determine the roadmap for a permanent peace accord in Mindanao.

Fr. Angel Calvo, a Claretian priest and well-known Mindanao peace advocate based in Basilan Province, said Mindanao residents who have been following the peace negotiations between the government and MILF panels, were harboring “high expectations that finally a peace accord can be reached and presented to the

people”Calvo is the lead convenor of

the Mindanao Peaceweavers, a civil society organization that monitors the ceasefire agreement between government and MILF forces in Mindanao.

“We will all gain from a permanently peaceful Mindanao, because terrorism and warlordism

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 11

shall be diminished. It will open wider the doors of trade and tourism with neighboring Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand to the great benefit of Mindanao, if not the entire country,” he added.

Calvo said the members of the negotiating panels as well as their principals should be commended by the Filipino people for the successful conclusion of the Kuala Lumpur round of peace talks.

He added that President Aquino would be fulfilling his family’s legacy and advancing the national interest once an agreement is reached. He noted that Senator Ninoy Aquino reached out to the MNLF during his term while the late President Corazon Aquino personally met with MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari to advance the cause of peace in Mindanao.

Cotabato Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo urged members of the GPH and MILF peace panels to forge ahead and map out a more permanent peace agreement with “determination, patience, goodwill, sincerity and transparency.”

“As a Cotabateño and a religious leader, I pray for you and your efforts to establish a just and lasting peace in our region,” Quevedo said in a personal letter

addressed to the peace panel members. “The ten consensus points that you had previously reached were, indeed, a new landmark in the long and tortuous road to peace. They facilitated your journey.”

“Now you are on the verge of breaking through towards a ‘mother agreement.’ I urgently encourage you for the sake of the Bangsamoro and for all the other people of Mindanao to forge ahead with determination, patience, goodwill, sincerity and transparency,” the Cotabato archbishop further said.

On the other hand, Perfector Alibin, president of the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City, said other sectors of society, such as the academe, should be given a role in the peace process.

“I believe that there should be ultimate peace in Mindanao. But what we are asking is that there should be real process for all sectors,” said Alibin. “That is why even in the academe we want to discuss that peace is a long term process. It does not come only now. There should be convergence of factors.”

“On the part of the academe, we should include peace in our curriculum,” Alibin added.


Dr. Roni P. Mines, college dean of the Assumption School of Davao, said his school has always been supportive of the Mindanao peace process.

“The Assumption School of Davao has always been very supportive of this undertaking and has held fora and discussions in school to keep ourselves updated on developments on the peace process,” Mines said.

“As such, I am definitely looking forward to the signing of a genuine peace agreement between GRP and MILF soonest to finally resolve the centuries’ old conflict in Mindanao,” he added.” “I believe that it is a critical first step in rebuilding Mindanao.”

Mines said he supports President Aquino’s efforts in forging a lasting settlement with the MILF. “We will be praying that he will persevere in this endeavor to bring this dream of a peaceful Mindanao to full fruition.”

A high school student leader, Reina Mari Q. Doria, of the Norte Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, challenged all Filipinos, not only the people of Mindanao, to support President Aquino’s efforts to achieve a

peace agreement with the MILF and other rebel groups in the country.

“The peace agreement between the government and the MILF is about to be forged and I receive this news with joy. It is us the youth who will experience the fruits of the peace process as we pursue our dreams to rebuild Mindanao,” Doria said.

“This is now the time for all Filipinos, not only the Mindanaons, to support the President’s efforts for lasting peace settlement with the MILF and other armed groups in Mindanao. Just like my parents and many others, I am one with them in this endeavor,” Doria further said.

Earlier, President Benigno Aquino III announced the forging of the framework agreement that “paves the way for a final, enduring peace in Mindanao.”

The President added that the framework agreement will be posted on the Official Gazette, which is the official online journal of Malacañang, and presented to the public through massive consultations before any signing could take place.


PhilHealth-10 launches Primary Care Benefit Package in MisOrby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -The Northern Mindanao Office of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation launched on October 8 its Primary Care Benefit 1 (PCB 1) Package in Misamis Oriental province.

The PCB 1 launching, held at the Tagoloan Covered Court, was carried-out together with the conduct of the mobile orientation, validation, and enrolment scheme dubbed PhilHealth MOVES. PhilHealth-10 PCB Coordinator Gerion P. Cabang said the PCB 1 is an enhanced and improved version of the Outpatient Benefit Package. He said it aims to expand the number of services for PhilHealth members, increase the utilization rate for services included in the Primary Health Care benefits, and ensure complete and timely reporting of health data. PCB 1 also intends to enhance

incentives for PCB providers to promote healthy behavior, and prevent diseases and its associated complications, he added. The enhanced benefit package covers PhilHealth members under the Sponsored Program, Organized Groups, and Overseas Workers Programs, including their qualified dependents. Included in the PCB 1 package are primary benefits such as


Camiguin is rabies free zoneby Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN - Camiguin is declared anew as “rabies free zone”, together with the provinces of Catanduanes and Romblon.

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) awarded the seal

last September 28, during the World Rabies Day celebration in Manila, re-declaring the island as

consultations, visual inspection with acetic acid, regular blood pressure measurements, periodic clinical breast examinations, body measurements, digital rectal examination, and health promotion like breastfeeding program education, counseling for lifestyle modification and smoking cessation. Also provided under the new package are diagnostic examinations

such as complete blood count, urinalysis, fecalysis, sputum microscopy, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile and chest x-ray. Members can likewise avail of free medicines for acute gastroenteritis with no or mild dehydration, urinary tract infection, upper respiratory tract infection/pneumonia, and asthma, including nebulization services.


a “rabies-free zone”. Camiguin has successfully completed and satisfied the requirements stated in the guidelines recommended by the National Rabies Prevention Control Committee and for sustaining the rabies free status since it has been declared as the first rabies free province in 2004. Camiguin Provincial Planning and Development Chief, Felicisimo M. Gomez said these were the only three provinces declared, this year, throughout the country.

He noted that they had to endure a very long process to get through, as well as, employ clever measures and strategies in order to continually achieve zero rabies marks throughout the province. To date, the provincial government continues to prioritize its rabies elimination campaign by sustaining its free house-to-house animal vaccination drive, massive spaying/neutering and other population control measures for dogs and cats.


DA chief grants P23-M agri projects on farmers’ field dayby Mae Odimyrl A. Morales

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala led the opening ceremony of farmers’ field day and technology forum at the Northern Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (Nomiarc) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City.

The event displayed the Department of Agriculture’s latest farming- and livestock-raising technologies, equipment, and agricultural practices, including famous crops and livestock species. The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the AgriPinoy Program, has allocated funds to support farmers in high-value crops (HVC) development, rice, corn, and livestock research expansion, Alcala said. “The government understood and felt the farmers’ needs for agricultural support. Since Farmers’ Day is a very special event, the government will be giving out farm equipment, facilities, corn and vegetable seeds, including farm animals worth P23 million to Northern Mindanao farmers because the government felt the farmers’ needs for agricultural support,” the secretary said. He added that he also instructed the DA regional directors nationwide to make Nomiarc a model to showcase the best farming and livestock raising technologies, agricultural practices, equipment and quality planting materials so that farmers, general public and interested investors may know the government’s continuing efforts in

helping small farmers earn more profit, thereby promoting food security and spur economic growth. Farmers’ Field Day is a major annual event of the Nomiarc, which aims to exhibit research results and technology options for agricultural development. With the theme anchored on “Forging strong public-private partnership for food security and environmental sustainability,” the event fits well with the participation of seed and fertilizer companies namely Green World Woo Tekh Philippines, Alliance Hybrid Seed Genetics, Pilipinas Kaneko, Multi-World International Phils, Dev Gen Seeds and Crop Technologies and Nestle Philippines Inc. (DA-Nomiarc)


1,600 trees planted in Koronadal village to celebrate RDC WeekBy Dani DoguilesKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- More than 1,600 indigenous and fruit-bearing trees were planted in Barangay San Jose this city early yesterday in line with the celebration of the 2012 RDC (Regional Development Council) Week.


Hundreds of employees and officials of the member agencies of RDC 12 and members of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army went to the village’s hilly Purok Pantalan for a tree-growing activity in a farm which will be managed by members of a people’s organization under the Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) program.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 executive director Adeluisa Siapno said they have allocated 1,600 to 2,000 seedlings for the event, which is also in support of the the national government’s National Greening Program (NGP).

A staff of the department said tree species planted during the event included rambutan, durian, mahogany, lauan and other trees from which local farmers could benefit in the future.

“Part of our new approach in the implementation of the NGP is to encourage the

public to join us in tree-growing activities such as this,” Siapno said.

She even encouraged participants to avail of free seedlings from DENR for their own tree-growing activities.

Tree species distributed for NGP activities, she explained, depend on the purpose of the activity.

“If these are intended for protection purposes seedlings should be that of premium indigenous species but for production, these could be the fast-growing species like mahogany,” she added.

“However, the choice of tree species would also depend on the desires and preferences of the people’s organization concerned as well as on the guidelines on the species to be introduced in certain areas.”

On his part, Barangay San Jose chairman, lauded the RDC 12’s approach of re-greening part of their village.

“Tree planting events in the past are done in such that planters plant the seedlings and leave the trees to thrive on their own,” he said. “But in our

activity today – as in the tree-growing festival advocated by Koronadal city government – continuous care of the newly planted trees is assured.”

From the planting site, participants travelled back to Koronadal City for a motorcade around the city’s business center and proceeded to the New City Hall building in Carpenter Hill for a program and traditional games to played between executives and senior officials of RDC 12 member-agencies.

Among the agencies represented in tree-growing activities were: DENR, National Economic and Development Authority, Department

of Agriculture, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Public Works and Highways, University of South Mindanao, Land Transportation Office.

Department of Budget and Management, Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Labor and Employment and others.


Lechon Festival caps Koronadal City’s 12th Charter AnniversaryBy Aida AgadKORONADAL, CITY, South Cotabato -- The city’s 27 barangays paraded their own style of “lechon” (roasted pig) as they compete for Koronadal City’s 1st Lechon Festival.

The lechon showdown highlights the week-long 2nd Negosyo Festival observed by Koronadalenos along with the 12th cityhood anniversary on October 8.

Barangay Avancena with its colourfully dressed and deliciously crunchy lechon bagged the first prize for the L e c h o n - B a r a n g a y Category. Barangay Zone 1 came in 2nd place and Sto. Nino in 3rd place.

At the crowded Rizal Park, City Mayor Peter B. Miguel accompanied visiting Aurora province

Representative Sonny Angara in tasting the lechon presented by the 27 barangays.

R e p r e s e n t a t i v e Juan Edgardo Angara is this year’s charter anniversary Guest of

Honor.Mayor Miguel said he

hopes to give a boost to the emerging lechon business in the city, to complement the requirement and needs of the city’s growing population due to the influx of employees, workers and clients that came along with the hosting of the city of the SOCCSKSARGEN regional center.

He said, he also hope to generate employment and income for the city government with the lechon industry.


Soccsksargen holds 1st regional pet showBy Shahana Joy Duerme & Pamela Dee Rana

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Animal enthusiasts and pet lovers gathered to witness and showcase their pets in the first region 12 pet show held recently at Robinson’s Mall, General Santos City.

The said event was staged as part of the celebration of the 8th Animal Welfare Week.

The show was sponsored by the Department of Agriculture 12 through its Agri Pinoy Livestock Program, Bureau of Animal Industry and the Regional Animal Welfare Office and Licensing Section.

Exhibited during the two-day affair were exotic animals such as different breeds of

spiders, insects, snakes, aquarium fishes and dogs.

DA-Livestock Division Chief Dr. John B. Pascual, said the first pet show aims to highlight different animals and to showcase their wonders and talents.

“Here, the animals are the star of the show. This first pet show encourages responsible pet ownership and observance of the welfare of animals,” Pascual said.

To make the event more colorful, a pet fashion show was held where pet handlers dressed and fashioned their dogs in costumes.

Pet dogs showed off their wit, skills and strength during the dog conformation show, obedience trail and agility competition.

An animal photography contest was also part of the event.

Meanwhile, DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia J. Datukan expressed her appreciation for the event since DA does not only focuses in farming but also in the welfare of animals putting the livestock division as the front runner of this thrust.

This year’s Animal Welfare Week was occasioned with the theme, “Animal Welfare: Taking the Next Step in Strengthening an Animal- Friendly Community”.


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Tesda graduates attend jobs bridging, alumni homecomingby David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR ---Some 500 graduates of technical vocational education training (TVET) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) attended an alumni homecoming and “jobs bridging” last week.


The jobs bridging and alumni homecoming was done to track down or map out the graduates’ progress after the completion of their training a year ago -- to check if they are employed or need further assistance and to assess who among them want to go into entrepreneurship. The graduates are recipients of the Joint Programme on Youth, Employment and Migration (JP-YEM), a joint project of thePhilippineGovernmentandtheUnitedNations country team agencies namely the International Labour Organization,International Organization for Migration, United Nationa Children’s Fund and the United Nations Population Fund. . Tesda Agusan del Sur ProvincialOffice, together with the provincialgovernment and the Provincial SocialWelfare and Development Office, hasimplemented the JP-YEM scholarship program since 2011. The program aims to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger,promote gender equality and women empowerment and develop globalpartnershipfordevelopment. TesdaProvincialDirectorJoventinoAleta said the jobs bridging and alumni homecoming is also part of the scholarship program in order to ensure that the government’seffortsandresourceswillbe of great factor to change the economic statusofthepeoplewhomtheybelievereligiously needed the training verymuch. “In thisactivity, the jobsbridging

and alumni homecoming, participants will be able to update their profile onTesda database so that they will be given the opportunity to be calledfor future employment. Aside from that, the activity is also a venue forjob referral for Public Employment Service Office (PESO)- Department ofLabor and Employment (DOLE) andthe One – Stop Shop Resource Center (OSRC) of the provincial government.While undergoing entrepreneurship assessment, participants can join the pre-employment orientation seminar if they plan to go abroad,” Aleta said. Onthefirstdayoftheactivity,Oct4,AgusandelSurGov.AdolphEdwardPlaza join the group and encouraged them to avail of the provincial government’soffers for livelihood assistance andentrepreneurship. “I would like you to know that the provincial government has set asidefunds to assist people like you who wish toinvestinbusiness.Ofcourse,youhaveto undergo testing but I know, with your technical training and entrepreneurship seminars,youarequalified.Wehavealsofunds in the provincial government forprocessing of documents to assist those who want to go abroad,” Plaza said. Onthesecondday,Oct5,ViceGov.Santiago Cane inspired the participants by enumerating several legislation theSangguniang Panlalawigan has passed that will support the program on employment and entrepreneurship.


Surigao Norte launches Search for Outstanding Teachersby Arturo M. Cruje

SURIGAO CITY --The Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education and banking institutions has successfully launched the Search for the Outstanding Teachers of Surigao del Norte.

This is in line with the celebration of the World Teacher’s Day last October 4. The award will be known as “Bantayog Nan Kinaadman,” which primarily aims to inspire teachers to enhance their competences and strive to perform better andrecognize their achievements andexemplary performance in molding the students to be globally competitive. The search is open to all permanent teachers in elementary, secondaryandtertiarylevels,includingthe Alternative Learning System,with full-time appointment and load. Application forms are available at the provincialplanning and development office

and DepEd division offices. Criteria will be based on personal qualities and character, instructional competencies and teaching effectiveness, and professionaland community involvement. The major awardees will each receive P30,000 cash prize,plus a plaque of recognition. Finalists will receive P10,000 eachplus a certificate of recognition. Gov. Sol Matugas said anindependent body will sit in the selection panel composed of members from the private sector. The awarding ceremonies will be on December 7.


Caraga-made seaweed pickles wow buyers in national fair; “kalakat” basket cited for innovationby DTI-13

BUTUAN CITY -- A new product from a neophyte exhibitor sold out and another product from what should have been a waste material was cited for innovation during the recently concluded “Market Week Philippines,” organized by the Department of Trade and Industry. This national fair was held at theMegaTradeHalls1-3,5thLevel,SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City last September 19-23. The first time exhibitor IndogLiangaSocietyofLianga,SurigaodelSur gained more than P1.7 million worth of sales under negotiation from

eight distributors from the National Capital Region and Palawan for its seaweed pickles. A unique blend of seaweed, vegetables and vinegar,the seaweed pickles was a big hit among walk-in and institutional buyers. An avid buyer said, “Sanamay distributor kayo dito ng seaweed


Caraga-made seaweed pickles wow buyers in national fair; “kalakat” basket cited for innovation

pickles kasi tuwing trade fair lang kami makakatikim ng ganito. Sarap kasi (I hope you have a distributorof seaweed pickles here because it is onlyduringtradefairsthatwehavethis).” The oil palm strips, locally known as kalakat basket, of Maynagcot Palm Oil Strips was nominated as oneofthe“MostInnovativeProduct”in the Gifts, Decors and Housewares category. The company booth was also nominated for the “Best Dressed Booth” category. Indog Lianga Society andMaynagcot Palm Oil Strips are two of 16 producers from the region and among the 400 producers/exhibitors that joined the Market Week Philippines, the second staging of the OTOP National Expo. Other veteran exhibitors alsomade goods, and members of the Butuan City Producers and Processors of Food, Inc. (Butuan ProFood) havealmostsoldoutalltheirstocksas well. Their products include seaweed strips, a “buko”substitute; lemongrass’s hydrosol and capsule; baked products; pork chicharon and bottled sardines. Overall, 95 percent of theinventoriesoftheregionalexhibitorswere sold out. Total cash and booked

sales amounted close to P500,000 while under booked sales and under negotiation was pegged at P3.5 million. The regional exhibitors are member-firms of the Butuan CityProFood for Butuan City/Agusan del Norte; San Francisco WeaversAssociation, Maynagcot Palm Oil Strips, and Sibagat Abaca WeaversAssociation for Agusan del Sur; Kean ‘O Graphics & Souvenir Shop andNavarro Rural Women LivelihoodAssociation for Surigao del Norte; and Indog Lianga Society and DeLaraAgsamNoveltiesforSurigaodelSur.


DAVAO CITY- Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) to coordinate with Councilor Berino Mambo-o, representative of the

indigenous communities in the city council in crafting a way to better cater to the indigenous peoples who will visit the city for the holidays.

Mayor wants better conditions for IPs on holiday visitby Joey Dalumpines


TAGUM CITY- The provincial government of Davao del Norte seeks to make the province free from malaria by 2020 with the help of the more than a million financial grant from the Pilipinas Shell Global Fund of the USAID for the campaign’s operations. “As of January 2012 we only had three cases of malaria but we still have to wait for the stratification of the Department of Health to determine the endemicity of the province,” Provincial Health Officer Dr. Agapito Ornido said. Endemicity or

the intensity of the malaria disease is a way of measuring the prevalence of a disease like malaria in a particular location. He said more than 400 malaria cases were noted in the province in the past years but the statistics went down after the intervention. Malaria cases in the province have decreased by more than 70% from 400 to only 106 cases in 2010 and to a mere 19 cases in 2011. “The province has been identified as one of the recipients of the Byaheng Kulambo Activity Program of

She said the CSWDO and Councilor Mambo-o’s office will take the lead role in taking good care of the lumads who are coming to the city in December. Duterte-Carpio recalled that despite the effort of the local government to bring food and gifts to the IPs in the mountains last year, many among them still took the effort to go down to the city proper to beg for Christmas gifts. She told Mambo-o to assess the situation since he knows better the attitude and habits of the tribes.“Mambo-o and the CSWDO must

work together to attend to the needs of the IPs especially during Christmas season,” Duterte-Carpio as she assured full support to the reaching out activities for the IPs. She also ordered the City Tourism Office to organize the Pasko Fiesta activity which will feature the parade of lights or Lamdag Parada as one of the leading highlights. Duterte-Carpio maintained that all these activities are designed to make the holidays festive and meaningful for all Davaoenos.

Malaria-free Davao del Norte eyedby 2020by Lovely Carillo


the Global Fund because of its high malaria endemicity Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) project officer Hazel Ann Siatan said. Up to eight areas in Davao del Norte have been identified as endemic. Siatan said three of them, the municipalities of Kapalong, Talaingod and Sto. Tomas are classified as stable areas where continuous cases of malaria have been monitored. She said the rest are classified as sporadic and unstable, or areas without regular malaria cases monitored.The more than a million fund granted by PSFI for the project is also being supported by the provincial government which has invested P100,000 for the program this year, Ornido said. Siatan said the funds given does not include the cost of the nets distributed to the people estimated at P1,200 per mosquito. She said up to

32 thousand nets with an estimated price of P38.4 million have been distributed in 2011. For this year, up to 8,000 mosquito nets with an estimated cost of P9.6 million have been earmarked for 2012.“We have already distributed 5,000 nets this year and only 3,000 nets

have yet to be distributed before the year ends,” she said. Ornido said the mosquito nets are not your ordinary nets as they have been pre-treated specifically for malaria. “The pre-treated mosquito nets are effective for three to five years so they are cost effective,” he added. Siatan said the standard ratio for the distribution of nets is one mosquito net for every two persons. For as long they have been certified by their officials as residents of the endemic areas, then they can qualify for the free mosquito nets, she said. PSFI presented an award to Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario at the Bulwagan Hall of the Provincial Government Complex last Monday for its active participation in the project which involves 40 provinces all over the Philippines.


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Dipolog City implements new motorcab fare rates By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The motorcab operators and drivers in Dipolog City are now eagerly awaiting for the implementation of new motorcab fare rates in the city. This after the city’s Sangguniang Panlungsod, during its regular

session has approved for the third and final reading City Ordinance


No. 06-186 setting among others the new fare rates for motorcabs operating in Dipolog City. City Councilor Cyril Ruiz, principal author of City Ordinance No. 06-186 said the passage of the new Ordinance is in response to the clamor of the motorcab operators and drivers asking for an adjustment in motorcab fare in the city to lessen the impact of the series of oil price hike. Ruiz said the new ordinance was crafted after a series the Sangguniang Panlungsod has conducted a series of public hearing among various stakeholders in the transport industry. Under City Ordinance no. 06-186 the new minimum fare rates will be P8.00 for regular passenger and P6.40 for students and senior citizens, an increase of P1.00 or 12.5% higher than the current P7.00 motorcab fare.

However, Ruiz pointed out that the new fare rate will only take effect after it will be published for three consecutive issues in a local newspaper of general circulation. In addition to this, the motorcab operators and drivers are also obliged to post new fare tariff on cabs for ready reference to their passengers. Meanwhile, the new ordinance also provides new fare guidelines for motorcabs servicing the Dipolog City Airport. Each motorcab is also allowed to charge P60.00 per trip from the airport to any point in the city but should only accommodate a maximum of two passengers or equivalent to P30.00 per passenger, including their luggage. City Ruiz explained that the special motorcab fare rate applies only to passengers from the airport and not to the passengers from the city going to the airport.


A testimonial parade and review in honor of Dimaporo was conducted on Friday, October 5 by the command at the parade grounds, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. “Our sincere thanks to all stakeholders for their significant and indispensable role in achieving lasting peace. Today’s event is an opportunity of the command to express utmost gratitude to one of our stakeholders whom we are giving full military honors,” Cruz announced. Cruz in his message said the success of the IPSP campaign of the command is not just for the Tabak troopers alone but for the local officials and civilians as well. The 32 year-old Dimaporo, an economist, agriculturist and

businessman was lauded for being a strong advocate of peace and good governance in his province. He was the fourth local chief executive who was accorded full military honors. The first was Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rolando E. Yebes, second was Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel A. Jalosjos, and lately, Governor Antonio H. Cerilles. Dimaporo was cited for his remarkable achievements and outstanding contribution to the peace building efforts by doing inter-agency convergence, health and civic action programs, environmental protection and conservation programs. “Winning the hearts of people cannot be done alone, we need to partner with the men in uniform - - our peacemakers and peacebuilders,” Dimaporo concluded.

Gov. Dimaporo accorded military honors for IPSP supportPAGADIAN CITY – The 1st Infantry Tabak Division, Philippine Army lauded Lanao del Norte Governor Mohammad Khalid Q. Dimaporo for actively supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) in achieving lasting peace, security and economic development.

By Gideon C. Corgue


The hit single by Korean superstar Psy had been perceived by many as poking fun at the lavish lifestyle in South Korea’s Gangnam district according to GMA. The Korea’s pop music industry popularized “Gangnam Style” dance. The Financial Times in its September 14, 2012 issue said “it’s the most dance sensation to sweep the nation citing that the song currently sits atop Billboard’s YouTube chart, which tracks popularity songs on the video site.” K-pop is a strategy of globalizing Hallyu or Korean wave. This has successfully spread South Korean entertainment throughout US and Asia. The Philippines could not be

left behind in patronizing the K-pop trend as the famous dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Central Visayas drew the attention and cheers of spectators as they enthusiastically danced to the hit, “Gangnam Style” on September 29. Most of them wore their rain-drenched orange suit as the downpour was not able to stop their performance. The inmates’ latest act was posted on YouTube on the same day. The Financial Times is quoted saying that Korea’s music industry is not waiting for album sales or radio play to catch up as Psy signed with Justin Bieber’s manager and Universal Music, making the K-pop byword stay.

cebudailynews.wordpress.com “Gangnam Style” popularized by Cebu inmatesBy Noemi G. Bernardino-Edaga

PAGADIAN CITY – Gangnam which literally means “South of the River, officially the Gangnam-gu - is one of the 25 local government districts which make up the city of Seoul, South Korea. Wikipedia describes that “until the early 1980’s Gangnam and its neighboring areas had remained the least developed in Seoul, but a prodigious development over the last 30 years has earned it a reputation of being the most affluent, dynamic, and influential area in both Seoul and South Korea as a whole.”

ASEAN-KOREA CENTRE

“Gangnam Style” popularized by Cebu inmates

ASEAN-KOREA CENTRE

one mindanao - october 10, 2012

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