one mindanao - october 12, 2015

FDA warns public against use of unregistered, adulterated Sehat Badan powder

Student inventions showcased in the 2015 National S&T Week

ZAMPEX 2015 caps livelihood techno demo

Talikud Island, Davao’s newest getaway

PESO Congress seeks to improve its front-line services

Gov’t continuously addresses the needs of

indigenous people in Mindanao—Palace

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Cover Story

National

SOCCSKSARGEN

Western

InFocus

Caraga

By: Perlita B Changco

By: Emmanuel D. TaghoyO

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contents

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Volume 5 * Issue No. 36

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27 By: Susil D. Ragas

Solon urges brgys to help implement anti-dengue law40

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Northern

Bislig LGU obligates people to plant trees during celebrations

39DavOr LGU lights Calapagan streets 44 43Southern

By: Eric Gallego

41 SSF on chili powder processing in NorMin launched By: Ma. Welissa V. Domingo

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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 Bliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’ 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

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]

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]

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA 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 EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSVICTORINAO VILLACRUZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EDITORIAL BOARD

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

4 October 12, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story


5October 12, 2015 ONE MINDANAO


Talikud Island (Spanish spelling Talicud) is the second largest island in the Davao Gulf second

only to Samal Island. At 2,900 hectares it is home to picturesque stretches of white sand beaches, limestone caves and pristine coral gardens.


Relatively unexplored by the tourist crowd compared to the neighboring Samal Island, Talikud is a gem waiting to be discovered. Recognizing the island’s potentials, businesswoman Araceli Ayuste of Punta del Sol Group of Companies and who is also one of Davao Region’s tourism primemovers, has invested in developing the island as a major tourism destination initially putting up the Talikud Island Tours. Talikud Island Tours helps develop the island’s major tourism sites, creating a tour package for visitors. The company has drawn up a tourism circuit utilizing major attractions located along the island’s 17-kilometer circumferential road which will be soon be upgraded as an all-weather concrete road. Still underdeveloped for tourists, Talikud currently has 8 resorts which can accommodate about 60 persons in one given time.

The Tour Ms. Ayuste and her son Francis along with an entourage of local media mostly journalists and photographers met at the Sta. Ana wharf in Davao City, our jump-off point for the day-long tour. Talikud is about 15 kilometers away from Davao City and 1 kilometer away from the larger island of Samal. Our vessel is the 45-seater MV Stingray and aboard the vessel is a retinue of chefs which prepared sumptuous breakfast for the group. We would be docking at Mansud wharf which is near the Mansud Wall a popular spot for scuba divers. Normally for tourists and visitors, the official entry point to Talikud is the Sta Cruz pier where accredited habal-habal (motorcycle) drivers will take visitors to the tour. Baga Cave Our first destination was


Baga Cave in Barangay Linosutan, still largely underdeveloped, the cave is located inside a coconut farm. According to local lore the cave is a long subterranean chamber that leads to Davao mainland. We were not equipped for a spelunking expedition nor

had the time to explore the cave, which has a waterfalls inside. This stop is recommended for the more adventurous explorers. The underground chamber is likened to be the lungs or baga of the island. hence the name of the cave.

The Giant Balite Tree After Baga we proceeded to the giant Balite Tree (Ficus Indica) along the roadside at Barangay Cogon. Folklore has it that the tree is the home of the giant snake Bakunawa who

is said to swallow the sun and the moon. During lunar and solar eclipses, the residents of Barangay Cogon would make a noise barrage around the tree imploring Bakunawa to release the sun (solar eclipse) or the moon (lunar eclipse).

Locals believe that the tree is the doorway of the engkantos (spirit beings), an old tale is of the mischievous kid named Jolito who would climb the Balite Tree and prank unsuspecting passers-by. One day while climbing the Balite Jolito was ushered into the world of the engkantos and it took a known island healer named Mang Ete to bring back Jolito using age-old rituals to appease the engkantos.

Lupa Surga

A strip of coast located in the southern part of the island. Lupa Surga in Indonesian means Forgotten Paradise. It is said that shipwrecked Indonesian seafarers from Marore Island settled in the place and married some locals. A camalig or storehouse for fishing implements are among the remnants of the Indonesian presence. Ms. Ayuste is planning to

rebuild the camalig which would serve as a museum that will showcase the culture and the traditions of seaside communities prevalent in the region. Among items to be shown include fishing gears, sea craft such as the baroto. A hut once owned by an Indonesian mestizo lies inside the property, the lay-out of the house is distinct from regular huts nearby, perhaps the only standing monument to the old Indonesian presence in the island. Isla Bonita Resort

If you want sea and sand, then this is your stop adjacent to Lupa Surga. Perhaps one of the most picturesque beaches in Davao. La Isla Bonita Resort is sometimes placed in the latter part of the tour since most visitors will just stay and bask in its beach. The pictures will tell you why

Las Isla Bonita has a cottage which can comfortably accommodate about eight persons, the company is

currently expanding the resort to cater to a growing clientele. Along the shores are cabanas. The 160-meter white sand beach and its clear turquoise waters is an alluring site to visitors. Dadatan Bat Conservation Park To preserve the bats living in the cave which are being hunted by the residents for food, the Talikud Island Tours company purchased 18 hectares of land surrounding the bat Cave in Barangay Dadatan, conservation measures were put in place to protect the two species of fruit bats inhabiting the caves (Geoffroy Rousette and Spelaea) which numbers to hundreds of thousands. The place is slowly being developed with the construction of restrooms, a visitors’ pavilion and a view deck. However unlike the Monfort Bat Cave in Samal, visitors in Dadatan will have to trek a winding forest trail to view the bat cave which resembles Bruce Wayne’s bat cave.

Dadatan Mangrove Garden and White Sand Bar Beach Resort Along the shores of Barangay Dadatan is a mangrove area which is home to the century old Black Mangrove which is also found in Malacca Malaysia and in Florida in the United States. The Bat Park and the mangrove ecosystem are interrelated as the nocturnal bats are the best known pollinators of mangroves whose flowers bloom only on night-time. There is a visitors’ pavilion which juts out to the mangrove swamp plus clean, decent shower and comfort rooms are available in the area. This is often called the merienda stop as visitors are served with native delicacies as afternoon snacks. The mangrove swamp is a perfect place for landscape photographers particularly during low-tide when you can loiter around the swamp. You can go boating in the area and if you have time

available a few meters offshore is a sand-bar perfect for taking a dip and swimming. Boat ride is pegged at P100 per two persons good for one hour, P50 is charge for every excess hour. Sadly the group didn’t have the time to explore the sand bar.Future Destinations Other stops in the tour being developed is the Rock Shelter Village which contains the remains of shell middens or ancient deposits of shells and animal bones which indicates sites of early human settlements. Archeological findings from the shell middens found in Talikud Island dates the settlement to 2,930 B.C. Another tourist attraction being eyed is Long Beach located at the left side of Sta Cruz Wharf. If developed, Long Beach can attract tourists to its beach similar to Babu Santa which is a pit stop for Island Hopping tours.

13 October 12, 2015ONE MINDANAO 13October 12, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

DOE hopes APEC meeting on Energy could bring in new technologies

LAPU-LAPU CITY—The Department of Energy said on Sunday that it hopes the meeting of APEC energy ministers here could also lead to the country’s adoption of new technologies for sufficient power supply and cheaper electricity prices. For instance, in Cebu, the adoption of new technology

is costly to power consumers like in the case of a one-


kilometer underground power line financed by the Visayan Electric Company. The cost of investment is passed on to the consumers making energy more expensive.

In a press conference here, Energy Undersecretary Loreta Ayson said the construction of underground power lines is a good option because they are more protected from wind and typhoons acknowledging however that it’s a very expensive technology.

The installation of underground power lines is something that the DOE is looking at and she also said there’s no assurance of any government subsidy in case this kind of technology is adopted. “With the APEC ministers around, trade and investments will be promoted and may be this is something that could be worked on and prices of these

new technologies could also be discussed,” Ayson said.

She added that the goal is to attain cooperation among APEC members for transfer of technology to lower electricity prices.

“That’s one reason why we should have APEC because the ministers can discuss it. And the members of APEC are no less than U.S., Russia, and all other economies that have more advanced technologies.”

Ayson, who said they have already conducted simulations on the Philippines’ energy mix, also discussed DOE’s energy plan 20 or 30 years from now.

“We are working in a fuel mix policy for power generation so that we will have a balance of all the fuels that we are using,” she said.

The plan is to have one third


coal, one third natural gas, and one third renewable energy, she explained noting DOE eyes for fuel diversification.

The DOE is also not discounting the possible use of nuclear energy in the future, considering that nuclear power is cleaner than coal-powered plants as well as plants that use bunker fuel.

But the major hurdle in the Philippines for the adoption of nuclear energy is social acceptability, according to Ayson.

“A lot of people are not really in favor of it,” she said. “But we as the Department of Energy is not really discarding it. We’re not scrapping it and its always part of our long-term options.”

The DOE has done evaluations, studies and information campaign about the use of nuclear power, she said, adding she cannot say with certainty when the country would adopt nuclear energy. (PCOO/PND (as)


PESO Congress seeks to improve its front-line services

MANILA—This year’s national Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Congress will celebrate PESO’s successes and will focus on massive job facilitation and substantial poverty alleviation. he 15th National Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Congress will be held at the Philippine International

Convention Center, Pasay City, from October 26 to 28, with the theme: “Pagdaloy ng Disenteng Trabaho at Maunlad na Negosyo,

file photo of balita.ph


Kaagapay ang DOLE-PESO.”

The 15th National PESO Congress seeks to develop an environment conducive to strengthening the PESO’s capacity to provide valuable contributions toward productive employment facilitation; create learning opportunities for drawing new insights for better employment services at the grassroots, occasioned by the changing environment; and promote stronger camaraderie and cooperation among the PESOs.

“The annual National PESO Congress is one of the most anticipated e m p l o y m e n t facilitation event of the year, and the DOLE-National Capital Region, host and organizer of the Congress, in cooperation with the Bureau of Local

Employment, and the PESO Managers Association of the Philippines (PESOMAP), formerly PESOPHIL, Inc., is leaving no stone unturned to make the 15th National PESO Congress truly meaningful, spectacular, and memorable,” said Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz after the organizers briefed her on the status of preparation for the event.

At the three-day Congress, participants will be immersed in plenary sessions on the


following topics: Institutional Reforms of the PESOs; Results and Perspectives of World of Public Employment Service (WAPES) Study 2014-2015; Legislative Reforms on Public Employment Service; Leadership in High Performing PESOs: Presentation of Research Results by the Ateneo Graduate School; PESO as a Multi-Dimensional Employment Service Facility: Learning from our Neighbors; Addressing the Skills Gap through Public-Private Partnerships; and Sustaining Skills Gains Through an Enabling Environment: Laws and Institutions. “The PESO in the past is known only for employment facilitation. In this year’s Congress, we would like to focus on its transformation into a multi-dimensional front-line institution,” Baldoz added.

This year’s Congress will mark the crystal year for the annual event. “In today’s globally-

competitive economy buffeted by a constant barrage of changes in the labor market and by drastic shifts in labor supply and demand, I truly believe that the DOLE can only be able to successfully address such changes and challenges if we have a strong institutional partner and supporter in the PESO,” said Baldoz.

The 15th National PESO Congress takes place when the amended PESO bill is in its final shape of becoming a law. “Our hope is for the bill to be signed by the President into law during the Congress.

Among the salient features of the PESO Amendatory Bill are the institutionalization of PESOs in all provinces, cities, and municipalities; creation of permanent plantilla positions for PESO personnel; and improved labor market information and employment facilitation service through computerized systems


of monitoring, coordination, and reporting.

During the congress, the first DOLE Livelihood Summit will also be held, where regional and national awards of recognition to outstanding beneficiaries of the DOLE’s livelihood program will be conferred. This year, the DOLE’s Livelihood Summit

will feature beneficiaries of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) who will share their best practices and success stories in their DOLE-assisted businesses.

World Association of Public Employment Services

Before the three-day

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Congress, the DOLE, through the Bureau of Local Employment and the regional offices, will also hold and participate in the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES) Forum, a two-day gathering of global leaders of public employment service offices. The forum is titled, “LMI beyond the numbers: Translating labor market information into pro-active intervention on job-skill matching.”

“This forum will examine theoretical and practical rationale of the role of public employment service offices in improving LMI and maintaining efficient LMI systems. It will provide a venue for participants to share experiences in developing and disseminating LMI,” said Baldoz who will deliver the keynote address at the forum. “In this 15th National PESO Congress, we celebrate the PESOs’ successes. I am happy and proud to congratulate the

PESOMAP officials and its network of PESOs nationwide for their hard work in transforming their public employment service facilities as the country’s main employment facilitation machinery,” Baldoz said.

The conduct of the PESO Congress is in line with efforts of the government to strengthen public-private sector partnerships in the pursuit of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s overarching goal to nurture and develop the country’s human resources, push back joblessness in the grassroots, and strengthen labor and employment facilitation in the country.

The WAPES is a global association of close to 100 public employment services in Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. It is a platform for labor market and employment contacts and the exchange of information between member countries. (DOLE)


Gov’t continuously addresses the needs of indigenous people in Mindanao—Palace

MANILA—The government always addresses the needs of indigenous people in Mindanao, Palace reiterated on Sunday in response to reports citing the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees saying that there were more than the reported 6,000 indigenous people who were displaced and deprived of protection from the state against militias and armed groups.


“The government is continuously addressing the situation of the indigenous peoples in Mindanao, and is working tirelessly to ensure their safety and to protect them from unnecessary acts of violence,” Presidential Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said in a Radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma said he has yet to read such a report from the UN but noted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are working closely to pursue the individuals and groups responsible for this incident and bring them to the bar of justice. “We are working with all stakeholders to bring lasting peace and development to these areas affected by the conflict. The government shall continue

to provide protection and uphold the welfare of those affected by this incident. ,” he added. He said that according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) there are 200,000 indigenous people under the modified conditional cash transfer (CCT) program.

“On the humanitarian situation, we continue to provide food packs and non-food items such as malongs, as well as psychosocial counselling and child-friendly space in Tandag. We can handle the situation,” Coloma said.

“So ito po ang pagtitiyak mula kay Secretary Dinky Soliman ng DSWD na masinsing tinututukan ng DSWD ang sitwasyon diyan at tinitiyak na nakatatanggap ng sapat na kalinga ang ating mga kababayang bahagi ng mga indigenous people,” he added.

On September, thousands of Lumad fled their villages and sought refuge in Tandag City, the capital of Surigao del Sur, after three tribesmen were allegedly killed by an armed group. (PCOO/PND (ag)

23October 12, 2015 ONE MINDANAO 23

DAR rolls out business school for agrarian reform beneficiariesBy Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 12 -- In a bid to enhance the entrepreneurial capabalities of agrarian reform beneficiaries, the Department of Agrarian Reform recently rolled out Farm Busi-ness School in South Cotabato, particularly in Tampakan town.


“This is the first Farmer Busi-ness School in Region 12 spear-headed by DAR,” Leidenep M. Yecla, FBS facilitator, noted.

The program is carried out in cooperation with other national line agencies including the Department of Trade and Indus-try and the Department of Agri-culture, Yecla added.

At its initial offering, some 26 farmer-students from Ba-rangays Lampitak Liberty, Mal-tana, Poblacion, San Isidro, and Sta. Cruz are enrolled in the program. These farmer-students are affiliated ith the POBUSILLA Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Co-operative.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Felix Frias said that the project utilizes a new learning approach designed to help farmers learn and improve their knowledge and skills in farm business management and

entrepreneurship to improve their profitability and sustain-ability.

“The FBS program takes the school to the farmers to learn about business in their local environment. The training ma-terials are designed around the concept of the farm business cycle,” Frias elaborated.

At the launching, Regente Di-oneda, chief agrarian reform program Officer at the Program Beneficiaries Development Divi-sion of DAR Central Office, chal-lenged the trainees to do well in the program for them to suc-ceed in their livelihood.

“Your success is entirely in your hands,” she reminded the beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, CARPO Ludenia Juanday of DAR Regional Office 12, explained that the FBS is anchored on three main points, namely maximization of land use, diligence and perseverance and no wastage of crops.

The Farm Business School is a four-month program. (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12 with report from KSespeñe-DAR SoCot)


Student inventions showcased in the 2015 National S&T WeekBy Perlita B Changco

COTABATO CITY, Oct 12 -- epartment of Science and Technology in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOST-ARMM) official-ly kicked-off the celebration of the National Science and Technol-ogy Week, October 8, Thursday, at Alnor Convention Center here.

The three-day occasion with the theme “Philippines: A Sci-ence Nation Innovating for Glob-al Competitiveness”, highlights the programs and interventions of the department in the field of agriculture, healthcare, educa-tion, industry competitiveness, enterprise development, infor-mation technology, and mitiga-tion and disaster preparedness.

According to DOST-ARMM Sec. Myra Mangkabung, the an-nual celebration serves as a venue for the public/people to know and see the innovations that the agency in the ARMM of-fers and provides.

“These innovations are part of our preparation to the ASEAN Integration for the region to be competitive – actually, in all as-pect, science must be there par-ticularly in research and devel-opment,” Mangkabung said.

The secretary added, they are

thankful that ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman is fo-cusing of the DOST’s research and development that covers health and agriculture includ-ing aqua marine resources and many others.

On the same day, DOST-ARMM awarded Technology Am-bassadors to 11 individuals in recognition and appreciation for their strong support in the de-velopment of science and tech-nology in ARMM.

Meanwhile, a number of high school students from the ARMM and Cotabato City pre-sented their own inventions in the ARMM Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE), a nationwide activity that aims to acknowledge the unique talent of the students.

The studies are composed of the following: Vinegar and So-dium Hypoclorite as Termite Kill


er, Homemade Clay Bricks with a Twist, Solar Powered Power Bank, Modern Genera-tor, Peanut as Pimple Remover, Wooden Charcoal Painting, Cas-sava Crumble with Dried Ipil Leaves for Poultry Products and Guyabano Treatment for UTI (Urinary Track Infection).

The panelists included Dr. Pa-sigan Buisan, Research Director of Cotabato City State Polytech-

nic College (CCSPC); Dr. Nida Rodriguez, Research Director of Notre Dame University (NDU) and Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Par-tylist Representative Sitti Djalia Hataman.

The three-day celebration in-cludes the 1st ARMM Halal Con-gress, Friday, October 9 and the Lakad Agham slated on October 10, 2015. (IEroy/PBChangco-PIA Cotabato City)

Mayor Rivera honors teachersGENERAL SANTOS CITY - Taking part in the World Teachers Day Celebration, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera honors day-care teachers from different barangays on October 1 in Barangay Lagao by pinning sash in them with the printed phrase “Best Teacher in the World.” (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)


DENR Caraga chief bows on religious groups combat on Climate Change

BUTUAN CITY – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga regional director Nonito M. Tamayo in his message dur-ing the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change held recently at Dottie’s Convention this city stressed the need to plant trees to cushion the im-pact of climate change in the country.

By: Reggine Cruz-Ga


“Malaki ang bahaging gi-nagampanan ng pagtatanim ng mga puno at sa tulong nito maisa-sakatuparan ang layunin ng NGP na maibsan ang patuloy na pag-dami ng carbon dioxide na nag-iging sanhi ng climate change,” Tamayo said. Tamayo was one of the re-source persons in the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change. “The implementation of Execu-tive Order (EO) 26 mandating the National Greening Program (NGP) aims to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares for a period of six years from 2011 to 2016 within forestlands, man-grove, protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reser-vations, urban areas, abandoned mine sites, and other suitable lands. EO 23 imposes a mora-torium on harvesting and trans-port of naturally grown trees,” he said. “The NGP is more than a re-forestation program,” he said. Tamayo said NGP is a national effort that also addresses food

security, poverty reduction, en-vironmental stability, and biodi-versity conservation. It seeks to develop a mechanism for climate change mitigation strategy to en-hance the country’s forest stock to absorb carbon dioxide. The Interfaith dialogue on climate change headed by for-mer Senator Heherson T. Alvarez promotes action on environmen-tal protection and sustainabil-ity based on religious teachings. The dialogue encourages com-munities to build climate resilient projects that would enhance en-vironmental support on national policies and programs through social action programs. Tamayo said, the objective of the dialogue also supports the DENR’s mission and vision. He thanked the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, Climate Change Congress of the Philip-pines, Philippine Center for Is-lam and Democracy and Climate Change Commission for initiating the dialogue.


FDA warns public against use of unregistered, adulterated Sehat Badan powder

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its Advisory No. 2015-072 advises the public against the use of unregistered and adulterated Sehat Badan product.

According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial director Ce-lestino L. Negapatan the adviso-ry warns the public to be vigilant sine the product poses potential danger of injury to the consum-ing public.

The importation, selling and offering for sale of the said prod-uct is in direct violation of Repub-lic Act No. 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009. Negapatan said that the ad-visory indicated recent findings showed the said product is be-

By: Susil D. Ragas


ing offered for sale as unlabeled powder repacked in a small plas-tic nag with a piece of paper stat-ing the list of therapeutic claims. He said the illegal marketing of Sehat Badan is still prevalent online and in some areas of the country despite the issuance of the FDA advisory No. 2014-006 and 2014-056 in 2014. He further said that the mis-use and/or chronic use of steroids like dexamethasone may re-sult to serious adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers, osteoporosis, mus-cle weakness, obesity, dyslipid-

emia and increase risk for infec-tions, poor wound healing and if stopped abruptly could cause withdrawal signs and symptoms such as hypotension, shock and coma. Moreover, chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac sodium, paracetamol and ibu-profen could lead to kidney fail-ure, gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, worsen heart failure, increase cardiovascular risks and create an illusion of getting bet-ter while masking the root cause of the illness.

Bislig LGU obligates people to plant trees during celebrationsBy: Eric Gallego

BUTUAN CITY-- The city government of Bislig in Surigao del Sur may obligate the residents to participate in the tree planting activities dur-ing the special days such as charter day and fiesta celebration in sup-port of the National Greening Program (NGP). This was stressed by Forest Officer Michael Montalban in his capacity as OIC, CENR Officer of CENRO Bislig during an emergen-cy meeting called by Department of Environment and Natural Re-sources (DENR) Caraga region-al director Nonito M. Tamayo on Wednesday at the DENR Regional Learning Center to discuss about

possible contingency measures to be adopted to cushion the ef-fect of El Nino Phenomenon on the reforestation program of the DENR. Montalban said the city gov-ernment through the Sangguni-ang Panglunsod member Mar-garita G. Garay has prepared a draft ordinance requiring institu-


tions, establishments, NGOs and POs and the barangay LGUs to participate in any tree planting and rehabilitation activities dur-ing the town’s anniversaries and charter day. “This is a welcome develop-ment for CENRO Bislig which is seeking to plant tree seedlings on 1,447 hectares in several sites under the NGP this year,” Montal-ban said. The draft is expected to be tackled at the session hall next week. As of date, CENRO Bislig had only accomplished about 350 hectares of the target area for tree planting due to the delay

in the delivery of tree seedlings notwithstanding the prepared planting sites. OIC, CENRO Mon-talban said “The continuous rains in Bislig due to ITCZ has suffi-ciently soaked the grounds with sufficient water on the planting sites.” He s aid planting activities at the site shall proceed on double time to meet the specified tar-get by November this year. He said about 30 newly-hired forest rangers have been mobilized in the NGP tree planting and moni-toring.


Php44.2 M set for El Niño interventions in SOCCSKSARGEN By Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 1 -- Some Php44.2 mil-lion have been allotted for measures that would address con-cerns of farmers over long dry spell in the coming months, an official of the Department of Agriculture 12 said.


Tripartite council for overseas employment industry organizedBy Danilo E. Doguiles

could be reduced by more than 28,000 metric tons while that of could be reduced by 128,500 metric tons.

Yield from high value crops such as banana, coffee, rubber

and mango are also expect-ed to decrease. (DEDoguiles-PIA12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 1-- In line with their ef-forts to push reforms in their sector, the overseas industry play-ers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region have united to establish an Indus-try Tripartite Council (ITC).

Composed of representatives from the labor and manage-ment sectors and the govern-ment led by the Department of Labor and Employment, an ITC primarily serves as “a fo-rum for tripartite advisement and consultation among labor, employers and government sectors in the formulation and implementation of labor and so-cial policies” as indicated in the Department Order 111-11.

Adonis Dollente, vice chair-person of the newly-organized Overseas Employment ITC vowed that the recruitment agencies will continue to sup-

port the programs and services of DOLE and its attached agen-cies for the benefit of the in-dustry.

“ We will continue to abide by the rules and regulations, and we hope that through this newly established ITC we can resolve issues affecting our labor force,” Dollente said.

Meanwhile, DOLE Regional Director Ofelia Domingo em-phasized that the establish-ment of the Overseas Employ-ment ITC in SOCCSKSARGEN Region along with the Overseas Regional Reintegration Network (ORRN), all industry stakehold


PAGADIAN CITY – The Women Empowerment Movement-Rural Improvement Club (WEM-RIC) has received an accolade from the Embassy of the United States for promoting agricultural entrepreneurship among disadvantaged women in Zamboanga del Sur.

US embassy lauds WEM-RIC for promoting agribusiness By Gideon C. Corgue

Speaking on Friday before the WME-RIC municipal chapter presidents at Balay Bisaya in Barangay Dao here, Ms. Carolyn

B. Glassman, counselor for public affairs section, US Embassy-Manila, said the “US embassy is honored working with the 42,000


WEM-RIC members across the region in that the organization has great potential in utilizing the skills of its members in agricultural entrepreneurship to improve productivity among them.” The WEM-RIC project, Glassman added, aims to realize the women’s full potential to help augment their incomes as “it endeavors to open other opportunities in agriculture and rural-micro enterprises training.” Glassman disclosed that the project got funding assistance from the American people through the US State Department “in the hope that the WEM-RIC would achieve great things in the future. WEM-RIC received a grant of $200 thousand from the US embassy to help empower the women-farmers and entrepreneurs. The grant was secured in October 2014 and was released in February 2015. Ms. Junaflor Cerilles, WEM-RIC provincial federated president said “the WEMC-RIC members are happy that the US embassy had granted their request to implement the project which would benefit the women-farmers in the province. “This project aims to

contribute to expanding women’s equal opportunities to access and participate in key decisions over agri-based economic resources and technologies, and to provide knowledge and skills to disadvantaged women and men farmers. It also enables them to understand their roles, as well as the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to the livelihoods, food security and overall health and well-being of the family and community,” Cerilles explained. A total of 810 disadvantaged farmers (675 women and 135 men) across the 27 municipalities of the province shall be benefit from the project, including 27 women organizations. Cerilles is optimistic that the project may impact the 40,000 women members through knowledge and experience sharing during their regular meetings and activities.


The techno demo, which is a collaborative effort of the SME Core Group and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-9, as its lead agency, hopes to encourage more people become entrepreneurs and help spur

economic activity and generate employment in Zamboanga Peninsula region. There are a total of eight demonstrations mainly on fruit, vegetable, and fish processing conducted by the different

By Emmanuel D. TaghoyZAMPEX 2015 caps livelihood techno demo

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Aside from showcasing the best and finest products of Zamboanga Peninsula, the four-day Zamboanga Peninsula Trade Exposition (ZAMPEX) 2015 also featured series of free livelihood technology demonstration for existing micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) and those interested to venture into business.


government agencies. The Department of Agriculture (DA)-9 conducted the first demo on fruit and vegetable processing on October 8. This was followed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 with a demonstration on fish product processing like Fishball with Squash, Kikiam and Tempura and chocolate molding in the second day of the event. The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA)-9 demonstrated

Abaca handmade paper making while the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) conducted Sardines Pinangat (ZAMPENangat) and fish spread making. With a maximum of 50 persons participating in each session, the free livelihood technology demonstration has benefitted some 400 persons composed students, entrepreneurs and other interested individuals.


Diskwento Caravan all set for the 36th Lanzones Festival

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Camiguin Provincial Office will hold its 4th “Diskwento Caravan” (carnival discount caravan) this coming October 18-25, 2015 back to back with the Ugmad Agro-Trade and Tourism Fair 2015 as a part of the Camiguin’s 36th Lanzones Festival.

By: Zita M. Abellare


The anti-dengue ordinance regulates the storing or stockpiling of used tires, tin cans, flower pots and other containers that can be breeding grounds of mosquitoes. “Sa kanunay nga pag ulan karon, aduna gayoy ma pundo nga mga tubig nga mahimong itlogan sa atong mga lamok nga

kung makapaak sa tawo maka dala sa sakit nga Dengue, busa angayan ang matag panimalay mag matngon, magtinabangay ang matag sakop sa barangay aron malikayan ang mga sakit,” Councilor Dante Pajo said. (These rainy season, there

Solon urges brgys to help implement anti-dengue lawCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Alarmed over the heavy rains experienced in the city for the past days, the City Council committee on health and sanitation in Cagayan de Oro, enjoins all barangays to help strictly implement Ordinance N0. 10044-2006.

This discount caravan is a regular activity of the DTI to help the consumers avail of various products marked down by as much as 2% to 10%. To be held at the Cong. PPR Tourism and Sports Center, display will include dairy products, canned goods, hotdog, fruit preserves, fruit juices, chips and pastries, laundry supplies, batch items, toiletries, bottled water and more. This is just one of the many

caravans spearheaded by DTI all over the country in its aim to provide consumers better access to basic and prime commodities at affordable prices. This public service event is expected to draw a thousand residents here and is conducted in partnership with the major manufacturers and distributors in the province together with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU).


are a lot of stagnant water which would serve as breeding place for mosquitos. Once it bites a human being it will bring dengue. Hence, it is necessary that each member of the household will be vigilant against this and each resident of the barangay would help on this to avoid the disease.) The councilor is also urging school administrators to comply with the ordinance, citing that children are in schools almost eight hours a day.

Pajo also advises parents to bring their sick family members to health centers or hospitals for check up. “We have nurses in all health centers and Barangay Health Workers for your immediate needs and if necessary bring your children to hospitals for health monitoring. Dili padugayon ang pag pa check up ilabina kon adunay mga hilanat ang bation,” Pajo added. (ELB/CdeOSP)

SSF on chili powder processing in NorMin launched

LALA, Lanao del Norte – The Shared Service Facility Project (SSF) on Chili Powder Processing, first of its kind in region 10, was formally launched at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Barangay Abaga, Lala, Lanao del Norte, in September this year.

The project is a joint venture of the Department of Trade and Industry – Lanao del Norte Provincial Office (DTI-LDN) and the People of Abaga Socio-Economic Network Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PASAN MPC). PASAN MPC is a cooperative

who has been in business for two years in the provision of common service facilities on farm preparation and post-harvest of various agricultural products and conventional production and processing of chili powder. Nancy G. Echavez, division

By: Ma. Welissa V. Domingo


chief, Business Development Division, DTI LDN Provincial Office, said DTI chose from different organizations who have expressed their intention of being a dynamic and trustworthy partner. PASAN MPC was one of those who qualified. Punong Barangay Angel Yap of Abaga, Lala, Lanao del Norte, graced the event with a rousing message of encouragement to his constituents and pledged his active support for the SSF Project. Yap plans to involve himself personally to become the marketing arm for this project. He also imparted business strategies to make the venture a sustainable one.

The SSF Project is currently the primary element in the DTI Provincial Office thrust to sustain micro small medium entrepreneurs’ (MSMEs) development. It aims to improve the competitiveness of their clients by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, skills and knowledge under the scheme of sharing within an industry cluster. Echavez, in her message, challenged the cooperative, being the first in Northern Mindanao to venture under the SSF, not to limit their marketing niche within their locality only, but to spread their processed chili powder in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro City.


Five families vie for OWWA award

DAVAO CITY-Davao Region has five families vying for the title, “Model Family of the Year Award 2015.” Eduardo Bellido, director of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration told reporters at the Kapehan sa SM City Davao, the awards highlights not just the success of the overseas Filipino workers alone but everyone in his family. He explained that the awards is designed to give recognition to outstanding OFW families and to promote best practices in achiev-ing optimal success in all aspects of life amid the challenges facing an OFW and his family. Bellido said his office’s se-lection and screening committee just completed the validation and diberation process last week and identified the candidates on the land-based category: Dionaldo Tapispisan Jr. and Family, Health and Sanitary Environment Co-ordinator in Saudi Arabia, hail-ing from Cataluan Pequeno; Jack

Laudatu and family, control tech-nician in Saudi Arabia hailing from Barangay Guihing, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur; sea-based cat-egory namely: Engr. Lino Micay-abas and family, chief engineer fro Nova Tierra, Barangay Hizon, Davao City; Engr. Rio Fernandez and family 4th Marine Engineer from Palm Driver St., Buhangin and Perfecto Palarca and family, mechanical fitter from Sto. Do-mingo II, Barangay Pampanga, Davao City. He said these families were nominated by registered NGOs, people’s organization, religious organizations, community-based socio-civic organizations and OFW family circle associations.

“They were screened eval-uated and validated by the screening committee based on wholesomeness, achievements,

By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines


community involvement, success in the education of children and family finances,” Bellido said. He said the local winner

will receive a cash reward and a chance to represent the region in the national finals slated on De-cember, 2015.

DavOr LGU lights Calapagan streetsDAVAO ORIENTAL– About 70 newly installed street lights have been recently turned over by the Provincial Government to the village of Calapagan in Lupon town.

Funded under the Provincial As-sistance to the Barangays for the year 2015, the Provincial Govern-ment spent about P200, 000.00 for the project with additional counterpart fund from the Ba-rangay Local Government Unit. Barangay Captain Jonel B. Delmonte thanked the Provincial Government, saying this street lighting project is already a big development for his barangay, especially in terms of peace and order. “This new lights will help us minimize criminal activities in our area,” he said. Placed along the nation-al highway, he added that the street lighting project will provide ample light needed by residents and passersby, particularly mo-torists, thus, ensuring increased road safety. Equipped with a backup gen-erator, Delmonte said this street lights have sufficient supply of power that do not turn off even

during blackouts. “We made sure to provide quality projects for our constituents.” The residents thanked the Provincial Government for its constant support to the baran-gays, especially on remote ar-eas, such as theirs. Governor Corazon N. Malan-yaon, who graced the turn over ceremony, said she hopes that this development, along with all other projects provided by the Provincial Government to the vil-lage of Calapagan, will last and help the residents. Turned over during the 56thFounding Anniversary and 8th Pagsawitan Festival of Ba-rangay Calapagan last October 5, 2015, the street lighting proj-ect was among the list of priority projects requested by the Baran-gay Council of Calapagan to the Provincial Government for fund-ing. (PIO DavOr)

one mindanao - october 12, 2015

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